Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Antiquarium of the Palace Museum
Inside the walls of the Forbidden City complex—a vast museum in its own right—sits the Antiquarium of the Palace Museum. This collection is divided into galleries based on art form and features artifacts such as including paintings, clocks, pottery, furniture, and figures made of jade and bronze, some dating back to the days when Qing emperors roamed the halls and gardens of the Forbidden City. A look at the possessions of these Chinese emperors is a great way to get an idea of their enormous wealth and status.
Among the many notable artifacts is the Nine Dragon Screen, a colorful glazed brick wall—one of three of similar styles in China (the other two are in Beihai Park and Datong). Other exhibits worth a visit are the Treasure Gallery (inside the Palace of Tranquil Longevity) and the Clock Exhibition Hall (inside the Hall for Ancestry Worship).
Practical Info
The Antiquarium of the Palace Museum is located along the eastern side of the Forbidden City. The galleries are housed in the buildings to the east and west of the Meridian Gate entrance. Additional fees may apply for some exhibits.
Did You Know? Many of the ornate clocks on display in the Antiquarium were actually made in Great Britain.
Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Beijing, Northern China 100009, China
Hours: 8:30am–5pm
Admission: 10 RMB
From $ 69
Connaught Place
Delhi’s de facto city center, Connaught Place is a historical double traffic circle lined with chain stores, restaurants, and roadside stalls selling everything from snacks to magazines. It was built under British rule between 1929 and 1933 and retains its colonial flair, with white colonnaded buildings inspired by the Royal Crescent in Bath.
The Basics
Connaught Place, which Delhiites frequently refer to as CP, is one of Delhi’s best places for people-watching, shopping, or just soaking up the city’s fast-paced atmosphere. It’s also a good starting point for visiting other New Delhi attractions; the Bangla Sahib Sikh temple, India Gate, Janpath Market, and the Jantar Mantar observatory are all a stone’s throw away. As such, many Delhi group and private tours start or finish in Connaught Place, and some even include a meal in one of the area’s many popular restaurants.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beware of touts, some of whom try to befriend foreigners in Connaught Place in order to drive them to local shops—from which they’ll get heavy commissions.
- Crossing the street can be difficult here, particularly around the outer circle, but there are plenty of underground passageways, called “subways,” that make getting across roads easy.
- Bring cash for streetside shops, many of which do not take credit cards.
How to Get There
Connaught Place is located in Central Delhi, just south of the New Delhi Railway Station and north of India Gate. It’s is one of the easiest spots in Delhi to access by metro: Rajiv Chowk station sits below Connaught Place’s inner circle and serves both the Yellow and Blue Lines, making it a popular transit point. First-time travelers may want to avoid dealing with crowds in the metro and visit with a tour instead.
When to Get There
Connaught Place is most crowded in the evening and on Saturdays. Like all of New Delhi, the area can get unbearably hot during summer (May and June); during this time of year, it’s best to visit at or after sunset, when temperatures begin to cool down. Most shops open around 10am or 11am, remain open until 8pm or later, and are closed on Sunday.
Connaught Place for Foodies
Connaught Place has a ton of great spots to eat, from street-side snack stalls to classic, Raj-era establishments such Wenger’s bakery and United Coffee House, as well as a smattering of sleek bars, hip cafés, and American fast-food joints. Many tours of the area stop for a lunch in CP, often at the casual South Indian vegetarian eatery Saravana Bhavan.
Address: Connaught Place, New Dehli 110 001, India
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Arab Street
Arab Street is a small area of Singapore, not far from the busy Bugis Junction in the Kampong Glam district. The area is full of unique shops and a vibrant street life. Many visitors discover Arab Street when visiting the grand Sultan Mosque (Musjid Sultan), a large and beautiful building built in 1924.
In the surrounding streets, keen shoppers can find the most wonderful selection of fabric; find yourself some gorgeous sari material or wonderfully textured linens and have it sewn up by the tailors located upstairs. There are plentiful cafes, great Middle Eastern food and even luxurious spa treatments available.
Other popular goods for purchase include spices, woven baskets and fresh fruit. The more ambitious can try a shisha (hooka-style pipe) in one of the many late-night cafés, or listen to the live music at venues such as Blue Jazz.
It’s not all laid back and traditional in this area though. Head to Bali Lane for hardcore punk music and gothic glam clothing!
Address: Singapore
From $ 35
Bonham Strand
Bonham Strand is located in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island. The street ends at Des Voeux Road West, which is where Bonham Strand West Road begins. The streets were named after Sir George Bonham, the third Governor of Hong Kong in the mid-19th century.
This nostalgic market area is known for its old-fashioned shops, and is the place to head for traditional Chinese medicines and herbal remedies. There are also a whole host of other shops selling a range of food items, and it’s a particularly good place to buy dried seafood.
There are also a number of tailors in the area for those looking for custom-made clothing during their trip, and it’s just a short walk from Bonham Strand to the historic Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.
Practical Info
Most of the shops along Bonham Strand are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Address: Bonham Strand, Hong Kong, China
From $ 57
Coral Island
With crystal clear water and interminable stretches of fine white sand, Thailand’s Coral Island, or Koh Larn (Koh Lan), is paradise personified. About 4.5 miles (7 km) off the coast of Pattaya, Coral Island is a perfect day trip destination and a mecca for lovers of water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Popular Coral Island Activities & Things to Do
Coral Island caters to both island adventurers and those looking to relax. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to marvel at colorful fish, sea urchins, parrotfish, and sea sponges in the underwater world; kick things up a notch with a banana boat ride or parasailing experience; or simply sink your toes into the sand, enjoy a buffet lunch of freshly caught seafood, and work on getting the perfect sun tan.
How to Visit With Viator
Whether it’s to energize or exhilarate, Coral Island caters to the needs of every type of traveler. The majority of Coral Island tours depart from Pattaya Beach’s South Pier—the journey takes 15 minutes by speedboat. Tours typically include pickup from Pattaya hotels and a tour guide, as well as plenty of free time to explore Koh Larn’s six main golden beaches, all of which are flanked by seafood restaurants and offer opportunities for beach activities such as parasailing, water-skiing, and scuba diving in the green-blue waters. Opt for a private tour for the full experience.
Insider Tip
Before leaving Pattaya in favor of Coral Island’s blissful serenity, consider taking a city tour that stops by the Pattaya Floating Market, a visual feast of boats swelling with exotic produce, and the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, one of the city’s most popular attractions.
What Brings People to Coral Island
Travelers to Southeast Asia flock to these beautiful islands to escape the bustling crowds of mainland Thailand, recline on the white-sand beaches, and swim among a coral reef inhabited by diverse marine life. Although most tours are single-day options and beach bungalows on the island are more expensive than accommodations on the mainland, taking a Coral Island tour that includes an overnight stay allows you to take further advantage of the island’s idyllic beaches.
How to Get There
To get from Pattaya to Coral Island, you can only travel by boat. Therefore, you must first arrive in Pattaya city before heading out on a boat ride west to the island. Bangkok is about 90 miles (150 km) northwest of Pattaya Bay, and convenient transfer services are available from Bangkok hotels and the city’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The journey to Pattaya takes approximately two hours by road.
Address: Highway 3, Pattaya, Gulf of Thailand 20260, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Bongeunsa Temple
Situated in Seoul’s stylish Gangnam district, Bongeunsa Temple was founded in 794. Though it has been rebuilt many times, the temple remains an important center of Seon (Zen) Buddhism in South Korea. Panjeon, the oldest hall in the complex, is home to some 3,000 woodblocks carved with Buddhist scriptures and religious art.
The Basics
Though it’s not the most famous temple in Seoul—that distinction belongs to Jogyesa Temple—Bongeunsa Temple is featured on many tours of the city’s ritzy Gangnam district, along with Garosu-gil Road, COEX Mall, and the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs. Visitors can also opt to book an overnight temple stay, which typically includes monastic meals, a traditional tea ceremony, a temple tour, and guided meditation. Overnight stays must be booked in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple is worth a trip for spiritual travelers or those visiting the Gangnam District.
- Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Remember to dress respectfully, as the temple serves an active Buddhist community.
- Restrooms are available on the temple grounds.
How to Get There
Bongeunsa is centrally located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, and is easily accessible either on foot or by public transportation. Take Seoul subway line 9 to Bongeunsa Temple Station and leave through Exit 1.
When to Get There
The temple is open daily year-round, but the best time to visit is Thursday when the complex hosts a Temple Life program for visitors. Visit during the Lotus Lantern Festival in April to see the temple fully decorated for the celebration of Buddha’s birthday.
Jeongdaebulsa, A Celebration of Scripture
Each September, Bongeunsa Temple plays host to a Buddhist ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa. Visitors to the temple complex during this single-day event can see monks marching through the grounds carrying scriptures on their heads and reciting the Buddhist rites.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 81
Ao Nang Beach
Luxury beach resorts with pampering garden pools and high-end add-ons attract a jet-set crowd to Ao Nang Beach on the Andaman Sea. Ao Nang is an ideal base for island-hopping trips, sea-kayaking adventures and day tours to local attractions like snake farms, pineapple plantations and hot springs.
Diving excursions head off from Ao Nang to nearby Raillay or further afield to Koh Phi Phi. The seafront promenade at Ao Nang is lined with souvenir shops, tailors and restaurants.
Practical Info
Ao Nang Beach is 22 kilometers (13.5 miles) west of Krabi. Ferries run from here to Koh Phi Phi, and minibuses run to Krabi.
Address: Highway 4203, Ao Nang 81000, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Aokigahara Forest
The eerily quiet Aokigahara Forest calls out for lost souls. This forest, situated at the northwest base of Mount Fuji, has a long and storied history in Japanese mythology as a place of evil, demons, and paranormal activity. It’s not all ancient history, though; today, Aokigahara Forest sees more suicides per year than anywhere in the world other than the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
The forest has several nicknames, including the “Sea of Trees,” and – less flatteringly, “Suicide Forest.” Locals around the area say that people come into the forest for three reasons: hikers looking to see the splendid ice caves that dot the deep forest floor; people attracted to the stories and looking to see the carnage for themselves; and those people who do not plan to return. Suicide has become such a problem in the Aokigahara Forest that local authorizes have taken steps to curb it. There are signs throughout the forest encouraging those who have lost hope to reconsider, and security officers frequently patrol the park. The creepy Aokigahara Forest is a destination of mythological proportions.
Practical Info
Aokigahara Forest looks serene from above. The dense trees look up to the grand peak of Mount Fuji. Hikers should be extra careful here; large deposits of magnetic iron in the volcano’s soil are known to skew compasses, making orientation in the forest challenging. Despite the macabre lore, the Forest is a beautiful, unique hiking destination. From Tokyo, the Forest can be reached by the bullet train within a few hours.
Address: Aokigahara Forest, Japan
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
From $ 59
Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath Stupa)
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a major pilgrimage point near Kathmandu. Every day, Buddhists fill the square to light incense, turn prayer wheels, and perform kora—clockwise circumambulations—around the monument. Rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, the stupa is one of Nepal's most unmissable attractions.
The Basics
Nepal has been an important base for Tibetan Buddhism since the 1950s, when streams of Tibetan refugees were exiled from China. But Buddhism has always held a vital role in Nepali cultural life. The stupa of Boudhanath dates back to the 14th century. Along with Lumbini—the birthplace of the Buddha—and the hilltop temple of Swayambhu, it is one of the country’s standout Buddhist sites.
Visitors of all backgrounds can join processions around the stupa and spin the prayer wheels that surround the monument. Tibetan jewelry, handicraft, and thangka painting shops surround the bustling public square—actually a circle—and the city’s best Tibetan restaurants are located nearby. Most guided tours cover the stupa along with several other attractions (like Pashupati or Swayambhu) in the same day, making an ideal introduction for first-time visitors. There are private, small-group, and larger group excursion options available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boudhanath stupa is one of the most important religious sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Wear comfortable footwear if you plan on making kora around the stupa—108 is the holiest number.
- Unable to walk? Visitors can still partake by lighting incense or a butter candle.
- Don’t miss a taste of traditional Tibetan noodle dishes in a local eatery.
How to Get There
Most tours offer complimentary hotel pickup in Kathmandu—a short distance away. Otherwise, taxi rides can be arranged. Although entirely pedestrian, the stupa of Boudhanath is easily reached by a main roadway.
When to Get There
On a typical day, most Buddhist worshippers arrive at dawn to circumambulate around the stupa. To soak up the most spiritual ambiance, time your visit with local monks, nuns, and Tibetan residents. In February or March, Boudha hosts the Tibetan New Year festival of Losar, and Buddha Jayanti (Buddha’s birthday) is celebrated in April or May during the full moon, an auspicious time for Buddhists.
Get an Eyeful of Tibetan Art
The intricately hand-painted devotional images, known as thangka paintings, are for sale in handicraft shops surrounding the stupa. Colorful and vibrant, they depict Buddhists deities or cosmic realms, painted with an astonishing attention to detail. Pick up your own souvenir painting, or wander the shops to get a firsthand peek at the centuries-old Tibetan art form.
Address: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
From $ 19
Bosingak Belfry
The Bosingak Belfry refers to an ornate pavilion in central Seoul that houses a bell with a history that dates all the way back to the 14th century. Located opposite the modern Jongno Tower, the original bell was constructed in 1396 and used during the Joseon Dynasty to keep time and act as an alarm to alert people of fires and other emergencies.
Back then, the bell rang out 33 times (for the 33 Buddhist heavens) every morning at 4am, and the gates to the city were opened for the day. Each night at 10pm, they rang out 28 times (representing the location of the stars of constellations), to signal the closure of the gates and the start of the nightly curfew.
The original bell melted in a fire and was replaced in 1468. For preservation purposes, this bell now sits in the gardens of the National Museum of Korea, and the current bell you can see today is a replacement made with contributions from the public that was mounted in the same spot in 1985.
In a ceremony that starts at 11am, the guardsmen who patrol the tower ring the bell 12 times at noon from Tuesday through Sunday. A small-group walking tour is a great way to visit Bosingak Belfry, allowing you to take in other attractions in Seoul, such as Gyeonghuigung Palace, Daehamun, Cheonggyecheon Plaza, and the various landmarks of Jongno.
Insider’s Tip: If you happen to be in Seoul over New Year’s Eve, head down to the Bosingak Belfry, where a huge event is organized and the bell is rung 33 times at midnight.
Practical Info
The Bosingak Belfry is located along Jongno, the major financial and cultural center of Seoul, and is easily walkable from Gwanghwamun Square. Alternatively, take subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station and use exit 4.
Address: 54 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 47
AP State Museum
The AP State Archeology Museum is Hyderabad’s oldest museum and home to some of the state’s most-prized artifacts that were excavated from the museum’s original site. And while these items certainly offer a glimpse into the ancient times of locals, it’s the Egyptian mummy exhibit and the expansive Buddha gallery that attract most visitors, plus an impressive collection of items from the Kakatiya dynasty. This museum is perfect for families traveling with children and ideal for history buffs looking to learn more about the rich history of this Indian state.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed on Fridays and the second Saturday of each month. Entry is 20Rs per person with an additional fee for those who want to take photos.
Address: 5-10-193, I Floor, H A C A Bhavan, P G Road, Near Control Room, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 500004, India
Admission: 20Rs
From $ 77
Borobudur
The Buddhist temple of Borobudur is recognized not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also the largest Buddhist structure on earth. Towering stone stupas stretch into the skies, and Indonesia’s breathtaking natural backdrop of volcanoes and lush landscapes lends an even more impressive air to this remarkable sight.
The Basics
Borobudur, built in the seventh and eighth centuries, consists of six square platforms decorated with more than 2,500 relief panels and some 500 Buddha statues, making it one of the most decorated temples on earth. Guided tours of the complex uncover the stories behind the imagery while giving visitors a better understanding of nirvana, karmic laws, and the life of Buddha. You can choose between intimate small-group tours, private tours, or combo tours that might include cycling through nearby villages, rafting on the Progo River, or visits to Pawon and Mendut Temples. If you have some extra time, opt for a two-day tour that includes a visit to Prambanan, a UNESCO-listed Hindu temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Borobudur temple is a must-see for all first-time visitors to central Java.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Borobudur tours from Yogyakarta city can last anywhere from six to 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.
How to Get There
Borobudur is located in the Kedu Plain on the Indonesian island of Java. It is accessible via bus from the Jombor terminal in Yogyakarta. Buses also run regularly from Magelang and take about one hour. Door-to-door minibuses are also available.
When to Get There
Borobudur is Indonesia’s most visited attraction, so it’s a good idea to arrive early on a weekday to beat the crowds. You’ll find the best weather in the dry season, from April to October. Expect high humidity and frequent rainfall from November to March.
Sunrise at Borobudur
For many a traveler, watching a beautiful sunrise from the top of Borobudur is a bucket-list experience. A Borobudur sunrise tour gets you into the complex in the early morning, before the main gate opens, for a chance to see (and photograph) the stupas at their most photogenic.
Address: Magelang, Indonesia
Hours: Open from 6am until 5pm
Admission: $20-25
From $ 25
Araksa Tea Plantation
Located atop a hill in the lush countryside that surrounds Chiang Mai, the Araksa Tea Plantation is one of the oldest plantations of its kind in Thailand. Specializing in producing high quality black Assam tea, Araksa's rich soil and high elevation make for ideal planting and conditions, allowing for the cultivation of quality tea leaves.
Open to the public to explore, a trip to the plantation will give you an insight into the origins of Thailand’s loved beverage. Stroll through the tea plants, help pick the leaves, learn the art of brewing the perfect cup, and, of course, sample some of the aromatic Assam tea for yourself.
During your behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the tea plantation, you can also learn more about the history of tea-making in Thailand, from its traditions to the various production processes involved.
Practical Info
An Araksa Tea Plantation tour can be arranged with either a morning or afternoon departure.
Address: 75 Moo1 Bangchang, Mae Tang, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Aquaria KLCC
Located on the concourse level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the middle of the Golden Triangle, Aquaria KLCC houses some 5,000 aquatic and marine creatures representing more than 150 species. The 60,000-square-foot (5,574-square-meter) aquarium explores the marine and freshwater flora and fauna of the Malaysian region and the world. Highlights include a 295-foot (90-meter) glass tunnel with a moving walkway, where visitors pass beneath giant stingrays, sand tiger sharks, sea turtles and schools of fish, as well as a wave tank and simulated glass bottom boat.
Throughout the day, the oceanarium’s team of scuba divers drop into the tanks for interactive animal feeding shows. Those who want a closer look at the animals can sign up for Dive with Sharks or Cage Rage experiences.
Practical Info
Aquaria KLCC is open daily until 8pm. Check feeding times online before you go so you don’t miss seeing your favorite animals chowing down.
Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 10:30am–8pm
From $ 15
Ao Phang Nga National Park
Known for its limestone rock formations rising out of the turquoise Andaman Sea, the protected Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park covers a large swathe of water in southern Thailand. Many visitors come to the area to enjoy the scenery and take part in watersports.
The Basics
Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park was created by royal decree in 1981 to preserve area marine life. The park covers more than 40 islands in the Andaman Sea, including Khao Phing Kan, known as “James Bond Island” after its islet Ko Ta Pu appeared in the movie The Man With the Golden Gun. Diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are popular, as are island-hopping boat tours, which usually include swimming and snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boats and ferries visit Phang Nga Bay from Krabi, Phuket, and the Phi Phi islands.
- See multiple highlights in one day on an island-hopping boat tour.
- Many tours include lunch or other refreshments.
- Remember to wear suitable footwear if you’re planning to take part in watersports.
- Pack your sunscreen: the sun is strong here.
How to Get There
Ao Phang Nga National Park covers most of Phang Nga Bay in the Andaman Sea. Most people come by ferry or private boat from Krabi or Phuket, or they enjoy the islands as part of a pre-booked guided tour. The closest airport is Krabi.
When to Get There
To get the best of the weather, plan to visit Phang Nga from November to March. This part of Thailand is hot during April and May, and in the rainy season (late May to October), there are often heavy downpours.
See Ancient Rock Art in Phang Nga
A number of the limestone islands in Ao Phang Nga National Park have ancient wall paintings, some more than 3,000 years old. Khao Khian island is one of the best sites for viewing the cave paintings, which include depictions of humans, bats, boats, birds, fish, and elephants. While most drawings are monochrome, there are some done in color.
Address: Phangnga, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple, located in the heart of Qufu city, is the oldest and largest temple of its kind within China. Along with the Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion, the temple forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site collectively known as San Kong (meaning ‘The Three Confucian Sites’).
Built in 479 BC, shortly after Confucius’ death, the temple features an impressive 466 halls, pavilions, and other rooms that are surprisingly still intact. Over the years, alterations and expansions on the temple building have transformed it into a sprawling complex with nine rows of courtyards leading up to a statue of Confucius before the temple entrance.
The Great Accomplishment Hall forms the main basis of the building, which features another statue of Confucius and a stone inscription of the Ming Dynasty, with various images depicting the story of Confucius.
Practical Info
The Confucius Temple and the other Confucius sites are situated in the city of Qufu in the southwest of Shandong Province. The Confucius Temple and the Kong Family Mansion are situated in one area, with the cemetery just a short taxi ride away.
Address: Banbi St, Qufu, Jining, Shandong, China, China
From $ 73
Con Dao National Park
If you’re looking for a remote island wilderness where you can hike jungle trails, swim at remote beaches and scuba dive in rich coral reefs, Con Dao National Park can deliver it all. The park surrounds the Con Dao Archipelago, including a large area of the ocean around the islands as well. At the middle of this group of 15 islands and islets is Con So, the largest of the island, and it’s here that most visitors spend their time. The island was formerly used by the French and South Vietnamese as a prison camp, but today you can find a handful of hotels and a dive shop that offers boat trips to the surrounding reefs. Just a few minutes outside of the town, you can visit the National Park Headquarters to arrange trips to other islands, hire guides for treks into the interior, and buy permits for access to certain parts of the forest.
Practical Info
Visitors can get to Con Dao National Park from Ho Chi Minh City either by plane, there’s a small airport on the island of Con So and flights take about 45 minutes, or by overnight ferry from Vung Tau Port, which takes 12 hours.
Address: Con So, Vietnam
From $ 255
Botanical Gardens
Established in 1921 during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the Taipei Botanical Gardens displays more than 2,000 species of plants throughout its 17 garden districts and 20 acres (8 hectares). Walking paths take visitors past nine ponds and through two buildings, both registered historic sites. The first, built in 1888 was once a Qing-dynasty administrative building that currently houses the National Museum of History, and the other currently serves as a herbarium.
Apart from the mundane gardens -- bamboo, succulents, ferns and the like -- the Botanical Gardens maintains some interesting themed areas as well. Learn about plants used for daily life in the Economic Crops Garden, and see the hundreds of varieties of plants mentioned in ancient Chinese literature, like Journey to the West, in the Chinese Classical Literature Botanical Garden. Be sure to stop by the Sensory Garden, a space filled with plants you can touch and smell.
You might assume spring is the best time for a visit, but the botanists at the Botanical Gardens have carefully curated plants to ensure a year-round show of color.
Apart from the mundane gardens -- bamboo, succulents, ferns and the like -- the Botanical Gardens maintains some interesting themed areas as well. Learn about plants used for daily life in the Economic Crops Garden, and see the hundreds of varieties of plants mentioned in ancient Chinese literature, like Journey to the West, in the Chinese Classical Literature Botanical Garden. Be sure to stop by the Sensory Garden, a space filled with plants you can touch and smell.
You might assume spring is the best time for a visit, but the botanists at the Botanical Gardens have carefully curated plants to ensure a year-round show of color.
Address: NO.53, Nan-Hai Road, Taipei 10066, Taiwan
Hours: Daily 4:00am - 10:00pm
From $ 129
Ao Luk
Located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Krabi, Ao Luk provides visitors a playground of outdoor adventures. While Krabi might bring to mind images of idyllic beaches, Ao Luk is more about the jungle, especially within Than Bok Khorani National Park. Here, eco-tourists find abundant treks, waterfalls, caves, mangrove forests and the stunning (and swimmable) Bok Khorani pond. The park also contains a series of small islands popular for canoeing, snorkeling and diving.
An alternate way to explore the Ao Luk district is in the tree tops themselves. Tree Top Adventure Park, one of the area’s most popular attractions, takes visitors through the canopy from platform to platform by way of rope walks, zip lines, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and flying skateboards.
Practical Info
Buses traveling between Krabi and Phuket stop in Ao Luek.
Address: Ao Luek, Thailand
From $ 31
Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay)
Krabi is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, idyllic beaches and peaceful mangrove forests, and Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay) represents one of the most beautiful mangrove forests in all of Thailand. On this stretch of coast 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Krabi Town, dense mangroves shroud the karsts and cliffs, hiding caves, small inlets and secluded lagoons.
The best way to explore Ao Thalane is with paddle in hand. Shaded by the canopy, kayaking through the winding network of mangrove roots gets visitors close to nature, where it’s possible to spot kingfishers, crab-eating Macaques, river otters, herons, monkeys, monitor lizards and snakes. It’s an ideal place to escape the bustle of Ao Nang or Krabi for a day spent surrounded by only the sounds of nature.
Practical Info
Generally, mid-tide is the best time for kayaking in Ao Thalane, as it will be possible to explore more areas. Low tide, however, offers better access to caves and better chances to see the critters living on the muddy banks.
Address: Khao Thong Subdistrict, Krabi, Thailand
From $ 34