Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Koh Yao Yai
Along with the smaller but more developed Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai sits in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, with Phuket to the west and Krabi in the east. A beach-lover's paradise, Yao Yai is one of only a few of Thailand’s southern islands that remains a quiet, unspoiled refuge away from the crowds.
Meaning ‘Big Long Island,' Ko Yao Yai is 18 miles (30 km) from top to bottom. It’s populated by thick mangroves, coconut groves, rubber plantations and picturesque villages, all of which are fringed by pristine white-sand beaches. The island has thus far managed to avoid any major tourism development, though it features a smattering of resorts and guesthouses. Fishing and farming remain the primary source of income for residents.
A visit to Koh Yao Yai means to slow down and enjoy the lush landscapes, making it ideal for couples on a romantic break, families seeking a quiet beach holiday or those simply looking for peace away from the crowds of Phuket. Beach-hopping, snorkeling and relaxing are among the simple pleasures to enjoy while on the island, while exploring by motorbike or bicycle is also fun, with the island's scenic main road being mostly smooth and easy to navigate.
Insider’s Tip: It’s a good idea to withdraw some cash before you leave for Koh Yao Yai, although ATMs can be found at each of the government offices in Chong Lad and Prunai villages.
Practical Info
It's a 30-minute speedboat trip from Phuket’s east coast to Koh Yao Yai. Long-tail boats also make daily trips to both Yao Noi and Yao Yai. Island infrastructure is good, with decent internet and phone service throughout.
Address: Koh Yao Yai, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 27
Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village)
The limestone island of Koh Panyi is home to a floating Muslim fishing village, built on stilts over the water. The village has a mosque and a school, and is home to around 100 families who make their living from fishing.
Seafood restaurants are a big hit here, and market stalls sell souvenirs, T-shirts and postcards.
An overnight stay in a traditional home with a local family, in a room hovering over the water, is a unique Thailand experience.
Practical Info
Ko Panyi (Floating Muslim Village) is an island in Phang Nga Bay, in Phang Nga province. Krabi is 1.5 hours away by bus.
To get here from Phang Nga, sail over in a traditional longboat.
Address: Highway 4144, Phang Nga 82000, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 43
Kondoi Beach
Stationed on the west coast of Taketomi Island, Kondoi Beach offers travelers unlimited access to vast turquoise waters and perfect white sandy shores. Kondoi is home to some of the best snorkeling in the area, too—but visitors say it all comes at a price. Travelers looking to unwind on the shores of Kondoi should be ready to shell out 1500 yen per day for access to snorkels, masks and beach umbrellas. And while tourists say the beach is quiet, peaceful and perfect for catching sunsets, most agree that greater Okinawa offers other equally beautiful options at more budget-friendly prices.
Practical Info
Taketomi Island is accessible by boat only. Travelers can catch the Anei Kanko or Yaeyama Kanko ferries from Ishigaki.
Address: Taketomi Island, Japan
From $ 34
Koh Poda
Koh Poda, part of a tiny archipelago in Krabi province off the west coast of Thailand, ranks among the most picturesque of the many uninhabited and semi-inhabited islands that line the coast. Longtail boats drop visitors off along a stretch of sugar soft, white sand beach, famous for its clear waters and stunning views off offshore limestone formations. Thanks to its west-facing beach, the area is particularly lovely around sunset.
Tropical fish are visible in the waters just off the beach, but just a little further out a coral reef rings much of the island, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities for those who can pull themselves from the beach. While the island does have a single guesthouse, most visitors come on a day trip from nearby Ao Nang.
Practical Info
The only way to reach Koh Poda is by boat, typically from Ao Nang, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. The island is under the administration of Had Noppharatthara - Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, and as such, visitors are required to pay a small fee.
Address: Thailand
From $ 24
Kompong Phluk
While houses on stilts can be quite common in Cambodia (you’ll often see people relaxing in hammocks strung underneath the houses, homes on stilts in a lake…well, that’s a bit more unusual. Kompong Phluk is a set of villages that are located on the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake, about 10 miles (16 km) from Siem Reap. The community, which consists of about 3,000 villagers, mostly live in stilted homes and depend on fishing and tourism for their livelihood. During wet season, this area will be completely submerged (hence the houses on stilts) and Kompong Phluk truly becomes a semi-floating village; in the dry season, the same stilted houses may rise up to 18 feet (about 6 meters) above the water.
Also of interest is a mangrove forest that is also “flooded” during the rainy season, creating an atmospheric journey through the submerged fauna. Usually a trip through this area is part of the standard tour. While the scenery is gorgeous and visiting a stilt village is interesting, perhaps the best part of visiting Kompong Phluk is the opportunity to see a unique way of Cambodian life.
Practical Info
Getting to Kampong Phluk sees fewer tourists than nearby Chong Khneas, so it might be worth the effort to get there. The best bet is to hire a tuk tuk or moto and then take a boat (during wet season only) from Roulos village. A round-trip to Kampon Phluk from Siem Reap will cost about $40 to $60.
Address: On the Tonle Sap, Kampong Phluk, Cambodia
From $ 19
Koh Tan
In stark contrast to its famed northerly neighbor, tiny and sleepy Koh Tan tempts visitors with empty beaches and vehicle-less roads just three miles and a 15-minute boat ride south of Koh Samui’s southern tip. Koh Tan (also spelled Koh Taen) is sometimes also called Coral Island for its diversity of colorful hard and soft corals, and it often serves as a popular day-long escape for snorkel or kayak excursions through its clear inshore waters. Though the island doesn’t have quite the aquatic diversity of other more remote locations, it still affords excellent snorkeling, relatively empty beaches and navigable mangrove swamps all very close to a major tourist hub. Longboats make the crossing daily and usually stop at several unique coral spots around the island.
On land, Koh Tan spans only three square miles, and its population barely tops 30 people; their rustic lifestyle with limited electricity affords a glimpse of what much of Thai Island-living was like decades ago. Koh Tan also has a thriving population of monitor lizards, a boardwalk through a mangrove forest, a quaint local temple, a handful of local restaurants and a cluster of bungalow-style accommodations.
Practical Info
Full-day longboat snorkel tours now leave from points all around Koh Samui. Many tours also include a visit to neighboring Koh Mudsum. More elaborate options, including sunset cruises and even more luxurious Chinese junk sailing tours, are also becoming available as Koh Tan increases in popularity.
Address: Koh Tan, Thailand
From $ 46
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is situated midway between Phuket and Krabi in Phang Nga Bay. It’s a diverse and scenic island, with mangrove forests lining its west coast and white-sand beaches fringing its eastern edges. Yao Noi is around half the size of neighboring Koh Yao Yai, but is nonetheless the more developed of the two. However, beyond the 7Eleven, high-end resorts, and guest houses, local life on Koh Yao Noi continues, with farming and fishing the main source of income for the island alongside tourism.
Yao Noi is a joy to simply ride around, either on a hired motorbike or via a tuk tuk. It has one main road that circles the southern half of the island, with smaller paved roads taking off in different directions, plus a few dirt tracks leading up to the north. Along the way, it’s all about taking in the scenery – the wooden houses on stilts, rubber plantations, rice paddies, and mangrove forests. Other activities available on the island include kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and swimming.
Insider’s Tip: Along with Koh Yao Yai, the best time to visit Yao Noi is generally between November and April, when it’s dry and warm. Some places even close during the monsoon season from May to October.
Practical Info
It’s around a 30-minute speedboat trip from Phuket’s east coast to Koh Yao Noi. Long-tail boats also make daily trips to Yao Noi and Yao Yai. Those arriving from Phuket will land at Manoh Pier on the island’s southwest corner, while boats from Krabi arrive at Tha Khao Pier on its east coast.
Address: Koh Yao Noi, Phuket, Thailand
From $ 27
Komagatake Ropeway
See the so-called Nagano Alps from Japan's highest aerial tramway, the Komogatake Ropeway. The Ropeway opened in 1963 and is a popular way to take in one of the most stunning, scenic views in Japan. The Ropeway runs from the edge of Lake Ashi to the summit of Mount Komagatake, its namesake. The ropeway carries passengers 950 meters (3,116 feet), making it the highest vertical aerial tramway in the country. The ride soars through the clouds to provide views of Japan's highest mountain - Mt. Fuji, as well as the seven Izu Islands, Lake Ashinoko, and expansive coastline.
At Mt. Komogatake's summit, passengers off-load to a woodland area with a small shrine and numerous hiking trails to explore. Since the panoramic views are the highlight, it's recommended to only ride the Ropeway on clear days when the mountain summits can be spotted from the ground.
At Mt. Komogatake's summit, passengers off-load to a woodland area with a small shrine and numerous hiking trails to explore. Since the panoramic views are the highlight, it's recommended to only ride the Ropeway on clear days when the mountain summits can be spotted from the ground.
Practical Info
Access the Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone Park, part of the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, about 90 minutes by rail from Tokyo. The single car aerial tram holds 101 people, and the 2.3 kilometer ride (1.4 miles) takes 7 minutes and 30 seconds. There are 10-20 minutes between cars. The trip costs ¥2,200 roundtrip (about $25USD). The Ropeway operates from 9:00am - 5:00pm every day but closes during inclement weather. Take the ride on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Address: Komagatake Ropeway, Hakone, Japan
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Admission: ¥2,200 Roundtrip
From $ 90
Koh Talu Island
Koh Talu is a privately-owned island in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s around a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland town of Bangsaphan, and approximately three hours from Hau Hin. The island is a popular day trip due to its pristine beaches lined with palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and tropical wilderness inland.
Koh Talu’s shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling, and it’s the closest place to Hua Hin for scuba diving, with reasonable depths and good visibility. Further inland, a wild tropical rainforest covers the landscape of the island, with some fantastic opportunities for trekking. There is only one resort on the island, and it offers activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, and sailing in addition to beach and garden bungalow accommodation.
Koh Talu is also home to a sea turtle conservation programme, where turtle eggs are harvested and nurtured before being released into the ocean when they’re nine months old.
Practical Info
Full and half-day trips to Koh Talu can be arranged from either Hua Hin or Bangsaphan. If looking for a quiet escape, avoid visiting the island at the weekend when it can become exceptionally busy.
Address: 111/1 Moo 10, Koh Talu, Bangsaphan, Gulf of Thailand 77170, Thailand
From $ 89
Komodo National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo National Park covers 669 square miles (1,733 square kilometers) of islands and pristine ocean. Its attractions are twofold: Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizard, and lush reefs. Besides the dragons, wildlife includes boar, bats, deer, wild horses, and monkeys.
The Basics
Komodo tours typically focus on either the dragons or the diving, and generally start from the town of Labuan Bajo on Flores island. The dragons, which can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long, live almost exclusively within Komodo National Park, and tours typically focus on Rinca island, Padar island, or Komodo island. Expect to enjoy a couple of hours’ trekking with a guide, with sightings pretty much guaranteed. Most boat trips will include stops for snorkeling and on photogenic beaches, such as Pink Beach.
Komodo dive tours are typically on liveaboard boats, usually based out of Labuan Bajo. The diving in Komodo, generally considered some of Indonesia’s best, focuses on high-current sites and, typically, larger sea creatures. Signature sites include Batu Bolong and Cannibal Rock.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Komodo dive sites can be challenging: Bank a few dives before booking that liveaboard.
- While Komodo dragons have poisonous saliva, Indonesian guides can typically control them with a forked stick.
- Facilities in Komodo National Park are very limited: Be sure to bring essentials, such as medication.
How to Get There
Most Komodo National Park tours start from the vibrant port town of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores: Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo has direct connections to Bali and Jakarta. Some Komodo backpacker boat tours set out directly from Bali, but most liveaboards base themselves out of Labuan Bajo for the season.
When to Get There
Komodo island has a dry climate and can be visited year-round, although seas can be choppy in January and February. Generally speaking, diving conditions are best in the north between April and December, and in the south between October and April.
Komodo National Park Wildlife
Besides marine wonders, such as manta rays, sharks, whales, dugong, dolphin, and turtles, the desolate volcanic landscapes of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and smaller islands are home to almost 6,000 Komodo dragons. Scientists studying evolution are fascinated by the islands, which are also home to Timor deer and wild boar.
Address: Komodo National Park, Loh Liang, East Nusa Tenggara 86554, Indonesia
From $ 235
Kokugikan Sumo Stadium & Museum
Sumo is Japan’s most popular sport, and there’s nothing quite like joining 10,000 sumo fans for a match to learn about this ancient form of wrestling. The best place to experience sumo is at the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium (Ryōgoku Kokugikan), Tokyo’s largest indoor arena, where three of the six official national tournaments are hosted each year. Discover sumo’s place in Japanese culture at the attached Sumo Museum (Nihon Sumo Kyokai).
The Basics
Watching a sumo tournament in this sumo hall is a quintessential Japanese experience, and with only three tournaments per year in Tokyo, it’s important to plan (and book) ahead. If you’re visiting between tournaments, you can still get a taste of sumo culture by visiting the museum, stopping at the stadium as part of a tour of Tokyo (with visits to Tokyo Skytree and Kiyosumi Garden as well), or taking a walking tour of Ryogoku District (also known as sumo town) with a sumo wrestler as your guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit during one of three annual tournaments in Tokyo to see the hulking athletes in action.
- See the stadium on a walking or biking tour of Tokyo.
- Admission is free to the museum, which is closed Saturday and Sunday and on national holidays.
- Tournament tickets tend to sell out, especially during the final days, so it’s best to book ahead.
How to Get There
The stadium is situated a short walk from JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit) and Toei Subway Ryogoku Station (Exit A3).
When to Get There
To see sumo action live, you’ll have to plan your visit during one of three 15-day tournaments, held in January, May, and September. Wrestling takes place throughout the day, but the biggest competitors take to the ring mid-afternoon. The Kokugikan Sumo Museum is open Monday through Friday.
Seating at the Kokugikan Stadium
Spectators at Ryogoku Kokugikan have three types of seating from which to choose. Most of the seating is typical arena-style chair seats, but it’s possible to book Japanese-style floor box seats or, for the best views of the action, ringside seating on cushions. While the latter are extremely popular (and difficult for foreigners to purchase), you can arrive early in the day and watch some early matches from these seats until their rightful owners show up.
Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 99
Kohama Island
Rolling hills and uninterrupted views set the island of Kohama apart from others in the Yaeyama archipelago. Travelers can wander grassy passes and shaded trails to two of the island’s most popular lookouts—Chura san’s Point and Ufudake. Locals say Chura san offers some of the best views in the region, but travelers agree that the view from atop Ufudake, where the whole of Kohama can be seen, is equally incredible.
Just like other nearby islands, Kohama is home to some beautiful beaches, including a long stretch of sandy shores called Haimurubushi. Visitors love that its clear waters are protected by jellyfish nets, but avid snorkelers say this means underwater wildlife leaves something to be desired. Still, wet and wild visitors can rent masks and jet skis — or opt to chill out on the shores in comfortable chairs under the shade of giant umbrellas.
Practical Info
Kohama Island is accessible by ferry from Ishigaki. The ride is approximately 25 minutes, making it ideal for day trips. Visitors can also hop ferries from Taketomi and Iriomote Islands.
Address: Kohama Island, Japan
From $ 143
Kota Belud
Kota Belud is an unsuspecting town located in the north of Sabah, approximately 75 kilometers northeast of Kota Kinabalu. Relatively quiet throughout the week, the town comes alive each Sunday with its bustling market known as a tamu.
The market is part social occasion, partly commercial, and entirely enthralling for visitors. It's a colorful kaleidoscope of stalls selling local produce that overtakes the small town each and every week. With everything from leafy vegetables and farm produce to manufactured goods and home-baked treats, Kota Belud’s tamu is a hugely popular local event, with a smattering of tourists enticed in for good measure.
The market very much serves as a social occasion for locals, who swap stories and news as they gather for their weekly meet. Visitors to the tamu might also catch the Bajau horsemen displaying their horseriding skills, with both riders and animals decked out in spectacularly dazzling costumes.
Practical Info
Kota Belud’s tamu is open every Sunday. Most tamus begin at around 6am and wind down at around 2pm.
Address: Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia
From $ 56
Korai Village
Visitors to Agra who want to experience the culture, color, traditions and diversity of real India, not just the iconic Taj Mahal, will find all of this and more in Korai Village.
Travelers can escape the tourist route and venture into old world India as they wander the dirt roads of this picturesque village. Learn about local life, interact with villagers, and gain an insider’s look at the rituals of daily life for dozens of families living here.
Practical Info
Korai Village is located off the Fatehpur Sikri Highway in Agra.
Address: Korai Village, Uttar Pradesh, India, India
From $ 47
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project
The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is a small venue in Kosgoda that’s run by volunteers and relies on donations to help protect Sri Lanka’s turtles from extinction.
The central aim of the project is to monitor local sea turtle activity and to conserve the local nesting sites. A crucial element is the hatchery, where rescued eggs can hatch safely, away from the clutches of potential predators (or poachers) before being released into the ocean at night. In addition, a selection from each hatching are kept at the sanctuary for a short period for 'headstarting' before their release.
Another of the project’s aims is to increase public awareness of how endangered the creatures are and just how important it is to help protect them as a species. Volunteers are on hand to show guests around the various tanks to see (but not touch) the different types of turtles. These volunteers are generally well-informed and encourage visitors to ask questions and find out more about the project.
Practical Info
The site of the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is situated on the main Galle Road connecting Colombo to Galle. The Kosgoda Railway Station is also only a few kilometers away.
Address: 13A Galle Road, Kosgoda 80570, Sri Lanka
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm
Admission: 500 rupees
From $ 25
Koh Phangan
In a country famous around the globe for its beautiful islands, Koh Phangan is the quintessential easy-going beach bum’s paradise. More rustic than Koh Samui, much of the island caters to backpackers, hippies and budget travelers looking for affordable accommodations and a stretch of sand to sun on.
Had Rin, located on the island’s southeastern peninsula, has become famous for its monthly Full Moon Party, where upwards of 10,000 visitors descend upon Had Rin Nok Beach for a night of trance, dance and buckets of tropical libations. The popularity of these parties have inspired other smaller celebrations, like the Half Moon and Black Moon parties.
Koh Phangan isn’t just about beaches and partying, however. Secluded resort areas on the north and west coasts of the island feel worlds away from the din of Had Rin, and the interior of the island offers hiking trails and a series of yoga and meditation centers for travelers in search of a spiritual retreat. The waters off the coast of Koh Phangan have some of Thailand’s best dive sites, including Sail Rock.
Address: Gulf of Thailand, Thailand
From $ 37
Korean Folk Village
Travelers to Korean Folk Village can wander some 250 acres of natural South Korean landscape dotted with 260 replica houses from the Joseon Dynasty. A trip to this remote destination offers visitors a colorful and lively look into the nation’s rich history, unique culture and lengthy past.
Learn more about local foods and traditional clothing while exploring the workshops and open-air attractions at Korean Folk Village. Then stop by the Folk Museum and Art Museum where guests get an up-close and informative look at the handmade baskets, brass wares, musical instruments and embroidery the Joseon Dynasty was known for. Daily traditional dance and live music performances are worth checking out and rustic scenery is worthy of a photo album all its own.
Practical Info
Korean Folk Village is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. from March through April and from October through November. From May to September travelers can visit from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. From December through February Korean Folk Village is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Weekend hours vary. Entry fee for adults is 15,000 won. Youth and children can enter for 12,000 or 10,000 won.
Address: Korean Folk Village, South Korea
Hours: Daily March-April & Oct-Nov 9:30am-6pm, May-Sep 9:30am-6:30pm, Dec-Feb 9:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adult: 15,000 won, Youth: 12,000 won, Child: 10,000 won
From $ 11
Kong Family Mansion
Located in Qufu city, the Kong Family Mansion was the residence of the descendants of Confucius. Situated just to the east of the Confucius Temple, the Kong Family Mansion was the aristocratic home from where the family tended to the Confucian sites in Qufu. It was the largest residence of its kind in Chinese history.
Today, the mansion is a museum and, along with the Confucius Temple and the Cemetery of Confucius, makes up a UNESCO World Heritage Site collectively known as San Kong (meaning ‘The Three Confucian Sites’). The mansion is set out in the traditional Chinese way, with the official rooms at the front and residential lodgings at the back. Visitors go to marvel at the grandiose exterior and elaborate interior of the mansion and to see the cultural relics still preserved there, including a number of scrolls and paintings.
Practical Info
The Kong Family Mansion and the other Confucius sites are situated in the city of Qufu in the southwest of Shandong Province. The Family Mansion and the Confucius Temple sit together in one area, with the cemetery just a few kilometers away.
Address: Qufu, Shandong, China, China
From $ 396
Koh Nang Yuan Island
In many ways, Koh Nang Yuan is the paradisiacal location most people imagine when they think of Thailand. Consisting of three tree-topped islands adjoined by a tan-colored sandbar beach, Koh Nang Yuan is one of the most sought after destinations in all of Thailand. The best part? Unlike nearby Koh Samui or Koh Tao, accommodation options are extremely limited on the island, meaning the crowds remain relatively sparse as well.
Most people come to Koh Nang Yuan on day trips from other nearby islands and snorkeling excursions as well as scuba dives are extremely popular. And although the quick day visits are available, you'd be doing yourself a great favor by coming to the island and spending a night or two. In the evenings and early mornings, you can almost have the entire beach to yourself. During the heart of the day, activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, and hiking are available. If you're looking for a place to get away and enjoy the side of Thailand everyone talks about, this is it. There are no vehicles on Koh Nang Yuan, nor are there crowds, or big hotel chains. This is a true getaway in a country in which such locations are becoming fewer and farther between.
Practical Info
You can come to Koh Nang Yuan via speedboats or catamarans from Koh Samui or Koh Tao. However, the cheapest way to get there is to hire out a longtail boat from the west side of Koh Tao. If you're making the long journey from Bangkok, it can be a bit more complicated. You'll need to either fly to Koh Samui and then transfer over, or take a train/bus combination to the ferry terminal on the mainland that reaches Koh Tao, then take then long boat to Koh Nang Yuan. Moreover, since the island is actually privately owned, guest must pay an entrance fee to visit and stay on Koh Nang Yuan.
Address: Koh Nang Yuan, Thailand
From $ 56
Koko-en Garden
Located on the grounds of the Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden was finished in 1992 to commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the Himeji municipality. The 9-acre (3.6-hectare) space, divided into nine smaller gardens, showcases the typical garden style of the Edo Period when Japan was under shogun rule.
Professor Makoto Nakamura from Kyoto University supervised the design of the gardens, which are laid out on the former site of the lord’s residence and samurai houses. The smaller garden spaces were designed so that as you walk through, the view is constantly changing.
At the onsite Tea Room, designed by an Ura school tea master, visitors can participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The garden also houses a Japanese restaurant where traditional dishes are served with views over the garden.
Practical Info
There’s always something worth seeing in Koko-en Garden, but by far the best time to visit is during cherry blossom season (typically between March and May) when the delicate pink blossoms adorn the garden trees.
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Japan
From $ 154