Asia has always been an intriguing destination, for its culture, customs, cuisine and heritage. Even though the value of the U.S. dollar has declined over the last several years, it still commands top dollar in most of Asia. Following is a list of countries where you can get the most bang for your buck:
CHINA
China has gotten a bad rap lately with its food products. However, to see a country that has grown by leaps and bound in just a mere ten years, the experience cannot be beat. Like the United States, China is a vast country, diverse in terrain, people, customs and culture. The most popular places of interest are Shanghai for the shopping and history, Beijing for historical artifacts (Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven), buildings and architecture (the most recent of which is the Olympic building, the Birds Nest), Canton for the famous Cantonese food, Guilin for the beautiful limestone cliffs, the backdrop of many Chinese paintings, Tibet for the people and their customs and religion. If you thought Chinese products in the U.S. is cheap, wait until you get to China. Not only there are bargains galore, the array of goods offered is mind boggling. Shop at reputable stores to avoid getting scammed with faked products.
THAILAND
From the beautiful northern city of Chiang Mai to the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, Thailand is a fascinating country to visit. The smell and sight are intoxicating, the shopping is awesome and the bargains incredible. Venture south to explore the beautiful beaches of Phuket and the dramatic landscape of Phang Nga Bay.
MALAYSIA
Another fascinating Southeast Asian country to visit is Malaysia. The spice trade brought the Portugese and the Dutch, the gold brought the Chinese, and the rubber plantations the Indians. As a result, the country is diverse in terms of people, culture and religion. English is widely spoken. Visit Malacca for the history, Penang for the temples and cuisine, Tioman and Langkawi Islands for dramatic waterfalls and aquamarine beaches, Sabah and Sarawak for the rain forests. The Perhentian Islands on the northeast state of Trengganu play host to sea-turtles, which return year after year to lay their eggs. The white sand beaches, reefs and crystal-clear water is perfect for diving and snorkeling.
SINGAPORE
Rich in contrast and color, the small island nation of Singapore is a unique destination that has managed to blend old and new. Historic Raffles Hotel exudes colonial charm. Stop at the Long Bar for a Singapore Sling, the drink that was invented by a waiter here. Be warned that it is a pricey drink, but the experience is worth it. Waiters dressed in traditional Indian garb walked around to serve you. Burlap bags of peanuts sit at various corners for you to serve yourself. And the best part is: you can throw your peanut shells on the floor! Imagine that in fine city Singapore, where you are fined for spitting, littering, not parking your car properly, to name a few misdemeanors.
Getting to Asia is a twenty-four hour flight ordeal. It would be wise to take a longer vacation and take the opportunity to visit the various countries in the region. Other Asian destinations to consider include Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Bali (Indonesia).