Asia is slightly mysterious, incredibly colourful, culturally heterogeneous and completely different to what Britons are used to. From ancient remains to tropical rainforests and a mixture of religions the Asian region is a top priority for many travellers. Of course the Asian continent is vast and there is much to see, but if you could only visit a handful of places, these are the ones that should come top of the list.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The intriguing temple complex at Angkor Wat in Cambodia is shrouded in mystery. It was built for King Suryavarman II in the 12th century in classic Khmer style. It is the largest religious building in the world and a symbol of Cambodia, yet much is still unknown about the building and its former residents. For example, the temple faces west unlike other Angkorian temples, and historians have no idea why. Surrounded by lakes and rainforest, this ancient gem is truly wonderful.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is breathtaking. The steep and towering limestone rock formations rise magnificently out of the emerald sea. The region is often dusted with mist and traditional fishing boats eerily scour the water for fish. This place looks more like a scene from a movie than real life.
Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
The world’s oldest tropical rainforest is in the Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia. The rainforest is home to a huge range of unique wildlife, from the Asian elephant and Sumatran Rhino to the Malayan tiger and crab-eating macaque and some parts of the forest are still, as yet, unexplored.
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Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal in India is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It truly is the jewel in India’s crown. Dating back to the 1600s, it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The architecture and its scale are mesmerising. Visit at sunrise to watch the walls change colour with the rising sun.
Mount Everest, Nepal
The highest mountain on earth is nature’s greatest feat of engineering. Although you might not be physically able to climb it, it’s still worth visiting base camp and the surrounding Sagarmatha National Park. The scenery is out of this world with vivid blue glacial pools, rocky glacier tracks, vast meadows and of course towering snow-covered peaks.
If you want to visit one of these destinations in the near future, check out the range of all inclusive holidays from Thomas Cook. You don’t have to spend a fortune on these long-haul destinations and you might actually be surprised at just how affordable holidays to India and Malaysia, for example, actually are.
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