Local tips for 10 of Asia's top cities

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Those of you who read this blog recently will know that I like to pick up tips – I’ve already written posts with local knowledge for Spain, Australia, Europe and South America. This time I’ve decided to focus on my favourite continent in the world – Asia.

1. Tokyo – Don’t miss the sumo wrestling

Tokyo-Sumo-Wrestling

There are six sumo tournaments in Japan every year, but of these only three of these are held in Tokyo. Staged in the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall, they are held every January, May and September. If you plan on seeing a big sumo wrestling tournament in Tokyo, plan your trip around these months.

2. Seoul – Explore Bukchon Village

Seoul-Bukchon-Village

Image courtesy of Doug Sun Beams

Visiting this part of Seoul is sort of like stepping back in time as, in a city that is full of sky-rises, here you’ll only find low-rises. Spared from redevelopment due to protests from the locals who wanted it left untouched because of its proximity to the presidential home, this is how the locals used to live.

3. Hong Kong – Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the skyline for free

Hong-Kong-View-from-Bank-of-China

Image courtesy of Michel Heiniger

While throngs of tourists jump on cable cars to the top of Victoria’s Peak in Hong Kong, any locals bringing visitors for a view of the city take them to the free observation deck at the Bank of China building – one of the city’s most recognisable skyscapers. Once you’ve got some ID with you, ask for some passes to the viewing deck on the 43rd floor and the staff will gladly give you them for free.

4. Singapore – Visit Little India on a Sunday

Little-India-Singapore

Image courtesy of Kirk Siang

I've already written about how Singapore’s Little India is one of my favourite neighbourhoods. What I never mentioned is how fascinating it is on a Sunday. On the first day of every week hundreds of thousands of the city’s workers (mostly male) descend on the area for their night off. Intimidating if you're female, go with somebody else and you’ll be fine. You'll not have seen anything like it for a while.

5. Beijing – Rent a bike

Beijing-Rent-Bikes

Image courtesy of CheshireCat@TO

If your homestay doesn’t have a bicycle available to you when you arrive in Beijing, make renting one your number one priority. The Chinese capital has a metro, but its stops are limited, so the best way to get around is by bike. It’s also the best way to fit in with the locals.

6. Taipei – Visit Ningxia Night Market

Taipei–Ningxia-Night-Market

Image courtesy of llee_wu

There are numerous night markets to visit in Taipei, but this one is regularly mentioned as the single most authentic one in the city. Near Shuanglian metro station, there are some clothes stalls and game zones here, but the main attraction is food. All types of Asian delicacies can be discovered here.

7. New Delhi – Take refuge in Lodi Gardens

New-Delhi-Lodi-Gardens

Image courtesy of Thangaraj Kumaravel

Upon arriving in New Delhi, you’ll soon realise that things are quite hectic here. From the hecklers to the hawkers to the street stalls to the traffic, it can get a bit overwhelming. This is why so many locals take refuge in Lodi Gardens. Join them for that one hour of peace and quiet you’ll be longing for after a couple of days here.

8. Ho Chi Minh – Go for a drink in a rooftop bar

Ho-Chi-Minh-Sky-Bar

The traffic in Ho Chi Minh is hectic. Very hectic. So hectic in fact, that you might need to get away from it for a bit when it gets a bit much. This is where rooftop bars are useful. Sure, drinks are more expensive in them than in the bars on street level, but it’s worth shelling out the extra bit of money to see the traffic from above. The best known is Chill Sky Bar (27th Floor, A & B Tower, 76 Le Lai St, District 1). Others include Broma: Not A Bar (41 Nguyen Hue St, District 1) which is a 4th floor bar and Breeze Sky Bar (Hotel Majestic, 1 Dong Khoi St, District 1) which has great views of the Saigon River.

9. Kuala Lumpur – Dine out on Jalan Alor

Kuala-Lumpur-Jalan-Alor

This street in KL’s Golden Triangle neighbourhood is one giant open-air restaurant night after night. While it’s popular with tourists, there’s no denying the quality of the food here. My favourite restaurant is Meng Kee Grill that specialises in fish. Other popular restaurants are 1+1 and the unnamed stall that dishes out frog leg stew.

10. Bangkok – Go to Soi 38 off Sukhumvit for street food

Bangkok-Soi-38

Image courtesy of Madeleine Holland

On almost every corner in Bangkok is somebody selling street food. Whether it’s a pancake, some corn, chicken skewers or a Pad Thai, you won’t have to travel far to find it. But some streets (or lanes) are more renowned than others, one of these being Soi 38 – a side street off Sukhumvit in the new part of the city. Open from 6pm every evening until the early hours, food is tasty and extremely good value.


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