Now that Malaysians are able to travel normally again, we bet that many of you are now busy planning your next holiday trip, right?
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next adventure, we’d suggest travelling to nearby cities in our neighbouring countries. Not only are they more convenient and budget-friendly to visit, but most of these cities have a rich history and fascinating culture that are just as exciting to explore.
The cities that we’d recommend are Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Kolkata which can be perfect for you if you’re a culture vulture who loves immersing yourself in the daily lives of the locals. Interested? Before you start planning, make sure to read on to find out which must-see spots you should visit in these cities!
HANOI, VIETNAM
1. Old Quarter Center
The Old Quarter is a staple destination if you’d like to experience the local culture of Hanoi. You can walk around and explore the 36 main streets which will transport you back to the bustling olden days of Hanoi. Some of the recommended things to do here include:
- Walk along Hang Gai street to shop for unique Vietnamese silk.
- Explore the Hanoi Weekend Night Market every Friday to Sunday.
- Indulge in delicious street food such as bun cha (kebab rice noodles), nom bo kho (papaya salad with dried beef) and cha ca va long (grilled fish).
2. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is situated at the very heart of Hanoi. It was built from the remains of a Chinese fortress, which explains the structure. In 2010, this building earned the title of being a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site for its important role in Vietnam’s history. Now, it also houses various artefacts that represent the rich culture and history of Vietnam.
3. Tam Coc, Nin Binh
Just two hours away from the bustling Hanoi, visitors can travel to Tam Coc, Nin Binh to explore a nature haven filled with lush paddy fields and limestone cliffs. This peaceful town is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy the fresh air. Some of the popular activities here include taking a boat tour through the caves, visiting ancient temples and pagodas and just exploring around the countryside to take in the breathtaking view.
4. Cafe Pho Co
This ‘hidden gem’ of a cafe is where you can sit back, sip on coffee and admire the stunning view of the Hoan Kiem Lake as you sit at their rooftop floor. While you’re here, you should try the popular Vietnamese ‘Egg Coffee’ (a coffee that mixes Vietnamese espresso with whisked egg yolk and sugar/condensed milk) which will add a decadent and foamy twist to your usual cuppa.
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
5. Angkor Wat & Ta Prohm Temple
You’ve probably heard of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world! It’s definitely a must to catch the sunrise here and admire Angkor Wat’s magnificent beauty.
Another temple that you should visit is the Ta Prohm Temple which was included in the movie Tomb Raider! The ruins of the buildings here seem like they are “eaten” by the roots of trees, giving a beautiful merge of majestic ancient buildings reclaimed by nature.
6. Cambodia Quad Bike
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can book a ride with Cambodia Quad Bike for an exciting tour of the countryside. Travel off the beaten track and witness beautiful rice fields and abandoned temples, visit the local market and experience the life of the locals on a more personal level!
Of course, you’ll be guided by their professional team and you can customise your adventure to last for an hour or up to a full day, during sunrise or at sunset, and many more.
7. Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
This Butterfly Centre is the biggest butterfly enclosure in Southeast Asia! This enclosed tropical garden is home to thousands of butterfly species that would fly freely so it’s a great place for families to visit to learn something educational while taking a break from all the temple-hopping.
KOLKATA, INDIA
8. Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial buildings are admired by locals and tourists alike for their beautiful white marble structures. It was built as a dedication to the former Empress of India, Queen Victoria. Now, it houses a museum under the Ministry of Culture. Hence, it is the perfect place to go get a taste of Kolkata and India’s culture and history.
9. Howrah Bridge
Your trip to Kolkata won’t be complete without witnessing the grand beauty of Howrah Bridge. It is an icon of Kolkata and it is one of the oldest hanging bridges in the world. This is the spot to visit to witness the bustling lives of the locals and admire the overlooking beauty of this old-school city.
10. Nakhoda Mosque
Nakhoda Mosque is the largest mosque in Kolkata and it is also the main attraction for Muslims in the city. Not only is it admired for its colossal size and unique architecture, but it is also placed in the midst of the busy shopping and market district. This means you can easily visit this mosque and explore the surrounding area to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Now that you know of some of the must-visit spots, which city are you most excited to visit?
If you still can’t make up your mind, worry not! Just check out this interactive video from AirAsia where you can find more interesting destinations to explore! ICYMI, in conjunction with the “Pick Your Super Adventure” campaign, AirAsia launched an interactive video to help you discover the perfect travel destination based on your unique travel personality.
From Culture Vultures and Beach Bums to Adventure Seekers, and more, just watch this interactive video to find the next perfect holiday spot catered specifically to you!
Did you find anything you like? Well, if you consider yourself a Culture Vulture and you’re excited to visit culture-filled cities such as Hanoi, Siem Reap, Kolkata or even Penang, then you’ll be thrilled to know that you can get a discount for your next flight!
That’s right! From 13 to 19 June, you can get 20% OFF all seats and all flights when you book with AirAsia!
The promo will apply to ALL AirAsia flights so make sure to book now! Also, do note that the travel period for the flights you book during this week’s promo would run from 18 July to 8 December 2022!
If you relate more to the other travel personalities, fret not! There will be more promos announced in the weeks to come so make sure to stay tuned to the AirAsia Super App to find out more!
This promo is the perfect chance for you to plan your year-end trip so make sure you book your flight now to get the most affordable rates! For more information, simply visit their website here. To get the latest news on all of AirAsia’s promotions, make sure you download the AirAsia Super App (available on App Store and Google Play) and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
