Places to Visit in Asia

1. Step Back in Time in Kyoto, Japan

For a trip back in time to old Japan, Kyoto is the place. It has somehow survived centuries of war and disaster and has miraculously retained its historically treasured structures. Maybe that's why it is referred to as the spiritual heart of Japan.

Visitors to Kyoto (video) will find more than 2,000 shrines and temples to explore, one of the most outstanding being Kinkaku-ji - the Golden Pavilion.

The Higashiyama District is the city's historic district and is a must-visit, where the streets are lined with cafés, restaurants, and specialty shops. Fushimi Sake District is another must-see, with nearly 40 sake breweries. Those visiting in mid-July will experience Gion Matsuri, Japan's most famous festival.

2. Admire the Giant Golden Shakyamuni Statue in Thimphu, Bhutan

Bhutan's modern capital of Thimphu is bursting with restaurants, night clubs, and cafés. Despite this busy city's fast pace, visitors won't see any stoplights here.

Navigating intersections means paying attention to policemen directing traffic from decorated corner pavilions. Thimphu is the ideal place to immerse travelers in contemporary Bhutanese culture with its vibrant mix of ancient tradition and modern amenities.

Visitors will appreciate the convenience of Thimphu's many ATMs, a rarity in Bhutan. Getting local currency for traveling outside the city is as important as having cash to spend in Thimphu's lively retail scene.

The giant Golden Shakyamuni Statue containing 125,000 small Buddha statues and a meditation hall is a must-see.

3. Sample Cambodian Cuisine in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is nearly synonymous with the Angkor temples located north of the city.

Ruins of the world-famous temples have turned nearby Siem Reap into a boomtown over the last decade.

Where there were once only a few budget guesthouses there are now huge luxury hotels and numerous budget hotels. Travelers can expect lots of bars, restaurants, and local entertainment.

Cambodian cuisine, plentiful and intriguing, includes dinner at a floating restaurant on Tonle Sap Lake. Besides the requisite visit to the Angkor temples, visitors can dive into the culture by taking a countryside cooking class.

Siem Reap Food Tours will take you around the city to visit some of its best dining destinations and meet some of its finest chefs and street food culinary creators.

4. Visit Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Beijing, China

Beijing, China's extraordinary capital, is a must-see destination on any trip to The Red Dragon of Asia. Visitors can expect dazzling modern architecture, world-class cultural spectacles, and thousands of international restaurants.

There are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites packed into this vibrant city, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the 13 Tombs of the Ming Dynasty, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Zhoukoudian caves archaeological site.

Visitors to Beijing will also find Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, Tiananmen Tower, and a bevy of other must-see monuments. The lavender fields of Caijiawa, night scene of Jinbao Street, and traditional performing arts of the Peking Opera are also bucket list worthy.

5. Xian, China

Xian, the Eternal City, holds the recorded history for ancient Chinese civilization. Like a living history, this city in the central northwest has documented China's history for over 3,000 years. It served as the country's capital city during 1,100 years of China's ancient dynasties and is home to many cultural relics. Xian is also the eastern terminus to the iconic Silk Road. Visitors can expect to see incredible sights like the Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, the Bell Tower, the City Wall, the Yangling Mausoleum of the Han Dynasty, and Huashan Mountain. Other highlights include the Drum Tower of the Ming Dynasty and the Famen Temple, home of the Finger Bone of Sakyamuni Buddha.

6. Mumbai, India

Mumbai, India formerly Bombay, is India's entertainment capital. Also known as the "city of dreams," it's a city of contradictions. Visitors will find an exhilarating energy in this island city in the Arabian Sea. Business people scuttle between skyscrapers, Bollywood stars hang out at upscale restaurants, and young urbanites dance the night away at swanky bars like Hype In the heart of Mumbai, travelers can explore the beautiful colonial architecture of Colaba and Churchgate as well as sacred temples and distinctive bazaars. Highlights include the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, the Asiatic Society, and Marine Drive, also known as The Queen's Necklace.

7. Udaipur, India

Udaipur, India founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, is an enchanting travel destination in Western India. Dubbed the "Venice of the East" and the "Jewel of Mewar," the city is located in a valley surrounded by manmade lakes. It is best known for its opulent royal palaces, temples, and havelis. City Palace is a must-see with a complex of 11 palaces, gardens, and courtyards that overlook Lake Pichola. Travelers can explore charming narrow streets, colorful bazaars, Old World hotels, and tranquil lakes. Surrounded by the lovely Aravalli Hills, it has a natural beauty all its own. Highlights beyond City Palace include boat rides on Lake Pichola, Doodh Talai Musical Garden and Karni Mata Temple, and Bagore Ki Haveli.