Thinking of going on holiday? With so many fantastic destinations at your doorstep, it can be difficult thinking of where to go. To help point you in the right direction, here’s six top destinations to start thinking about.
Kuala Lumpur
The capital of Malaysia is an ideal holiday spot because of its proximity to Singapore, and also because it offers a mix of the ultra-modern with the traditional. On the modern side of things you have the Petronas Towers – known as the Twin Jewels of Kuala Lumpur – and the Menara KL Tower, which at 421 metres high is the world’s fifth tallest structure. If you prefer the old over the new, however, you won’t want to miss Batu Caves, a Hindu shrine located within 400-million year old limestone formations.
Image of Petronas Towers by Mike Schaffner
Sydney
As Australia’s most populated city you can be sure there’s plenty to do and see in Sydney. World famous sites like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge provide stunning photo opportunities, but the true beauty of Sydney lies in its beaches. With over 40 breathtaking beaches to discover there’s something for everyone, from quiet retreats to bustling sea fronts with every type of water activity on offer. As a cosmopolitan city you’ll find a mix of cuisines available to you and the shopping quarters are filled with both international brands and unique boutique stores.
Bangkok
There are many fantastic places to visit in Thailand but Bangkok, the capital, is perhaps the best of them all. In terms of international visitor numbers it only ranks behind London and Paris and the reasons are clear: stunning attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho are capable of eliciting genuine awe, while there are culinary delights to indulge in at practically every street corner. Then there’s the nightlife, which is rightly regarded as amongst the best in the world and the fact that the people here really are as friendly as they say they are. Put that all together and it’s no wonder Bangkok is at the top of many people’s must-visit list.
Image of Grand Palace Bangkok by whl.travel
Luang Prabang
Over the past 20 years tourist numbers in Laos have shot up, and the country now receives almost 2 million foreign visitors. The appeal of Laos? The relaxed pace of life and the evidence of a ‘real Asia’ that seems to have been lost in other neighbouring countries. Backpackers in particular love to travel through sparsely populated towns such as Muang Ngoi Neua, with its beautiful natural scenery, but you can still get an authentic Laos experience from densely populated cities such as Luang Prabang. For a holiday you won’t forget, try local cuisine from roadside stalls and visit the Phosy Market for local delicacies.
Siem Reap
Known as the gateway to Angkor, Siem Reap is the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia. A stay here is perfect for anyone interested in culture as the city and its surrounding areas are rich with fascinating history. Of course, the number one sight on anyone’s itinerary will be the Hindu temple complex Angkor Wat, which dates back to the 12th century and is the largest religious monument in the world. While not as large or famous, the Bakong Temple is several centuries older than Angkor Wat and also contains many wondrous sights.
Image of Angkor Wat by Pigalle
Hanoi
Having recently celebrated 1000 years as a city, you can be confident that Hanoi, one of Vietnam’s biggest cities, has plenty to offer. Many of Vietnam’s most famous rice dishes such as phở and bánh cuốn are thought to have come from Hanoi, and you can still find plenty of street vendors offering delicious food at ridiculously low prices. As well as fascinating museums to visit and beautiful temples to see, there are also lots of natural wonders in this city of lakes, making it the ideal holiday spot for culture and nature lovers.
Make the most of your journey
Wherever you choose to go, it’s easy to get swept onto the tourist trail. Remember to get a real sense of the country and city you visit by taking a step away from the beaten track – it’s often here that the best holiday memories are made. To help keep things from getting too expensive, search for travel deals Singapore, for great offers available on package trips or last minute flights!
**This post was bought to you by Groupon Singapore