How to decide on the first trip to Asia

Why you should not be afraid to go to Asia

Unaccustomed food, different culture, warm climate, tropical insects - everyone has their own reasons for time and time again to choose a trip to the familiar European countries instead of Asia.

Meanwhile, Asia is not another planet. Visit this part of the world is worth at least once to see the incredible nature, to feel the spirit of the Asian metropolis and make up their minds. Simply select the country that you are interested in and close, and carefully plan your journey. If not tolerate heat - go to South Korea and Japan from autumn to spring. You do not like street vendors and afraid unsanitary conditions - Go to Singapore. Like comfort and breakfast in the mornings - book your hotel network in Thailand.

The cost of the trip - one of the main reasons why many travelers to Asia seems unreal. But if we approach the matter with the mind, then you can seriously save. Not to overpay for tickets, plan your trip in advance and follow airline shares. To save on food, entertainment and shopping in the journey - pay

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A short guide to Singapore

Singapore - a futuristic city-state, which is one of the five richest countries in the world. If you think that Asia - a constant noise, bustle and low standard of living, Singapore will change your ideas about it. It is rather a city of the future, and identity preserved exotic East.

Singapore is ideal for a first acquaintance with Asia. It is more European and intuitive for the unprepared traveler, than, for example, China or Cambodia. Skyscrapers and wide isolation coexist with parks, public transport scheme is understandable for tourists, and the city itself is adapted for walking and relaxation.

Visa

Not necessary for the transit to a third country (to 96 hours), in other cases the need. Cost - 30 Singapore dollars (about 1500 rubles).

The language barrier

In Singapore, many speak fluent English. This is one of the official languages ​​on an equal basis with the Chinese, Malay and Tamil. If just a little know English, translation difficulties would arise. But be prepared for the local accent.

Climate

In Singapore, the hot and humid climate. There is no winter and bad weather, the average annual temperature of - 26 ° C. In November-January rains more often, but tropical storms occur in any month.

This climate brings some inconveniences: Walking hot and hard, can be burned in the sun. But in Singapore, where there is to be saved from stuffiness: shopping malls, parks, transportation and public areas are air-conditioned. Coming out of the hotel, bring your water and more drink, use sunscreen and wear a cap or hat.

Kitchen

Singapore is highly developed food culture. In the city of more than 6000 stalls and street food 27 Michelin restaurants. Delicious food prepared elsewhere. For example, the stars "Michelin" have eateries Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle.

Even the simplest dishes - noodles with pork and rice with chicken - cooked so that the want a second serving. Try Laksa - rice noodles with shrimps in coconut milk sauce. Or chilli crab - crab under a fragrant tomato sauce. Do not be afraid to order food on the street: the local vendors monitor product freshness and cleanliness in the kitchen.

What to see

Gardens by the Bay

Natural Park in Singapore fantastic sverhderevyami, cloud forest and floral dome. In the evenings, the park runs a free light show The Garden Rhapsody.

Singapore Zoo

It is considered one of the best in the world. At the zoo you can go boating, take part in the show "Breakfast with orangutan" or "Night Safari in Singapore."

Ferris wheel

Giant ride height with a 55-storey building.

Ticket for the Ferris wheel can be purchased with 10% discount. To do this, pay the ticket card JCB.

Laser show at Marina Bay

Free submission Wonder Full is held every day at 20:00 and 21:30 and on Saturdays and Sundays - at 23:00.

Attraction MegaZip Park Mega Adventure

Flight bungee over the jungle, beach and sea with the endpoint on the other island.

To ride on the zip-line MegaZip with 30% discount, buy a ticket for JCB card.

How to save money on a trip

1. Stay in a hostel. In Singapore, a lot of clean decent hostel in the city center, where you can rent a private room with shared shower and toilet. Additionally save 10% is possible by JCB card, book a room at Trip.com application.
2. Visit free attractions. In Singapore, a lot of them: the Botanical Gardens, Chinatown, Park Gardens by the Bay, the city's main mosque, Wonder Full show at the Marina Bay Sands hotel and light show in the Gardens by the Bay.

   

3. Buy travel card EZ-Link. It is sold at the entrance to the metro and supermarkets 7-Eleven. For each trip you will save up to 0.4 Singapore dollar.
4. Dine at the food courts in the supermarkets and in Hawker centers. This food courts for local residents with Chinese, Korean and Japanese cuisine. Prices several times lower than in cafes and restaurants.
5. Take a trip JCB card. on it act discounts and privileges in restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.

A short guide to South Korea

South Korea - authentic Asian country, surprises with its contrasts. Mountains and extinct volcanoes give way to the sea, ancient temples and palaces - skyscrapers and neon signs, Buddhism, calm - enduring nightlife.

During one trip to South Korea can try everything: to live in a Buddhist temple in the mountains, relax on the sea and annealed under the Korean pop (K-pop) at parties in Seoul.

Visa

Visa-free regime up to 60 days.

The language barrier

The official language in South Korea - Korean. But do not be afraid to get lost or to be misunderstood: the youth and the people working in the field, well spoken in English Service.

In 2018 in South Korea held the Winter Olympic Games, so the country is prepared for foreign tourists: all pointers in the transport and street signs are duplicated in English. For greater reliability, download online translator and grab a phrasebook.

Climate

The climate is temperate in South Korea and is divided into four seasons: a relatively cold and dry winter, hot, humid summers and mild spring and autumn. Therefore, depending on the season, different vacation. In winter you can go skiing in the summer - relax on the sea, and in the spring and autumn - admire the cherry blossoms or aleyuschimi maples, explore the sights and walk on Natural Parks.

Kitchen

In Seoul, a well-developed street food. Everywhere you can find a decent meal and a tasty snack. Main dishes - rice, noodles, different kinds of meat and seafood. Popular establishments where meat is prepared right in front of guests. Almost everywhere you can order gimbap (long roll with rice and various fillings), skewers with grilled meat and vegetables or tokpokki (rice flour balls).

Yes, the Koreans have shocking to Europeans taste preferences. For example, they eat boiled silkworm larvae, or octopus, which are served to the table still alive. But without that Asia would not Asia. There is not necessarily to the same in Korea, a lot of dishes that are suitable for the Europeans. Remember that almost all the food in South Korea urgent. If you want a smaller pepper - say when ordering not spicy.

What to see

Gyeongbokgung

The main royal palace. Look at how the changing of the guard, and stroll through the royal gardens.

village Bukchon

Traditional Korean hanok houses, narrow streets and curved roofs - in the area 500 years ago lived and know the high-ranking officials.

Thematic areas

Quarter brands with emerging designers and young artists located around the Hongdae University, expensive boutiques - in Apgujeong, bars and restaurants, European - in the Itaewon area. Myeongdong - Seoul's main shopping street, where you can stock up with everything you need.

Namsan hill

Here is the Seoul Tower, and from the top of a hill with beautiful views of the city.

Amusement park Lotte World

The largest indoor amusement park, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Explore the park with a 20% discount. The promotion is valid when paying for tickets card JCB.

Seoul Forest Park

A quiet place where you can feed and pet the deer.

Busan, Jeju and Yongpyong Ski Resort

Do not limit your visit to Seoul. Noteworthy Busan - the largest port in the country with comfortable beaches and picturesque fish market, Jeju Island - an island in the south of Korea with beautiful nature and a sleeping volcano Halla and Yongpyong Ski Resort - a ski resort, which hosted the Winter Olympics 2018 year.

How to save money on a trip

1. Buy single fare T-Money. It is sold at the entrance to the subway and in grocery stores. Each trip will cost 10% cheaper.
2. From Seoul Incheon to the airport can be reached by high-speed train AREX Airport Express. Map JCB fare will be cheaper: 7500 won (450 rubles) instead of 9000 won.
3. South Korea is not customary to leave a tip. And Wangbijib restaurants, Hanubang and SEOKPARANG in Seoul you can get a discount of 5 to 10%, if you pay the card JCB.
4. Inexpensive meal can be in local supermarkets. They sell ready-made meals (gimbap, instant noodles) and there is a microwave to warm them.
5. The Gyeongbokgung allowed for freeIf you come in the traditional hanbok costume. Rent it can be at the entrance and on the JCB card is a discount of 10%.

A short guide to Thailand

Thailand - it is the most popular country in Southeast Asia. Tourists love it for the clean sea, incredible nature, friendly locals and eternal summer. All this helps to relax and unwind. An important advantage of Thailand - affordable prices for accommodation, food and entertainment.

For a reasonable price you can rent a stylish apartment with a swimming pool and gym, afford relaxing spa treatments and massages, rent a bike and ride around the neighborhood of the city. Add to that the delicious food, the cloudless sky above his head and the feeling of complete carelessness. In general, Thailand's great.

Visa

Visa-free regime up to 30 days.

The language barrier

Thai - the only official language of the country. Despite this problem with understanding should arise. The locals are friendly and always willing to show the way. Some speak English, but often you will be explained in sign language. The country has a lot of Russian, which easily talk with you in their native language.

Climate

Thailand is located close to the equator, so there is always hot. Three main seasons: cool, hot and humid. Due to the stretching of the country where you can relax all year round. From November to March season is open on the Andaman coast (Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi), from April to October - on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Pattaya). In the off-season it is still hot, but it rains.

In order not to burn in the sun, use sunscreen and wear a hat. Ultraviolet radiation active and in cloudy weather, so the rule is working, even if there is no sun on the street.

Kitchen

Delicious and cheap snacks look at makashnits - are mobile carts offering local street food. Each makashnits specializes in a certain dish: one can buy soup in the other - fried rice, in third - pancakes, and in the fourth book of the shake of tropical fruits (mango, papaya, coconut, pineapple, pomelo).

In almost all Thai dishes add chili, lime and sugar - they are sharp with a combination of sweet and sour. Among the non-acute variants - som tam (papaya salad, tomatoes, lime and peanuts), pad thai (rice noodle with shrimp or meat), kvayteu us (noodles with the broth, herbs and chicken), on rat (noodles with pork) or Cao Muu Daeng (rice with pork). To reduce the degree of severity, say when ordering not spicy or May pet.

What to see

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand. Visit the Royal Palace, temples reclining Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. The beautiful panorama of the city opens in Lumpini Park.

Chiang Mai

The ancient town with spectacular temples, night market and the beautiful surroundings: mountains, waterfalls, strawberry farms.

Phang Nga Bay

One of the most spectacular natural attractions of Thailand, where they filmed the ninth James Bond movie.

Phi Phi Island

White beaches of the Andaman Sea, diving and relaxing holiday away from the parties.

Phuket and Koh Samui

Pristine nature, clean sea and a paradise for lovers of beautiful sunsets.

How to save money on a trip

1. Bidding. In Thailand, decided to bargain, so do not hesitate to bring down the price of a taxi and street shops.
2. Remove the housing near the center. Inexpensive and comfortable - in the condominium. Thus you will save time on the road (there are traffic jams) and less spend on travel.
3. Rent a bike. Take along an old passport or a copy of the current so as not to give the original.
4. If you go for shopping in Bangkok, enjoy discounts on JCB card. it gives discount 5% in the shops Peace Store (products from Laos, Vietnam and India), NaRaYa (bags and accessories) and THANN (natural soap and aromatic agents).
5. Take advantage discount 20% of JCB card on Thai massage and spa treatments in salons My SPA and The Grande Spa in Bangkok.
6. Food in makashnits much cheaper than in cafes and restaurantsBut not inferior to them on taste, quality and method of preparation.

A short guide to Hong Kong

Hong Kong - a city of the future with the most skyscrapers in the world. They coexist with the traditional houses in the Chinese style, parks, Buddhist temples and European restaurants. Hong Kong more noisy and crowded than Singapore, but it's a matter of taste: the crazy rhythm of the city fascinates many tourists.

Night view of the Hong Kong - one of the most impressive in Asia. Admire they can with skyscrapers, with Victoria peak (before it goes funicular) or with water. From March to October, you can swim in Hong Kong: in the city has equipped municipal beaches with free admission.

60 km from Hong Kong is Macau - a former Portuguese colony. Now it is the Asian Las Vegas with casinos and other gambling. Macau does not need a visa, and can be reached in an hour by ferry.

Visa

Visa-free regime up to 14 days.

The language barrier

Until 1997, Hong Kong was a British colony, so here speak excellent English. This is the second official language of the city on a par with the Chinese.

Climate

In Hong Kong, a tropical monsoon climate with cool dry winter from November to February, and the hot, humid summer from March to October. In the cold season, the temperature drops to 16 ° C, and therefore considered to walk comfortably city. In the summer it gets hot and stuffy, but the air conditioning is everywhere.

Kitchen

In Hong Kong, you can find any cuisine of the world - from Mexico to Russian, but there are interesting local dishes: fish balls, dimsamy, skewers of meat and vegetables, dumplings with shrimp and fried rice. Everything is prepared in the street stalls, the food is inexpensive and tasty.

Dinner in the restaurant will be many times more expensive, but the pay is for that: excellent service, great food and beautiful views from the windows. Seventy-nine restaurants in Hong Kong have Michelin stars.

What to see

Victoria peak

The highest point in Hong Kong with the best views of the city.

Museum of Art

An impressive collection of Chinese painting, calligraphy, sculptures and other exhibits.

Laser show "Symphony of Lights"

The biggest light show in the world. In the air there are dragons, giant flowers and figures. It is best viewed from the Avenue of Stars or tourist ferry Star Ferry.

The Old Town district of Central and SoHo

Mix of European and Chinese, colorful locals and street stalls that sell bracelets from the evil eye, jade jewelry and goldfish.

big Buddha

Bronze statue on Lantau Island, symbolizing the harmony between man and nature.

How to save money on a trip

1. Instead excursion ride a double-decker tram Hong Kong. Travel costs only HK $ 2 30 cents (20 rubles), and along the way look at the city and the main tourist spots.
2. According to JCB card in Hong Kong acts a lot of different discounts. For example, it is possible to get from the airport to the city at a special price, buy a ticket 20% discount on Sky100 observation platform (the highest skyscraper in Hong Kong) and Chinese tea at Sun Sing Tea Discount 10%. Other actions and proposals collected here.
3. See the panorama of the city for free in the Numismatics Museum. The only negative: beautiful pictures do not turn out because of the glare on the windows.
4. Benefit from free Wi-Fi, which is everywhere. Nazaparolennye network can be found on the street, in public transport, in shops and shopping centers.
5. Buy street food: it is much cheaper than in cafes and restaurants. More can be expensive to eat at the food courts in shopping centers or to buy ready meals in supermarkets.

A short guide to Japan

It is a country with a unique culture, which many at first glance, to put it mildly, strange. Bustling metropolis here side by side with ancient temples, and high technology easily combined with respect for the ancient traditions.

If you go to Japan in the spring, you have a chance to catch the cherry blossoms. In Tokyo, it usually falls in early April. Do not get in the spring - plan your trip in the fall. In October-November season comes Momiji - time admiring the red maples.

Visa

Needed. Consular fee is not available. Existing taxes to leave the country by sea or air - 1000 yen (about 600 rubles).

The language barrier

With English in Japan, It's Complicated. Even now, and it is taught in schools, because of the peculiarities of pronunciation you hardly the first time will understand what you said the Japanese. The 2020 Olympics will be held summer, so with tongue in tourist areas will certainly be easier, but in the meantime be reserved phrasebook and learn the most running phrases in Japanese in Tokyo. If it is very difficult to contact the information centers at railway stations.

Climate

In the north - temperate in the south - subtropical. The Japanese archipelago stretches from north-east to south-west, so the climate in different parts of the country is very different. In the north, the harsh winters (up to -20 ° C) and warm summer. In Tokyo, the winters are mild (the average January temperature - about 0 ° C), and the summers are hot and humid (average temperature in August - 27 ° C). Better plan a trip in the spring or late autumn: from July to mid-October in Japan typhoon season.

Kitchen

Feature Japanese cuisine - the desire to preserve the natural taste of the original products. Condiments and spices only emphasize, but do not drown it. For cooking use only fresh ingredients, so the kitchen has a pronounced seasonality.

• Winter - the time of hot soups, fish and seafood. Traditional winter food - Audin, hot soup with eggs, daikon (Japanese radish), Shirataki noodles and tofu.
• In the spring you can try bamboo shoots. They are added to takenoko Gohan, a dish based on rice.
• Summer comes the time of the cold noodles. For example, prepare udon hiyasi - cold udon noodles, which is fed with tenkasu (crispy fried dough pieces), and sesame Menz cold sauce. In the hot and humid summer is one of the most popular Japanese dishes.
• In the fall of the diet appear saury, chestnuts and ginkgo tree seeds. Last eaten as a separate dish (fried and sprinkled with salt) or added to tyavanmusi - egg pudding, steamed.

Popular Japanese street food - takoyaki, fried dough balls stuffed with octopus.

If you love pizza, try its local equivalent - okonomiyaki. This cabbage tortilla with vegetables, meat or fish. Do not be afraid to buy food on the street. With purity in Japan all strictly, even here you can drink water straight from the tap.

What to see

Tokyo Tower

Tower height of 332.6 meters - the symbol of Tokyo, just as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. From the observation deck offers a great view of the city, and in good weather you can see Mount Fuji.

Harajuku

A meeting place for the most fashionistas otvyaznyh Tokyo. Want to know what will be the trend in a year or two - welcome to Harajuku.

island Ōkunoshima

A small island in the Inland Sea is famous for rabbits - this is the main attraction of the island. You can feed the animals, to stroke, to do with them and arrange a selfie session pet-therapy. Ōkunoshima to reach by ferry, and on-site bicycle rental.

onsen

This holiday complex situated in the picturesque places on the thermal springs. Here you can relax in the warm water and enjoy nature. People with tattoos input Onsen in closed due to association with the mob.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

One of the most popular Buddhist temple complexes located in Kyoto. On the territory of the temple stand two stone of love. If you want to you reciprocated, pass between them with his eyes closed.

How to save money on a trip

1. In Japan, not to tip. The waiters may even be offended: the money they perceive as a handout.
2. Cheap cafes there near the railway station and large shopping centers. Takeaway food sold in department stores - buy a ready-made set for lunch and snack on fresh air.
3. Go to free museums. In Tokyo, you can visit the Museum Suginami Animation, Ebisu Beer Museum and Center "Origami Kaikan."
4. Buy JR Pass - travel on the train network Japan Railways, which operates 7, 14 or 21 days. If during the trip you are going to visit, for example, in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, tickets will cost 53,000 yen (nearly 32 000). Weekly travel advantageous - only 29 of 100 yen (about 17,555 rubles).
5. Install JCB Japan Guide- a free app for owners of JCB cards. There is a map with the main attractions, the underground circuit and railway networks. The main feature - the latest information on discounts and promotions.

Learn more about the JCB cards