Top 9 Asian destinations to travel with your family this fall.
Image by Martin Fuhrmann from Pixabay
Traveling is the best way to learn about the world, and therefore if you have the opportunity, it is essential that you take your kids around when they are big enough to understand and remember all the wonders they will see. Not only will the whole family gain unforgettable memories but your kids will also learn valuable life skills and get acquainted with a variety of cultures, making them more open and more accepting of their peers. And while it can certainly be stressful, family vacations are perhaps the most valuable time for any family given that nowadays, we can rarely spend too much together due to our work and other obligations.
Of course, you will meet diverse cultures wherever you go in the world, but it is also for sure that Asia is a world of its own and you won’t find experiences like in Asian countries anywhere in the world. On this huge continent, every country has its own colors, so here are some of the best destinations in Asia if you want to have an unforgettable family vacation before the summer ends.
Tokyo, Japan
We’re starting this list off with one of the most colorful cities in Asia and the whole world, Tokyo. It’s a place where tradition meets futuristic cityscapes and, of course, lots of interesting (and often seemingly weird) things all around the place, meaning that not only will your children be bewildered but you will also feel like a kid at times. From unusual vending machines wherever you go through delicious authentic Japanese food all the way to expansive theme parks, one thing is for sure: you won’t get bored. If your kids are fans of Disney characters, head to Tokyo Disney Land or Tokyo Disney Sea for an unforgettable day, but if you want a more traditional vibe, visit Asakusa Hanayashiki, the oldest amusement park in the country! Late summer is a good time to visit Tokyo as you will be dodging the early-summer rainy season and will be able to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather – maybe a little too warm, as you will find temperatures ranging from 24-31°C. Still, many festivals are held during this time so it’s worth coming during late summer.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is another family-friendly Asian destination that has been gaining popularity. It’s a great place to visit if you want to truly experience a unique culture up close – from delicious dining experiences through fun karaoke parties all the way to palaces and beautiful traditional clothes, your children are sure to be charmed by this country. If your little ones are art lovers, don’t miss out on the Seoul Children’s Museum that offers many creative activities where your kids will be able to make new friends. Another family activity you mustn’t miss out on is going out for a Korean barbecue – where you will be grilling your own food at your table! Another plus about Seoul is that it is making an effort to become very family-friendly in its public spaces even for the youngest ones – so, if you’re traveling with a baby, you will have no problem finding nursing rooms and such, should you need it.
Beijing, China
Seeing one of the New7Wonders of the World is probably on most people’s bucket list, and a family trip to China can fulfill this wish. If you’re a family that doesn’t shy away from hiking, visiting the Great Wall of China can certainly be an unforgettable experience. You can do that by taking a trip to Beijing, an outstanding city that any kind of traveler will like. If you are interested in history and culture, visiting the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Lama Temple should be on your itinerary, while for fun, kid-friendly activities, you can explore the Beijing Zoo to see the Giant Pandas. Since summer can be quite hot in Beijing, you will want to cool down and you can do that by checking out outdoor pools or even by taking your kids to play-in fountains. In the meantime, don’t miss out on trying authentic Chinese food and strolling snack streets. While skewered scorpions might deter you at first, you can find delicious bites in these stalls, such as candied fruit.
Bali, Indonesia
There is no doubt that Bali is a top destination for solo travelers, couples and families alike. On this popular Indonesian island, you get everything you might want from a summer holiday: an exotic vibe, beautiful beaches, mesmerizing nature and, of course, plenty of fun activity opportunities for the young ones. This is also a place that can be relatively affordable for the value you get, not to mention the locals are very child-friendly. There are so many things to do in Bali with kids. You have a vast choice as to where you’re going to base your stay, and it’s important that you choose well as it can determine the vibe of your entire holiday. For instance, Kuta is well-known for being crowded and dynamic, but if you’re a family that loves the buzzing atmosphere, don’t shy away from staying there and visiting the Waterbom Water Park that your kids are going to love. Alternatively, you can get a more upscale feel by renting one of the amazing villas in Seminyak, near Ku De Ta, where surfing, shopping, and beach restaurants are the name of the game.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Image by LUISIENA REX from Pixabay
If rather than lively cityscapes, your family prefers more remote and laid-back destinations, you can spend a relaxing week on Jeju Island, a piece of land south of South Korea’s mainland that is very popular among Koreans. Here, natural beauty and friendly locals will make your stay memorable, not to mention the abundance of delicious seafood. You should start by exploring the island a bit and the beautiful shoreline that boasts interesting rock formations as well as tranquil beaches, but don’t shy away from going deeper into the island. If you like hiking, you will find amazing trails, charming little waterfalls such as Cheonjiyeon Falls and Sojeongbang Falls, and even interesting caves such as Manjanggul Cave. Other than the beautiful nature, you should definitely take the time to explore the local culture as well, which you can do by visiting museums and charming little folk villages that showcase traditional houses. In the end, you can even go to Jeju Shinhwa World, which is a fun amusement and water park.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia is an incredibly multicultural country where your children can learn a lot about different cultures and customs at the same time while also learning how they can coexist. While you have tons of places to choose from when it comes to a Malaysia trip, for an eventful holiday, Kuala Lumpur is a great choice. You can enjoy impressive city views with the Petronas Towers as the centerpiece once the sun sets, and you can refresh yourself during the day by visiting Sunway Lagoon, a fun water park where you can even try surfing. A part of Sunway Lagoon even includes a Wildlife Park where you can meet interesting animals and interact with them – something that all kids certainly enjoy. Other kid-friendly places worth checking out are Mega Kidz World in Mid Valley Megamall, the Petrosains Discovery Center where your kids can become little scientists, the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park where you can see thousands of beautiful butterflies and last but not least, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park where you see these colorful creatures up-close.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan is an excellent destination for those who like to stay active. It’s somewhat of a backpackers’ paradise and despite its fairly small size, it has lots of fun opportunities for families too. Hiking, biking and water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and so on are all at your disposal, so you can be sure your holiday will be full of movement if you decide to go to Taiwan. Theme parks are abundant as well and you can find one the whole family will like if you do your research. Taipei Zoo is another must if you’re traveling with your little ones – this is another one of the best places to see the amazing Giant Pandas. While you’re there, it’s worth taking the Maokong Gondola, a transportation system that takes you from the zoo all the way to Maokong while giving you amazing views along the way. Last but not least, you will love Taiwanese food and your kids are surely going to enjoy all the different flavors of bubble tea Taiwan is so famous for.
Phuket, Thailand
If you’re more of a beach holiday kind of family, why not make Thailand your next holiday destination? This is arguably the best exotic beach destination with so many islands to choose from that you could be coming back here for the rest of your life and still not see all of them. One of the best choices for families is certainly Phuket. This island filled with lush rainforests and kid-friendly beaches where you can enjoy being in nature and seeing colorful wildlife. For instance, you can go snorkeling to see tropical fish species, or you can also visit the Phuket Aquarium to see these animals. Needless to say, you can also try surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding or even parasailing while the young ones are spending time in a kids’ club. When you get hungry, you can enjoy delicious Thai cuisine, and when you get tired of the water fun, you can go zip-lining in the jungle.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam is an up-and-coming destination and it is also a unique place worth taking a trip to. It’s best traveled all the way through from the south up to the north, but if you have to choose just one place you will stay in during late summer, choosing Halong Bay on the north is a good decision. The south of the country experiences the rainy season during this time, but it’s milder on the north, where afternoon showers will even be refreshing during hot and humid days. Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam too, so if your kids are a little bigger, they will appreciate the nature and the refreshing boat tours from where you get amazing views of the surrounding coastline.
Image by Suyeon Kim from Pixabay
Each Asian country can be an amazing destination for a family if you do your research in advance and find the best places to visit. Depending on your preferences, you can go for a trip filled with movement and action or one infused with cultural exploration and mingling with the locals. Regardless of which one your family prefers, an Asian trip will certainly become one of your favorite memories in time.
Author BIO
Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to travel, design, and style. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.
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