In these pandemic times, travelling abroad on holiday has become something we can sometimes only dream about. But sooner or later, you will be able to travel again. Here are five great countries in Asia to dream about, and carefully start planning for.
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Travelling to Asia
Asia used to be far away - a foreign continent where only a few people got the chance to go. Over time, travelling across the globe has become easier and easier, and a few years ago Thailand was visited by hundreds of thousands of Swedes every year.
Now, with the pandemic, travelling has become more difficult again. Asia suddenly feels really exotic again - a place to long for and dream about. And it's not just us potential tourists who are dreaming! Getting tourism going is even more important for people in the tourist resorts. Without the income from tourism, many would probably find it very difficult.
Of course, sooner or later we will be able to travel again. Now is the time to start dreaming and possibly planning. For example, it might be a good idea to start saving money well in advance. Of course, it is always possible to apply for instant loansbut if possible, it is always best to save.
If you don't want the costs to skyrocket, you can also choose destinations where prices are not too high. Here are 6 great and affordable destinations in Asia.
1. Vietnam
We got married in Vietnam many years ago and then travelled around the country on our honeymoon. Perhaps this gives the country an extra pink glow for us, but Vietnam is also a special country to visit. One of the strongest impressions we have from the bay and the World Heritage Site. Halong Bay. Here the Sugarloaf Mountains rise from the sea like in a fantasy film, and the big wooden boats glide silently over the water.
We also have fond memories of this charming city. Hi An, located in the centre of the country. The men here are fishermen and many of the women are tailors. If you want to make beautiful and affordable clothes, this is the place to be! In the evening, you can stroll through the illuminated neighbourhoods, which still bear traces of the French period, and enjoy fantastic Vietnamese food.
2. the Philippines
You can travel to the Philippines to live the classic holiday lifestyle of sun and sea on one of the country's many islands. In fact, there are over 7000 islands, so there is always someone new to discover! Some of the islands are very touristy, with modern hotels and intense nightlife, while others are more classic. Boracaywhile others are much more genuine and tranquil. In other words, there is something for all tastes!
One way to experience the different islands is to boat between them. There are also plenty of opportunities for other boat trips, water sports or perhaps carpet tours. Even though we have visited the country, we would love to come back and see more.
3. Cambodia
Cambodia is a country we have long dreamed of visiting. Of course, we would like to see the famous Angkor Wat temple, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. But it's not just the big sights that attract us. As a tourist country, Cambodia has long been in the shadow of neighbouring Vietnam, which makes it feel even more exciting and undiscovered. We would like to discover beaches, villages and food, and of course meet people.
4) Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a magical country! Nature is lush green, and wildlife is all around you everywhere. You can go on a jeep safari or a river safari, but to see monkeys and colourful birds, it's sometimes enough to stick your nose outside your hotel.
In addition to a fabulous nature, the Sri Lanka beautiful beaches, exciting train adventures, Buddhist temples, tea plantations and delicious Asian food. The country has experienced some trials and tribulations in terms of tourism, even before the pandemic, and is of course in dire need of a return to tourism.
5. Indonesia
With other travel bloggers we have seen enticing photos from Indonesia, not least from Bali. Here you can experience green rice terraces, mist-shrouded mountains and stunningly beautiful sandy beaches. Indonesia and Bali really feel like an exotic destination, from another world. In these times, a trip here is really something to dream about!
Which destinations in Asia can you recommend? Which ones do you dream of?
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Ditte says:
Of course, we also want to travel. We have visited these countries and some of them several times. Each country has its own charm so it is difficult to choose. We can recommend Borneo, not least for nature and animals (shared politically by Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia). As for Asia, I'm not dreaming of any particular destination right now, but would love to see more of South America and Southern Africa. On the other hand, we hope to travel back to Sri Lanka with the grandchildren.
09 February 2021 - 9:17
Helena says:
Borneo sounds incredibly exciting! A real dream destination 🙂
09 February 2021 - 17:00
Johnny Friskilä says:
Having been to all five of these (though I have to say that Indonesia 2002 is getting a bit long in the tooth), I have to say that Vietnam is the favourite. Probably because of the great variety. It was very affordable, rarely have I eaten such good food and once you get past the tourist markets, the shopping is very nice. However, if I had to choose to go back to one of these countries, I would choose Indonesia (since it's been so long since I was there).
09 February 2021 - 10:14
Helena says:
Vietnam we also liked a lot, and totally agree about the food. Loved the flavours there!
09 February 2021 - 17:01
Ruth in Virginia says:
Have recently read about Bali. Popular Kuta Beach is jam-packed
of "rubbish", mostly plastic items. Also read, that
the water is so bad that you can't swim. The tourists have
disappeared with C-19.
My friend in Java says, that it is
strict prohibitions on distance and the use of masks.
It will probably be a while before things are back to normal, if ever.
Yes, I am pessimistic. Sorry!
09 February 2021 - 12:34
Helena says:
How sad to hear! That the tourists are gone right now has explanations, but really sad if you let it get dirty! Hope for improvement!
09 February 2021 - 17:02
Lena+in+Wales+and+Spain says:
Asia was far away for a long time and then it got closer and now it is far away again.
Many tempting places.
Take care!
09 February 2021 - 14:04
Helena says:
That's exactly how I feel. The world is changing!
09 February 2021 - 17:03
BP says:
Vietnam is definitely a country to dream about, especially considering what the country has gone through. I wouldn't say no to real Vietnamese food either. Thailand does not attract me at all. However, I dream of visiting Japan.
PS. Soooo cool that you got married in Vietnam. DS.
09 February 2021 - 18:45
Hummingbird Lifestyle Travel says:
Nice compilation of a mix of regular and off beat destinations! Switzerland is missing in the list, you should make best 20 or rather 30 destinations to visit !!!
10 February 2021 - 12:17
Jossus Travelpics says:
I loved the island of Penang in Malaysia, a country I would love to see more of.
Nice nature, beautiful temples and the city of Georgetown offered architecture, street art and good food.
I would also like to visit Vietnam again, maybe Hanoi or Halong Bay.
13 February 2021 - 22:07
Lena - good for the soul says:
I have only been to Thailand when it comes to Asia. That destination was amazing. Incredibly beautiful and friendly people. Definitely want to visit the others you mention.
Hug Lena
14 February 2021 - 7:21