Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
ShowingFilter 901-920 of 1872 listings.
Maritime Experiential Museum
Singapore has long ranked among the world’s busiest ports — at any given moment there are around 1,000 vessels in the port with a ship arriving or leaving every two to three minutes. More than 130,000 ships call on Singapore each year. The Maritime Experiential Museum makes Singapore’s rich maritime history accessible to visitors through a series of interactive, multi-sensory exhibits.
The museum was originally built to house the Jewel of Muscat, and this stunning replica of a ninth-century Arab dhow gifted by the sultanate of Oman remains the crowning jewel of the museum’s collection. Other notable attractions include a collection of artifacts salvaged from the Bakau shipwreck off the coast of Belitung Island, a recreation of an Arab souk, a historic ship harbor with full-scale replicas of five historic vessels and the 150-seat, 360-degree Typhoon Theatre where visitors board a virtual ship bound for Arabia.
Practical Info
The Maritime Experiential Museum is located within Resort World Sentosa and is included in admission to the S.E.A. Aquarium.
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa 098269, Singapore
From $ 83
Masjid Jamek
The oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek, is also its most delightful. Large cream onion domes and red-and-white-striped minarets stand among a palm tree grove at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. This was the site where Kuala Lumpur’s first settlers had their settlement.
It was built by the English architect Arthur Bennison Hubbock who was inspired by the Moorish style of Moghul mosques in India. It was opened in 1909.
When visiting the mosque it is important to respect the rules of dressing, make sure your limbs are covered and women must wear a headscarf.
Practical Info
The mosque is situated next to Masjid Jamek railway station and is walking distance from Chinatown, Little India and Merdaka Square.
Address: Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Marina Barrage
Built across the mouth of Singapore’s Marina Channel, the Marina Barrage serves as both a dam that helps alleviate flooding and supplies 10 percent of the nation's water, and a popular leisure and recreation destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The most popular spot at the Marina Barrage is the elevated section of grass that looks out across the city and is ideal for picnics, sunset vistas, and photo opportunities. The Solar Park features one of the largest collections of solar panels in Singapore, with more than 400 panels providing the barrage’s electricity at night. Those interested in green issues will enjoy the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, which features six rooms exploring different aspects of the city’s environmental infrastructure using multimedia displays and interactive exhibits.
Those with a particular interest in Singapore’s eco-friendly culture should join a sustainable Singapore guided tour, which combines a visit to Marina Barrage with the NEWater Plant, Singapore River, and Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. For a unique perspective of the barrage, join a kayak tour to Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Bay Sands.
Insider’s Tip: A lack of any skyscrapers in the immediate area and the fact that it is right next to the sea makes the Marina Barrage the perfect spot for kite flying. Arrive any evening around sunset and you will see the sky filled with colorful kites set against the impressive backdrop of the city’s key landmarks.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour with transport included, the Marina Barrage can be reached via a path from Gardens by the Bay. There is an information center located in the main building that is open daily from 9am-9pm.
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, 018951, Singapore
Hours: 24 Hours
From $ 26
Marine Drive (Queen's Necklace)
Stretching along the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point in the south to ritzy Malabar Hill in the north, Mumbai’s Marine Drive is an iconic palm-lined promenade that makes for an especially popular sunset stroll among couples, families and friends. Hugging the Mumbai coast, the two-mile-long boulevard’s nickname, Queen’s Necklace, makes perfect sense as day turns to night and the avenue’s lights shine like a string of glittering pearls along the bay.
As you stroll north past the wealthy Walkeshwar district, home to Mumbai celebrities and five-star hotels, you’ll come to Marine Drive’s famous Chowpatty Beach. This is a popular place to devour that famous Mumbai speciality — Bhelpuri — which is a beachside snack of puffed rice and vegetables slathered in tamarind sauce. The best time to visit Chowpatty Beach? Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This celebration happens every August or September, and thousands come to the shore to submerge huge Ganesh statues in the water. Marine Drive is also famous for its art deco buildings. In fact, the only place on the globe with more art deco builds along its beachfront is Miami.
Practical Info
In the center of South Mumbai, which is the cultural and commercial heart of the city, there are public transport connections to Marine Drive (Queen’s Necklace) along the bay.
Address: Marine Drive, Mumbai, India
From $ 9
Me Cung Cave (Bewitching Grotto)
The evocatively named Me Cung Cave, or Bewitching Grotto, stands out among the many caves of Halong Bay for more than just its beauty – it’s also an important archaeological find, where significant prehistoric remains have been found. Squeeze through the narrow doorway, a gaping hole etched into the cliff side, and you’ll find yourself in an underground wonderland, with small rocky chambers and tumbling stalagmites and stalactites, lit-up by trickles of daylight and sprinkled with fossilized shells.
Following the pathway out of the cave, a rock-cut stairwell leads to another dramatic sight - the shimmering Me Cung Lake, with its startling blue waters circled by karst cliffs and harboring a colorful array of coral, fish and sea creatures.
Practical Info
Me Cung Cave is located on Lom Bo Island, close to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island in Halong Bay.
Address: Me Cung Cave, Halong Bay, Vietnam
From $ 312
Mattancherry
Surrounded by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea, Mattancherry is an old port area of Kochi, not far from Ernakulam Town. The area was once the main trade port for spices such as pepper and turmeric, as well as tea. It was a time when many different nationalities and religious communities were welcomed to Mattancherry to trade and make it their home. Slowly the traders moved on to Ernakulam, but Mattancherry remains a bustling and cosmopolitan community that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Churches, mosques, and a synagogue happily coexist in Mattancherry, alongside buildings of the colonial era – another nod to the area’s fascinating past. Mattancherry Palace is one of the top attractions here. It was presented by the Portuguese as a gift to the Raja of Kochi in the mid-1500s as a gesture of goodwill (or more likely as a bribe to secure trading privileges). The Dutch then renovated it in the 1600s, hence its alternative name – the Dutch Palace.
Mattancherry is also well-known for having “Jew Town” at its heart – the place where ancient Jewish communities settled and began trading, and where antique shops, the Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish Palace are the main attractions today.
Practical Info
There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry from Ernakulam Town. The easiest way to get there is to catch the boat from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park.
Address: Mattancherry, Kerala, India, India
From $ 15
Matang Wildlife Centre
Matang Wildlife Centre, located on the eastern edge of Kubah National Park, provides a home to several endangered species, most famously orangutans, in a large enclosed swathe of rain forest. Among the center’s many programs, its orangutan adoption program has been particularly successful—the center’s wildlife staff members take in young orangutans, typically orphaned or rescued from captivity, and train them to survive in the wild. Other endangered animals living in the facility include sun bears, sambar deer, civets, crocodiles, and bear cats, all of which can be viewed in their spacious, natural enclosures. Three on-site aviaries house hornbills, sea eagles, kites, storks, and a variety of other birds native to Sarawak.
Animals being rehabilitated inside the center live in large enclosures in a rain forest-like setting, which affords visitors better opportunities to view the animals and to learn about the center’s preservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Besides viewing the animals—many of which are difficult to spot in the wild—visitors to Matang Wildlife Centre can enjoy a riverside picnic area or a hike through the jungle with one of four marked trails ranging in time length from one to four hours.
Practical Info
Matang Wildlife Centre is located 19 miles (30 km) from Kuching, on the eastern edge of Kubah National Park. The best way to get there is by taxi or guided tour. While you can take the No. 11 bus line from Kuching to Kubah, there are no direct bus lines to the wildlife center. Admission to the wildlife center is included in the entry fee for Kubah, which is RM10 (equivalent to $4.50). The center is open every day from 8am to 5pm, and the animal enclosure trail is open from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Water, insect repellent, and a light poncho are recommended for hikers. While it’s possible to spot native wildlife along the nature trails in Kubah National Park, keep in mind that the animals should be viewed from a safe distance.
Address: Jalan Lundu-Sampadi, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Hours: 8am–5pm daily
Admission: Adults 10 RM, Children 5 RM
From $ 78
Marina Beach
Located on the Bay of Bengal in the city of Chennai, natural Marina Beach extends for just over 8 miles (13 kilometers) from close to Fort St. George to Besant Nagar in the South, making it India’s longest natural urban beach.
While not an ideal swimming beach, Marina Beach makes an excellent spot for people watching in the cooler hours of the morning and evening, when the main stretch near Triplicane becomes a flurry of activity. You’ll see kids flying kites, locals playing cricket and munching on snacks from the food vendors, open air markets and fortune tellers hawking their trade to passersby. If you get there early enough in the morning, you can watch fishing boats heading out to sea.
Practical Info
The waters along Marina Beach have strong rip tides, making swimming quite dangerous.
Address: Chennai, India
From $ 30
Marina Bay Sands
Touted as the world’s most expensive casino complex—costing a cool $8 billion—Marina Bay Sands is Singapore’s most lavish resort, boasting a stunning waterfront location. Alongside the casino, there’s a 2,561-room hotel, luxury shopping mall, a giant rooftop infinity pool, and some of Singapore’s most exclusive bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
The Basics
If your budget doesn’t stretch to a night at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, you can still get a taste of the high life with a visit to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. The huge rooftop observation deck affords 360-degree views of Supertree Grove, the Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore skyline. A popular choice is to combine a sightseeing tour or hop-on hop-off tour of Singapore with an admission ticket to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark or the on-site ArtScience Museum.
Even if you don’t venture inside, the magnificent complex is an unmissable architectural landmark—zip past on a Segway tour, cycle along the waterfront on a bike tour, or sail past on a sightseeing cruise around Marina Bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some facilities, such as the infinity pool, are only available to hotel guests.
- Large items and luggage are not permitted at the SkyPark, and visitors are required to pass through security checks.
- The Marina Bay Sands hotel, SkyPark, shopping complex, and casino are all fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
Marina Bay Sands is located along the Marina Bay waterfront in downtown Singapore, next door to the Gardens by the Bay. The complex is served by numerous buses and water taxis, but the easiest way to get there is on the MRT—the nearest stations are Bayfront on the Circle and Downtown lines, or Marina Bay station on the North–South and Circle lines.
When to Get There
Marina Bay Sands is atmospheric at all hours of the day or night, but the opening hours of shops, bars, and restaurants vary. Visitors to the SkyPark should opt for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds or visit in time for sunset for an unforgettable view of Singapore.
Entertainment at Marina Bay Sands
In addition to the 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines that comprise the atrium casino, Marina Bay Sands also has two theaters, where you can watch musicals such as The Lion King and Mamma Mia!; a nightly light and water show held at Event Plaza; a host of restaurants by celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck; and the most recent addition, the Las Vegas–inspired Marquee Nightclub. At the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, there are over 300 shops to explore, but shoppers can also cruise the central canal on a traditional sampan or play on the interactive digital art floor.
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, 018956, Singapore
From $ 11
Mathura
Mathura is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh situated 50 kilometers north of Agra and 145 kilometers southeast of Delhi. It is considered the birthplace of the Hindu god, Krishna, and as such is one of the seven cities considered holy by Hindus. As a result, Mathura attracts pilgrims from all across India, particularly for the Holi festival and during Janmashtami, when Krishna’s birthday is celebrated.
The town is dotted with temples from various ages and the stretch of the sacred Yamuna River flows through it. The river is lined with 25 ghats, best seen at dawn, when many people take their holy dip, as well as just after sunset, when hundreds of candles are sent floating on the water during the evening aarti ceremony.
There are some beautiful sculptures recovered from ruins that are now on display in the archaeological museum in Mathura, and it’s worth seeking out the Keshav Dev Temple, which was built on the site of Krishna's birthplace.
Practical Info
Mathura can be easily reached from both Agra and Delhi by road and train. From Delhi, the journey should take around two to three hours, depending on the train type.
Address: Mathura, India
From $ 47
May Fourth Square
Situated in the heart of Qingdao’s business district, May Fourth Square commemorates the nationwide May Fourth Movement — a 1919 student protest against the government’s response to the Treaty of Versailles — that began in Qingdao.
At the heart of the park rises The Winds of May, a red sculpture reminiscent of a burning flame. On any given day, the park is filled with locals who come to walk, exercise, fly kites, cool off in the fountains and take in views of the sea.
Practical Info
May Fourth Square is a great place for a walk on the way to or from the beach.
Address: 35 DongHai West Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Hours: 24/7
From $ 55
Masjid Sultan Mosque
The oldest mosque in Singapore, the Masjid Sultan, is located in the Malay-Muslim quarter of town. The sheen of the two distinguished golden domes that top it, as well as its colorful yet tasteful façade, has made it one of the premiere destinations for visitors of any faith.
Standing on a site totaling 44,228 square feet (4,109 square meters), the massive interior two-stories high can hold about 5,000 faithful Muslims, with separate conference rooms and auditoriums to seat many more. It is also decorated with handcrafted motifs, golden floral patterns and calligraphy to top it all with intricate design.
Having long been a hub for local commerce and art, the mosque is also known to have been the place of several historic events, including where several racial riots took place in the 1950s.
These days, planners organize frequent seminars here for prominent theologians and scholars. There are also occasional art showings, charity events and blood drives as well as opportunities to have an in-depth look into the Quran with novice level classes. Check the Masjid Sultan website ahead of time to see what might be happening when you are in town.
Located within walking distance from Victoria Street and Ophir Road, the mosque is accessible by the 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145 buses, or a short walk from the MRT station Bugis (EW12).
Standing on a site totaling 44,228 square feet (4,109 square meters), the massive interior two-stories high can hold about 5,000 faithful Muslims, with separate conference rooms and auditoriums to seat many more. It is also decorated with handcrafted motifs, golden floral patterns and calligraphy to top it all with intricate design.
Having long been a hub for local commerce and art, the mosque is also known to have been the place of several historic events, including where several racial riots took place in the 1950s.
These days, planners organize frequent seminars here for prominent theologians and scholars. There are also occasional art showings, charity events and blood drives as well as opportunities to have an in-depth look into the Quran with novice level classes. Check the Masjid Sultan website ahead of time to see what might be happening when you are in town.
Located within walking distance from Victoria Street and Ophir Road, the mosque is accessible by the 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145 buses, or a short walk from the MRT station Bugis (EW12).
Address: 3 Muscat St, 198833, Singapore
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-12pm & 2pm-4pm
From $ 29
Mas Village
Mas Village, one of the many artists villages surrounding Ubud, is the best place on the island to find high-quality Balinese woodcarvings -- considered some of the best woodcarvings in the world. Part of the village’s prestigious reputation stems from it being the birthplace of Ida Bagus Tilem, one of the island’s most celebrated artisans. His wife and son continue to operate their own well-respected gallery and workshop.
Visitors to Mas Village will find a style of woodcarving characterized by a synergy between humanism and naturalism. Balinese masks, as well as carvings inspired by Buddhist and Hindu mythologies, are among the more popular items. Even if you don’t plan to buy, it’s worth visiting Mas Village to watch the masters at work and to see some of the large and very impressive carvings.
Practical Info
As with any of the craft villages in Bali, be prepared to haggle in Mas.
Address: Mas Village, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 26
Marine Parade Food Center
The Marine Parade Food Center is a popular and long-standing hawker center located in the Joo Chiat / Katong area of Singapore. An authentic and traditional foodie destination, it has largely resisted efforts to change and upgrade over the years, with stall owners voting instead to leave things the way they are.
There are all manner of dishes to try at the Marine Parade Food Center, and one of the main problems is choosing what to fill up on, as the choice can be overwhelming. Take a stroll around the many stalls and choose from dim sum, curry puffs, seafood soup, a variety of vegetarian options, and a dazzlingly array of noodle dishes. This is also a good place to try out the traditional Malay national dish, nasi lemak.
A must for foodies, the Marine Parade Food Center can be enjoyed as part of a Singapore hawker center food tour, which includes a walk around the vibrant neighborhoods and hawker centers of Chinatown, Geylang, and Little India.
Insider’s Tip: Mr Wong’s Seremban Beef Noodles is one stall to look out for. Mr Wong serves up noodles in a unique gravy sauce that packs a sweet punch that goes well with the kick of his chili sauce and the bitterness of the salted vegetables. Sesame seeds and roasted peanuts add a further layer of complexity to the flavor.
Practical Info
If not arriving via a hotel transfer as part of an organized tour, you can reach the Marine Parade Food Center by taking a taxi, or by using a number 36, 48, 196, or 197 bus.
Address: 84 Marine Parade Central, 440084, Singapore
From $ 113
MBK Center
A giant and legendary shopping mall located just off Siam Square, the MBK Center (Ma Boon Khrong Center) attracts both locals and tourists looking to fulfill their shopping needs. Boasting eight floors crammed with 2,000 shops and a range of stalls, this sleek glass complex sells everything from bargain clothing to affordable electronics.
In addition to retail outlets, MBK has two expansive food courts—one on the sixth floor serving local Thai food and an international one on the floor below. MBK is particularly well-known for its range of cheap electronic items, with the fourth floor dedicated to cell phones, cameras, games consoles, MP3 players and more.
The top floor of this huge mall features an extensive entertainment center, with a multi-screen cinema, karaoke facilities and a games arcade. There’s also the 3D Trick Art Museum, a fun family attraction that both younger and older kids can enjoy. For a unique way to visit the MBK Center and other malls in the area, take a Bangkok city tour that incorporates trips to many of the capital’s major sights via several different modes of public transport.
Practical Info
The MBK Center is located in the Siam Square area, the most central neighborhood in Bangkok. It's particularly easy to reach thanks to a direct walkway linking the mall to the National Stadium BTS Skytrain station.
Address: 444 Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Hours: Daily 10am–10pm
From $ 33
Marina Bay Sands Skypark
A highlight of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands resort, the Marina Bay Sands Skypark is a gigantic rooftop complex balanced atop the resort’s three towers. The Skypark, which stretches over 1,115 feet (340 meters), has gardens, restaurants, a huge infinity pool, and spectacular views over Singapore.
The Basics
Guests at the Marina Bay Sands hotel can swim in Skypark’s 492-foot-long (150-meter-long) infinity pool and enjoy free access to all of the rooftop attractions. Nonguests can purchase admission to the Skypark observation deck and visit Skybar, both of which offer 360-degree views of Supertree Grove, the Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore skyline.
A popular choice is to join an evening tour that includes admission to the Marina Bay Sands Skypark as well as a Supertree Grove light show and river cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Facilities including the infinity pool, walkway, and gardens are only available to hotel guests.
- There is an entrance charge to visit the observation deck and a further cover charge for the Skybar.
- Reservations are essential and a cover charge often applies at Skypark’s two restaurants, both open to nonguests.
- Large items and luggage are not permitted at Skypark, and visitors are required to pass through security checks.
- The Marina Bay Sands hotel, Skypark, shopping complex, and casino are all fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Marina Bay Sands is located along the Marina Bay waterfront in downtown Singapore, next to the Gardens by the Bay. The complex is served by numerous buses and water taxis, but the easiest way to get there is on the MRT—the nearest stations are Bayfront, on the Circle and Downtown lines, or Marina Bay, on the NorthSouth and Circle lines. Access to the Skypark is via an elevator in Tower 3.
When to Get There
Time your visit for the early morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best light for photographs, or arrive in time to watch the sunset over the city. Alternatively, an evening visit offers the chance to admire Singapore’s glittering nighttime skyline.
Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands complex cost an incredible $8 billion to build, so expect the ultimate in luxury. Highlights include an opulent 2,561-room hotel, an upmarket shopping mall, a gigantic atrium casino with over 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines, a nightly light and water show, the Las Vegas–inspired Marquee Nightclub, and two theaters that host award-winning musicals such as The Lion King and Mamma Mia!
Address: Level 57, 10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956, Singapore
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Travelers in search of a true cultural exchange need look no further than Mari Mari, a cultural village situation in a remote forest on the island of Borneo. Here, visitors can learn about the indigenous Sabahan people, explore their traditional homes and witness fire-starting, blowpipe-making and tattoo-making demonstrations.
In addition to sharing their cultures and traditions, representatives from the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun people also cook ethnic delicacies for travelers with an adventurous palate to sample. While some visitors say the village can feel a bit too touristy, others argue it’s the perfect way to experience the vibrant cultures and traditions of Borneo in a single stop.
Practical Info
The cultural village is located on the island of Borneo and open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tours are available for groups and arrangements ahead of time are recommended. Admission for non-Malaysians—including transportation—is RM 160.
Address: Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Admission: RM 160
From $ 34
Maya Bay
The stunning Maya Bay became a major tourist attraction after the 2000 film, The Beach, was filmed here. It’s situated within Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, off the coasts of both Krabi and Phuket on the mainland, and is distinguished by its beautiful white-sand beach sheltered by limestone cliffs on three sides.
There are in fact several beaches here, but most are small and some only exist at low tide. The main beach, where most boats drop passengers just offshore, is a 200-meter long strip of silky white sand. It’s surrounded by clear waters filled with colorful coral and an abundance of exotic fish, making it an absolute haven for snorkelers. Walking inland is also a treat, with a path that winds through lush greenery and reveals some simply spectacular scenery.
It’s true that Maya Bay’s popularity has taken a certain degree of the shine from this once little-heard of slice of paradise. It’s become so well-known that its shores are filled with hoards of boats dropping visitors off and picking them up throughout the day, particularly in peak season. Visitors should arrive early in the morning to avoid the larger part of the crowds.
Practical Info
Visiting Maya Bay is such a popular activity that arranging transport is incredibly easy. You can visit from both Phuket and Krabi on organized tours, or, if staying on Koh Phi Phi, simply hop on a tour from there or charter your own longtail boat for the day. If not visiting as part of an organized tour, you’ll need to pay a National Park entry fee (currently 200 baht).
Address: Maya Bay, Krabi, Thailand
Admission: 200 baht
From $ 27
Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese built the 16th-century structure as a gift to the then king of the Kochi dynasty, though it underwent significant remodels under Dutch rule, earning it its current moniker: the Dutch Palace. It's celebrated for its stunning murals, many of which depict scenes from Hindu epics, notably the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The Basics
Though it doesn't look very palatial from the outside, this 2-story structure has gems of art inside, including beautiful coconut-shell floors, portraits of former rulers, and numerous intricate tempera murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The palace also hosts a number of old royal artifacts, ranging from ceremonial costumes to palanquins.
Many Kochi city tours stop at the palace. Visiting with a guide can be useful, if you want in-depth information about the palace's history. Half- and full-day tours that visit the palace may also include a Kerala backwater boat cruise, Kathakali dance show, village visit, Chinese fishing nets, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- History lovers and art fans won’t want to miss a visit to this palace.
- Parents may want to note that some of the murals depict explicit lovemaking scenes.
- Most of the palace is difficult to navigate by wheelchair, as there are plenty of stairs.
How to Get There
Mantacherry Palace is located right next to the Mantacherry Boat Jetty, from where travelers can take ferries to Ernakulam, the main city on the mainland where many of the city's larger chain and business hotels are located. It's right in the heart of historic Kochi, and the city’s famous Jew Town and its synagogue are a short walk way.
When to Get There
Mattancherry Palace is a year-round attraction, though if you're sensitive to heat or humidity, you may want to visit in the dryer season, from around December through the end of February. However, this is also the most popular season for tourists, so attractions can be crowded. The hottest months of the year are from March through May, while June through November can get rainy.
Kerala Murals
Kerala has a long tradition of mural painting that dates back to at least the eighth century. While the relatively newer murals at the Dutch Palace provide a great intro to the traditional local art, there are plenty more in the area, from the frescoes to the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple to the murals of the rock-cut Thirunandikkara Cave Temple, in present-day Tamil Nadu.
Address: Bazaar Road, Fort Cochin, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)
A major destination among travelers in Bangkok, The Marble Palace is aptly named for its design, which is entirely made from Italian marble. Completed in 1911, the temple is the home of the golden Buddhist statue called Phra Buddhajinaraja and is still a live shrine, often filled with patrons who make offerings or light candles inside.
Buried beneath the statue is said to be the ashes of King Chulalongkorn and outside the main shrine in the gallery are more than 50 statues of Buddha depicted by several different cultures and variations of Buddhism in the region.
Located near to the Dusit Palace, the spacious complex on Si Ayudhya Road is built on the site of an older temple and was once used as the headquarters of Thai troops fighting against the Laotian army.
Buried beneath the statue is said to be the ashes of King Chulalongkorn and outside the main shrine in the gallery are more than 50 statues of Buddha depicted by several different cultures and variations of Buddhism in the region.
Located near to the Dusit Palace, the spacious complex on Si Ayudhya Road is built on the site of an older temple and was once used as the headquarters of Thai troops fighting against the Laotian army.
Address: Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Dusit,, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
From $ 27