The fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on 15 April 2019 has revived memories of how accidents and natural disasters have devastated sacred buildings in other countries. We take a look at similar tragedies in Asian countries, and how the authorities have handled them.
Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, is surely one of Asia’s oddest-looking animals. It appears to be a combination of several creatures, including a goat, a cow, a moose and a muskox. Its origins puzzle experts, who have placed it in a species category of its own. The best place for visitors to see these unusual animals is a wildlife preserve in the hills on the outskirts of the capital, Thimphu.
From experiential art installations to raptors and turtles, the emirate of Sharjah in the UAE offers a plethora of things to do and places to see for the senior traveller. Guest author, Ambica Gulati, describes her 4-day visit to this destination on the Persian Gulf that is growing in popularity with visitors from overseas.
TripAdvisor has unveiled its 25 top destinations for 2019 and, not surprisingly, they include many places in Asia. Its annual Travellers' Choice Awards are based on the reviews and ratings of TripAdvisor users around the world. Here’s a look at the 10 Asian destinations that made the list and what they have to offer older travellers.
Kathmandu’s main tourist area is the bustling district of Thamel. It’s a busy place, full of hotels, restaurants and shops, and its narrow alleys are crowded with visitors. But this wasn’t always so. When backpackers began discovering Kathmandu in the 1960s and 1970s, most stayed in an area further south, around the historic Durbar Square. It’s one of the many ways Kathmandu has changed over the years – and some of the changes have been dramatic.
Thailand is one of the 10 most visited countries in the world, and the third in Asia after China and Turkey. Whilst it’s a magnet for younger tourists seeking sun, sand, bars and nightlife, it also has a lot to offer older travellers with its cultural sites and festivals, regional cuisines, tropical island hideaways and cool mountain regions that are accessible all year round. And for those into shopping, Bangkok has many world-class malls.
For travellers who enjoy exploring Asian cities on foot, a covered walkway in central Kuala Lumpur provides a relaxing way to walk between two of the city’s main tourist areas. It’s clean, safe, air-conditioned and enticing for senior travellers who want to escape the city’s stifling tropical heat. And it offers the chance to stop and take in popular attractions along the way.
RVing is a popular pursuit in many parts of the world, but in Asia there are only three countries where campervans can be rented, and only one country – namely Japan – where campgrounds or RV parks are on a par with those in the West. Japan is also one of the safest countries in the world to tour in a campervan.
For those who enjoy a tipple, one of the pleasures of travelling in Asia is sampling some of the locally-produced drinks. A wide selection of alcoholic drinks is available, with many countries producing not only their own beer and wine but a sometimes surprising range of spirits.
Malacca’s long history as a colonial trading port has shaped it indelibly as a city. More than 450 years of rule by the Portuguese, Dutch and British are still reflected today in its ethnic mix, its architecture and its blend of cultures. This is true of its religious heritage too. It has some of the oldest churches, temples and mosques in Malaysia, most of them still functioning. Here’s a look at some of the finest.
Looking for the best value beach resorts in Asia? Identifying those that might qualify for that title can be quite a challenge. Online searches are dominated by commercial listings and fake travel blog posts. Room rates and resort reviews can change from good to bad in only a few years. Here are some tips to help you search for places that offer value for money for senior travellers.
Mumbai’s Victoria Terminus is one of Asia’s great railway stations. The 130-year-old building, now called the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, is a creation of British rule that has become a treasured symbol of modern-day Mumbai. It handles at least 3 million passengers a day, has featured in many Bollywood films and has even come under terrorist attack. It has a lot to offer any visitor interested in India’s colonial heritage.
Nepal is a country that has a lot to offer the senior traveller. From snow-capped mountains to subtropical lowlands, this landlocked Hindu and Buddhist nation is rich in culture and history. It provide many opportunities for both relaxation and adventures close to nature. This article recommends seven places to visit in Nepal to best take advantage of of those opportunities.
A senior traveller returns to Cambodia to revisit some of the temples at Angkor that he last saw more than a decade earlier. The trip affects him in ways he doesn’t expect.
One of the best scenic drives in the Philippines is only a short distance from Manila. It’s the Marilaque Highway from Marikina to Infanta which traverses the Sierra Madre mountains. It provides a enjoyable day trip for those who wish to get away from the city traffic and pollution to enjoy mountain views and nature.
Soldiers from Commonwealth countries who died in Asia during the two World Wars lie buried in impressive cemeteries across the continent. An inter-governmental organisation, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, maintains the cemeteries immaculately. They are sure to be of interest to many senior travellers, including those whose parents, grandparents or other close relatives served in the wars.
