Your Guide to Visiting Asia

Asia is a continent that is rich in adventure, history and spirituality. From the ancient civilization to the harried streets of cities like Hanoi, Beijing and Tokyo, you are definitely going to find something fascinating and entertaining to see and do when you visit any of the countries in Asia. From China to Japan to India and everything in between, there are sights to behold, shopping to do and so many cultural places to visit that you may simply not get it all in on just one trip.

Ancient Culture

Asia is rich in ancient culture. Historic trading routes, ancient wonders and even the Great Wall of China are definitely things that should make your itinerary if you are planning to visit this continent. You could choose any of the countries within Asia and see more ancient culture than you would ever imagine. Temples in Angkor are a must if you plan to visit the area and there are amazing sights to behold in Nepal and Afghanistan, as well. The history of Asia dates back to before there were books. Sri Lanka shows a rich history that dates back to before the sixth century. Everywhere you look, you will find historical culture.

Where To Eat

You can stop into any restaurant or deli in Asia and be greeted with delicious foods. The continent exports cuisine all over the world. From curry in India to dumplings in China and pho soup in Vietnam, you are not going to be without a place to sit at a table filled with delicious fares. You won’t find many restaurants that have traditional western silverware. Most places in Asia offer finger foods or those that can, and definitely should, be enjoyed with chopsticks. Singapore and Bangkok offer succulent restaurants that are sure to please the pallets and even the smallest diners have something for everyone who loves Asian inspired dishes.

Modern Technology

It is definitely no surprise that much of today’s modern technology got its start in an Asian country. Throughout the continent, you will find soaring skyscrapers, modern trains and just about anything else the techie in you will enjoy. Asia is a fashion and cultural hum, and of course, you will find many business centers throughout the continent. A simple train ride through the landscape can show you everything from the tallest skyscraper to the simplest farm growing rice in the traditional Asian way. Shopping is a dream come true for those who love their technology, as you can find all of the latest and greatest gadgets at stores in all of the major cities throughout the continent.

Sites To See

In Polonnaruwa, you will find one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. Construction of this capital began in 1055. The Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya is a popular attraction. Visit here in the morning as it will take you most of the day to enjoy the sights. It takes about an hour to hike to the top of the summit, where you will find gorgeous rock gardens and frescoes.

Buddhist Temples

If history is your thing, visit the 80 plus caves build in the first century that were once inhabited by monks and hermits. It only takes about 15 minutes to climb to the temples and once at the top, you will find beautiful fresh white lotus blossoms awaiting you. The first temple is guarded by a 46 foot statue that is carved directly into the mountainside.

Other Historical Sites

If you really want to see all that Asia has to offer, there is the Taj Mahal, the Ganges, and the City Palace in the heart of Jaipur, India. In the City Palace, you can visit the home of the last maharaja. Or, stop by Swayambhunath Stupa. This temple complex is known as the Monkey Temple because it is said to have holy monkeys living on the grounds. There are also the Himalayas, which you are sure to want to fly over. You can of course climb Mount Everest, should you dare.

Where To Stay

You will certainly not be short of places to stay throughout Asia. The continent is rich with hotels and other accommodations, all of which are steeped in Asian culture and history. From the grand hotels in Dubai to smaller and more traditional inn type accommodations throughout the smaller regions, you will find the accommodations comforting and the perfect home away from home for your stay. Most hotels offer the basic amenities as well as some of the more modern comforts of home like free wi-fi, complimentary breakfast and even a nice swimming pool if you want. You can find out more about the hotels that are available and what amenities they offer by searching in the specific area where you plan to visit.

Getting There

Most major airlines fly to various points of destination throughout Asia. If you are traveling from Europe or North America, simply head to one of the major cities and book your flight through an international airport. Depending on where specifically you are headed, you may have to take a smaller connecting flight to reach your final destination. Airfare costs will of course vary, depending on where you are leaving and where you are headed to.

Currency

There are a number of options for accessing cash while you are visiting Asia. Most areas have ATM machines, although you should note that the fee for ATM transactions vary greatly from region to region. ATMs are the most popular and normally the easiest way to get money while you are in Asia, although on islands and in remote areas, these machines can often go down for a few days. It is a good idea to have enough cash on hand to last for a few days or to explore other options for accessing your funds. You can exchange money before you leave for Asia to ensure that you have enough local currency for your visit. You will also find that most places throughout the continent accept credit and debit cards, and there is always the option of using traveler’s checks. Using an ATM does mean that you will be carrying less cash, which is always a good idea when you are traveling. Also, Asian ATMs will dispense your cash in local currency, no matter what region you are in.