Travel to East Asia: the best travel guide
It is very likely that I will repeat myself when I exclaim that East Asia is one of the most fascinating corners of the planet. Although it pains me to abandon my first traveling love, Europe, I can't help but feel a strong kinship with this region that lately seems to dominate my dreams more often.
From the moment you set foot there, East Asia dazzles in the grandest way possible. From moss-covered ancient temples to neon-splashed futuristic cities, some of the most memorable travel experiences of his life await if he decides to venture here.
However, what I like most about East Asia is the general ease of traveling here. Aside from the obvious language barriers, you won't encounter too many hassles here. In most of the region, public transport is fast and efficient, and unlike other places on the continent, you won't often find yourself drowned out by persistent touts.
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When to visit East Asia
There is no single, satisfactory answer to the best time to visit East Asia . When the immense landmass of China is added, the "subregion" encompasses virtually the entire Asian continent, with all the interesting climatic complexities that entails.
In the eastern fringes of East Asia - particularly Korea, Japan and parts of mainland China - you find a four-season climate that is not that different from many parts of Europe. Winters in these areas can be cold, while summers are hot and humid. Spring, especially during cherry blossom season, is lovely. Visit the country in autumn, when the autumn colors come out, for an equally enchanting experience.
As we venture south into East Asia, we find a different story. Destinations such as Taiwan and Hong Kong have less seasonal variation in temperatures, with a climate that is more subtropical than temperate. Islands like Okinawa in Japan and Jeju in Korea may even trick you into thinking you're somewhere in the South Pacific.
Where to go in East Asia
Although only a handful of countries occupy the region, East Asia's travel offer is not to be missed. Whether you want to explore some of the world's most electric cities, walk among meticulously landscaped tea plantations, or relax on semi-tropical white-sand beaches, you can do so at some of these best places to visit in East Asia :
1.China
Backed by a civilization thousands of years old, China is one of the most satisfying tourist destinations on the planet. As you travel from modern cities hiding ancient secrets to rural villages in the shadow of karst landscapes, the diversity of this enormous country becomes immediately evident.
Compared to other East Asian countries, traveling in China is not always easy. The distances are great, the language barriers are deep, and the comforts taken for granted elsewhere don't always come to light the deeper you delve into them.
However, despite the difficulty of traveling in China - or perhaps because of it - there is nowhere in the world where your desire to explore is more fueled. Crossing this great country means covering an entire continent, both in size and diversity of landscapes, cultures, people and languages.
Do you want to plan your trip to China? Check out our China Travel Guide for more information.
2.Hong Kong
Either way, the former British stronghold and global financial center of Hong Kong is bound to make an impression. For many travelers, Hong Kong is a love-hate destination. Not everyone is thrilled with the hustle and bustle that overtakes you as soon as you set foot on the sidewalk. Hong Kong takes some getting used to, but once you accept the chaos, this densely populated microstate is a difficult place to leave.
Like many other East Asian cities, Hong Kong is an assault on the senses. But perhaps none is more attractive than that of taste. Hong Kong is truly one of the best food cities in the world, famous for its own Cantonese cuisine that puts it on the bucket list of every gourmet on the planet. It is a place where eating is practically a religion; If you don't spend most of your time exploring through your taste buds here, I'm afraid you're doing it wrong.
Outside the hustle and bustle of the big city, there's plenty to discover in Hong Kong, from quiet traditional fishing villages to rugged hiking trails that offer sweeping coastal views well hidden from the chaos of Kowloon or Central. This is where the entire image of HK is ultimately concentrated, and why it has been listed as one of the best cities to visit in the entire world.
Want to plan your trip to Hong Kong? Check out our travel guide for more information.
3. Japan
I can safely say that there is no place that comes to mind more than Japan. From the overwhelming neon signs that line the streets to the appetizing culinary delights, it's impossible to imagine a life without experiencing Japan at least once.
Of all the East Asian countries, Japan fits into a travel plan as easily as an expert sushi chef wraps maki . Despite language barriers, getting around Japan is quick and easy thanks to a well-developed transportation infrastructure.
Every corner of the country seems to display a completely unique vision, each one as attractive as the last. For electric urban experiences like no other, you have the modern chaos of Osaka and Tokyo. On the other hand, the former Japanese imperial capital of Kyoto, with its spiritual soul exposed on every corner, could be not only one of the most attractive cities in East Asia, but one of the world's.
Lesser known are Japan's most "hidden" gems. From skiing in Hokkaido to relaxing on the subtropical beaches of Okinawa, traveling throughout Japan can pack a lifetime of experiences into just a few hops across the country.
4. Korea
In a strange twist, it wasn't love at first sight for me in Korea. Moving to a random Korean city to teach English without any kind of primer was, in retrospect, not the best decision for me at that time in my life. It is a long story.
Fortunately, after using this not-so-pleasant experience as a springboard to explore Korea, I developed a strong liking for the country, and quickly discovered what I was missing by living in the relatively rural outskirts of Gangwon-do.
Today, Korea is one of the most fascinating countries in Asia. If you bypass the chaos of Seoul, you can visit some of the country's most attractive tourist attractions and most attractive foods. And although the dirty port city of Busan has nothing to envy of the capital, its rawness is surprisingly refreshing in a region where appearances can be deceiving.
And, of course, among Korea's urban delights there are other less obvious moments. For many, the experience of hiking to a mountainside temple around Gyeongju or watching the sunrise from an extinct volcano in Jeju will forever be etched in their memory.
5. Macau
Although its tourism board does not say phrases like "What happens here, stays here", the small Chinese autonomous territory of Macau is located next to Las Vegas as one of the two meccas of the world of gambling. However, unlike Las Vegas, Macau boasts a Chinese and European colonial history that places it among the most unique and surprising places to discover in East Asia.
While the casinos and luxury hotels of the glitzy Cotai Strip take center stage, it's in the alleys where Macau's most exciting moments shine. Walking through the city, you'll come across a cluster of Portuguese-influenced architecture, reflecting 300 years of colonial rule, along with Chinese temples and old merchants' houses that will let you know exactly where you are.
As in nearby Hong Kong, just a 45-minute ferry ride away, Macau's Portuguese influences go beyond its looks. Macanese cuisine is one of the most unique on the continent, fusing regional classics like dim sum with Portuguese favorites like pasteis de nata (egg tarts) and bacalhau (salted cod).
6. Taiwan
Not to be forgotten is the small and diverse island nation of Taiwan. Taking a trip to Taiwan is perhaps the easiest and cheapest introduction to East Asia. And maybe even one of the most satisfying.
While its other neighbors rely on name recognition, Taiwan is one of the less obvious tourist destinations in East Asia. But that's going to change. More and more travelers are discovering the island that was once baptized Formosa by a certain European maritime power that felt compelled to point out its beauty.
With its compact size, there is no doubt that exploring Taiwan should begin by landing in Taipei. Not that it's a bad thing. Although the Taiwanese capital doesn't have the vibrancy of Tokyo, Seoul or Hong Kong, it is a fantastic place to visit in its own right. There are plenty of things to do here, whether it's admiring temples, exploring hiking trails or cramming night markets.
Although you could spend your entire trip exploring Taipei and the host of nearby destinations, getting around Taiwan is a no-brainer. The secondary cities of Tainan and Kaohsiung are pleasant and interesting enough for a quick visit, but the country's real draw is its natural destinations. Explore the rugged landscapes of Taroko Gorge or the coastal delights of Kenting National Park to get an idea of how diverse this pretty little island can be.
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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.
This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.
Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:
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