With a variety of rich cultures, fabulous beaches, and delicious food, the Far East countries have always been enchanting to travelers. Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, see some wildlife, or experience historical sites firsthand, there’s never a shortage of things to do. With plenty of flights to and from the region, there’s never a better time to go on a Far East adventure,
Below, we’ve put together a list of what we consider the top 5 destinations of the Far East:
Bali, Indonesia
A provincial island of Indonesia, Bali is a sumptuous blend of luxury and deserted island paradise. With 5-star hotels, bars, and restaurants seamlessly blended into the open beaches and verdant mangroves, the island offers peace and seclusion without sacrificing any comfort in the process.
People visit Bali to surf, shop, go clubbing or pursue culture in the spiritual town of Ubud. With a competent road network and cheap scooter rental, it’s easy to get around the many sights and sounds, including:
- Ubud’s emerald rice paddy nature trek
- Pura Tanah Lot, the beautiful sea temple
- Mount Batur, the island’s active volcano
- The GitGit waterfall at the north of the island
Weather-wise, you can expect sun and blue skies, with the island being the most temperate between July and August. Bali is simply a magical place to visit.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is famous for its bustling street life, diversity, and incredible landmarks, including the enormous golden Reclining Buddha.
The city sees more visitors than any other in the world, and after spending some time exploring, you’ll soon see why. There are not many places in the world with such an enormous amount to see and do, such as:
- The world’s biggest Chinatown, a dynamic area with delicious food
- The Sky Bar where you can enjoy a drink atop of State Tower, one of the cities tallest buildings
- The cities various beautiful temples spread throughout the city
- Asiatique, a lively riverfront with over 1500 boutique shops, nightly shows, and 40 restaurants to choose from
- Bangkok Ocean World, an enormous aquarium, three stories beneath a shopping mall
With a tropical climate, the city is warm throughout the year but does see more rain in the winter months.
Palawan Islands, Philippines
Named one of the most beautiful places in the world, many times over, the island of Palawan is truly a must-visit. The island is relatively untouched and embodies everything that makes the Phillippines such a great travel destination.
One of the island’s highlights is the underground river of Puerto Princesa, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the world’s new seven wonders.
After a morning exploring the sub-terranean, take a look around Puerto Princesa itself. While Puerto Princesa is the island’s principal city, it’s surprisingly relaxed and is home to some fascinating small museums that are a must-see.
As with many of these destinations, the weather is temperate all year round but due to the chance of typhoons and rain, the best time to visit is during the months of October through to June.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is a city that refuses to be pigeonholed.
As the country’s financial center, the city boasts some incredible skyscrapers and grand-looking architecture. However, as you explore the city, you’ll come to see tell-tale signs of rich and exciting history. From Islamic details to colonial buildings, the city is an eclectic mix of new and old, with the 450-meter tall twin building, the Petronas, dominating the skyline.
While here, you’ll want to enjoy the Lake Gardens, a vast urban park that has an orchid garden and an incredible bird aviary.
When you’re done with that, be sure to check out the city’s comprehensive selection of shopping scene, with local market areas and high-end fashion, and everything in between.
Koh Samui, Thailand
If deserted white sandy beaches and gently swaying palm trees sounds like the perfect destination, then lookout for the best offers on a trip to Koh Samui, Thailand. Many choose to stay for extended breaks with a range of budget-friendly hotels, really letting themselves unwind and soak up the island’s relaxed atmosphere.
And of course, there’s plenty to do if you so wish, including visiting the island’s famous Big Buddha shrine, a striking 12-meter high golden Buddha that is worth the trek to get to. Another favorite of those visiting Koh Samui is the town of Bophut’s fisherman’s village. The village is home to rustic boutique stores amid upmarket restaurants on a slender beachfront where you can watch the sunset as you enjoy a meal. Aside from the shopping and cultural sights, the island is a nature lover’s paradise, too, with plenty of nature treks to explore the island’s fantastic wildlife.
