Unforgettable Voyages Throughout East Asia – East Asia offers more than can ever possibly be seen in a lifetime
East Asia offers more than can ever possibly be seen in a lifetime. Even if you focus on visiting one country at a time, making sure that your journey is as filled with as many experiences as possible, it will probably require a lot of meticulous planning.
You can plan to explore like a real adventurer. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most worthwhile ways to travel throughout the region, including those that focus on specific countries, as well as more regions in the area.
Hop Aboard The Reunification Express in Vietnam
Also known as the North-South railway, the Reunification Express is one of the most atmospheric ways to explore Vietnam, able to take you from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, while unveiling plenty of jungle, mountains, coastal cliffs, fishing villages, and historic towns along the way.
It’s not one of the fastest train lines by any means, but that can only make it all the more enriching for those who truly want to take in the range of the country, both culturally and geographically.
It’s not a single train, but rather a whole network of trains that run regularly, so it’s easy to make stops along the way and enjoy any locations that catch your interest. So, it’s worth researching the best stops ahead of time.
Ferry Hopping in The Philippines
If you want to see the Philippines, then don’t just stick to only one island. With over 7000 islands, the more you’re willing to explore, the more you’re likely to get rewarded with unforgettable experiences.
Be it a short hop between some of the more secluded lagoons and beaches or the overnight crossings that link the major islands, they allow you to sail past gorgeous white cliffs, jungle coastlines, and pristine beaches at a relaxed pace.
It’s also one of the best ways to access the activities the islands have to offer, such as world-class diving.
Cycling The Shimanami Kaido in Japan
If you enjoy a more active holiday, then Japan has just the route for you. Despite the daunting length of the trip, which crosses over 70 kilometers of bridges, it’s surprisingly accessible.
Cycling the entire length can be done over one day if you really want to focus down, but if you’re willing to stretch it out over two or three days, you can enjoy all manner of peaceful coastal towns, orchards, and other sights along the way.
It’s a wonderful way to see some of the more remote Shikoku Islands, with cafes, temples, lookout points, and plenty of other worthwhile stops along the way. It’s one of the finest cycling holidays you could ask for.
Navigating Thailand By Scooter
If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip, then renting one of the scooters that Thailand is known for can offer a lot more than travelling by bus or taxi alone.
Whether you’re cruising the roads around Chang Mai, exploring the coconut-lined roads on Koh Lanta, or taking in the jaw-dropping waterfalls in Pai, it allows you to see the country much more closely and to enjoy the slow travel approach, stopping whenever you like.
You can visit the many temples that dot the countryside, enjoying the local cusine, as well as enjoy roadside towns. From the north to the south of the country can take roughly 8 days with stops.
Cruising The Mekong River
Why not explore more countries in East Asia: you will enjoy the rich diversity which Southeast and East Asia have to offer.
Mekong River cruises can take you right through the heart of the continent, allowing you to see the daily river life that many visitors simply don’t get to experience, from stilt villages, floating markets, and fishermen casting their nets.
These cruises tend to offer plenty of tours along the way, allowing you to visit the numerous cities, temples, and other hidden gems that are often missed by travellers who choose to fly into the major cities.
Enjoy A Luxury Train Ride
Another way to enjoy the scenery, is a by train. Luxury train travel has become one of the more comfortable and exciting ways of exploring East Asia.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is one of the most famous examples, taking travellers through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
It balances modern luxury with the experience of each country’s natural and cultural beauty, allowing you to enjoy travelling through rainforests, rural villages, and cities, with well-appointed sleeping facilities, gourmet dining, and comfortable lounges.
There are modern, faster options, of course, however the Eastern & Oriental Express offers a nostalgic way to travel at a slower pace.
The Benefits Of Staying On The Move
Whether you do it by train, ferry, bike, scooter, or riverboat, overland travel gives you a rewarding opportunity to not just see a country, but to form a real connection with it.
Even when you’re on the move, it’s a way of slowing down and taking in the details that travellers can often miss.
Just make sure that you follow any travel safety tips you need to if you’re travelling solo or as a small group. No matter where you are in the world, vigilance pays off.
If you want to make sure that your East Asian holiday isn’t just to to one location, the tips above may help plan a multi-country adventure.
