This is an ongoing post that will continue to be updated by country, providing a glimpse of some our favorite things from each place along with things we wish we knew before hand!
Updated as of Cambodia on 5/18/19.
Cambodia
Top 3
- Watching the amazing acrobatic performance called ‘White Gold' at the Phare Circus in Siem Reap.
- Visiting the millennium-old Angkor Wat temples
- Surviving the Tuk Tuk rides (but really enjoying them:))
Lessons Learned
- In central Siem Reap, prices for food and drinks are at the US level ($10-$15 pp for lunch); walk a few blocks away for cheap and good food and drinks (this can be common in multiple countries tourist hotspots).
Vietnam
Top 3
- Enjoying a spectacular sunset onboard of a local Ho Chi Minh waterbus
- Trying street food in Saigon.
- Indulging at local spas at a fraction of the cose compared to the US.
Lessons Learned
- Jay-walking is the only way to cross streets, so put on a confident face and cross the street at a steady pace.
- Don’t fall for street scams, like coconut drink sellers who triple their prices; just politely decline.
- Would avoid Phu Quoc due to heavy construction and would return once all the infrastructure currently being built is fully developed in 2-3 years.
Malaysia – West Peninsular
Top 3
- Climbing to the top of Batu Caves and visiting the world’s largest Bird Park.
- Shopping at the Malacca Jonker night market.
- Watching the death-defying Sepang Avani Fire Show.
Lessons Learned
- It gets very hot during the day, so try to stay inside between 11 am and 3 pm (also reoccuring for other parts of Asia).
Singapore
Top 3
- Enjoying the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay (especially for the nightly light show), Marina Bay Hotel, and the Jewel (adjacent to the airport).
- Enjoying refreshing cold beer and live music in Clarke Quay.
- Exploring the ethnic neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little India.
Lessons Learned
- The Universal Harborfront area can be skipped, unless you are trying to go to the theme park itself.
Malaysia – Borneo
Top 3
- Enjoying the exotic jungles in Mulu and Bako national parks, full of wildlife.
- Caving, specifically at Deer Cave where you can watch the world’s largest bat exodus.
- Swimming in the cool freshwater basin right outside of Clearwater Cave.
Lessons Learned
- At the parks, food is expensive or difficult to come by, so stock up when possible.
Brunei
Top 3
- Walking the quaint downtown (seeing virtually no tourists) during the day, almost like a fairytale.
- Learning their culture and history by visiting the Royal Regalia Museum and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
- Re-exploring the same downtown by night when everyone goes outside, and the town is lit up.
Lessons learned
- No good public transportation, so you have to catch a taxi to most places.
The Philippines
Top 3
- Enjoying all the sea activities they have to offer, including swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, reef diving, and kayaking.
- Mall-ing (a term used to describe the activities many people engage in when trying to escape hot weather at local malls).
- Mangoes and mango shakes every day all day with a little halo-halo mixed in.
Lessons learned
- Heavy traffic especially in Cebu and Manila, adjust accordingly.
- Every meal is a feast, so be prepared to indulge.
Hong Kong/Macau
Top 3
- Hiking to the Lions Pavillion and Victoria Peak in the morning.
- Enjoying a Symphony of Lights (nightly light show) at the Kowloon side harbor.
- Riding the top deck of the reasonably priced Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus for some history and views of both sides of the harbor.
Lessons Learned
- Skip the south island of Macau, because the public transportation is poor, they don’t have change for large bills, and the north island is more cultural and vibrant.
Japan
Top 3
- Humbling visits of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.
- Living like a local in a minka (a traditional Japanese home) in Mie Prefecture.
- Visiting the Kiyomizu-dera pagoda during sunset, time it with a meal and a awesome walk up the streets to the pagoda and temple.
Lessons Learned
- The buildings have low ceilings, so make sure to watch your head, this was the downside to being tall.
- There is good sake and bad sake, don't buy juice-box sake if you want to enjoy your sake.
Indonesia
Top 3
- Rice fields of Tegallalang are as picturesque as they come.
- Visiting local wood-crafting, silver, and fine arts districts outside of Denpasar.
- Relaxing at the InterContinental resort and enjoying all it had to offer, including a free photoshoot for guests.
Lessons Learned
- Heavy traffic, especially around airport and Denpasar, adjust accordingly.
- Make sure you have appropriate medication to adjust to local cuisine (this will be reoccurring for Asia).
- During rainy season, be prepared for quick changes of weather (also reoccurring for most of Asia).
Greece
Top 3
- Local foods like moussaka, lot of olives, and washing your meals down with souma.
- Driving through their gorgeous islands (Samos, Chios) to explore at your own pace.
- Visiting museums and historical sites to learn about the rich Greek history especially on Samos.
Lessons learned
- Check flights or boats schedule between Turkey and Greece, because they may be limited, especially during off seasons.
Turkey
Top 3
- Tasting kumpir (loaded potato), doner kebab, and bakhlava in Istanbul.
- Visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul’s old city.
- Visiting Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary near Kusadasi.
Lessons Learned
- Check the schedule for the mosques and museums, because they may be closed on different days and/or undergo construction.
- Make sure not to fall for scams on the street as learning to say no can go along way. Be polite but assertive when talking to salespeople.
Bulgaria
Top 3
- Joining one of the free 365 Walking Tours for a quick history lesson on Sofia.
- Climbing to the top of the Vitosha Mountain, consider a cab driver for a cheap fare up the mountain.
- Tasting traditional Bulgarian food at ‘Under the Linden Trees’ restaurant.
Lessons learned
- Bar hopping can be hit or miss as we went on our own, also consider one of the cities bar hopping tours which may offer different variety.
Switzerland
Top 3
- Riding the mesmerizing Bernina Express Route through the magnificent Swiss Alps
- Enjoying a 5-course meal at a local farmer’s house/restaurant called Fajauner Koscht.
- Visiting the InterContinental Davos ski resort and spa (aka ‘The Golden Egg’).
Lessons learned
- Dinners are considered a favorite pastime, so they may take longer than you would expect in the U.S.; plan accordingly for a more relaxing and social meal.
Ireland
Top 3
- Riding on the top deck of the Dublin Hop On Hop Off bus, for a quick overview of Dublin.
- Trying Murphy’s Irish Red Beer at Reily’s Bar and chatting with the friendly locals.
- Tasting bacon and cabbage at Burxelles restaurant, even as vegetarians we could not resist.
Lessons Learned
- Hotel shuttle buses at the airport may be hard to find, make sure you know where they are at.
- If you are lost, ‘just ring anybody’ as everyone is super friendly, but consider knowing where you’re going as well.
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