5 Asian Summer travel destinations

When you think the word “summer”, your mind starts spinning. No school. Sun. Beach. Pool. Amusement parks. Water parks. Traveling. Fun. Summer’s just only a month away and perhaps you’ve already made your summer plans. But if you haven’t and wish to go traveling, hop on a plane and visit one of these 5 Asian destinations (in no particular order)!

1. South Korea
South Korea is home to some of your favorite idols. This small country is rapidly becoming one of the hottest travel destinations during the summer. There is just so much to do and see here. If you’re planning to stay for a while, be sure to check out Jeju Island (pictured above). Its temperate climate, natural scenery, and beaches make Jeju Island one of the most popular tourist destinations. Its most popular tourist spots are the Cheonjeyeon and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls, Mount Halla, Heyobje cave, and Heyonje Island. You can also partake in many leisure activities.

While you’re in South Korea, be sure you visit Seoul. The heart of South Korea lies in this busy capital where many people live and business flows smoothly. It houses the most modern and newest shopping mall, Times Square, which also features a CGV Starium Cinema. And you’ll just love the shopping mall there - fabulous places where you just buy and buy clothes and accessories for pretty cheap. Don’t forget to check out Lotte World, the world’s largest indoor amusement park.

Why not also take the time to go to Yongin and visit Caribbean Bay? It is the largest indoor/outdoor water park in the world. After all, 2PM and SNSD came together to promote the water park. How can anyone not want to go there after seeing such an amazing promotion video?!

2. Japan
Japan is still recovering from the massive 9.0 earthquake and tsunami damage it sustained back in March, but don’t let that deter you from visiting one of the world’s greatest technology centers. Its rich and deep culture will let you experience the wonders of the island country. If you ever never been to Japan before, I highly suggest that you visit both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Tower. If not the former, definitely the latter. Tokyo Tower remains one of Japan’s most iconic structures. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to go visit Mount Fuji, one of the world’s most historic landmarks. Temples/shrines are a must as well.

Do you love nature? Then you should check out Ueno Park. It was first opened in 1873 at the top of Ueno Hill and is home to several world-class museums, a popular zoo, shrines, temples, a rental boat lake, historical monuments, hundreds of cherry blossom trees, and a lotus pond. It is Tokyo’s largest park and it’s so large that there is no way to stay in the park for one day. If you plan on coming here, make sure you allot a couple days so that you can take in everything.

And how could we forget? Japan plays hosts to many festivals, especially during the summer. Make sure you visit at least one of them (for the memories)! Some of those festivals include Kyoto Gion Festival (July 1 to 31), Osaka Tenjin Festival (July 24 and 25), Koenji Awa Odori, Asakusa Samba Matsuri, Tokyo Bay Fireworks, Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, and Nango Summer Jazz Festival, amongst others.

3. China
If you haven’t visited China, you should. Pronto. But be warned that China is too large to see in just one week. But it is feasible if you’re traveling to a few places. Like the Great Wall of China. If that’s not on your to-do list when you go to China, either don’t go to China or put that on your list. I mean, how can you not go to the Great Wall of China when you visit China? Just if you do go, make sure you don’t go on a day that is hot and humid. Otherwise, climbing the steep stairs in the heat won’t be too pretty (I tried that a couple years back and failed miserably).

Some other places to visit are Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City as well as the Temple of Heaven. Check out the Yangtze River Cruise, which lasts a couple of days. You’ll get in touch with your inner nature.

A word of caution if you do go: bring your own water if you can.

4. Philippines
Visit the beautiful islands of the Philippines and go visit the world-famous Boracay, Palawan (pictured above), and Samal Islands. Boracay is known for its pure white sand beaches that measure 9km long. Palawan is called the last frontier of the Philippines, which is home to two World Heritage Sites: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. And Samal Island is home to the Pearl Farm, which you can find many a pearls.

Be sure to visit the capital city of Manila. You can see the contrast of ancient structures and modern skyscrapers. Check out Chinatown, Mabini Shrine, Baywalk, Arroceros Forest Park and Manila Ocean Park. But don’t limit yourself to just these choices - Manila has many landmarks and tourist attractions!

5. Thailand
The last of our “5 Asian Summer travel destinations” is none other than Thailand. Thailand is known for some of the most beautiful beaches and it is simply a place you should go to during your lifetime. One of its most known tourist attractions is the Reclining Buddha Temple. Bangkok loves its Buddhas, so you should check that out (that and the Temple of the Golden Buddha). Visit the Erawan Shrine and Snake Farm of Bangkok located near that shrine. If you want a more model tour, visit Safarai World and Bangkok’s Pattaya and Coral Island. (Now I can’t get Orange Caramel’s “Bangkok City” out of my head. Bangkok City I can’t stop….) Bangkok is also home to the Buddhist temple Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.

Also on your places to visit should be Phuket and Phi Phi Island. Those beaches are just so drop-dead gorgeous that you’d be a fool to miss out on.

There are so many other gorgeous places in Asia that you can’t miss out on. Make sure you do your research on these Asian destinations because there is just so much you can’t miss out on.

Disclaimer: I apologize in advance for Asian countries that are not mentioned here. I wish I could talk about them all!