Tired of your yearly Europe travel destinations? In search of new adventures on some familiar countries? If so, then these hidden getaways are perfect for you. Apart from their fascinating histories, these destinations will also surely give you the true Asian country experience that you’re looking for.
- Hoh Xil, Tibet. It’s really not that hard to figure out why this Tibetan plateau is among the world’s least populated areas – apart from sitting at 4,700 metres above sea level, this nature reserve is also subject to harsh sandstorms and rains through the year. But despite its extreme climate, Hoh Xil is the place to visit if you’re up for communing with some wildlife species. The reserve houses over 21 endangered wildlife animals, including the wild yak, the Tibetan antelope and the Tibetan wild donkey. So apply for a five to six day eco-tour now and get to see these wild animals up-close and personal.
- Miho Museum, Japan. Just like New York’s Guggenheim Museum, the architecture of Japan’s Miho Museum upstages the artefacts it holds. The museum’s limestone and glass structure takes inspiration from the elusive Chinese paradise described by Tai Yuanming, while its exterior is fashioned after the Japanese shrines. As you enter, you’ll find around 250 Western and Asian antiques on display – a heaven for people who love ancient artefacts.
- Kranji Farms, Singapore. If you’re looking for some relaxation in a rustic setting, then the suburb Kranji is the perfect place for you. Most of the farms found in the area – organic farms and frog ranches alike – are open to the public. You can get your share of goat’s milk from Hay Dairies Farm Education Tour, while letting your young ones enjoy the tortoise feeding and prawn fishing activities offered by Hausmann Marketing Aquarium.
- Sea Urchin Farm, Hong Kong. In their move to rival the famed fish markets in Japan, Sai Kung of Hong Kong is now farming and serving fresh sea urchins in an affordable price – a purple sea urchin is sold at around HK$33 in Leung Shuen Wan. Other than that, the farm is also starting to get some traction among local foodies with their Chinese-style cooked sea urchin dishes like urchin spring rolls and steamed egg white with sea urchin. So come and taste your first urchin dish in Hong Kong now.
- Koh Kood, Thailand. Koh Kood is probably one of the very few places that lives up to the myth of unpeopled beachy paradise. In fact, it has all the necessary props – coconut plantations, quaint fishing villages, snorkelling spots, a rainforest and a population of no more than 2,000. It’s also out-of-the-way, since getting to the place requires an hour of plane ride from the Trat airport, or a boat and train expedition from Bangkok. Just the place to be in if you’re thinking of taking a step back from civilization.
Travelling on little known destinations is a good way to get a closer look in a country’s culture, so add these five destinations on your travel list now and fulfil the Asian wanderlust in you.