Top 10 Travel Moments in Asia

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With our trip officially over, we set to work compiling a list of our top ten most memorable moments in Asia, where we spent the majority of our travel time.  For anyone planning a trip here, we hope you take a read before you go!

Top 10 memorable moments in Asia

10. Snorkeling around Koh Tao island, Thailand

Koh Tao is a small island located in the gulf of Thailand which is world famous for its fantastic diving. We didn’t possess the necessary skills to go diving but were able to go on incredible snorkeling trips.  The water here was as clear as glass and packed with colorful fish and coral. Many of the coral reefs here were well marked and protected from boat anchors, unlike many of the other islands we visited in Thailand. By swimming out just a few dozens yards from the beach near our hotel we were able to spot clownfish playing in bright pink anemones, angelfish the size of dinner plates, and even a small octopus. 

9. Jodhpur, India

The city of Jodhpur is a must see. At the center of the old city is Mehrangarh Fort, built straight out of a sheer 150 meter high hill. It towers above the town like an ancient sky scraper, and glows a gorgeous red during sunrise. The city immediately surrounding the fort is painted bright blue and appropriately nicknamed “the blue city.” The color contrasts of the fort and the rest of the city were breathtaking. We had a great time exploring the narrow alleyways of the blue city which looked even brighter technicolor blue up close.

8. Bargaining, Asia

This was a great learning experience for us. The techniques that work in one country may not necessarily work in another country. We had to adapt, and learn the personality of the country we were in so that we could bargain effectively. The game of bargaining is one that every tourist should attempt. We felt that the bargaining techniques that we had to employ and adapt from country to country were a reflection of the country and helped us to think like the locals wherever we were.

7. Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

Of the hundreds of temples and palaces we have seen throughout Asia, the one that continues to stand out the most is Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex.  The expansive grounds are crammed with temples, palaces, and statues of mythical gods and demons. It is also home to Buddhism’s most sacred figure, the emerald Buddha. Bring your camera, carry lots of film or pack a big memory card because you’ll need half a day to explore this mystical complex.

6. Daily giving and receiving of alms, Luang Prabang, Laos

Each day at the first light of morning, the 150+ monks of Luang Prabang don their saffron robes and line up for their daily walk through town. As the monks congregate, sleepy Laotians bring out prepared sticky rice and other food staples, and kneel on the street awaiting their arrival. Tourists and locals alike wake up early to watch the monks walk through town to receive their daily food offerings. It’s a touching event to witness and it filled us with an overwhelming sense of community.    

5. Overnight train in second class seat, China

We were crammed, shoulder to shoulder and knee to knee. Boxes and bags piled up above us and below our seats, pushing against our feet and calves. There weren’t even enough seats for everyone on the train and our neighbors were sharing one seat between two of them and their young son. As the train ride went on deep into the night we observed our neighbors settling in for the night; changing into pajamas in the aisles, and trying to get comfortable in a car filled with too many people, a dense cloud of cigarette smoke, and bright lights that would never extinguish. We too tried to find a moment of rest in our non-reclinable chairs. Traveling in an overnight 2nd class chair in China was one of the most excruciating and touching times of our trip there. This was the real China, and we felt that we were part of it for a moment.

4. Night Market, Luang Prabang, Laos

Every night, as the heat of the day begins to fade, the main street of Luang Prabang is transformed into a night market. Blankets are laid down on the streets, tables are propped up, and beautiful handicrafts emerge. The market is fun, lively, and the items for sale are creative and of great quality. It is easy to walk freely, pause and look, and not feel hassled in the least by any of the salesgirls.  We enjoyed this market the most of any in Asia.

3. Climbing the stairs of Mt. Huangshan, Huangshan, China

To see what the human spirit is capable of, and to experience such a beautiful piece of nature is what made this spiritual Chinese mountain range one of our favorites.

The Chinese have built a seemingly endless staircase high into the mountains that leads to a Swiss Family Robinson like network of catwalks that run along sheer 1000 ft cliffs. It was one of the most surreal places we have been on earth.

2. Spinning prayer wheels at Gandan Monastery, Ulan Baatar, Mongolia

Bundled in down jackets, hats, and gloves, and breathing in the crisp air we explored the Buddhist monastery in the capital of Mongolia. Walking the perimeter, we spun the prayer wheels that lined the path, and thought good wishes.  We left the simple monastery feeling peaceful and meditative from the prayer wheel spinning. 

1. Camel Safari, Jaisalmer, India

We were prepared for the potentials pitfalls of our foray into the Desert during Indian summer heat that had already been reaching up to 110 degrees. We boarded our jeep, geared up with plenty of water and hats, and bounced through the desert scrub toward our camels. It was beautiful. Riding atop the camel we watched the dunes approach from the distance, and along the way were thrilled by appearances from ‘good omen’ desert animals such as the desert fox, and the gazelle.

On the dunes, we hopped off our camels and ran around taking pictures and enjoying the changing colors of the sands and sky as the sun began to set. The day ended and we enjoyed our last views of the desert from an open air jeep with Indian music in our ears.