It’s time to look at Asia. Now! Why?
“Asia is one of the hottest regions,” says Michael Lim of the group Asia Now. “It has one of the largest percentages of growth and has such a huge array of products, whether it’s culture, cuisine, beach or adventure, there is something for everyone.”
Asia Now – China National Tourist Office, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organization, Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Authority of Thailand – is inviting you to discover the wonders of Asia.
Turn the pages of this guide and you’ll discover the sights, sounds and adventures each country has to offer.
Chinese culture is captivating. There are the can’t-miss sights like the Great Wall and the Summer Palace in Beijing, but go beyond and see the Terracotta Warriors, the birthplace of both soccer and Confucious, the martial arts of the Shaolin monks and the beautiful scenery in southeastern China such as Wuyi Mountain.
High-energy Hong Kong is a colourful whirl of celebrations. Watch racers climb towers of sweet buns, celebrate the birthdays of Lord Buddha and Tam Kung, cheer the dragon boat races, and light a lantern at the Mid-Autumn Festival. Join a tai chi class or an architecture walk.
See the essence of Korea on a tour of Seoul’s many attractions. From the historic palaces and intriguing folk villages to military museums and the DMZ, the past is always present. Take in a play, or the view from Seoul tower or 63 City. Shop, dine, even visit a spa.
In Malaysia, green is the fashionable colour – as in green vacations. Volunteer at a rehab centre for endangered species, book a stay at turtle refuge (proceeds support conservation efforts) or do a homestay in a Malaysian “kampung” (village).
Thailand really is amazing. Its spectacular beaches are a major draw, but if you head north, you can learn about elephants and their keepers; go ziplining, river rafting or mountain biking. Speaking of bikes, one of the best ways to experience the gentle Thai culture is to follow its many cycling routes.
“Most Canadians visit more than one destination, and with the relative distances between countries, you can experience two or three different cultures in a week,” Mr. Lim notes. “There is something for every Canadian.”
What are you waiting for?