Far Eastern travel: what makes it so special?
Long-haul flights to any destination can take hours on end. As every minute passes, you can be forgiven for feeling a little impatient, but once you get off the plane, you’re relieved to be on land and want to explore straight away. When visiting Far East Asia, you’re likely to experience just that, no matter which country you visit.
From Hokkaido in the far north of Japan to the laid-back Indonesian island of Bali, you’re sure to wind up somewhere with a unique culture, countless visitor attractions and a cuisine that makes use of a wide variety of ingredients, flavours and textures. Beauty is something many nations in the Far East have in common, but how beautiful are they?
Turning Japanese
Japan is a land of contrasts. The major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka are bustling and packed with futuristic skyscrapers and minimalist apartments. Away from the alluring urban sprawl, the mountains that sit in the centre of the archipelago are incredibly beautiful, as are some of the traditional Buddhist temples which are dotted around the country.
One of the most famous Buddhist temples in Japan is the Todaiji, which was built in 1709. As an example of traditional Japanese architecture, it’s one of the finest. It’s also a place for practising Buddhists to pray, meditate and learn more about their faith, but there are thousands like it all over the Far East.
Fun on the islands
Further south, tourists who want a little peace could do much worse than head to countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. In Thailand, for example, there are plenty of beaches that are perfect for soaking up the sun, while scuba diving off the Thai coast is an activity that’s one for all adrenaline junkies to attempt!
Chiang Mai, away from the coast, is a hotspot for those who seek something a little quieter, and has plenty to offer. Walking through the dense forest which surrounds the city, exploring the local architecture and sampling traditional Thai cuisine are all things tourists in and around the province should do.
Euphoria in Indonesia
Scuba diving is something many visitors to Indonesia can take part in, especially further east where the sea life is more diverse and visually stunning. Anyone staying in a hotel in Bali could do worse than explore the sea and all it has to offer. Elsewhere on the island, there are countless luxury hotels and bars where local drinks are served to cool you down during the extremely hot summer days.
Further north, neighbouring Malaysia is just as famous for its beaches, but it has more than its fair share of landmarks which are sure to take your breath away. In Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, the amazing Petronas Towers, among the world’s tallest skyscrapers, are great to take photos of, while the Mulu Caves are also worth seeing up close.
Wherever you decide to head in the Far East, there are a few things you can guarantee. You’re likely to be within easy reach of a few impressive sights, you won’t be too far away from a nice, sandy beach and the food will probably be to die for.
Image Source: Virgin Holidays (Asia and Far East)
