Here are a few suggestions of things to see and do in my favourite places in Asia.
Take heed, my lists are not intended as essential bucket lists and nor are they written in any particular order. To protect our sanity, I’ve limited each country to only ten suggestions. While there may be more worthy sights to see first, you don’t need to worry because you’ll hear all about those as soon as you arrive.
China- Destination guide
China is huge. You may have thought it was a long way from your house to the shops but that’s nothing compared to China. Home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations, the Chinese are credited for inventing a lot of life’s essentials including ketchup and toilet paper. Where else in the world can you sit in a traffic jam that can last for weeks or visit a life-sized architectural replica of London named Thames Town?
The Great Wall
Climb up to The Great Wall of China and wander between some of its watch towers while imagining you are under attack. Discard any fantasies you may have of walking the entire wall, it spans 21,000 km. How long? About half the length of the equator and some of it is underwater.
The Forbidden City
Enter The Forbidden City. Although it contains almost 10,000 rooms, you won’t get lost.
Terracotta Army
See the 8,000 strong Terracotta Army in Xi’an face to face. It took around 37 years to make them and a little over 2,000 years before they were rediscovered (probably by the descendants of the families that were paid not to tell anyone about it).
Acrobats
Explore a random Hutong, spend an afternoon relaxing in Beijing’s Summer Palace and end your day watching an acrobatic show in Bejing.
Shanghai
Visit the Bund area in Shanghai. Be sure to take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel for a trippy journey with flashing psychedelic lights and a weird soundtrack that will probably confuse you.
Li River
Navigate the watery wonder Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo.
The hanging monastery and a big Buddha
See the largest Budda in the world. Measuring 71 metres high, the Leshan Buddha is carved into a cliff face in central Sichuan. If carved Buddas on mountains are your thing, then be sure to also visit Datong where a kilometre long stretch of Buddas may be enjoyed.
Panda
Make friends with a panda bear, apparently they are good swimmers.
Tianmen Shan
Climb the stairs of Tianmen Shan, the gateway to heaven. It really does look like a portal to another world.
Xi'an
Spend a day exploring the ancient city Xi'an.
China - Tips
Book before you leave home
Book tickets in advance so you don’t waste time bartering, wading through red tape in a Chinese ticket office or getting on the wrong boat.
Starting possition
Start your Chinese adventure in Beijing, here you’ll find yourself close to most of the famous attractions.
Chinese don't line up like they used to
Arrive at train stations early, there is seldom an orderly line and if you’re on a schedule the last thing you want to do is push your way through a tight scrum of hardened Chinese ladies.
Barter hard, the Chinese are centuries old negotiators.
Watch out for phony taxi drivers, their meters roll over faster than the coins falling out your pocket.
If you’re planning to visit the terracotta warriors from Beijing, save time and a night’s stay in a hotel by taking the Beijing to Xi’an overnight sleeper train.
Get a local map
Buy a Chinese language map, your English version in your guide book means nothing to the locals. Also arm yourself with a good phrase book or a translator app - charades and smiles will only get you so far.
The Great Wall heads up
When visiting the Great Wall head to Mutianyu, less tourists and less hassle than Badaling.
Forget the water, use a brolly
Keep your travel guide hidden when entering the country, some of them are banned and will be confiscated at the airport.
Do not pour water over your head to cool down in front of security guards – you may get arrested if you do.
Hong Kong - Destination guide
Hold on tight, things move fast in the Pearl of the Orient. Grab your camera and credit cards and prepare to snap skylines, shop and shove your way to the front seats.
Peak Tram
Ride the Peak Tram and take in the spectacular harbour view from Victoria Peak.
Victoria Peak
Enjoy a morning stroll or jog around Victoria Peak.
Ferry
Cross Victoria Harbour on the star ferry.
Markets
Explore the street markets. Visit as many as you can and seek out the most unusual food you can find at the Temple Street Night Market. Think, Snake Bile, Cow Offal, Pig Blood Curd and Chicken Testicles, or just think again if you ‘re slightly sain.
High tea
Have high tea in either the famous Peninsula Hotel or, if views are more your thing, then head to the Inter-Continental.
Big Buddha
Visit the giant 202-ton Tian Tan Buddha.
Ride a junk
Ride a ‘junk’ – Hang on, I’m talking about a sail boat here. Yes, you can charter them.
Enter the Dragon
Escape the noise of the big city and walk the Dragons Back to Shek O Peak.
Happy Valley Racecourse
Party hard at the Happy Valley Racecourse.
Ten Thousand Buddhas
Visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, but don’t waste your time trying to count them.
Hong Kong - Tips
Transport
Take advantage of the express airport to city train. Be sure to buy your tickets online before you arrive to the avoid lines at the airport.
Hop on the Ngong Ping 360 gondola to enjoy the best views while traveling to the Tian Tan Buddha.
Ride the Star Ferry at night in both directions to soak up all the views.
Save time and hop onto the MTR to travel between destinations, it’s easy to navigate, cheap and fast.
Timing
Arrive at The Peninsula Hotel before 2pm if you’re thirsty for high tea, it’s popular.
Arrive early for the Peak tram, lines can be long and afternoons can be stifling hot. You’ll enjoy the view a lot more when you’re by yourself first thing in the morning.
Survival
Be polite and assertive. If you leave a gap in a line expect to lose it, don’t be mad, that’s just the way it is in this big city.
Find a hotel that’s centrally located, or at least close to an MRT station.
Don’t forget to barter when buying goods in the markets.
Take a brolly, it rains a lot.
Israel - Destination guide
One sure thing Jews, Christians and Muslims will all agree on is that Israel is the biblical Holy Land. It’s a fascinating country to visit and you don’t need a religious view to visit or appreciate its long and confusing history. Just pack an open mind, respect the views of others and take a lot of pictures.
There are loads of things to fill your schedule with here, choosing the right postcard may be one of the hardest things you’ll do but don’t worry when sending it, even the glue is kosher.
Get hopelessly lost
Get hopelessly lost in the old City of Jerusalem – getting lost is the easy bit.
Masada
Take in views of the Dead Sea and familiarise yourself with the local history from the ancient fortress Masada.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre Jerusalem.
Dead Seas Scrolls
Visit the Qumran Caves and learn about the discovery of the Dead Seas Scrolls.
The Wall
Write out your wish list and leave it in the Western Wall.
Mount of Olives
Soak up the sweeping views from the world’s oldest continuously used cemetery, Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives.
Tunnels
Check out the tunnel tour of the Western Wall.
Enter the West Bank
Visit the West Bank – no not to make a deposit. You’re going to see Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah.
Tel Aviv
Party in Tel Aviv.
Dead Sea
Float about in the Dead Sea, it’s difficult to dive into.
Israel - Tips
Get a good guide
Take tours, Israel is fascinating and a holy hot spot for three religions, good guides will not only keep you informed and show you stuff you can’t find in your guide books, but they will also keep you safe.
Hot hot hot
Visit Masada in the morning, it gets hot out there.
Border crossing
The border crossing from Jordan is perhaps the slowest in the world, be sure to have a good breakfast, expect delays, don’t panic when your luggage disappears for an hour or so and just follow the rules.
Threads
Ladies should pack a long scarf and be sure to wear clothes that cover your arms and knees.
Passport
Consider having your passport stamp on a separate piece of paper if your planning further travels in the Middle East.
History
Swat up on your history and local politics before arrival. Israel has a complicated past and you wouldn’t want to offend anyone.
The guns are real
Follow the latest news before you go, avoid the Gaza Strip and keep an eye on any safety warnings issued.
Day off
Bear in mind from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday things get a little quiet as the locals focus on the Jewish day of rest.
Taxi
Find a taxi driver from Palestine if you are planning a day trip from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
Jerusalem
Base yourself in Jerusalem, it’s simply amazing.
Jordan - Destination guide
The land were being polite will require you to refuse a meal three times before accepting it. Like the Pyramids, Machu Picchu and the Great Wall of China, Petra is one of those must-see places before you die. Conveniently, it’s located in one of the most stable and friendly countries in the Middle East - Jordan. Jordan has so much to offer, don’t just settle for Petra, get in a car and carefully explore this treasure from top to bottom.
Petra
Petra – Everything about Petra is amazing. No, you won’t see Indiana Jones searching for the Holy Grail here, but you will feel like him if you arrive early enough and stay a few minutes ahead of the tourists.
Jerash
Visit the well-preserved Roman city of Jerash.
Wadi Rum
Ride a camel in Wadi Rum and eat a fig from the same tree T.E. Lawrence ate from.
Crusader castles
Explore Crusader castles: Kerak, Shobak and Ajloun.
World's oldest bar
Enjoy a drink or smoke some shisha in the world’s oldest bar – located just outside the entry to Petra.
Explore the Roman Amphitheatre
Explore the Roman Amphitheatre - Amman
Citadel ruins Amman
Take a guided tour of the Citadel ruins and museum – Amman.
Qasr Azraq
T. E. Lawrence fans will want to visit Qasr Azraq, a large fortress where Lawrence wrote his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
Royal Automobile Museum
Fed up with history? Check out the Royal Automobile Museum – the king is into cars and if you are too, then you will enjoy his impressive collection.
Dead Sea
Get out of the desert, give your skin a good time and cover yourself in mud before floating about in the Dead Sea.
Jordan - Tips
Timing
Time your arrival at Petra and book yourself onto an evening walk through the Siq in silence. Viewing the Treasury for the first time at night is a sight to behold.
Water
Petra is a furnace in summer, cover up, take water, arrive early and climb up to the monastery before the heat.
Photos
The best time to snap pictures of Petra’s Treasury is in the afternoon when all the tourists have gone home and shadows are no longer confusing your camera.
Coins
Keep your eyes open for ancient coins if visiting Jerash or Petra, particularly after a recent rainfall.
Good guides / Bad guides
Find an official guide to reveal Petra’s secrets, you won’t regret it.
Essential viewing
Watch Lawrence of Arabia before you arrive.
Whisper
Stand on stage at the Roman Amphitheatre Amman and confidently address your audience with a whisper, the acoustics will impress your friends seated anywhere in the stands.
Border crossing
The border crossing to Israel is the most tedious border crossing in the world. Have a big breakfast and expect delays if you brave it.
Photos
Attempt to look good in your photos, take some shoe polish.
Tips
The people are lovely, kind and friendly, treat them with respect and tip them appropriately.
Mongolia - Destination guide
Although he died in 1227, Mongolia is still all about Genghis Khan. Khan’s likeness is everywhere, it’s printed on the currency, the beer, the postage stamps and his legacy is even reputedly imprinted into the DNA of some 16 million locals residing in the former Mongol empire. The country is beautiful and so under-developed and innocent you may be forgiven for thinking you have travelled back to the first century AD.
Genghis Khan
See the unbelievably gigantic Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue – Ulaanbaatar. Then go see all the other, smaller, ones around the capital while you’re at it.
Tunes
Enjoy a cultural performance by either The State Folk Song and Dance Ensemble or the Tumen Ekh Ensemble – some of the best value cultural shows in the world.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Experience a traditional Ger overnight in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
Gobi desert
Tour the Mongolian Gobi Desert.
Unusual animals
Ride a horse and count the unusual animals you find in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
Throat sing
Learn how to throat sing in Ulaanbaatar.
Space man
Snap the statue of Jügderdemidiin Gurragchaa, the first Mongolian in space, from your train carriage in Choir Station.
Naadam festival
Visit Ulaanbaatar during the Naadam festival – imagine a nomadic Olympic games set two centuries ago and you’ll have a good idea what you’re in for.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum & Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan
Visit Choijin Lama Temple Museum and the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan – Ulaanbaatar.
World’s tallest indoor statue
Pay a visit to Avalokiteśvara, the world’s tallest indoor statue at Gandantegchinlen Monastery– Ulaanbaatar.
Mongolia - Tips
Take your own snacks
Sheep eyes and lumps of fat are delicacies in Mongolia. If you’re not big on sheep eyes, then best take some back-up snacks with you to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
Don’t offend the locals, eat and drink everything they offer and prepare for lashings of Vodka. If you’re offered sheep eyes, just add sauce.
Border crossing
The railway border crossing into Russia can be a lengthy ordeal and the toilet is often locked while you wait, cross-legged, for up to 12 hours at the station.
Hands on the wallet
Keep your hands clasped on your wallet at all times in Ulaanbaatar, the locals are some of the most skilful pickpockets in the world.
Learn a few words of the local language as few speak English.
Spend or convert all your local currency before you leave Mongolia because it’s not easy to change it elsewhere.
Naadam festival
Try and time your trip to coincide with the opening ceremony for the Naadam festival. If you manage it, get to Sukhbaatar Square before 9am to witness a fantastic opening ceremony with mounted cavalry and a military band.
Ger up
Ready yourself for your driver to spend much of your journey cruising in the middle or wrong side of the road – it’s normal, just sit in the back seats and prepare to die.
Always take a gift if visiting or staying with a nomadic family and arm yourself with insect repellent if staying overnight in a Ger. Often the locals use them to dry their meat.
Singapore - Destination guide
In Sanskrit Singapore means Lion City, but there were never any lions in Singapore until they built the zoo. Either way, the Lion City is modern, developed, bright, shiny and new. It may not be cheap but it’s one of the cleanest cities in Asia. Be sure to learn the laws, if your caught selling chewing gum you may find yourself locked up in prison or paying a $100,000 fine.
Supertree Grove Light show
Check out the Supertree Grove Light show at Gardens by the Bay, then move on to the Wonder Full Light and Water Show – Marina Bay Sands.
Cloud forrest
See a real concrete jungle grown in a real concrete jungle at the Cloud Forest. While there don’t miss the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Buddha Tooth Temple
Step inside Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum – the name says it all.
Zoo
Visit Singapore Zoo and give the animals something new to look at, there are a lot of them.
Haw Par Villa
For something completely different, check out Haw Par Villa.
Tree Top Walk
Visit the Botanical Gardens, or perhaps try out the TreeTop Walk at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
Views
Head up to the top of any skyscraper with an open viewing deck and enjoy the views of the city at night.
Sentosa Island
Relax on Sentosa Island.
Shop shop shop
Shop shop shop – on a budget? Head to Bugis street markets (closed on Mondays) for all sorts of cool stuff, then the next day you can hunt down that special designer brand item with all the money you saved.
Swim
Swim, or at least visit the Infinity Pool - Marina Bay Sands.
Singapore - Tips
Don’t even think about urinating in an elevator
Learn the laws. Feeding pigeons, jaywalking, spitting, singing, annoying someone with a musical instrument and forgetting to flush the toilet are serious offences. No, don’t even think about urinating in an elevator, some are armed with sensors that alert the police.
Ready your bank manager, Singapore is an expensive destination.
Wear light clothes, it gets hot, real hot and humid.
Arrive at the Zoo early, there are four experiences to enjoy: Zoo, Bird Park, River Safari and Night Safari.
Take advantage of the excellent public transport system.
Try to avoid visiting in September when pollution levels are typically higher than usual.
Arrive for the Supertree Grove Light show early to secure a great spot.
If you’re looking for the latest electronic gadget, head to Sim Lim shopping centre.
Hunt for affordable local snacks on Smith Street and eat with the locals.
Ask for tax refund forms whenever buying goods, you may be eligible for a 7% refund when you leave.
Thailand- Destination guide
Land of the free, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was not colonised by a European country. Beaches, temples, islands, temples and even more temples. Thailand has around 35,000 temples and 1,430 islands. If you like temples, islands and warm weather, Thailand is the place for you.
The Grand Palace
Visit the greatest spectacle in Bangkok – the Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw.
Phang Nga Bay
Sail through Phang Nga Bay as if you’re James Bond in the Man with the Golden Gun.
Similan Islands
Relax on the Similan Islands or perhaps soak up the sun on Railay Beach instead.
Floating markets
Check out the atmosphere and shop around in one of Bangkok’s floating markets.
Wat Phra
See the holy temple of Wat Phra near the top of Doi Suthep - Chiang Mai.
Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple)
See the visually striking Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) - Chiang Rai.
Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya
Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya.
Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn
Sail to Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. At night it’s a photographer’s dream.
Khao Yai National Park
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai National Park.
Phi Phi Islands
Explore the stunning rock formations and colourful marine life at the Phi Phi Islands.
Thailand - Tips
Dress respectfully when visiting temples.
Arrive at the Damnoen Saduak Floating market early (7:30am) and eat at the market before the tourists arrive.
Thailand is a mecca for counterfeit goods, check carefully what you’re buying.
Always agree on a price before stepping into a tuk tuk.
Keep your belongings close and your hand on your wallet at all times.
Arm yourself with cash and don’t be afraid to negotiate with the locals.
Avoid the tap water and eat where the locals eat, especially when eating street food.
At times it may feel like everyone is trying to rip you off, maybe they are, but don’t let it ruin your day, just smile back and try to enjoy yourself.
At all times keep the mosquitoes at bay with a spray-on repellent.
Unless you’re a Bond fan, avoid the crowds at James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi when visiting Phang Nga Bay. Instead take a boat ride elsewhere and soak in the tourist free views of these amazing limestone islands.
Turkey - Destination guide
As the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, Turkey is the home of Father Christmas. The national sport is oil wrestling and parts of the countryside look more like a fantasy film set than a place on Earth. If you have a few weeks spare, exploring this amazing gem of the Orient will delight even the homeliest armchair traveller.
Aya Sofya
Visit Istanbul’s Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia). Looking like a four-legged spider lying on its belly, the Aya Sofya is probably the most iconic sight in Turkey.
Ephesus
Explore the rambling ruins of Ephesus.
Cappadocia
Feel like you’re in a Salvador Dali painting and take a hot air balloon ride over the world’s most surreal landscape in Cappadocia.
Topkapi Palace
Enter the world of the sultans and visit the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Pay a visit to Turkey’s other most iconic site, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (The Blue Mosque
Pamukkale
If natural wonders are your thing, then look no further than Pamukkale. After your visit, don’t forget to also check out the ruins of Roman town Hierapolis on the top of the calcite hill and stick your feet into a bucket full of flesh eating fish.
Mount Nemrut
Rediscover the forgotten statues that once guarded Mount Nemrut, Eastern Turkey.
Sumela Monastery
Explore the abandoned Sumela Monastery.
Basilica Cistern
Dare to stare into the stone eyes of Medusa in the subterranean Basilica Cistern, Istanbul.
Cappadocia
Stay overnight in a fairy chimney Cappadocia, then head underground into one of the ancient and ginormous subterranean cities hidden deep under the moonscape surface.
Turkey - Tips
Slippery when wet
The travertine terraces of Pamukkale are slippery and delicate, take your shoes off when walking on them and take your time.
Before you arrive
If you’re a bond fan then be sure to re-watch From Russia With Love before you arrive in Istanbul.
Timing
Arrive at Mount Nemrut for sunrise to capture the best pictures.
Arrive at Ephesus for doors open and be sure to take all your pictures in the first hour before the coaches full of tourists roll up.
If you're catching a flight home from Istanbul, be sure to allow for traffic jams, Istanbul can grind to a halt at almost any hour.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
If you plan to step inside Sultan Ahmed Mosque, remember to dress respectfully and take your shoes off – you’re not visiting to enjoy the smell.
Roof-top bar on Istanbul
Have at least one meal at sunset on a rooftop bar in Istanbul.
Cappadocia accomodation
Book your fairy chimney accommodation months ahead and secure one with a view.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia can be hot, but the underground cities are cold, take a jumper.
Balloon rides
Choose your balloon ride carefully in Cappadocia. Be sure to book with a group who have a below capacity number of passengers in their baskets and aim to fly on your first morning so you can reschedule the next day if the weather is bad.
Seek out alternative history at Gobekli Tepe
This archaeological site dates back as far as the 10th Millennium BC and challenges modern understandings of the development of human society.
United Arab Emirates - Destination guide
The UAE police fleet includes a Lamborghini, a Ferrari and a Bentley. Dubai has seven of the world’s ten tallest hotels and in 2013 40% of the world’s physical gold trade occurred in the Golden City. Only the best of the best and the biggest of the biggest will do in the UAE.
Burj Khalifa
Take a peek from the peak of the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa - Dubai.
Ski
Snow ski indoors at the Mall of the Emirates - Dubai.
Dubai Water Fountains
Watch the Dubai Water Fountains around Burj Khalifa - Dubai.
Deira Gold Souk
Explore the Deira Gold Souk - Dubai.
Bastakia Quarter
Weave your way through the Bastakia Quarter to get a taste of old Dubai.
UAE - Burj Al Arab
Stay overnight or enjoy a meal at the seven-star rated Burj Al Arab, Dubai. If you are a VVIP the manager may even set off some fireworks upon your arrival, bad luck if you are only a VIP.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Step inside the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Shajah Arts Museum
Visit the Shajah Arts Museum.
Singing sand dunes in the Empty Quarter
Take a trip out into the vast desert and listen to the singing sand dunes in the Empty Quarter towards Liwa
United Arab Emirates- Tips
Planning
Book your accommodation months in advance, hotels are expensive and the best ones fill up fast.
Book ahead if you’re planning to eat at Burj Al Arab.
Be mindful where you consume alcohol and don’t leave the bar drunk.
Show respect during Ramadam, don’t eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sundown.
Try to visit between October and April when it’s only hot, you don’t want to experience hotter.
Do your homework
Know the price of gold before you start negotiating.
If your heading out to the desert for a romantic night carefully check the reviews of your tour, the desert is a popular destination and you may not have it all to yourself.
No kissing
Keep your passion under control, kissing in public is illegal and can get you deported.
Don’t photograph anyone without their permission, you may end up in court if you do.
Cover up and dress modestly.