Asia is not a destination that can be described with a couple of beautiful photos or a list of attractions. Here, in a single trip, you can see futuristic skyscrapers, villages lost in the jungle, ancient temples, and beaches where time seems to stand still. It is this diversity that keeps travellers coming back again and again, each time discovering something new.
However, the most interesting places are not always at the top of popular travel guides. Sometimes it's enough to deviate a little from the usual routes to find places with a special atmosphere that are less affected by mass tourism. To make it easier to navigate in unfamiliar cities, search for the right locations and stay connected during trips, many travellers activate an eSIM from eSIM Plus before departure.
In this article, we have collected several places that show Asia from different angles: from bustling megacities to islands where the main entertainment is the sea, nature, and a leisurely pace of life.
Shanghai
Shanghai could easily be called the center of the world. It seems that all 24 million residents seem determined to enjoy life to the fullest. The city offers every opportunity to do so.
Ballroom dancing in parks, traditional tea houses serving fine teas, delicious steamed dumplings served with black rice vinegar, popular cocktail bars and craft beer venues nestled among neon-lit skyscrapers.
But old Shanghai hasn't disappeared either. The streets lined with traditional Shikumen houses are still full of life. You can also admire the European colonial-era Art Deco buildings, many of which remain beautifully preserved along the Bund.
In Shanghai, you can find entertainment for every taste. For example, Shanghai Disneyland is one of the city's most popular attractions. Or you can climb the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, and take in panoramic views of the city.
For decades, this archipelago was home to a notorious penal colony where prisoners were held under brutal conditions. Now it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.
In 1984, the national park was established, and today its coral reefs are considered one of the most beautiful places for diving.
On Con Dao, you can hike through the rainforests, where the island's rich wildlife has been preserved, or just relax on the white-sand beaches and swim in the sea. The local government is trying to develop Con Dao into a resort destination as popular as Phuket. Therefore, many cafés and restaurants have been opened in the historic town of Con Son. But there are also benefits to this development: to accommodate the flow of tourists, luxury Six Senses resorts have been developed on the islands. In addition, regular flights are available: you can get to Con Dao by direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
After landing, immediately go to sample excellent seafood, find your perfect beach (there really are many of them), and enjoy a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Trang Province Islands are just as impressive as their more popular neighbors along the Andaman coast: Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta. However, they lack one major drawback: overwhelming crowds. But there are white sandy beaches, jungles, bungalows on the coast, and colourful tropical fish that are easy to spot in the crystal-clear water.
Although the infrastructure and transport connections to the Trang Islands have improved in recent years and are now relatively easy to reach, the islands retain much of their unspoiled beauty. Relaxing on Koh Kradan, scuba diving among coral reefs on Koh Ngai, cycling past rice fields on Koh Sukon, dugongs in pristine mangrove forests on Koh Libong… it's worth visiting the islands to experience a more authentic side of Thailand!
Taichung is a vibrant city in central Taiwan known for its blend of modern attractions, colourful temples, creative districts and relaxed atmosphere. The city is famous for landmarks such as the Rainbow Village, Fengjia Night Market and the National Taichung Theater, while nearby mountains and scenic countryside offer excellent opportunities for hiking and nature escapes.
Taichung is also celebrated for its thriving café culture, mild climate and rich mix of traditional Taiwanese heritage and contemporary urban life.
Far from Bali's busy tourist centers, in the northwestern part of Bali, there is Pemuteran, one of the best places for diving and snorkeling. Pemuteran is home to the Biorock artificial reef project, where you can spend the whole day underwater. Several dive centers in the area offer training courses in several languages.
However, this is not the only reason to visit Pemuteran. There is a monkey temple a couple of kilometers from Pemuteran: locals feed the monkeys fruits, so there are a lot of them there (making it a great spot for photography).
Another place that definitely deserves attention is the bays and beaches around Menjangan Island. On the way from the southern part of the island, you can admire the emerald-green rice paddies. However, you won't have the area entirely to yourself: Pemuteran is a very busy tourist destination. This means that a wide range of resorts, restaurants, and lively entertainment options await.
From bustling megacities to secluded islands, Asia offers an incredible variety of experiences. The key is not to limit yourself to the most popular destinations, because some of the most memorable experiences are often found beyond the main tourist hubs.
This is a guest post.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world on her blog "In Africa and Beyond". Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
