17 places in Asia, which is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime
Travels / / December 19, 2019
1. Colored hills Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, China
Geological Park, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the unusual colorful hills. The picturesque landscape with multi-colored stripes of blue, red and yellow hues emerged due climate impacts, soil erosion, changes in the earth's crust and sandstone deposits and other mineral resources. The creation of this beauty in nature for millions of years are gone.
Getting there. Geopark is located 40 kilometers from the city of Zhangye, where you can take a taxi to get to the striped mountain - the road will take just over an hour. Entrance fee for ease of movement on the territory of free shuttle buses.
When arriving. The park is open to visitors in summer and winter, however, in the cold, he begins to work later and closes earlier. Therefore, it is better to choose a warm season and plan to visit in the morning.
2. The temple complex of Borobudur, Indonesia
The Buddhist temple complex, built in the years 780-840 AD as a place of pilgrimage and the glorification of the Buddha, located on the island of Java. He was abandoned almost a millennium and was hiding under the thickets of the jungle, until UNESCO took a historical monument under the guardianship and restored it.
Borobudur is designed in the form of a mandala on the model of the universe, according to the teachings Buddhism. To understand the truth, the pilgrim must walk from the foot of the temple to its top by climbing a spiral through all tiers.
On the way to nirvana length of almost five kilometers installed numerous Buddha statues and bas-reliefs depicting deities, fantastic animals and religious subjects. Going through each level, pilgrims will be introduced to the teachings of the Buddha and learn the history of his life.
Getting there. Borobudur is located 40 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta. From there, it's best to get to places of interest in a rented car or a scooter, taxi or with a tour group.
When arriving. At any time of year, but the high season and the most warm and dry weather - in the summer and early autumn. So be ready for the abundance of tourists. And the first full moon of the summer, which falls in May or June, celebrate Vesak - Buddha's birthday. The Borobudur on this day you can see the procession of the Buddhists and the different views.
3. The monastery Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
Buddhist monastery, whose name means "the nest of a tigress," built on the side of steep cliffs at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level. Long before its construction famous monks and saints meditated in local caves.
Because of the unusual arrangement it seems that the monastery is literally floating in the air. And if you go up to it, you will discover stunning views of the picturesque scenery.
Getting there. The monastery is located 10 kilometers from the town of Paro. From there, a taxi takes you to the foot of the mountains, and then you will find a steep climb to the "nest of a tigress." If you are strong in spirit and health permits, go up the path on foot. Otherwise, rent a mule. The road will take about two to three hours, but you can make a halt in the cafe and stop at the observation deck to gain strength.
When arriving. In any season.
What to consider. To get to Paro Taktsang, you need to advance to request permission to visit the monastery in Bhutan's Ministry of Culture, or religious monument you will not see.
4. Lake Nong Han Kumphavapi, Thailand
Unique natural object of incredible beauty. The entire surface of the pond is covered with bright pink flowers - lotus. For some areas of the lake, you can sail on a boat with a guide and be in the midst of this splendor.
And yet here live different kinds of birds, including the graceful egrets, behind which is interesting to observe in their natural habitat.
Getting there. At 40 kilometers from the lake is the town of Udon Thani, where you can get to your own car, taxi or bus with the tour group.
When arriving. To see this miracle to be in Thailand need from early November to late March - during flowering lotuses (but considered the best month to December). And come to admire the flowers - early in the morning at dawn, when the buds are only disclosed.
5. Lakes Kelimutu volcano, Indonesia
Three crater lakes are not like other water bodies: they periodically change their color, becoming turquoise, green, milky-blue, red-brown or even black.
This is due to the chemical reactions caused by deposits of minerals on the bottom, but locals They believe in the mysterious cause of the anomaly and is considered the last refuge lakes souls of the dead, where they attain rest.
Getting there. The volcano is located on the island of Flores. To get to the lakes can be of the closest to him of major cities - Maumere (105 kilometers) and End (60 kilometers) - by car, taxi or bus. Closest to where there is a small village of Moni (just 15 kilometers), where you can stay for the night, and then - also by bus or car - to go to the volcano.
When arriving. Attraction can be visited at any time of the year, however, travelers advised to choose the dry season - from May to September. In most peak tourist months - July and August - to book accommodation near the volcano have to advance. Just look beautiful lakes at dawn, and that by that time reached from Moni to the lookout, will have to wake up at about 3am.
6. Sơn Đoòng Cave Cave, Vietnam
The largest cave in the world is located in the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park National Park. Height Sơn Đoòng Cave is about 200 meters, and the width - 150 meters. It was stretched to 5 kilometers in length.
Cave was formed several million years ago, but it only opened in 1991, and the first tourist group visited Sơn Đoòng Cave even later - in 2013. Inside you can find ancient fossils to see the real jungle with tall trees, giant stalactites and stalagmites, and meet a variety of species of birds and animals. Sơn Đoòng Cave scales simply amaze, but to get to it is not so easy to afford and is not for everyone.
Getting there. To do this, you need to pre-purchase a tour from an authorized company for which will have to pay a large sum - about 3000 dollars for a few days. It is the only legal way to visit Sơn Đoòng Cave.
When arriving. The cave is open for visitors from February to August.
What to consider. You should be sufficiently well trained and healthy: Just to get to the cave, you have to go more than 10 kilometers through the jungle, overcoming the rivers and streams.
7. Rice terraces Tegallalang, Indonesia
On the island of Bali, Tegallalang in the territory of the province, it is one of the oldest rice terraces in the region. Locals continue to harvest and care for the plantation, and travelers come here for fantastic views and vivid pictures on the memory. It's just a beautiful place where you should look if you were in Bali.
Getting there. Through the rice terraces are many sightseeing tours. Yourself the easiest way to get from Ubud - only 5 kilometers by car, taxi or scooter.
When arriving. The object can be visited at any time of the year.
What to consider. At different stages of ripening rice terraces look different, but always impressive. When the rice is just planted, they are filled with water, which reflects the clouds and sky. Then the shoots grow and plantation becomes saturated green color. And when the seeds are ready for collection, terraces acquire a golden hue. Harvested three times a year.
8. Mount Fuji, Japan
Sacred Mount Fuji (or to be precise, it's a volcano) - one of the most recognizable symbols of the rising sun. It has become an integral part of Japanese art objects from different eras, as do the local people believed that to reach the summit of Mount Fuji will acquire immortality.
The mountain is part of the vast National Park Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and each year thousands of tourists climb to its top and get though not eternal life, but certainly unforgettable emotions.
If your goal is simply to enjoy the sights, not to conquer the peak, you can walk around the park. There are mountain lakes and waterfalls, hot springs and ancient temples.
Getting there. The National Park can be reached by bus from Tokyo for a couple of hours.
When arriving. If you are attracted only species in the winter and early spring mountain peak is snow, and even more beautiful. Those whose aim - to conquer Mount Fuji, will approach the summer season. Climbing Mount permitted from July to early September, but the exact dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
9. Forbidden City, China
The world's largest palace complex - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the first half of the XV century to the beginning of XX century it served as the residence of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City is located in the center of Beijing and covers an area of over 70 hectares. In the territory - almost 1000 facilities in which nearly 10,000 rooms. Here, like connoisseurs of traditional Chinese architecture.
Getting there. Since the attraction is located in the center of Beijing, it is possible to reach the city on the subway. And from Tiananmen East station to the palace complex is just 100 meters away.
When arriving. The Imperial Palace is open to visitors all year round.
10. Waterfall ban gioc-detian falls, Vietnam, China
The picturesque waterfall is located on the Vietnam-China border, so you can enjoy the scenery from any of these countries. Not very tall, but wide enough - 300 meters - ban gioc-detian falls is the largest in Asia. Close to him, you can swim on a boat or a raft, along with a local guide.
Getting there. By bus, taxi or car from Cao Bang to the waterfall to go about 2-3 hours if traveling to Vietnam. And from China by bus from Nanning to ban gioc-detian falls - 5:00 way.
When arriving. It is best in the summer to see the full-flowing waterfall in all its glory. However, in this season, and tourists will be quite a lot.
11. Archaeological Park of Angkor, Cambodia
The world's largest temple complex with unique architecture over the centuries was the center of the Khmer Empire. He is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, and is protected by UNESCO. On campus there are the ruins of the temples of IX-XV centuries. These include the famous Angkor Wat, whose silhouette moved to the state flag of Cambodia.
Getting there. From the nearby town of Siem Reap, which is only 6 kilometers to the temple complex can be reached by taxi, mini bus or auto-rickshaw tour transport.
When arriving. From November to February. In March and April will be too hot, and then the rainy season begins.
12. Shilin Stone Forest, China
Some boulders, as if growing out of the ground, somewhat similar to carelessly planted trees, while others offer more to our imagination intricate silhouettes. But they all look monumental. Shilin - part of the South China Karst, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting there. From Kunming to Shilin Station train leaves daily. Station and reserve shared by another 4 kilometers, which you can walk or take a taxi. From Kunming is also a shuttle bus, and he you a lift to the park a little closer.
When arriving. In any season.
13. National Park Taman Negara, Malaysia
In the reserve you can watch the elephants, buffaloes or tigers, to meet more than 600 species of birds and 200 species of fish. And still walk through the green dense forest, ride the river with rapids or go on a guided night walk and look for lurking spiders or snakes. This is a place for those who love nature and want to go to the jungle and get to know the flora and fauna of Asia.
Getting there. The park is 240 kilometers from the capital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Under its own power to get to the village of Kuala Tahan, which is a nature reserve, it is difficult for a long time - with transfers by bus or train. Therefore order group transfer easier, which takes you either directly to Kuala Tahan, or to Kuala Tembling, where for a fee will have to go to the reserve by boat.
When arriving. A chance to get under the showers less from July to September.
14. Phi Phi Island, Thailand
In "The Beach" a bay of one of the paradise islands of the archipelago filmed the famous movie with Leonardo DiCaprio. If you watched it, you can imagine how wonderful this place is. Azure water and white sand - everything you need if you are tired of the metropolis noise and want to rest and to relax.
Getting there. From Phuket port to Phi Phi Island several times a day sail ferries, but you can choose, and a private boat.
When arriving. So as not to catch the rain, choose the period from early November to late April.
15. Great Wall, China
One of the seven wonders of the world needs no introduction: the Great Wall of China heard, probably, everyone. This gigantic structure seems to be endless, and should at least come here to feel the power of one of the most amazing places on our planet.
Getting there. The popular sites Mutyanyuy Wall, Badaling, Symatay Tszinshanlin and can be reached in approximately 2 hours from Beijing by trip or tourist buses or by car.
When arriving. In summer and spring from the wall, you will see green landscapes. In the autumn all around will be bright and golden. Winter - snow, white and fluffy. Choose what you like more.
16. Volcanic Island Aogasima, Japan
A small island in the center of which is an active volcano, is inhabited by people. However, their very little - a little less than 200. Here you can swim in the geothermal springs, diving or fishing. If you are not a fan of crowded tourist places are looking for tranquility and admire volcanoes Aogasima you enjoy.
Getting there. With Hachijō-jima Island to Aogasimy helicopters fly daily - the road will take about 20 minutes. Or you can swim (a little more than 2 hours) on the ferry, when the waters are calm enough and let you do this.
When arriving. In any season. True, it is better in advance see the weather on the planned dates. Unless you are lucky, there is a risk to spend a little more time on the island than going to - you just can not sail or fly away with it.
17. "Cloud Gate" on Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Arch height of a little more than 130 meters was founded in 263 AD by an earthquake. It is located high in the mountains and often shrouded in fog, and therefore received such an unusual name.
"Heaven's Gate" are located in the Zhangjiajie National Park, which is famous for its rich flora, fauna and scenic views, and is protected by UNESCO.
By the way, there is a mountain that inspired the creators of the film "Avatar" in the Pandora's fantastic scenery. It even renamed the mountain "Avatar Hallelujah,". Hard to believe that such beauty does exist and it can be seen with his own eyes, but it is. In addition, the reserve is home to rare species of animals listed in the Red Book.
Getting there. Get to the place you can from Zhangjiajie city bus. Stay for the night (one day you are unlikely to be enough) - in the city, the eponymous village near the nature reserve and near the entrance to it.
On the territory is better to use cardSo as not to miss anything interesting, because the area of Zhangjiajie Park - about 400 square kilometers. And to climb the arch, you have to be a daredevil: to lead the world's longest cable car and winding highway with 99 turns. Then you have to walk 999 steps of stairs.
When arriving. Advised to visit the park in the early fall, but it works all year round.
If you have been to one of these places, share your impressions in the comments. Or tell us about other picturesque places such diverse Asia.
see also🧐
- 10 reasons to visit Ireland
- 23 endangered places of the world, who must see
- What to see in Prague: a guide for the lazy and active leisure