Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this post about Asian Adventures! If you’re looking to give yourself a real culture shock and open up your eyes to a whole new world, then eastern Asia certainly won’t disappoint.

Your Asian Adventures : Excellence in the East!

Asian adventures

When you’ve grown up in the west, it can feel like you’re on a different planet! The food, the people, the religions, languages and the way of life are all fascinating to immerse yourself in. Travelling to somewhere so different to your place of birth can be a real breath of fresh air, and can give you brand new experiences. Here are a just few things to consider when you’re planning your Asian adventures!

Where to go on your Asian adventures 

Cambodia
Cambodia

Some eastern Asian countries and places of interest include China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia. Your first step would be to decide if you plan on visiting one country or destination there and spending all of your trip there.

Asian adventures

Or if you want to move around and fit more into your visit- definitely worth doing if you’ve got more time to spend. Each place has its own areas of interest- terrains and scenery, cultures, things to do and more. So really do your research here, and decide what grabs your attention the most. If you plan on travelling through multiple countries, you’ll need to plan a route that makes sense and makes the most of your time. For example, choose three or four countries that border each other or an island that’s close to the country you’re in to make the most of your Asian adventures.

Vietnam
Vietnam

For example, you could start in the Philippines, then fly over to Vietnam and travel through to Cambodia then Thailand.

Thailand
Thailand

Have a look at this post for a few more tips on Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia. 

Getting around on your Asian adventures

If you want to get around then a car won’t be your best option, in most cases your best bet will be to hire a scooter.

Asian adventures

You could also backpack and explore certain areas on foot, and use public transport in the bigger cities since they’re well connected.

Backpacking is actually an excellent way to see this part of the world, it’s a humble way to travel so it doesn’t require lots of money (which is helpful since things like flights are likely to be quite expensive) and really enables you to immerse yourself in each place.

Be sure to choose a backpack that’s comfortable and only carry the weight you can handle. If you’re going to be backpacking, it’s worth getting your fitness levels up in the months prior to your trip. Spend time at the gym, hill walking on the treadmill or go on hikes around the place that you live. That way you won’t wear out as quickly, will be able to cover more ground each day and not feel too lethargic.

Where to stay

There are lots of different accommodation options to consider when you’re travelling to Asia.

Booking.com

It largely depends on the country you choose, your budget and your preferences so here are some ideas. If you have more to spend you could stay in a hotel, these are common in larger towns and cities. A resort is another option and perfect if you’re after a bit of luxury. You won’t struggle finding these in luxury tourist areas in places like Phuket and Bali.

On a smaller budget, you have guest houses and motels. If you’re looking for cheap houses and apartments like jual rumah murah, these are useful if you’re travelling as a group or just want your own private space. You have AirBnB and other room renting options, these are ideal if you’re doing a lot of travelling and won’t be returning back to the same place each evening. And of course, if you’re backpacking then you could go camping. Cheap, cheerful and you get to connect with nature, what’s not to love?

What to eat on your Asian adventures

 

Asian adventures

East Asian food is incredibly popular in the west, and so it’s something you’ll have some familiarity with.

We’ve all been to Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants and ordered takeaways from these kinds of cuisines before, so you’ll have some recognition of the flavours. However, there’s nothing quite like tasting true authentic Asian ingredients and cooking techniques. Of course, the food and dishes will vary depending on which country/ countries you’re visiting, however many of the same base ingredients are similar; rice, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, chillies, dried onions, soy and tofu are all commonly used. So the flavours are something you’ll recognise throughout. Find out what the popular dishes are in the places you’re staying in, and make an effort to try them.

Asian adventures

 Food trucks are a wonderful, inexpensive way to try authentic meals, and they’re excellent in east Asia. Take these Singapore food trucks for example, the first of their kind to be awarded a Michelin star!

What to wear

The exact climate will depend on the specific countries you’re visiting, however east Asia tends to be hot and humid with a wet and dry seasons. Due to mosquitos, it’s recommended that you wear light, long layers that cover your arms and legs, particularly during times when they’re most active (this can depend on the location you’re in).

If you’re backpacking, you’ll want to pack items that are versatile and lightweight, and be prepared for different weather conditions. A lightweight, waterproof mac and clothing items that dry quickly if they’re soaked in rain are all smart choices.

Travel safety

Southeast Asia is a relatively safe place for travellers. The most serious risk comes from traffic accidents, so be wary if you rent a vehicle such as a car- and especially a scooter since many accidents involving foreigners can be due to these. In terms of violent crime, attacks and muggings aren’t common but you’ll of course want to exercise caution, don’t take valuables or too much cash with you, and instead opt for a card which can be cancelled. In many parts of the world, police are known to collude with criminals and policing can be inadequate so this is something to bear in mind.

Southeast Asia is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, severe storms and other environmental hazards. Be sure to follow local advice if a disaster occurs during your stay. And again, protect yourself from mosquitoes. The right products, clothing and common sense can prevent getting bitten in many cases.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about South East Asia and Asian adventures, and have a look here for more of our travel guides.