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Thailand – unknown region Nan
Thailand is one of my favorite travel destinations in the world. This was also because on my first backpacking trip in the Land of Smiles, I stayed for four months instead of the four weeks I had planned. The warmth of people, the calm rhythm of life and the ease of travel are a powerful magnet. The same goes for the approximately 40 million people like me who visit Thailand every year. This means that during high season (November to March) it can get quite crowded in some places.
The good news is that the bulk of the masses are located mainly in three regions: the islands in the south, the capital Bangkok, and the area in the north around the city of Chiang Mai, which has also become a hotspot for digital nomads. But there is still Thailand far from the crowds. During my last visit, I got to know the area around Nan, where almost no tourists go. Nan is a typical Thai town where you can easily get stuck for longer than you planned. The night market is very cute with delicious street food. You can visit temples and traditional villages in the region and hike in various national parks.
Laos – Calm as the Mekong
Life in Thailand seems incredibly hectic compared to Laos, which is very cold compared to our lifestyle. Laos truly has a magic of its own. There is something deeply calming about the slow pace of life. And this is not a foreigner’s stereotype, the Laotians themselves joke about this: Lao – P.hire Dnot R.Don’t rush, call your country. The pun is derived from the communist country’s official name, “Lao People’s Democratic Republic” (Lao PDR).
Laos is the least developed country in the region compared to Thailand a few decades ago. Accordingly, the experiences here are still unique. The typical tourist route begins with a two-day cruise in northern Thailand across the Mekong to the city of Luang Prabang (Asia’s most beautiful city, with its mix of colonial and Laotian architectural styles) and the outdoor paradise of Vang Vieng.
There are generally few visitors in Laos, so if you want to keep things even quieter you should head to the town of Nong Khiaw, north of Luang Prabang. Here you can relax in one of the guest houses and hike in the surrounding mountains.
China – an entire country as an insider tip
The whole of China could be described as an insider tip. Although most business travelers head to the People’s Republic, the country is not yet on the bucket list of Swiss tourists. I felt the same way: I was only able to come to China after visiting many countries in Asia. And I have to say, I was very excited. Not least because the food bears no resemblance to “authentic” food in a Chinese restaurant. My advice: Be sure to visit local restaurants (instead of eating at the hotel). If you don’t know what to order: People will be happy to help you with a translation app on their smartphone if necessary.
Otherwise, I recommend a round-trip trip from Beijing and the Great Wall to Xi’An, the Terracotta Army, then the panda bears in Sichuan province and the surreal mountain scenery near the city of Guilin. Finally, you can spend a few days in Hong Kong before returning to Switzerland.
India – bustling, chaotic Calcutta
India is a power. And a challenge to the senses. Everything seems amplified here: colors, scents, volume, magic. I love it. When you attend a Hindu evening ceremony in the holy city of Varanasi, where priests chant incomprehensible chants and chant mantras, people climb the Ganges, ritually bathe and float candles, it is one of the most moving things you can experience in Asia. The most important tourist regions are the states of Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala.
But my insider tip is the city of Kolkata, the old Calcutta, because it is away from the usual tourist crowds. The metropolis of 4.5 million is known as India’s workhouse (Mother Theresa ran a charity for the poor here), but beyond that, Kolkata is a creative city where much art and music is created and you can dance the night away. in stylish clubs. At the same time, the state of West Bengal is steeped in history.
Fly: Kolkata is home to the Kalighat Temple, one of the most important temples in India. It is dedicated to Kali, the goddess of destruction and renewal, so things are chaotic and wild here. Great experience.
Indonesia – various Java
Tourism in Indonesia is concentrated on the island of Bali. With its affordable cost of living, excellent climate and good tourism infrastructure, Bali has become a mass tourism destination and digital nomad hub; This is a development that is not good for the beautiful island.
Meanwhile, far fewer visitors find their way to Java’s main island; This island offers just as much. The most beautiful city is Yogyakarta, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. In the spiritual and artistic center of the country, you can cool off for days in beautiful cafes, attend handicraft workshops, and attend traditional music and puppet shows. Excursions from the city include visiting Borobdür, one of the world’s largest Buddhist temple complexes, and Prambanan, a 9th-century Hindu temple.
Fly: Java is also home to one of the island state’s most beautiful sunrise spots: sunrise over the volcanoes of the sacred Mount Bromo.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
