Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
ShowingFilter 281-300 of 1872 listings.
Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World
Whether you’re a seasoned snow bunny or new to the slopes Daemyung Vivaldi Ski World has the perfect run for every level. Some 20,000 visitors a day ride the 10 lifts to zip down some 13 runs that make this frozen wonderland a destination for skiers and snowboarders.
This frozen chateau caters to more than just powder heads with a world-class resort at the bottom of the mountain complete with a well-stocked food court, plenty of shopping, spa services, karaoke and even a 3D cinema. Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World is the perfect place for outdoor adventurers to spend a day exploring the slopes. But travelers agree that there are enough activities and options to keep hot chocolate lovers happy indoors, too.
Practical Info
Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World is open daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. During peak season lifts and runs are open 24-hours. Ski lessons are available for all skill levels, including experts. The website is updated regularly with details about open runs and weather, too.
Address: 250-751 Seo-myeon, Gangwon, South Korea
Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. During peak season lifts and runs are open 24-hours.
From $ 85
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, part of the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO World Heritage site, is the oldest and best hill passenger railway in the nation. The 55 miles (88 kilometers) of track connecting New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling opened in 1881, and the trip up to the famous West Bengali hill station has changed little since that first journey.
Travelers looking to ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train” as it’s been nicknamed, have a couple of options to do so. The most convenient option is to take the steam-hauled joy train (tourist train) on a return trip from Darjeeling to Ghum, a two-hour trip which departs four times per day during the high season.
The other option is to catch the train in Kurseong and make the three hour, one way trip to Darjeeling from there.
Practical Info
If you’re visiting Darjeeling during high season, it’s a good idea to book your tickets well in advance.
Address: West Bengal, India, India
Admission: Vary
From $ 1,379
Busan Tower
Busan Tower stands 120 m tall from the center of the city’s Yongdusan Park. Built in 1973 and modelled on Bulguksa Temple’s Dabotap Pagoda, the tower is a popular visit day and night. Head to the viewing deck via high-speed elevator, and enjoy panoramic views of Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city. Come at sunset to see the city lights start to twinkle under the night sky. On the lower deck of Busan Tower, there’s a souvenir shop and a cafe where you can while away the hours and enjoy the views of busy Busan port.
All loved up? Do as thousands of young Korean couples do, and tie a padlock with a note of your everlasting love to one of the fences by the tower. The mountain’s feng shui is said to bring you good luck.
Korean for Dragon Head Mountain because of its shape, Yongdusan Park hosts lots of lively cultural performances in summer and on weekends, and on Buddha’s Birthday, paper lamps shaped like tigers and dragons float throughout the park.
Practical Info
Busan Tower is open all year round, from 9am - 10pm. Entry costs 4,000 W for adults. Inside there is a World Musical Instruments Museum (10 - 6pm), which is open Tuesday - Sunday. To get to the park, take the subway to Nampo station (Exit 7). 20 meters away is the escalator that’ll take you up to the park. Tour buses can park right at the entrance to Busan Tower.
Address: Busan, South Korea
Admission: 4,000 W
From $ 100
Dam Market
Built in the early 1900s, this massive market is a hub for local life in Nha Trang City. Originally constructed on a seven hectare pond, Dam Market was damaged during the Vietnam War and later resurrected as a three-storey building that’s jam packed with souvenirs, meat and fish stalls. Locals make their way to the popular market in the earliest hours of the morning and comb through stalls manned by friendly men and women in search of the day’s freshest. Travelers will find just about everything inside this eclectic marketplace that’s ripe with all of the energy and excitement of Nha Trang City life.
Practical Info
This bustling market is open daily from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 18
Dakshinkali Temple
Dakshinkali Temple, 14 miles (22 kilometers) south of central Kathmandu and on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, is a sacred Hindu temple famous for one thing. Twice a week, male goats and roosters are sacrificed here to the goddess Kali, who is said to be hungry for blood. Visitors can watch this event at the temple in the hills.
The Basics
Dakshinkali Temple is the most important Kali temple in Nepal. Kali is the Hindu goddess of empowerment, time, and change. Her name refers to the color black, kalo in Nepali, and she is often called Dark Mother. Devout Hindus believe that bloodthirsty Kali needs biweekly sacrifices. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, worshippers bring animals to the temple where they are killed and butchered. The meat is either taken home or cooked and eaten at the temple.
Travelers often visit Dakshinkali Temple on a day trip from Kathmandu that might include visiting nearby Pharping and Chobhar, too. Alternatively, Pharping is a good place to check out when hiking up Mount Champadevi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple building itself.
- Be respectful of devotees when taking photos and watching the sacrifices as it’s a sacred ritual to believers.
- Those squeamish about blood might want to skip this temple, but travelers interested in learning more about traditional Nepali beliefs and customs will find it fascinating.
- There is no entry fee.
How to Get There
Local buses run to Dakshinkali from central Kathmandu’s Old Bus Park and Ratna Park (with additional buses running on Tuesday and Saturday to accommodate the extra visitors), and the trip takes about two hours. Alternatively, join a day trip with transportation included, or hire a taxi to take you to Dakshinkali.
When to Get There
The animal sacrifices are made on Tuesday and Saturday, so expect the temple to be crowded at these times. Saturday, the Nepali day of rest, is the busiest time to visit. It is also busy during the annual Dashain festival, Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival, which falls in September or October.
Visit Pharping
The town of Pharping is about half a mile (one kilometer) from Dakshinkali, and some tours visit both areas. Pharping offers views of bright green rice fields, through which you can take a short hike. Pharping is holy to Tibetan Buddhists who believe it is where Guru Rinpoche attained enlightenment. There are some important temples and meditation caves to visit, as well as golden-roofed monasteries in the hills around the town.
Address: Kathmandu, Nepal
From $ 160
Da Ban Stream
Da Ban Stream originates from the Ham Ninh mountain range on the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc. It’s a popular spot for tourists and nature-lovers, who come to picnic, barbecue, hike, and relax. Although it’s hard to avoid the growing amount of garbage that is left in the area, the natural scenery steals the show, with the stream making its way through huge flat stone slabs against a lush green background. You might spot birds, fish, frogs, and lizards, along with wild fruit, orchids, mushrooms, and other flora that grow in the area. Plan a trek, take a stroll across the suspension bridge, and have a refreshing dip in the water for a full day of natural fun.
You can combine your visit to Da Ban Stream with a trip to a fish sauce factory, a pepper farm, and a sim wine factory to learn about the island's industries. Alternately, you can take a private six-hour tour of the island instead, including a barbecue lunch at the stream and round-trip transportation.
Insider’s Tip: If you plan on visiting Da Ban Stream in the early morning, be sure to bring insect repellent as there are lots of mosquitoes.
Practical Info
Da Ban Stream is located in the center of Phu Quoc Island, around a 30-minute drive from Duong Dong town along a bumpy (often muddy) dirt road. The best way to reach the stream is by motorbike or as part of an organized tour.
Address: Da Ban Stream, Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Admission: 5000 VND
From $ 44
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Located in the northern Kolkata (Calcutta) neighborhood of Dakshineswar along the Hoohley River is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The temple complex, dating back to the nineteenth century, consists of one large temple to Kali and 13 smaller temples dedicated to the worship of other deities in the Hindu pantheon.
The main temple, built in 1855, is an important pilgrimage spot for devotees of Kali, the patron goddess of Kolkata. It is also the temple where spiritual leader Ramakrishna had a vision that prompted him to turn against the caste system and preach religious unity instead. The small room where he lived much of his life is now a small museum celebrating his life.
The temple complex tends to get crowded on Sundays. Visit in the early morning hours to beat the heat and watch the locals feed the pigeons or browse the small flower market just outside the temple grounds.
The main temple, built in 1855, is an important pilgrimage spot for devotees of Kali, the patron goddess of Kolkata. It is also the temple where spiritual leader Ramakrishna had a vision that prompted him to turn against the caste system and preach religious unity instead. The small room where he lived much of his life is now a small museum celebrating his life.
The temple complex tends to get crowded on Sundays. Visit in the early morning hours to beat the heat and watch the locals feed the pigeons or browse the small flower market just outside the temple grounds.
Address: Kolkata, India
Hours: Oct-March: 6am-12:30pm & 3pm-8:30pm; Apr-Sept: 6am-12:30pm & 3:30pm-9pm
From $ 38
Burma Railway (Death Railway)
During the height of World War II in 1943, the Japanese Imperial Army used forced labor — both Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers — to construct a rail line between Thailand and Burma to aid in the transport of troops and supplies. The railway stretched for 258 miles (415 kilometers) between Bangkok and Rangoon. Conditions for the workers were abhorrent, with long hours and sweltering heat. By the time it was finished 12,621 Allied POWs had died, as well as tens of thousands of Asian civilian laborers.
In 1947, after the war had ended, the Death Railway closed. A decade later the portion running between Nong Pla Duk and Nam Tok reopened, and today visitors can learn about this dark period in history by traveling the very same rail from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. The portion of the original Death Railway that passes along the Wampo Viaduct offers spectacular views. The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre in Kanchanaburi recounts the history of the line from its construction through its completion.
Practical Info
To see all the historic sites associated with the Thai-Burma Railway, plan to stay at least one night in Kanchanaburi.
Address: Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
From $ 27
Cultural Center of the Philippines
The country’s national center for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is a vast complex spread over 150 acres (62 hectares). Designed by Filipino architect Leandro Locsin, this is Manila’s go-to venue for ballet, classical music, and theater, as well as other local and international productions, performances, and festivals.
The Basics
Built in the 1960s, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has been a key venue for the performing arts since its founding. It hosts national troupes such as the Philippine Ballet Theater, the UST Symphony Orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group.
It’s best to visit the center when there is a performance. If that’s not possible, it’s still an interesting venue to visit, renowned for its brutalist structures. Some sightseeing tours include a stop at the cultural center, along with other attractions such as Casa Manila, the Ayala Museum, and Fort Santiago.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a must-see for visitors with an interest in the performing arts.
- Bring a light jacket as the air-conditioning inside can be very strong.
- The center is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Cultural Center of the Philippines is located on Roxas Boulevard in Manila’s Pasay City. It’s easiest to get there via taxi or jeepney. The closest LRT station is Vito Cruz, from which the orange shuttle bus runs to the center.
When to Get There
Visitors should check the calendar to see the schedule of performances at the Culture Center and arrange their visit accordingly.
Museum of Philippine Culture
Located on the fourth floor of the main building at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Museum of Philippine Culture focuses on the works of traditional Filipino artists. A permanent exhibit highlights Filipino artistic traditions, while another is focused on traditional Asian instruments from around the region. The museum also features a rotation of changing exhibitions and organizes workshops from time to time.
Address: CCP Complex,Tanghalang Pambansa, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines
From $ 58
Daitoku-ji Temple
A large walled temple complex, a visit to Daitoku-ji in northern Kyoto reveals ancient sub-temples and many traditional Zen gardens. The main Daitoku-ji temple sits on the eastern side of the grounds. This structure was built in 1319, although it was destroyed in a fire in the next century and rebuilt again in the 16th century. Also on the east side of the complex are the Butsuden Hall, Hatto Hall, Hojo Residence, and the famous Sanmon Gate featuring a statue of the tea-master, Sen no Rikyu.
There are many sub-temples within the complex, but only a few of these are open to the public on a regular basis, including Ryogen-in, Zuiho-in, Daisen-in, and Koto-in. Those particularly interested in Japanese gardens should not miss the beautiful Daisen-in rock gardens, which wrap around the temple building and date back to the beginning of the 16th century. Elsewhere, Koto-in was established in 1601 and features a garden considered to be a masterpiece in simplicity that is famous for its canopy of maple trees, which are particularly stunning in the fall.
There are a number ways to experience Kyoto’s ancient temples and traditional gardens, with various day trips from Osaka and Tokyo. One of the best ways to explore this side of Japan’s history and culture is on a Kyoto bike tour, where you can discover other religious shrines and temples in the area, such as Kinkakuji and the Kitano Tenmangu Temple.
Insider’s Tip: The Daitoku-ji temple complex is one of the best places in Japan to see such a variety of Zen gardens and to learn about Zen culture and architecture. Bear in mind though that Zen gardens are meant to be contemplated slowly, so a relaxed pace will mean you will appreciate the sub-temples and gardens in the complex more fully.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, the best way to reach Daitoku-ji Temple is by taking the Karasuma subway line to Kitaoji Station. The complex is located around a 15-minute walk from here.
Address: 53 Murasakino Daitoku-ji-cho, Kyoto, Japan
Hours: Hours of sub-temples varies
Admission: Entry into sub-temples varies
From $ 91
Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is a 300-acre (121-hectare) oasis located in the heart of Bangalore just off the city’s main thoroughfare, MG Road. The park is a hive of activity in the early mornings when people come here for their morning walks and then again in the early evenings when the walkers descend again. With close to a hundred different species of plants and trees, this is also a favorite haunt for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The park is painted a different color each season as the tall majestic trees flower and drop their petals to the ground, creating a beautiful carpet of flowers. In the spring, the Rain Trees are covered with delicate pink blossoms, while summer is when the Jacarandas release their bright purple blossoms, creating a brilliant tapestry on the ground. At the height of summer, it’s the Gulmohars’ turn as they bloom and turn the park’s avenues a bright red. Twice a year, the eccentric Cannonball tree flowers, releasing the blossoms’ intoxicating perfume. Those who want a quiet moment for contemplation head to the park’s atmospheric bamboo groves and lotus ponds.
Cubbon Park is also the home to several important government buildings including the Karnataka High Court, the Central Library and the Government Museum and Art Gallery.
The park is painted a different color each season as the tall majestic trees flower and drop their petals to the ground, creating a beautiful carpet of flowers. In the spring, the Rain Trees are covered with delicate pink blossoms, while summer is when the Jacarandas release their bright purple blossoms, creating a brilliant tapestry on the ground. At the height of summer, it’s the Gulmohars’ turn as they bloom and turn the park’s avenues a bright red. Twice a year, the eccentric Cannonball tree flowers, releasing the blossoms’ intoxicating perfume. Those who want a quiet moment for contemplation head to the park’s atmospheric bamboo groves and lotus ponds.
Cubbon Park is also the home to several important government buildings including the Karnataka High Court, the Central Library and the Government Museum and Art Gallery.
Practical Info:
The park is accessible from MG Road, Kasturba Road, Hudson Circle and Dr Ambedkar Road. It is only a short walk away from MG Road Metro station via the raised walkway. The main thoroughfares running through the park are open to traffic from 8am to 8pm.
Address: Bangalore, KA, India
Hours: Main thoroughfares are open 8am to 8pm
From $ 33
Danasan Eco Adventure Park
Located around an hour’s drive from Danao City on Cebu Island, the Danasan Eco Adventure Park covers a vast area made up of caves, freshwater springs, a man-made lake, and a three-tiered waterfall.
The Skydrop is one of the most heart-thumping activities at the park. This sees guests ascend up to more than 35 meters before free-falling back to earth while swinging dramatically back and forth. There’s also the High Cable Twin Tower, where adventure-seekers traverse from one tower situated at 36 meters in the air down to another at around 18 meters high.
The Danasan Eco Adventure Park also offers more gentle activities, such as horseriding, trekking, ATV rides, wakeboarding, and go-karting, along with a number of more traditional sports. There’s also a rope obstacle course and a zip line that extends for more than 400 meters, plus opportunities for caving and trekking through the three levels of the Danasan Falls.
All of the facilities and activities are environmentally-friendly and planned so as not to cause any harm to the park’s natural surroundings.
Practical Info
There are a number of rates and packages available for visiting the park, including those with accommodation and shuttle services included.
Address: Danasan Eco Adventure Park, Danao City, Cebu 6004, Philippines
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: Various packages
From $ 120
Cuandixia Village
Travel back in time on a visit to the historic village of Cuandixia, which dates back to the famed Ming Dynasty. More than 500 well-preserved homes that date back thousands of years dot the landscape of this popular destination. Visitors looking to experience a taste of early life can opt to stay in one of these historic homes, since many of them now serve as travel lodges.
After wandering the cobblestone streets of the historic village, which include challenging outdoor staircases and quiet back alleys—head to the hillside where a network of scenic trails offers up epic views of Cuandixia Village that’s perfect for hikers looking to spend a day outdoors.
Practical Info
The village is located about 90 kilometers northwest of Central Beijing in the Jingxi Mountains. Visitors traveling by private car can access Cuandixia using National Road 109, or take bus 929 from Pingguoyuan subway station.
Address: Cuandixia, China
From $ 65
Danjo Garan Temple
The Danjo Garan is the central temple complex of Japan's sacred Mt Koya temple town, and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex is comprised of about 20 buildings, including several temples, the ceremonial Kondo Hall, and a 147-foot (49-meter) red pagoda housing five statues of the seated Buddha. The massive pagoda, called The Great Stupa, has been home to practicing monks for over 1,000 years, and the Danjo Garan as a whole is revered as the center of Shingon Buddhism.
While Mt Koya was once a hard-to-reach destination, today you can visit the sacred location and its temples on a day trip or overnight visit from Osaka. To get the most out of your visit, consider touring Danjo Garan Temple and Okunoin graveyard on a two-day trip that includes an overnight stay in a temple with a hot spring.
Practical Info
The Garan complex is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm. It is free to wander, but you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee to enter The Great Stupa. Admission is JPY 200.
The complex is located in Koyasan town center on Mt Koya, which is about a two-hour drive from Osaka. The site is accessible by rail, cable car and bus.
Did you know? According to local legend, the founder of Shingon Buddhism threw a ceremonial tool from his location in China to determine the location of his religion's headquarters. When he returned to Japan, he found his tool caught in a pine tree and began to build Danjo Garan Temple.
Address: 152 Koya-san, Koya-cho, Japan
Hours: 8:30am–5pm
Admission: ¥200
From $ 225
Fort St George
The British East India Company constructed their first fortress in India in 1640 along a strip of sand on lease from the Raja, allowing them a foothold for expansion in India. The 20-foot (6-meter) thick outer walls surround a complex of white colonial structures, known historically as ‘White City,’ including St Mary’s, the oldest Anglican church in Asia.
Until recently, Fort St George housed the Tamil Nadu Secretariat & Legislative Assembly, and the Fort Museum remains open to the public and is now housed within an old East India Company exchange. The museum’s collection displays portraits, paintings, photographs, British governmental uniforms and East India Company porcelain, among other Raj relics.
Pay attention to the signage when visiting the compound, as several areas and buildings are closed to the public. If you want to avoid crowds at the security check, set aside a few hours on a Sunday morning for your visit.
Until recently, Fort St George housed the Tamil Nadu Secretariat & Legislative Assembly, and the Fort Museum remains open to the public and is now housed within an old East India Company exchange. The museum’s collection displays portraits, paintings, photographs, British governmental uniforms and East India Company porcelain, among other Raj relics.
Pay attention to the signage when visiting the compound, as several areas and buildings are closed to the public. If you want to avoid crowds at the security check, set aside a few hours on a Sunday morning for your visit.
Address: Chennai, India
Hours: Sat–Thurs: 10am - 5pm
Admission: Indians: Rs 5; Foreigners: Rs 100, Children (under 15 years): free
From $ 30
Dakshinachitra
The heritage village of Dakshinachitra, meaning ‘A Picture of the South,' was established to help preserve the folk art and cultural traditions of southern India, particularly from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Artisans trained in traditional techniques work in the 17 heritage houses and village tableaus within the 10 acres (four hectares) of rural land just south of Chennai. Many of the pots, baskets, woven silk pieces, puppets and stone carvings you see being made can be purchased directly from the artists or in the gift shop; and items from these artists are both authentic and of high quality. Dancers, musicians, traditional fortune tellers and puppeteers all perform throughout the day in the open-air venue.
The Dakshinachitra grounds house a South Indian restaurant and a small guesthouse with both private rooms and dormitories. While a few hours should be sufficient to see all the sights, a night’s stay makes for a nice escape from the busy city center, particularly if you’re traveling with children. Despite the sometimes heavy traffic on the way from Chennai, the well-maintained cultural center is well worth a visit.
Artisans trained in traditional techniques work in the 17 heritage houses and village tableaus within the 10 acres (four hectares) of rural land just south of Chennai. Many of the pots, baskets, woven silk pieces, puppets and stone carvings you see being made can be purchased directly from the artists or in the gift shop; and items from these artists are both authentic and of high quality. Dancers, musicians, traditional fortune tellers and puppeteers all perform throughout the day in the open-air venue.
The Dakshinachitra grounds house a South Indian restaurant and a small guesthouse with both private rooms and dormitories. While a few hours should be sufficient to see all the sights, a night’s stay makes for a nice escape from the busy city center, particularly if you’re traveling with children. Despite the sometimes heavy traffic on the way from Chennai, the well-maintained cultural center is well worth a visit.
Address: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chennai 600 118, India
Hours: Wed-Mon: 10am - 6pm
Admission: Indians: Adult Rs 75, Children (5-12 years) Rs 20; Foreigners: Rs 200
From $ 11
Freak Street (Jhhonchen Tole)
If you were to go back in time and walk down Freak Street (Jhhonchen Tole or Jochen Tole) in the early 1970s, you’d find yourself surrounded by cheap hostels, New Age enlightenment shops, cafes and hordes of the hippies who gave the stretch of road its nickname. While the flower children have moved on since Freak Street’s heyday, the area remains a popular alternative to Thamel for dining and accommodation.
If you find yourself near Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, take the short walk to Freak Street for lunch or dinner at one of the quiet cafes, including a Ganesh restaurant or the tiny cake shop named Snowman. Everything from dining and hotels, to shops selling knick-knacks and bohemian attire tend to be cheaper here than in the more popular Thamel, making it worth a stop even if you’re not staying here.
If you find yourself near Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, take the short walk to Freak Street for lunch or dinner at one of the quiet cafes, including a Ganesh restaurant or the tiny cake shop named Snowman. Everything from dining and hotels, to shops selling knick-knacks and bohemian attire tend to be cheaper here than in the more popular Thamel, making it worth a stop even if you’re not staying here.
Please note that parts of Freak Street suffered
damages in the earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks in Nepal in late April
and early May 2015. Authorities have said they will do all they can to
restore historic and cultural sites in Nepal and are assessing the extent
of damages.
Address: Kathmandu, Nepal
From $ 46
Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai beach is a wide bay of palm-fringed coast 4km north-east of Hoi An. All glittering warm waters and white sand stretching for three kilometers, Cua Dai is a popular spot with both locals and travelers in the Quang Nam province.
From Hoi An’s old town, Cua Dai Beach is a relaxing bike ride past rice paddies and Thu Bon riverbank. When you get to the water, you’ll see plenty of people enjoying jet-skiing, paragliding and kitesurfing.
Vietnamese for "big sea mouth," Cua Dai beach looks out to the Cham archipelago, and is home to some of Hoi An’s ritzier hotels like Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort. A popular late-night spot, Zero SeaMile beach club is particularly lively, especially at the weekend when it hosts its own beach parties.
As Cua Dai Beach is part of the South China Sea, the waves don’t get too big, making it a good swimming spot that’s popular with local families, especially on weekends and local holidays.
For refreshments, there are plenty of pineapple and drinks sellers dotted along the beach, and seafood restaurants line the shore. There are always plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire for around 30,000VND for the day.
Practical Info
Ten minutes from Hoi An’s old town by taxi, many Hoi An hotels also offer shuttle buses out to Cua Dai beach. If you’d like to bike, just follow the Cua Dai Road to get here.
Address: Hoi An, Vietnam
From $ 45
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Few markets couple ephemeral wares—fresh fruits, fish, foods, and colorful flower bouquets—with culture, chaos, and tradition like the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. One of the largest and last remaining floating markets in Thailand, this authentic market has entranced travelers and photographers the world over with its vividly colorful scenes of vendors offering goods from long-tailed boats on the sleepy green Damnoen Saduak canal, built by King Rama IV in the 19th century.
The Basics
The famous floating market is commonly visited on half- and full-day tours from Bangkok. Popular options include a guided boat ride along the canal in a long-tailed speedboat or umbrella-shaded paddle boat and a riverside group bike excursion that explores the countryside and nearby canals (klongs) for a better appreciation of local life. Both group and private tours are available, and round-trip transportation from Bangkok is typically included. Because the market wraps up around midday, the experience is often coupled with a visit to the Sampran riverside Thai village or the stupa at Phra Pathom Chedi (Phra Pathommachedi) in Nakhon Pathom, the tallest stupa in Thailand.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no admission fee for the market.
- Remember to wear a hat and sunblock—much of the market is shadeless.
- Some of the vendor offerings are geared toward locals, while others typically sell souvenirs to travelers.
- Pay attention to your valuables and be courteous when taking photos of vendors or their goods.
- Vendors generally accept only Thai baht as payment.
How to Get There
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located some 62 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of downtown Bangkok city in the southern part of the Ratchaburi province, a journey of about 90 minute by road. Most visitors arrive by organized tour from Bangkok, though it is possible to take a taxi or public bus.
When to Get There
The market runs every morning from 7am to 11am. Arrive early for the best pick of the produce, to spend the most time wandering amid the vendors before boat traffic picks up around 9am, and to beat the heat, especially during the sweltering summer months of March, April, and May. Toward midday, when vendors pack up, it may be possible to negotiate for better deals.
What to Buy at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
To make the most of your market tour, you may want to interact with vendors and purchase some of their unusual, delicious, and practical goods. Taste smelly durian, order fried bananas served via fishing pole, or select a straw hat from a canalside stall. Whatever you choose, you’ll need to bring Thai baht in small bills and bartering skills. Bartering is part of the local culture and will help to get you the best price.
Address: Ratchaburi, Thailand
Hours: Daily 9am - 2pm
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Daan Forest Park
Considered by some to be the Central or Hyde Park of Taipei, this brilliant green oasis tucked between narrow city streets offers locals and travelers alike a quick escape route from the urban hustle.
The park, which opened in 1994, is a hub for outdoor activities. The grounds include several pavilions where local acts put on public performances, as well as walking paths that weave between towering palm trees. The running loop is thick with recreational athletes in the early morning hours, while the amphitheater, playground and skating rink offer plenty of alternatives for travelers looking to connect with nature without leaving the city.
Practical Info
Travelers can access the park via the Taipei Metro Daan Park Station near the park’s north end. It is also accessible via the Daan Station.
Address: Xinsheng South Road, Daan District, Taipei, Taiwan
From $ 25