Top destinations in Asia with Travel blogger TheNorthernBoy
Indonesia is a fabulous destination, so much colour, a must see. A visit to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi Province will not only feel like you’ve stepped far back in time, but also offers a look at the richness and diversity of Indonesia’s long-standing cultures. The architectural style of Tongkonan, boat-shaped houses and other buildings, are immediate standouts, but the people are what make this piece of natural paradise so special. They are, by many accounts, the friendliest and most welcoming people you could hope to meet while traveling. The Toraja approach to death is one of reverence and celebration. Funerals are elaborate ceremonies involving plenty of food and traditional dance, and the dead are buried in graves built into surrounding caves. Travelers to the area can visit villages and connect with locals, or trek in the notoriously lush and pristine countryside.
China is a fabulous location if you are looking for ancient history mixed with modern attractions exploration. In China’s mountainous northeastern region is the old city of Shenyang, an important center for trade and culture and home to the Mausoleum of Light (Zhaoling), also known as the Northern Imperial Tomb. One of northeastern China’s most important historic sites — it’s included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s list of Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties — the tomb is noted for its unique architectural style: a combination of traditionally arranged Chinese burial sites and castle-like buildings of the early Qing period. Buried here in a vast site covering more than 180,000 square meters that took eight years to complete is Emperor Huang Taiji, who reigned from 1626-35. The site is notable for its “Path of Souls,” a laneway lined with stone columns and sculptures of the emperor’s favorite horses. Another important site is the imposing Imperial Palace dating from the early Qing era, the second largest completely preserved palace complex in China after the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The complex served as a residence for the first Qing Emperors and includes several splendid courtyards around which are grouped numerous buildings, including the Hall of Exalted Government (Chongzheng Dian) housing the imperial throne.
Thailand is a a fascinating location if you are searching for ancient history mixed with modern attractions feeling. Ayutthaya presents a glimpse into the glory of ancient Thailand, where visitors can wander the haunting but romantic ruins of the former capital. After the Sukhothai period, the city was the most important in Thailand, and the old palaces and temples stand as a testament to this. There are also several foreign settlements, where you can gain a greater understanding of the influence other countries had in Thailand at the time. Ayutthaya is located only a short bus trip or train ride from Bangkok, making it convenient for a day trip if you’re pressed for time. If you’re on a more leisurely schedule, plan on spending a few days in the ancient capital and rent a push-bike to tour both the old city and the new.
A stunning tourist destination, Myanmar, you must see this place on Earth! Here are some top attractions in Myanmar. Myanmar’s longest river, the Ayeyarwady, also known as the Irawaddy, begins high in the Himalayas, carving Myanmar in half on its way to the Andaman Sea. It is navigable by large ships and boats in the lower elevations, and is fast becoming a popular river cruise destination. Cruises run between Mandalay and Bagan; both cities offer plenty of temples, pagodas and statues of Buddha. Between the two terminals, cruisers will see river villages and beakless dolphins, and travel through jungles and deep gorges.
Among the most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar, Inle Lake is the place to be best known by the fishermen with unique fishing methods, just rowing with one leg. Although tourism in the region has developed in recent years, Inle Lake still retains the natural beauty of its capital and one of the main attractions for Myanmar tourism. Getting to Inle, you will experience the sensation of floating houses, an ideal place for you to sink in deeper into this wondrous beauty of nature brings. Along with fishing, traditional handicrafts are a significant part of the local economy, and it’s very intriguing to see silk weavers and silversmiths plying their trade on the lake. As religion plays an integral role in Burmese daily life, numerous pagodas and monasteries can be easily found on the lake and its shores. There are also many restaurants dotted around, where you can indulge in their delicious catches of the day. See extra travel stories at Asia travel tips.
Situated within close proximity of Dasaswamedha ghat, Darbhanga ghat is used for performing the rites and rituals that are related to the demise of a loved one. The ghat has a grand building from where one can see the rituals being performed here. Scindia ghat, which is also known as Shinde ghat in Varanasi, is famed for the large number of places of worship found here. The Shiva temple at the ghat is a major attraction due to its partial submergence in the water. According to Hindu mythology, this ghat is known as the place from where Agni (Fire) originated. Thus, it is revered as a holy place and many devotees like to visit here. Ahilyabai ghat was earlier known as Kevalgiri ghat but in 1778, the famous Queen Ahilyabai Holkar ordered its renovation and converted it into a ghat that was made of concrete. The ghat is famous for the fact that it is believed to be the first ghat in Varanasi that has been named after a person. The best time of the day to visit here is in the morning hours, when the Hindu devotees throng the ghat to take a dip to get cleansed from their sin.