3 cities that you should visit in Thailand

Three cities in Thailand, three different travel experiences. From Bangkok, to Chiang Mai and Phuket, find out what each region has to offer and the activities to definitely check out when traveling.

Bangkok

Being one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, and well-known for its beautiful people, Thailand’s culturally giving and kind nature is probably why people love visiting and even making this land their new home. For city-lovers, Bangkok is a must-hit destination. Bangkok lives up to its name as the capital of Thailand. Skyscrapers, public transit, cars exhaust fuming its way down the streets; this is a city that thrives as the heart of Thailand. The diversity of people extrapolates the assorted culture. With Bangkok’s efficient MRT and BTS system, you can explore the whole city.

Terminal 21 is an astonishing and worldly designed shopping center made for all consumers. With each floor serving different regions of the world, one can be shopping for handbags in Paris and then go to the Caribbean for some beachwear in a matter of steps. Not only is this the place to go to for your new wardrobe, but it’s a place to satisfy your cravings for any food. Diverse selection of Thai food and well-known international franchises awaits your growling stomach in their amazing food court.

Alternatively, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a place to spend less of your money. This outdoor marketplace has vendors lining the street selling items from T-shirts to keychains. Souvenir and gift shopping is highly recommended to be done here if you stay for the weekend and remember to keeping small change. This place is overflowing with people, both locals and tourists and is a great place to put your bargaining skills to the test.

Khao San Road is the place to be if you’re a backpacker and fancy some night time fun with snack and booze. Live music ring from bars and pubs aligning with street vendors and people offering some happy times, but also pay attention to your belongings in the crowd. I’d recommend trying crunchy snacks such as fried scorpion or other delectable fried insects. The limbs are probably the best part though, so stay away from the gut. There is an amazing lady that can whip up an instantaneous crepe, her quick toss of the batter and slicing bananas was one of the best performances I watched.

Even with Thailand’s impressive transportation services, your bodies might ache after heavy exploration. The Wat Pho Temple is the original Thai medical and massage school and has trained the best practitioners of massage you can find. Go ahead and indulge yourself. Remember to pay some respects to the Reclining Buddha as well, undoubtedly the largest and most relaxed statue I have ever prayed and bowed to.

A strong influence of Buddhism evidently exists in Thai culture. Wat Pho is just one of many temples that exist. Lay people revere monks and put their palms together and bow their heads when in sight of a monk (known as “wai”). Monks follow the principles of something known as “dhutanga,” a set of 13 ascetic practices.

Chiang Mai

Now we leave the city life to venture into a natural reservation where you can actually see clear skies. Chiang Mai is for nature-lovers and those who prefer the calm and slow lifestyle. Here are a few wild attractions that really lets you connect to nature:

Chiang Mai Night Safari is not your typical zoo with observation of caged wildlife. It occurs well after sundown. Exotic animals such as white porcupines and raccoons are like pets you can have sit on your lap. An open bus tour takes you around the whole park to have a close encounter with the animals. For an even closer encounter, lure them in with food. The giraffes will crane those long necks down to you to yank those treats from your hand and the baby hogs will chase after the tour bus squealing for more treats. You can pet and embrace the animals, so long as they let you. It’s as if you are an attraction in the park yourself.

A place where you probably wouldn’t want to be an attraction though, is the Tiger Kingdom. Here we make our way straight to the wild beast of the jungle. As fierce as they are known to be, the tigers spend about an average 16 hours of sleep per day in order to save their energy for hunting. More like beauty rest because they are breathtakingly gorgeous.

Tigers are pretty cool, but if you want something even more thrilling and unbelievable, you have to see real elephants in Thailand. Elephants are everywhere—tops, pants, bags, coin purses, key chains, on the streets carrying a family, or in an open and free area of land. Elephants are the symbol of Thailand. I visited an elephant sanctuary and this is probably the highlight of my trip. We got to spend the day with elephants, unbound by bars or fences, and learn about the rescue efforts in order to help these majestic creatures escape the awful life of serving humans as entertainment for a money-making franchise. Spend time feeding and interacting with them, and even bathing with them in their muddy bath water. My heart was stolen by their unknowingly amazing spirits and beauty. I highly suggest and recommend travellers spending time with some of Thailand’s grand and magnificent elephants in a more supportive way.

Phuket

Phuket is the island for the beach bums and party people, well-known for its high life, party scenes, and relaxation and here are a few places to have some fun:

Take a stroll around Patong Beach and be enlightened by the tranquil of the ocean and the serenity of the lifestyle. Walk some more until the sun sets and find yourself on Bangla Road. The calm level of ambiance from the beach shifts to the flash of neon lights and banging music from clubs and people bombarding you with activities. This stretch of road is where night-clubbers come alive and booze is the staple drink. Take a seat in any bar and, male or female, you will be amazed at the talented pole dancer’s moves. Phuket night-life is vibrant, and this is one of the hippest place to catch all the action.

Ko Phi Phi Island is a beach paradise in Phuket, an alternative destination for those who prefer nature. The water is a brilliant clear color, filled with colorful fish, sea plants and starfishes laying in the ocean sand. From snorkelling to jet skiing or banana boating, a variety of aquatic adventure awaits. For a more relaxed time, simply sunbathing on the white sandy shore of the beach is enough to enjoy how luxurious it is. This is the ideal vacation destination, filled with a happy and surreal energy of paradise.

See more: The great destinations in Northern Thailand

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Top 6 best hotels in Chiang Mai’s old city

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular cities in Thailand where tourists come to taste delicious Thai food, experience the culture of Lanna people and explore the mountainous surroundings. Chiang Mai Old City is the most convenient area to stay in Chiang Mai as from there you can easily reach city’s main cultural attractions, shops and restaurants. If you are looking for the best place to stay in Chiang Mai, check the list of best hotels in Chiang Mai Old City and choose the right place for you.

Pak Chiang Mai

This small upscale Chiang Mai guesthouse embodies everything that’s great about the capital of the north, comfort, style, friendliness and a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms are simply designed but elegant and comfortable. The on-site restaurant and small spa get consistently high marks. There is friendly service, complimentary and organic breakfast and Wi-Fi top off the experience.

Dhara Devi

Located outside the walls of the city center, the Dhara Devi Hotel feels more like a small village than a hotel. The luxury resort was designed as a self-contained ancient city, offering breathtaking architecture and scenery. Visitors can take their pick from two-story villas, colonial-style suits or signature residences, set up much like palaces.

Aside from its magnificent rooms, the Dhara Devi is home to some of the city’s best restaurants. The most notable is Falang Sed, meaning French in Thai, which provides an unforgettable dining experience. Dhara Devi can hardly be described in words and has to be seen to be believed. Feel like a member of the Thai royalty when wandering around the extensive garden areas.

Makkachiva

With a stay at Makkachiva in Chiang Mai (Old City), you will be a 5-minute walk from Wat Chedi Luang and 8 minutes by foot from Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request).

Read more: The holy temples you can visit in Chiang Mai

137 Pillars House

Retaining a tasteful balance between the elegance of former times and modern elements, the structure of the 137 Pillars House dates back to 1889. With its magical setting close to the heart of the city, visitors will have a hard time leaving the place.

Shrouded in jungle-like gardens with dark wooden houses, this place has truly managed to capture the essence of the Lanna culture. The home-style residences offer all sorts of comforts and the spacious rooms have been decorated with colourful themes. This is not only one of Chiang Mai’s best places to stay, but one of the best in the country.

Estia Chiang Mai

Estia Hotel is located in the heart of Chiang Mai near the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Centre, and Three Kings Monument. There are many room types available at the hotel, including superior rooms, deluxe rooms and family rooms with full facilities. There is also a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, coffee bar, restaurant, and spa massage. That is all you would need for a comfortable stay in Chiang Mai.

Parasol Inn

Just around the corner from the Pan Tao temple is this small, personal hotel. Rooms are clean, bright and simply furnished but have little extras such as in-room refrigerators and televisions. There is plenty of space to relax and enjoy a cup of local Northern Thai coffee at the adjacent restaurant.

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7 popular restaurants in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai has hundreds of dining options, so whether you are looking for a fragrant bowl of khao soi noodles, a romantic table in an old teak house, or a chic urban venue to enjoy the local fare and do some people watching, the perfect restaurant awaits. Choose from these top 7 best restaurants below and you cannot go wrong.

The Restaurant at Anantara

The Restaurant at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort offers breakfast, lunch and dinner to both hotel guests and visitors from outside the hotel. The Restaurant offers a fine dining experience at one of Chiang Mai’s finest five-star hotels. The outside area has riverside views of Chiang Mai and is a great place to spend sunset. The inside area has a mix of tables and booths to sit in and large glass windows so guests can still see the river and garden area.

Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

Is it the most utterly delicious meal in the city? Not exactly. Is it a quintessential Chiang Mai experience? 100 percent. The northern Thai equivalent of dinner theater couples deliciously pan-regional meals, think slightly sweet, northern Thai-style pork curry, chile-based dips, as well as a couple central Thai dishes with traditional dance, and has been entertaining both local and foreign visitors for the last 40 years.

David’s Kitchen

David’s Kitchen is my favorite place in Chiang Mai for fine dining. This is where you go when you want to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, impress a date or just enjoy a very nice meal. Most of the menu is comprised of French recipes such as lobster bisque, escargot, and salad Nicoise. The restaurant also offers seafood selections and local recipes elevated to a fine dining standard.

The chef’s favorite dishes, and the ones he is mastered most, are beef. Reservations are highly recommended and essentially required if you want a table on most weekends or holidays, as this is one of Chiang Mai’s most popular restaurants.

Huen Phen Restaurant

This long-time favourite restaurant has been serving up mouthwatering northern Thai fare for more than four decades. It serves one of the best khao sois in Chiang Mai, along with a range of northern Thai fare prepared according to the family recipe. The non-descript open-air section is open for lunch, whereas dinner is served in an atmospheric dining room.

Good View

Good View is a Chiang Mai institution due to its riverside location, live music and good value menu, offering a range of Thai, Japanese and International cuisines. The Kantoke, a customary platter of Chiang Mai delights is highly recommended.

Mit Mai

The back hills of Chiang Mai province are home to remote communities of Yunnanese Chinese, and for several decades now, this restaurant has brought their cuisine to the city folk. Go for dishes with uniquely Chinese ingredients such as pleasantly salty Yunnan-style air-dried ham, wok-seared greens, spicy and fragrant DIY salads, and for contrast, one of the typically mild, comforting soups.

The House

This upscale, cosmopolitan restaurant in the middle of the Old City is set in a mid-century wooden house and offers an East-meets-West fusion menu and a selection of Thai favorites, too. The result is a modern, international venue to match the crowd.

Read more: Best foods to try in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Top must-visit temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a beautiful historic city in northern Thailand. It has amazing street food, great restaurants and bars, and a cute walled old town surrounded by what was once a moat. There are also an astounding number of glittering temples lining its ancient streets. It is hard to know where to start, so this is the list of the 7 most incredible Chiang Mai temples that you need to visit.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This Wat is located further west than the city walls, up the mountain named after the temple ‘Suthep Mountain’. It takes some time to get to but it is so worth it. The temple is located within Doi Suthep National Park which is a beauty in itself, with waterfalls sprinkled amidst the forest, traditional hill tribe villages dotted around, and many viewpoints overlooking this beautiful city, you can be sure to spend quite a chunk of your day here.

It is 30 baht entry to Doi Suthep and the actual temple is open from 6 am – 6 pm. Once, you have finished exploring the temple, you can take yourself outside and look out on the wonderful city of Chaing Mai from this mountain throne at 1,676 metres.

Wat Phra Singh

Thanks to a huge renovation in the 19th century, plus numerous licks of paint ever since, Wat Phra Singh stands as one of the most visually impressive temples in Chiang Mai. The main temple building is the star of the show, featuring those iconic slanted Lanna-style roofs and an intricately decorated façade that shines brightly in the sunlight.

There is also various stupas and pagodas dotted around the grounds, which are free to enter. Walking distance from Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City, our recommendation is to fit in both during a morning or afternoon sightseeing trip on two feet or tuk-tuk.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai. This approximately 600-year-old temple is one of the highest buildings in the old town. Built pyramid-like, it stands in the middle of the temple complex and can already be seen from afar. But also the other temples of the area are impressive. For example, here you will find a beautiful reclining Buddha and you can listen to monks praying. Above all, in the morning or in the late afternoon, you will experience an incredibly beautiful and tranquil atmosphere.

Wat Umong

Still standing after 700 years, Wat Umong certainly shows its age, despite numerous touch-ups over the years. The crumbling, weather-worn central stupa towers into the sky, set around a well-maintained tropical garden and smart-looking green lawns.

While the main stupa provides a neat photo-op, there is plenty more to do at Wat Umong; feed the fish and turtles in the garden’s main pond, walk around the ‘talking trees’ that offer words of advice (in Thai and English), and head underground to check out the series of ancient tunnels. Find it just beyond the airport, in the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain next to the zoo.

Wat Suan Dok

You may have heard about the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai but you may not know that Chiang Mai has its very own version as well. It is located in between Chiang Mai University and Chiang Mai Old Town, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to visit.

It may not be as spacious or extravagant as the white temple in Chiang Rai but Wat Suan Dok will not disappoint its visitors too. The temple is most visited during sunset as the stupas (Buddhist structure that looks like a pagoda) reflect the color of the sun, making the view stunning. The main shrine houses a large Buddha statue and a number of Buddha relics. There is a small admission fees to enter the main shrine but the exterior grounds is free.

Wat Lok Molee

Another visually striking temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Lok Moli, well-known for its three-tiered wooden roof and prime location very close to Chang Puak Gate on the north edge of the Old City. The main temple hall has been well-restored, although the weathered chedi at the back shows the temple's true age, dating back to around the 14th century. Although Wat Lok Molee is located very central, it is just hidden out of the way meaning most tourists miss it, allowing it to enjoy a little more peace and tranquillity compared to some of the city’s other temples.

See more: Chiang Mai – pretty little town in Northern Thailand

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chaing Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai (1296) and should not be missed on any temple tour. In this complex there are several beautiful things to discover. Particularly impressive are the 15 elephant figures on the base of the large chedi, the lotus pond, an old beautiful wooden library and the Ubosot.

In addition, there are two important statues in Wat Chiang Man, the Phra-Sila statue and the Crystal Buddha, which are hidden behind a lattice window. This temple is located in the northeast of the old city of Chiang Mai and a visit is highly recommended.

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The complete guide to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is a city filled with temples. As you explore the Old City you can’t walk more than a few feet without seeing one and they are all well worth your time as a traveler. But one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, the one that crowns the Doi Suthep mountain on the western outskirts of Chiang Mai, is definitely something that shouldn’t be missed. Planning a trip up the mountain to see the temple is a fairly easy endeavor from Chiang Mai and there are various ways to do it. No matter which option you choose, the views from the temple and the beauty of the surrounding area make for a worthwhile day trip from the city.

History

Suthep itself is a district of western Chiang Mai city and one that gets its name from the adjacent mountain (doi means mountain in northern Thai), and the temple on the summit—Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is found on the mountainside. The mountain, plus neighbouring Doi Pui, form Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. In terms of the impressive temple, construction on Wat Doi Suthep began in 1386 and according to popular legend, the temple was built to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder.

One of those bones was mounted on a sacred white elephant (an important symbol in Thailand) who then climbed Doi Suthep mountain and stopped near the peak. After trumpeting three times, the elephant laid down and gently passed away in the jungle. The place where he lay is now the site of where Doi Suthep’s temple was founded.

How to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

There are several ways to get yourself up Doi Suthep to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, including renting a car, a motorbike or scooter if you’re an experienced rider, hiking, getting a ride in a red songthaew (red trucks that act as shared taxis all over Chiang Mai), hiring a songthaew for the duration of your trip, or by doing a guided tour.

Driving: If you decide to drive yourself (either via car or motorbike), you’ll be taking the 1004 (also called Huay Kaew Road) towards the Chiang Mai Zoo and passing Maya Mall en route. The route is a straight one, but the road itself has some curves, so anyone with minimal motorbike or scooter experience should consider alternate transportation. But if you have your international drivers licence and feel comfortable riding, this is a good DIY option up the mountain. Drive until the road finally widens and you see the crowds and flags in the trees.

Taking a songthaew: One of the most popular ways to get to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is via the many red songthaews that ply the streets of Chiang Mai. If you want to take one to the temple, they leave from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo, costing 40 baht per person each way. Normally drivers wait for eight to 10 passengers before leaving.

You can also charter songthaews from anywhere in the city, which is a good option if you are traveling with a group. This should cost 300 THB for one way (as many people as you can fit), or 500 THB if you want the driver to wait at the top and bring you back down after visiting the temple.

Hiking: Anyone in the mood for some exercise can opt to hike up to the temple, via Suthep Road, past Chiang Mai University to find the start of the hike. When you see a green area, you'll notice some billboards and a sign reading “Nature Hike”. Turn right onto this narrow road, go straight for about 100 meters then take the first (and only) left. Follow the road to the trail head.

Once you get to the base of the temple, you have two options for getting up to it. You can walk up the 306 steps if you’re feeling energetic, or you can take funicular-style cable car, which runs from 6.00 am – 6.00 pm. The fee is 20 THB for Thais and 50 THB for foreigners.

Layout

Once you’re up the mountain (via whatever method you’ve chosen), you’ll see a large cluster of souvenir stands and stalls selling food and drinks before you head up to the temple. Grab a snack if you’re hungry, and then it’s time to climb the 306-step staircase (or take the funicular). The staircase is flanked by beautiful jeweled naga (ornate serpents) and as you walk, the majestic staircase is a great spot to take pictures.

The terrace at the top of the steps is where you’ll find a statue of the white elephant that (as legend has it) carried the Buddha relic to its resting place on the temple grounds. This is also where you’ll find various other shrines and monuments to explore. The temple is split into outer and inner terraces and steps lead to the inner terrace where there is a walkway around the golden Chedi (shrine) enshrining the relic. The grounds are lush and peaceful and there are many spots for good photo ops or just simple quiet contemplation.

What to Expect

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the temple and surrounding area and if you have more time, there’s the option to hike various trails and swim in waterfalls in the national park that is home to the temple. Entrance to the temple costs 50 THB per person and as you’re planning your trip, remember that dress needs to be respectable, meaning modest and shoulders and knees should be covered. If you forget, wraps are available if needed. You’ll also need to remove your shoes upon entering the temple.

Something else to remember is that Wat Phra That Doi Suthep can get very busy, so if you can, try to time your visit for as early as possible during the day. Otherwise, a day trip to the temple makes for a refreshing and culturally interesting day (or half-day) excursion from Chiang Mai.

Highlights

It’s no secret that Chiang Mai is home to many temples, which you may have seen several of on a visit to the Northern Thai city. But even if you’ve had your fill of temples (or think you’ve seen them all), planning a trip to see Wat Doi Suthep is worth your time, even if just for the photo-worthy views.

In addition to those aforementioned views, the golden, gleaming temple itself is a highlight, but don’t rush your visit. There’s something beautiful to see at every turn.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple also houses a meditation center, where both locals and visitors can learn and practice meditation.

Read more: Take a trip to Northern Thailand

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Best Thailand destinations for a family trip

Thailand’s affordability, weather and array of activities make it a hot family-getaway destination. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly places to visit in Thailand.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s mountainous cultural hub is a fantastic place to travel with the whole family. Chiang Mai has a calm and relaxed atmosphere and is small enough to easily gain your orientation. Chiang Mai offers a host of fun and exciting activities for all ages, including engaging museums, a great zoo, local markets, cooking schools, and much more! Chiang Mai’s surrounding countryside offers trekking, rafting, zip lining, elephant sanctuaries and the opportunity to visit remote hill tribe communities.

Pai

For those looking for an alternative option, look no further than Pai. Pai not only is a great place for a family holiday it also has a great resident community of local Thai and expat families. Pai has a circus training school, jungle trekking, rafting and plenty of healthy places to eat. Pai is best reached by renting a car in Chiang Mai and driving. Chiang Dao is a great place to stop en route to explore the caves and stunning temple.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a bustling hub of exciting and fun things to explore. The city has a huge number of family-friendly activities from theme parks, snake farms and museums to indoor playgrounds for the little ones. Sometimes the best travel memories are created by small activities, for example, trying new foods, exploring local markets or simply playing in one of Bangkok’s many green parks.

Krabi

The beach lovers destination of Krabi is the perfect place to relax on a family-friendly holiday in Thailand. Not only are there some of the country’s best beaches in Krabi, it is also a fantastic place to pick up a snorkel and mask and become acquainted with Thailand’s beautiful underwater world. In the surrounding area, there is also plenty of options for fun day trips to national parks, waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries or, for the older kids, a chance to try rock climbing on some of the world’s best climbing spots.

Phuket

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations. Phuket has it all from gorgeous beaches and a fascinating old town to aquariums and horseback riding. Many of the island’s resorts offer kids clubs and babysitting services enabling mum and dad to get a well-earned break too. Phuket is easily reached from most parts of Thailand and has direct flights from many other countries making getting there hassle-free.

Koh Chang

For a more local laid-back beach option head to Koh Chang. Koh Chang is a popular destination for backpackers and families alike. Koh Chang has every accommodation option available from cheap bungalows on the beach to boutique dream-like resorts. Koh Chang offers simple genuine family fun including swimming, snorkelling, building sandcastles and exploring waterfalls.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui has long been one of Thailand’s favourite family holiday destinations. Not only is Koh Samui easy to get to, it also has everything one would want and more packed onto the island. If you prefer to be in the thick of it head to Chaweng beach or for a quieter beach getaway base yourself in Mae Nam. Many resorts have kids’ programs on offer and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. For something, a little different take your tribe to make new furry friends by volunteering at the animal rescue centre for the day.

See more: The most romantic resorts for a honeymoon in Thailand

Source: Internet

Top cities should be on list of food lovers

Asia is a dream destination for foodies, as each country provides its own unique dishes, culinary traditions and fresh ingredients that are hard to resist. From sushi perfection in Japan and spicy dishes Thailand to the diverse flavors in Malaysia, you’re spoiled for choice in creating the ultimate food adventure.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo not only has some of the best food in Asia, but also in the entire world with over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants. Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine and sampling the different varieties is all a part of the fun, where you can sit in cozy restaurants with just eight or 10 seats. Wander down alleyways to discover noodle shops, dine on fresh sushi and sample okonomiyaki savory pancakes and yakitori grilled chicken skewers.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is known for its delicious street food, where every plate is bursting with flavor and a combination of spices and sauces such as ginger, lemongrass and fish sauce. Cuisines here blend sweet and spicy with ingredients such as coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves. While pad Thai is the most popular dish, you can’t go wrong with tom yum goong (a spicy hot and sour soup) and a dessert of mango sticky rice.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Food is at the very heart of the Vietnamese culture. Markets are on every corner and almost every aspect of life in Vietnam revolves around the preparation and shared experience of eating. Indulge in a banh mi sandwich, fresh spring roll or a steaming bowl of pho at any time of day, while Hanoians typically wash it down with a strong Vietnamese-style coffee that is thick and topped with condensed milk.

Seoul, South Korea

Kimchi, bibimbap and Korean barbecue are some of most iconic cuisines to sample in Seoul and definitely a must-try when there, but the city also has more to offer. Visit one of the famous markets like Gwangjang, Namdaemun and Myeong-dong and sample teokbokki rice cake rolls in chili sauce, kimbap seaweed rice rolls and dakkochi grilled chicken skewers. Korea is known for its banchan side dishes, while gogigui is all things grilled meat.

Taipei, Taiwan

Foodie heaven with delicious dishes being served around the clock, Taipei boasts a booming night market scene. Check out the trendy Ximending in search of succulent pork sandwiches and chunks of fried chicken, while milk tea and cheesy baked potatoes are just as enticing. Sample lu rou fan (minced pork rice), niu rou mian (beef noodle soup), hujiao bing pepper buns and Taiwanese-style hot pot.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The biggest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a foodie destination that is famous for its spicy Khao soi, which is a noodle dish that contains boiled then deep-fried egg noodles that are drenched in a thick chicken or beef coconut curry broth and then garnished with lime, roasted chili and shallots. It’s a favorite with both locals and visitors alike, while the city’s grilled chicken, papaya salad and sai oua grilled herb sausage are also worthy of sampling.

Bali, Indonesia

The only Hindu island in Indonesia, Bali has a unique cultural and food landscape that lures you in. Start with a classic Indonesian staple mie goreng, which is fried noodles served with chicken, shrimp or pork, then wash it down with pisang goreng, a dessert with fried bananas, honey and can include coconut flakes or ice cream. Nasi goreng is another favorite with fried rice, while sate is chicken with spices on a stick.

Osaka, Japan

A food lover’s paradise, Osaka has been dubbed “the country’s kitchen” due to its delicious street food an abundance of highly-rated restaurants. Born and bred, you can’t leave the city without trying the famous okonomiyaki cabbage pancakes and the takoyaki octopus balls, which are found both on the street and in restaurants. Other highlights include kitsune udon, a broth with thick noodles and deep-fried tofu, and kushi-katsu, which is meat or vegetables that are deep-fried and skewered.

Read more: Top dishes you must relish on a trip to Osaka


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