Top 5 Must-see Asian Destinations in 2013

1. Singapore

This country is a popular destination for tourists who adore shopping and have a craving for enjoying the nature in a busy city. It features a huge water park and an aquarium showcasing 800 species of underwater creatures. One of them is the Gardens by the Bay, a natural reserve of over 101 hectares which won the works-of-the-year prize at the World Architecture Festival. A study released in 2011 by The Economist magazine’s ranked as the greenest city in Asia. This year, in order to enhance its image as a destination for environmental tourism, the country inaugurates two huge tourism projects. In addition, the water park of “Marine Life Park” is regarded as “the world’s largest aquarium”.

2. Mongolia

Mongolia’s vast grasslands have long attracted adventure travelers, especially those who prefer to travel on horseback. The limited tourism infrastructure, however, keeps to a minimum. Recently, the Mongolian Government has been trying to change this situation and the goal of of reaching 1 million foreign tourists in 2015 – roughly double the number of tourists in 2011.

3. Philippine

White sand beaches, little-known surf towns, and pristine reefs are among the tourist attractions of this country made up of over 7,000 tropical islands. Currently, in addition to areas attracting backpacking tourists like Boracay, there is a new generation of luxury hotels (https://www.thaibounty.com/a-simple-plan-for-blue-ocean-garden-hideaway-spa-and-beach-resort-koh-phangan/) opening even further afield.

In the past, Philippine used to be in not recommended list mainly because of the security in Mindanao region in the south. For extra security, many professional travel agencies have owned private vehicles and local guides.

4. Koh Phangan, Thailand

For years, the island of Koh Phangan has been the site for the notorious parties of hedonists. However, with its first airport and direct flights to Bangkok in early 2013, along with an increasing number of luxury and family-friendly resort, Koh Phangan is becoming a new destination to the tourists.

New hotels like the Buri Rasa, the villa Kupu Kupu and Anantara Rasananda are attracting more travelers. Besides, there are notable beauty spots as mysterious temples and waterfalls, along with the option of Yoga Studio. Finally, it is Beachlongue resort which is famous for its seafood curry and creamy coconut milk.

5. Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World’s Nature Heritage and ranked among the New Seven Wonders of the World. Along with the sparking green water, the complex of islets and island forms a spectacular seascape of towering limestone mountains, caves and grottoes. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin in the northeast of Vietnam, Halong Bay covers an area of 43,400 hectares including over 1,600 islands and islets in many shapes and sizes. Viewed from above, Halong Bay likes a geographic masterpiece. Exploring the bay, tourists will feel lost in a legendary world of stone islands.