Winter is coming, and more and more unemployed (or working remotely) parents with preschool-aged children are heading out into the warmth for at least a couple of months. Enjoy the short summer. Finally, take a swim in something warmer than the nearest river. All islands are expensive, India is somewhat specific and is not suitable for everyone, South America fascinating, but does not let you relax. Most popular destination – Southeast Asia.
On the map, the region looks quite compact: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have completely curled up into a ball, releasing a thin trickle of Malaysia and Indonesia into Pacific Ocean, Myanmar mysteriously stuck to the side, somehow the Philippines appeared to the side, poorly visible on the map, Singapore is difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Yet countries differ greatly.
1. Thailand
I start with the most popular, simple and comfortable. The country is good a huge number of islands and beaches, a variety of hotels, apartments and houses for rent, beautiful transport network and good roads. Of course, here too there are corners where only the tarantai rides along the serpentine road, and at the end simple concrete walls around the bed will await you, but this is optional.
The Internet situation is quite acceptable, there are several excellent hospitals.
The food is good: it’s delicious for adults, but for children there are always pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruits, rice, fish, chicken, broths, pasta (only bad with milk).
Besides, Tai is literally stuffed with national parks(it’s very healthy for children to walk and look at plants and monkeys), temples (again, educational value in addition to the opportunity to run around vast open-air spaces), horses and elephants, which are interesting to ride, national villages(where adults are interested and beautiful, and locals are touched when they see a white child, especially in a sling).
What in Thailand can create discomfort, so this is the price for renting cars. A little expensive. And, of course, the whole country and a lot of foreigners ride a scooter with a child, but one can also understand those who prefer a car.
2. Malaysia
A country that is often forgotten. However, overall she wealthier neighboring Thailand . There are beaches and islands, the buses are amazing, and the people speak English. Kuala Lumpur has the largest playgrounds I have ever seen in my life. Huge malls, coffee shops and an aquarium.
What's in Malaysia not convenient, so this is the beach seasonality: the east of the country (Tioman, Perhentian) is inaccessible until February due to the monsoons. That is, until February you are offered Langkawi, Penang and Pangkor, after which they will be added eastern islands, in which fish are beautifully demonstrated to children (they can even be seen “from above” - for small children).
In Malaysia there are no problems with shops, and therefore with necessary goods. Medicine is also available in sufficient quantities.
3. Singapore
Well, what can I say? Singapore beautiful, comfortable, safe and teeming with interesting things to do for children and parents.
But it is expensive, so it is suitable for a short visit. The kids will definitely love it.
4. Indonesia
Very big and different. And it has Bali in it.
Bali is separate. Whether to go to Bali with a child is a question. This is a surf island. To swim, you need to go east, away from everything. There will be no such beaches and sand as in Thailand. But if swimming a child in the sea is not an end in itself, then Bali is good: cool houses, a party scene, cheap housekeepers and nannies, stunning nature, shops. People who idolize children.
Medicine is present in the form of very decent hospitals, cars for rent are cheap, and the stores have absolutely everything from baby food to mozzarella. Swimming pools, children's centers (English speaking).
But life in Bali is in full swing: there are traffic jams and dense buildings. Don't expect a sudden hit to the bounty, you will have to look for it or create it.
And one more “but”: the Internet crawls rather than flies.
The closest to Bali in terms of “civilization” is the neighboring Lombok with its satellite islands Gili, which are completely filled with tourist housing and other infrastructure.
Rest of Indonesia varied but simple. This applies to medicine, food, transport. There are a lot of routes on which there are simply no comfortable buses, only local ugly ones with chickens and pigs. Somewhere there is no hotel with hot water. Long-term housing in such a volume as in Bali cannot be found anywhere.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t travel around Indonesia with children (I spent a month with two small children in Sulawesi this winter and it was great), you just need to be prepared and understand what it’s like “out there”.
And you also need to thoroughly study the situation with malaria in the places where you are going. And avoid areas where it is common, of course.
5. Myanmar
A beautiful and mysterious country for many, which not so long ago and has not yet fully opened up to tourism, it is quite conditionally suitable for holidays with children. Medicine here is very simple, no international level hospitals. The Internet is a completely different story; for now it’s easier to think that it’s almost non-existent in the country. There are no ATMs. Local transport is very exotic and authentic, but if you have a child, most likely you will choose flights.
Very beautiful, very soulful and very unusual. Myanmar is suitable for an excursion for a couple of weeks if you believe in yourself and your offspring or are ready for flights.
6. Laos
Laos is colorful. But simple. If anything happens, you will go to Thailand for treatment. The situation with food and transport depends on your luck. With the Internet - “if you’re lucky.” The north is more touristy than the south.
Traveling with a small child in Laos may not be very comfortable if you worry about health and food, as well as the possible lack of hot water or good transport. But there is plenty of interesting nature, temples, cycling and strange local transport, as well as waterfalls and caves. So from the age of 4 with a child it can already be very interesting to play adventures.
Laos is more comfortable than Myanmar, but less convenient than Vietnam. Like Myanmar, it is more suitable for a trip of a couple of weeks.
7. Cambodia
One of the most controversial countries. Some people adore her, live with their children for years and are afraid of the thought of leaving. Someone is afraid to move in.
Undoubtedly, the comfort is rather poor, although there are enough good hotels within the tourism industry. Cheap taxi - can be used as intercity transport. The food is unimpressive and a bit expensive for a poor Asian country, but... tourist places hamburgers are on point.
With children it will be most comfortable at sea in Sihanoukville, in the temples of Angkor (they are interested in climbing) and in Battambang in caves and on a bamboo train.
It is better to get treatment in Thailand.
8. Vietnam
From good– ubiquitous Internet, cheap or free. Availability interesting places like vibrant markets and nature in the north, architecture in the center and beaches along with the Mekong Delta in the south. The places are not very childish, but you will be able to captivate the child with at least something unusual.
Transport - nothing. Trains and sleeper buses are relatively decent.
Worse: With medicine, things are worse than in Thailand, Malaysia and Bali. Residents speak English also worse. Moreover, they deceive and inflate prices much more, which is sometimes very tiring. The food is different, but more for adults.
Somewhat inconvenient season: Always warm in the south in Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc. And north of Nha Trang until February it is quite unpleasant, rainy and cold.
The sea, except in Fukuoka, is quite childish. It's kite surfing: waves.
Personally, I like the thought of traveling around Vietnam with children, but if I wanted to “hang around” in place, I would choose a different option.
8. Philippines
I won’t climb into this steppe yet, because personal experience is absent, and I don’t want to write relying on other people’s theses.
In conclusion, I would like to say that all of Southeast Asia is beautiful, interesting and diverse. There are places where it is easier to entertain a child. But every mother will be able to make a trip to any part of the world interesting for her child, if only she wants to: look with what delight the child looks into your eyes, hearing about why volcanoes erupt and how a pontoon bridge works, how joyfully he climbs into the boat and jumps on the bed in the next home. Choose what best suits your idea of relaxation and your inner mood at the moment - and off you go!
The authoritative Australian magazine Holidays with Kids conducted a survey among its readers to determine the 10 most best resorts in Asia for family vacation.
In choise best hotels 38 thousand readers of the magazine took part.
Readers could vote for only one hotel, rating it on the following criteria: entertainment for children, quality of child care and babysitting services, standard of accommodation, location, value for money.
So which hotels did Holidays with Kids readers choose?
10 Best Family Hotels in Asia:
1. Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort Sabah, Malaysia
Borneo is becoming increasingly popular with families looking for a holiday with special comfort and quality. With its own orangutan training center, Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort Sabah is the ideal place to introduce holidays with children. And such entertainment as horse riding, aquatic species ATV sports and safaris provide children with special pleasure, keeping them occupied and entertained.
2.Club Med Bali Nusa Dua, Bali
The newly refurbished hotel provides a relaxing and wonderful holiday in Bali for the whole family. This is one of the most beautiful resorts Club Med networks Beautiful grounds, Balinese-style bungalows, a beautiful beach with palm trees and white sand, lots of entertainment for children of all ages. Club Med operates on an all-inclusive basis. Packages include children's daily activities for children of all ages throughout the day.
3.Bali Dynasty Resort Kuta, Bali
Another favorite from Malaysia (Borneo) is Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa Sabah. This resort combines elegance and sophistication with tropical exoticism and the virtually untouched nature of Borneo. The hotel's Children's Club is one of the largest in Malaysia.
6. Laguna Holiday Club Resort Phuket,Thailand
Located in the Laguna complex on Bangtao Bay, this resort has a beautiful water park with waterfalls and rides, as well as a kids' club with daily programs (including a visit to the baby elephant park!).
7. Serene Villas Seminyak, Bali
Serene Villas Seminyak offers beautiful villas in a calm and cozy area of Bali. The hotel offers a special villa experience with a stunning tropical garden and swimming pool, giving your family more space and privacy. This hotel is rated as a hotel that “gives the opportunity for families to have a great time together.”
8. Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
Many tourists are touched by the care that the hotel shows for its little guests - an excellent daily program in the Kid's Club, gifts for children upon arrival, a special menu in the restaurant, as well as waterslides in the fresh water pool, babysitting services. Especially for families, there are Two-bedroom Suits, which can comfortably accommodate a family with several children. These numbers come with a Playstation game console.
9. Disney's Hollywood Hotel, Hong Kong
Disney's Hollywood Hotel is one of the themed hotels in Hong Kong. Disneyland and Hollywood Hotel are known for their themed entertainment for the whole family. You can run into your favorite characters even during lunch, or you can swim with Goofy! Kids just love it! Hotel guests receive an additional free day at Disneyland.
10. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort,Thailand
This resort is just a few minutes' walk from the hustle and bustle of Patong city centre, but on a secluded private beach and surrounded by lush tropical jungle, tourists are greeted with an oasis of beauty and peace. For families, the hotel features Large Family Suites, and on-site activities include a kids' club, fitness center and cooking school.
It's no secret that beach holiday in Asian countries it is considered the best - the tourism industry has refined almost all “wild” and remote settlements and fishing villages, and prices here are much lower than in Europe or the Caribbean. We have compiled a list of the best resorts in Asia for you.
One of the most popular Thai resorts among Russians is the island of Phuket. This southern province countries and most big Island on its territory (its area is almost equal to the area of Singapore).
Things to do
Phuket is suitable for both a beach holiday and an active pastime: there are excellent beaches, comfortable hotels, clubs, bars, discos, picturesque natural spots - waterfalls, bays, gardens and a lot of historical attractions.
The Karon Beach area is a favorite place for partygoers from all over the world, with a developed entertainment infrastructure. Kamala beaches are a calm and secluded place, ideal for a family holiday. The sea in Phuket is quite calm, big waves are rare here.
How to get there
Direct by charter flight. Airplanes fly to Phuket from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, Vladivostok and other cities. You can get to the island on your own from the capital of Thailand - Bangkok.
Boracay, Philippines
Part of the coast of Boracay called White Beach, according to the ratings of world researchers, is in the top 10 best beaches peace. Another undoubted advantage of this place is the almost zero crime rate.
Things to do
Here you can stay in a hotel remote from the coast or rent a bungalow right on the coast. The infrastructure includes cafes, bars, restaurants, disco clubs and souvenir shops. Divers enjoy going to Boracay - there are more than 10 diving centers on the island.
Windsurfers and kitesurfers also love to visit these places - they are attracted by the steady wind, especially at Bulabog Beach. Respectable businessmen can relax in a massage parlor or spa center or play golf.
Among the attractions are the underwater Dead Forest, an exhibition of shells in the local museum and the mysterious bat caves.
How to get there
Boracay has no own airport and to get here you need to use a rather difficult route. One option is a flight from Moscow, Vladivostok or Yakutsk to Panay with a transfer in the Philippine capital of Manila. Ferries and boats run from Panay Island, neighboring Boracay. Please note that sea transport does not operate at night.
Hainan, China
The tropical island of Hanan is located in southern China. This is not only an excellent resort place, but also a large Cultural Center- Various celebrations and festivals are held here all year round. The island also has a developed entertainment infrastructure - there are many nightclubs, discos and bars. There is even a special club for Russians. In addition, there is a famous Chinese medicine center here.
Things to do
The island offers tourists many attractions - the "Edge of the World" park, monkey island, butterfly gorge, Buddhist center, Maan volcano, safari zoo with free-roaming animals.
The local Oceanarium is worthy of special mention, where you can feed crocodiles, see long-lived sea turtles, admire a collection of exotic birds from all over the country, and even ride an ostrich.
Dadonghai Beach is one of the most popular resorts on the island. There are restaurants, shops, cafes, food market. Wide choose hotels for every taste: from hostels to five-star ones. Almost everywhere there are Russian-speaking staff.
Local residents call Yalongwan “yaochi” - “earthly paradise”. There is a diving center and casino here. Catering points, clubs and shops are located mainly on hotel premises.
How to get there
Direct flight from Moscow to Sanya. Flight time is approximately 10 hours.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi - main island on the archipelago of the same name. In total there are 99 islands, 4 of which are inhabited.
Things to do
For active rest suitable excursions to caves, waterfalls, lakes and mountain ranges, trips to sky bridges and cable car. The resort's infrastructure includes restaurants, cafes, bars, spa centers and duty-free shopping centers. Both diving and snorkeling (swimming under the surface of the water) are widespread here. You can go fishing or go on a boat trip.
The beaches of the island are recognized as healing - sea water and the purest white sand contain a high percentage of minerals that have a beneficial effect on joints, bones and respiratory organs. The downside of this resort is that the tides are quite strong.
How to get there
Transit flight from Moscow to Langkawi with a transfer to Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Bangkok or Dubai. The flight will be at least 15 hours. Next - by ferry.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc is the ecological center of Vietnam. Most of The islands are pristine wild forests that are part of a national reserve.
Things to do
The largest diving school in the country, low prices rental equipment and magnificent seascapes attract huge streams of deep-sea diving enthusiasts. The infrastructure is not very developed, but there are cafes and volleyball courts on the beaches.
Entertainment options include a visit to a black pepper farm, a trip to a museum and a pearl plantation, and squid fishing.
How to get there
Direct flight “Moscow-Ho Chi Minh City” to Bangkok, Nha Trang and Hanoi. Next - take a domestic flight to Fukuoka. A connecting flight will take 20 hours or more.
Bali, Indonesia
The most popular resorts located in the southern part of the island. Most favorite place holiday for Russians - the resort of Kuta.
Things to do
Kuta - developed tourist area. There are many different hotels, large shopping centers, spa centers, restaurants, clubs and cafes here. The resort is located close to Ngurah airport. A well-groomed and clean (albeit crowded) beach with a flat sandy bottom, without sharp corals or dangerous rocks, is perfect for surfers. The sea also favors those who like to ride a board - there is a constant wind and strong waves.
The downside is the almost complete lack of attractions. You can visit a water park, a shell museum, or a local theater with exotic performances.
This is an ideal place for rest and relaxation: people come here for the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine, bathing in healing springs with mineral water and local massage. However, beach holidays and the entertainment industry here are also at the same level. A rich and multicultural excursion program: from Jewish synagogues to Dutch churches.
How to get there
There are no direct flights to Kerala from Russia. The most common scheme is an international airline to any major Indian city, then transfer to domestic flight to one of the airports in Kerala - most often to Trivandrum. The flight from the Russian capital will take at least 8 hours.
Here is a list of the cheapest places in Southeast Asia where you can enjoy great... resort holiday for little money. The most wallet-friendly countries in the region are Cambodia, Vietnam, India and Thailand.
The main comparison criteria, which we will consider below, will be: road, housing, meals and food costs, leisure and service, transport rental.
Cambodia is considered one of the cheapest countries in the region in terms of price level. On average, the minimum daily set of needs, including excursions, will cost a tourist 10–15 dollars. 20–25 dollars will get you average level comfort every day.
Flight
The cost of travel from Russia to Cambodia and back starts from 25 thousand rubles per person. Prices vary depending on the month, air carrier, number of transfers, travel time and points of departure and arrival. Let us remind you that choosing “difficult” routes and ordering tickets in both directions at once are good ways to save money.
Housing
The cost of one night under the roof of the hostel will be about 200 rubles, a bed in a 6-bed dorm will cost 300 rubles. You can spend a night in a double room in the cheapest hotel for 800 rubles; a similar overnight stay in a “three stars” will cost 1,100 rubles.
Renting a modest one-room studio on your own will lighten your wallet by $150 a month; a more comfortable apartment with a separate kitchen will be yours for $300.
Nutrition
Cambodia was once called the “country of one dollar” because of its cheapness. Now for this amount you can buy a loaf of bread, a bottle of mineral water or vegetable oil, a package of eggs, about 4 kg of rice or 1 kg of sugar, a can of beer or a fruit dessert. A hearty dinner in a cafe will cost 3–4 dollars. The cost of a similar meal in a restaurant would be approximately $10. Cigarettes can be purchased for $1.5–2 per pack, a bottle of whiskey costs $12, tequila costs $8–9, and wine costs $10–11.
Entertainment and service
Excursion costs: Sightseeing, a day of fishing, or a trip to a local nature reserve will cost between $20 and $60. Additional services of an English-speaking guide cost $20, Russian speaking guide will cost 40–100 dollars per day. Tickets to a local theater or choreographic show start at $10. You can visit a massage room for 2–5 dollars, a beauty salon for 5 dollars (this amount includes both a haircut and a manicure).
Transport
You can rent a scooter or car in Cambodia for 4–6 dollars per day. Bicycles are provided free of charge at many hotels.
Vietnam
On average, the minimum costs for basic needs (overnight, food and travel) here will be 350–700 rubles per day.
Flight
Price direct flight from Moscow airport starts from 23 thousand rubles, from St. Petersburg - from 25 thousand rubles.
Housing
A decent triple room in a hotel can be found for only 7–8 dollars per night. For this price you will get minimal amenities - air conditioning, shower and WI-FI. Luxury hotels (such as the famous five-star Vinpearl, located on a separate island) will charge you $300–400 for one night.
Nutrition
Cheapest food in Vietnam - dishes national cuisine in local cafes. For a serving of meat noodle soup you will pay 1-2 dollars, for a plate of rice with meat, chicken, shrimp and vegetables - from 1 to 3 dollars. In general, lunch or breakfast per person will cost between $3 and $5.
European food is more expensive: a cup of coffee costs $1, toast with bacon + an omelette and a glass of juice cost from $3 to $4. As a rule, breakfast in your hotel restaurant will cost significantly more than in any decent cafe.
As for dinners with delicacies and alcohol (including in restaurants with European or Russian cuisine) - for one person you will have to pay 15, maximum 20 dollars.
Entertainment and service
Full day in natural park will cost approximately $10 per person; a trip to the islands as part of an international group will cost from $7 to $35, depending on the language of the excursion and the agency’s markups. Advice: the services of local excursion organizers can cost 4–5 times less than similar Russian-speaking ones.
A visit to a massage parlor will cost from 5 to 40 dollars, depending on the range of services.
Transport
You can rent a scooter for 5–7 dollars per day. No bike license required. The cost of gasoline is about 1 dollar per liter. Taxi services will cost an average of 1 to 2 dollars per trip. Fare to public bus- 3 cents.
India
According to experienced travelers, a fairly decent level of comfort here will cost you about $15–20 a day.
Flight
The price of travel in the economy segment varies from 23 to 27 thousand rubles per person in both directions.
Housing
India offers holidaymakers a wide variety of levels hotel service. A two-star hotel will cost $10 per night, a double room in a five-star hotel will cost $150–180.
The cost of self-renting housing in India depends on several factors: availability of a kitchen, proximity to the sea, age of the premises, etc. The most economical option will cost $100 per month.
A guesthouse with a separate kitchen three minutes from the beach will cost about $250. For an apartment with free WI-FI and cleaning services twice a week, you will have to pay about $400.
Nutrition
A set lunch of local cuisine for several people in a decent restaurant will cost $15–20. For a meal in a cafe for two you will have to pay no more than $10. A serving of freshly squeezed juice costs from 0.5 to 1 dollar, a glass of beer - 2 dollars, a bottle of wine - 3 dollars, a pack of cigarettes - 2-3 dollars.
Entertainment and service
A long sightseeing excursion for the whole day will cost $50 per ticket, and ocean fishing will cost $40. You can visit the zoo for 10–15 dollars; a boat excursion along the river with crocodiles will cost 40 dollars per person. To visit temples and churches you will have to pay from 5 to 40 dollars.
On average, a facial or back massage will cost about $6–10. Price entrance ticket V night club- from 4 dollars. Beach activities (eg jet ski) - $30 for 20 minutes.
Transport
The cost of renting a scooter is 7–8 dollars per day, a bicycle is 1 dollar per day, a taxi ride is about 6 dollars, and a tuk-tuk ride is from 1 to 2 dollars one time.
Thailand
Despite the fact that trips to Thailand are extremely popular among our compatriots, this country cannot be called as cheap as India or Cambodia. On average, tourists spend about 2–4 times more money here. Thus, the cost of food, entertainment and transport in Thailand will be from 50 to 100 dollars per day.
Lunch of exotic dishes at local cafe will cost 8–10 dollars per person. More expensive - if the menu includes a seafood dish. But the fruit here is very cheap.
Entertainment
The cost of excursions on average is 15–25 dollars. Two-day excursions to the islands, including meals and overnight accommodation, will cost $250–300 per person. A real Thai massage costs from $5 and up, depending on the location (in an expensive salon they may ask for $100 per session. In hotels it can be even more expensive). A parachute flight will cost $40–50, a half-hour jet ski rental will cost $15–20.
Transport
The most rational way to travel around the territory of Tai is by taxi. The average price of one trip will be $5. A daily scooter rental will cost approximately the same amount.
An increasingly popular beach resort in Cambodia
Expectations
Having wandered around Angkor to their fullest, tourists often rush to the sea; the most famous Cambodian beach resort- Sihanoukville, but Kep, located not far from the Vietnamese border, is gradually gaining momentum.
Reality
In a Cambodian village, the main thing is not the beach (although there is a kilometer-long strip of sand) - here the inner child suddenly awakens in the tourist, forcing a person to climb the surrounding hills and ride rented bicycles until his legs hurt.
Don't miss
The main thing in Kep and around are the ruins, however, not as ancient as Angkor. In the first half of the 20th century, there were already attempts to turn the place into a resort; later the idea was abandoned, but the villas remained, overgrown with vines and today look like fragments of the works of surrealists. The most impressive structures are at a kilometer altitude on the relatively nearby Mount Bokor: a century-old church and a casino that have not been used for their intended purpose for about as long as they have existed.
Souvenirs
The spices are white and black pepper, produced in the neighboring Kampot province.
Chiang Mai
An alternative to Bangkok, Pattaya and other tired Thai destinations
Expectations
The largest city in northern Thailand; from the point of view of a tourist from the Russian Federation, Chiang Mai is related to Bangkok in much the same way as St. Petersburg is to Moscow.
Reality
If we talk about the landscape, Chiang Mai is much more interesting than the capital: there are mountains all around, including, for example, the highest peak in the country. Standard activities like tiger trips and orchid gardens are on offer, but the overall atmosphere is much more peaceful than Bangkok.
Don't miss
There are plenty of temples both in the city itself (mainly in the area enclosed by the old city wall) and in the surrounding area; in addition, it makes sense to look at the life of the inhabitants of the surrounding villages - for example, the long-necked ones.
Souvenir
Chiang Mai is the center of the Thai timber industry. From here it makes sense to bring wooden trinkets or buy furniture if you need to furnish an apartment in Moscow in an “exotic” style.
Jeju
The main South Korean resort by the sea
Expectations
The largest island of South Korea, also known as the "Island of the Gods", "Honeymoon Island" and "Korean Hawaii". In addition, a sex resort, the description of which in numerous catalogs is confirmed by photographs of explicit figurines surrounded by green spaces.
Reality
Jeju is first and foremost 1800 square kilometers incredible nature. Beaches with colored sand, waterfalls, a lake in the crater of the extinct volcano Hallasan (the latter, by the way, is highest point in South Korea and is protected by UNESCO).
Don't miss
Locals believe that Hallasan is, in fact, Jeju, so guests are simply obliged to attempt to climb to the top. There are five main routes, their duration is from four to ten kilometers. Other attractions include an authentic Korean village and a garden of those very indecent sculptures, hugging which you should definitely take a photo with if you are newlyweds. And of course, you need to see the less indecent Haruban - a stone grandfather carved into lava.
Souvenirs
Clothes made of brown fabric, dyed in the traditional way - with persimmon juice; citrus wine.
Fukuoka
An easy way to experience modern Japan at its best
Expectations
A modern port city located in the south of Japan - on the island of Kyushu.
Reality
Fans of traditional Japanese architecture are unlikely to be interested in Fukuoka. But for those who have decided to visit Japan for the first time, this locality is ideal - it is a relatively small and easy-to-move city, where something is constantly happening: festivals, sumo tournaments and other cultural, sports and entertainment events.
Don't miss
Nishi Park, which overlooks both the city and the ocean, is considered one of the best places to watch the cherry blossoms in Kyushu. Fukuoka can also be viewed from the observation deck of the Mirror Sail, a skyscraper built in the late 1980s, located at an altitude of 120 meters. If you are tired of the city, you can go to one of the beaches, of which there are plenty in the surrounding area.
Souvenirs
The Donguri Kyowakoku store sells plush Miyazaki cartoon characters and other Ghibli-related souvenirs (even though the studio itself is based in Tokyo).
Manila
The capital of the Philippines, which should not be ignored on the way to the islands
Expectations
There is a point of view that, once in Manila, a tourist should get out of there as soon as possible. Capital and one of largest cities The Philippines is just a transit point on the way to paradise islands, and also unfriendly.
Reality
The so-called Pearl of the Orient does fall short when compared to other Asian cities, but it is very worth staying for a few days: in addition to slums and ultra-modern shopping centers, you can find quiet and quaint areas suitable for walking.
Don't miss
Intramuros is a city built by Spanish colonists back in the 16th century and is now historical center Manila. It’s also worth spending a couple of quiet hours at the Chinese cemetery, where the size of the crypts rivals the size of the mansions on Rublyovka. The main thing is not to end up at metro transfer stations during rush hour: the journey between two platforms can take 40 minutes.
Souvenirs
Sheer baro shirts or a selection of Taglish romance novels from the many book stalls for about a dollar each.
Kota Kinabalu
Capital city of the Malaysian island of Borneo
Expectations
For Malaysians, Kota Kinabalu is a rapidly developing commercial center (business districts are built on land reclaimed from the sea), for tourists it is the entry point from which a journey around the island of Borneo begins.
Reality
Like Manila in the Philippines, this entry point can easily claim to be a destination. Kota Kinabalu is a mixture of cultures and religions (the city boasts glass and metal towers, one of the most picturesque mosques, and a 12-story pagoda), old and new, natural and man-made.
Don't miss
Divers should definitely see the shipwrecks off Borneo with their own eyes; there are several of them, but one of the most famous is the Gaya Wreck - a ship lying at a depth of 50 meters (apparently Japanese, from the Second World War). Those who prefer to stay on land should pay attention to Mount Kinabalu - highest peak to Borneo.
Souvenirs
The state of Sabah, of which Kota Kinabalu is the capital, is famous for its handicraft souvenirs - mango wood products, woven bracelets and other similar trinkets.
Guangzhou
Great Chinese metropolis and gastrotourism paradise
Expectations
The third largest city in China with a population of 13 million people. It does not suffer from a lack of visitors, but guests come here mainly on business trips.
Reality
Guangzhou is one of the most progressive and modern Chinese cities, which does not mean that there are no historical monuments here. On the contrary, there are plenty of them - after all, this city, previously known to Europeans under the name Canton, was mentioned in chronicles back in the third century BC.
Don't miss
It is Guangzhou that is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine - the same one that for many Europeans represents almost all Chinese culinary traditions; it is said that today this city is the world leader in the number of restaurants per capita. Therefore, visiting temples, walking in parks and excursions to observation deck TV towers (built, by the way, based on the ideas of Vladimir Shukhov), of course, will have to alternate with feasts.
Souvenir
For tea, it’s better to go to the market located near the Fangcun metro station (those who know Chinese will be able to chat with the sellers and taste the drink).
Dalat
French mountain resort in the middle of Vietnam
Expectations
Dalat is called the Vietnamese Alps - the city is located at an altitude of one and a half to two kilometers, surrounded by lakes, hills and pine forests.
Reality
Dalat is the most un-Vietnamese city in Vietnam, both in terms of climate (cooler than most of the country) and atmosphere. The first point is responsible for the height, for the second - the fact that more than a century ago the French decided to build a resort here with all the inherent joys: golf, tennis, horse riding and so on. Later, the colonists left, but Dalat, unlike Cambodian Kep, was well preserved.
Don't miss
“Crazy House” is a surreal guesthouse made of gray concrete, built by a Vietnamese woman who was educated in Russia. Russian tourists were previously allowed on the excursion for free, but now the hostess complains about the influx of Russians and asks for money for entry - however, as elsewhere in the country, not much. Of course, Crazy House can hardly be considered the main symbol of Dalat, but against the backdrop of the city’s slight European stiffness, it seems doubly crazy and all the more attractive.
Souvenirs
Candied fruits, fruit wine and other local agricultural products.
Taipei
Cultural, industrial, educational and factual center of Taiwan
Expectations
Child of the Taiwanese economic miracle, one of the most modern Asian metropolises and the capital of the Republic of China, a state with a disputed status.
Reality
Today's Taipei is primarily an economic, industrial and educational center. The heroine of Luc Besson's latest film "Lucy" is engaged in getting an education in this city. Speaking of cinema, the Golden Horse Award, awarded at the Taipei Film Festival, is sometimes called the Chinese equivalent of the Oscars. In other words, the cultural life in the capital of Taiwan is more than fine.
Don't miss
The symbol of Taipei - Taipei 101 - is almost impossible to miss. This is a skyscraper 509 meters high (until recently it was the record holder, but in 2010 it was overtaken by the Burj Khalifa built in Dubai) with a gigantic shopping center at the foot. If you are tired of man-made beauty, it is worth visiting Taiwan, located in the northern part of the island. national park Taroko and look at the 19-kilometer Marble Gorge.
Souvenir
Some new electronic device - useful or not.
Busan
The largest Korean port with beaches and luxury hotels
Expectations
One of the largest in the world and the largest in South Korea port. Locality has existed on this site since the 3rd century, but today skyscrapers dominate the landscape of Busan.
Reality
For the most part, tourists prefer to spend time in Haeundae - an area located in the east of the city, with a minimum of Korean specifics and a good (according to some sources, the best in South Korea) beach.
Don't miss
The very picturesque Buddhist temples of Pomos and Engunsa - the first is located in the mountains, the second - by the sea. Pomosa offers educational programs for those interested, which involve participants spending the night in the temple premises to get a closer look at the daily life of the monks. In addition, it is quite difficult to pass by landmarks such as the UN Memorial Cemetery, designed to remind local residents and tourists about the Korean War. If you wish, you can also get out of the city and go to a fishing village - not to buy fish (this can be done in Busan itself, where there are huge fish markets), but to stand with a fishing rod by the sea yourself.
Souvenir
Since this is a port, you can buy anything you want, and cheaper. There is an area here called “Texas”, with a lot of shops equipped by immigrants from the former USSR, so even a can of sprat can become a souvenir.
