Asia is a continent with such a story to every corner of the continent- a huge land of spiritual temples, sci-fi skyline, delicious street food, and awe-inspiring natural scenery. However, the majority of tourists are more likely to visit such major tourist locations as Tokyo, Bangkok, or the Bali and ignore thousands of unknown wonders that are equally spectacular.
These underestimated Asian cities carry the spirit of the continent – the places where you will see the true culture, eat the authentic food, and the people without the crowds. They have it all: ancient history and art, perfect beaches, contemporary architecture and kind people all at a fraction of the cost as other more popular destinations. Traveling through these less-traveled cities will not only be saving money, but also one will be able to experience Asia in its purest and purest form.
Cultural Family Escape
It comprises of some of the most beautiful views of Asian cities that are very serene although it is a historical city worth visiting. The UNESCO World Heritage location that could provide the travelers with a chance to experience the unique mixture of tradition, nature, and peace is Luang Prabang.
It is decorated with golden temples, quaint French colonial houses and orange-robed monks quietly mumbling its foggy morning streets. It is that type of a destination that never leaves behind due to mass tourism. It will be a memory of simplicity and elegance whether you are viewing waterfalls, ancient monasteries, or night markets full of handcrafted products.
- Go to Kuang Si Waterfall that is well known due to its blue pools and the jungle environment.
- Experience the morning ritual of almsgiving, which is a religious Buddhist practice.
- Visit the Royal Palace Museum, a museum of Lao history and art.
- Go on a river tour of the Mekong to isolated villages and cave.
- Buy the handicrafts and local textile at the night market.
Gyeongju, South Korea
The Gyeongju city also referred to as the museum without walls is where each corner of the street tells us a lot about the past of the history of Korea. The former capital of the Silla Kingdom as well as a beautiful place that contains thousands of historical relics, temples, and royal tombs over one thousand years old is the city.
It is a culturally abundant area, but it is far under-travelled compared with Seoul or Busan, so it is a cultural paradise of olden-day lovers and tourists who would like to spend their time in a quiet location. The beauty of the city is supplemented with beautiful gardens and scenic routes and the old-fashioned buildings, kept in their purest form. You can in this instance, find without haste in the procedure of ingesting the soul of the Korean heritage according to your own tempo.
Cultural Family Adventure
It is a city of art, a masterpiece of creativity of Thailand, in which some of the most specific and symbolic temples of Thailand are situated. Chiang Rai is a region that has cloudy mountains, rice fields and small villages that offers a more authentic and slower lifestyle in Thailand.
Individuals come to this site as they get to see amazing architecture, colorful art and peaceful scenery, which are soul soothing. It may be the colorful temples you are visiting or you are enjoying local tea on a hill of the mountain, Chiang Rai can be taken as a feast of senses at cheap prices.
- A modern art temple that is surreal is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun).
- The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), a beautiful one with its amazing interior design and ornamentation.
- The black house museum (baan dam) which is a dark and interesting art complex.
- The Golden triangle perspective, which is the intersection of Thailand and Laos with Myanmar.
- The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, which is ideal in local food and crafts.
The serene atmosphere of Chiang Rai, its rich culture and artistic genius, are what politics this city as one of the least explored travel spots in Thailand.
Hoi an, Vietnam
Hoi An is an old and charming Vietnamese city that is a living museum and also located in the central coast of Vietnam country. Lanterns in the streets of the town light the way, the wooden shop-houses, the cafes on the banks of the river, all give one the old time air that will appeal to any traveler.
UNESCO world heritage site, the Hoi An, is a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese and French cultures, thus creating a magical atmosphere. Hoi an is a small city that is worth visiting because it is not very big as compared to the larger cities in Vietnam. Hoi an would be perfect to all with its bustling markets, all the way to tranquilized beaches only a few rides away.
- Visit the Ancient Town, which is full of buildings that are several centuries old.
- Boat ride in Thu Bon River that is lit with lanterns.
- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge which is among the oldest symbols of the city.
- Learn how to prepare the Vietnamese authentic dishes in the local cooking schools.
- Get custom made clothes at the tailors of the world.
Facile mixture of culture, food and beach restorative, Hoi An is regarded to be one of the most romantic and understated Asian cities.
Pokhara, Nepal
The Annapurna mountain in Pokhara city is an ideal place of romanticism which every adventurer or peace lover would be pleased to visit. Pokhara has got crystal clear lakes, falling waterfalls, panoramic views of Himalayas, and it is a sight that can never be compared.
It is not as wild as Kathmandu but equally full of the most cultural and hospitability. Here, you may meditate by the shores of the lakes and walk all through beautiful hills and challenge yourself with adventurous outdoor living. The standards of living are inexpensive and therefore it is preferable to spend the long durations there.
- Board a boat and have a dreamy reflection of the mountains on the Phewa Lake.
- Visit the World Peace Pagoda to get a glimpse of the Himalayas.
- Visit Devi Fall: Visit the Devi Fall and the Mahendra Cave which are natural wonders in the city and are located within the city.
- Adrenaline rush and paraglide/ultralight fly.
- Take a break at cafes on the lakeside in a scenic setting and Nepali tea.
Bokhara is a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation and has been ranked to be one of the most underestimated attractions in Asia that nature and peace co exist in utopian harmony.
George Town, Malaysia
George Town is a colorful mash up of cultures, flavours and art that is found in Penang Island. This is a city that is a paradise to people who love history, architecture and food though it is often overshadowed by Kuala Lumpur. Its colonial architecture, street art and cultural neighborhoods are representative of the multicultural nature of Malaysia – a mixture of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures merge perfectly in this area.
- Experience the famous street food of Try Penang, including char kway teow to laksa.
- Tour Kek Lok Si Temple, which is one of Southeast Asia major temples.
- Sample Little India and Chinatown markets and spices.
- Ride the Penang Hill where you will see the entire city.
George Town is a great destination with a blend of food, art, and friendliness that travelers are not likely to forget even in their quest to get the authenticity as opposed to commercial tourism.
Udaipur, India
Its shimmering lakes, royal palaces and scenic hills offer the atmosphere that is bordering on the filmic. The Udaipur city is believed to be the destination with the rich history and splendid architecture that will offer the tourists the best chance to be engrossed with the royal splendor of Rajasthan without the pressures of the small cities in India. Every single alley is concealing something; every single sunset located above Lake Pinhole is forming a picture of serenity and grandeur.
- Visit the City Palace Complex that is laden with art works and royalty.
- Take a sunset boat trip on the Lake Pinhole.
- Visit Jagdish Temple, which is among the most beautiful buildings of the Indo- Aryan architecture.
- Buy Rajasthan crafts in overcrowded local markets.
- Eat on the rooftop with Lakeview.
The simplicity of the sites of Udaipur is completely an ideal blend of the royalty and serenity. It is a locality where time is retarded and every moment is gold.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Yogyakarta or also referred to as Jogja is the Indonesian cultural capital and one of the least known places of visit in the southeast of Asia. The presence of great degree of artistic spirit, a richness of traditions, and closeness to such world-known temples as Borobudur and Prambanan define it. It is the proper balance of modern and historical power that is equalized with the help of street art, puppet performances and new religious ceremonies in the city. Bali is expensive, artificial and full of foreign hospitality as opposed to Yogyakarta that is cheap, local and full of local hospitality.
- Visit Borobudur Temple, the largest building of the Buddhists in the world.
- Visit the great Hindu complex Prambanan Temple.
- Watch a batik factory in the local artisans.
- Practices
- Shopping and dining in Malioboro Street.
- See a show of Ramayana ballet in the stars.
It is spirituality combined with art and heritage that makes Yogyakarta such a cultural powerhouse of a city that cannot be disregarded by those who wish to feel the real soul of Indonesia.
Conclusion
Asia is not just beautiful with its famous cities but also with the little locations of the continent that reveal the core and soul of this continent. The aforementioned underestimated cities, among which is Luang Prabang, the serene spiritual atmosphere, George Town with its artists, and Udaipur with its royal beauty can prove how diverse and incredible Asia can be.
Such cities are the ones where all the dreams of a tourist come to life: the real culture, good-natured people, good food, and spectacular locations without high prices and high volumes of tourists. Travelling to less popular places will enable you to experience the real taste of the Asian continent where people still espouse the traditions, the air is cleaner, and all the acquaintances are organic. It is all about the possibility to know people personally, enjoy the food which is cooked with love, and see landscapes which can make one fall to the floor.