Asia at a Glance
A handy little guide to five of the most frequented cities on the world’s largest — and
most populated — continent. It contains all the info you need to have the most successful trip ever to any (and all) of these cities: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul.
 Taipei at a Glance
Millions of years ago, what is now the city of Taipei was a mountain basin filled with water. Today, it’s Taiwan’s top city, its center of politics, commerce, and culture. — Jill Becker
National Palace Museum
You’d need a full day or more to explore every nook and cranny of this massive repository; it contains one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts.
Yangmingshan National Park
This geological treasure features everything from fumaroles and grassy fields to placid lakes and bubbling hot springs.
Maokong Tea Gardens
These gardens, which scale the mountainside just outside Taipei, are home to teahouses. Stop in for a kettle of tieguanying, a greenish black oolong tasting of rich caramel, or for a pot of one of the many other varieties.
Martyrs’ Shrine
If you like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, you’ll love the rifle-juggling soldiers at this Ming-style memorial dedicated to Taiwan’s fallen heroes.
Taipei 101
Notable for having topped Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Twin Towers, thus becoming the world’s tallest building, this 101-story skyscraper is equally famous for its fabulous shopping.
Shilin Official Residence
The rambling gardens at the estate of former president Chiang Kai-shek opened to the public a few years back and have been a favorite local retreat ever since.
Taiwan Storyland
This re-created circa-1965 Taiwanese town includes a police station, a bar, a bookstore, and even a puppet theater.
Raohe Street Night Market
There are numerous night markets in Taipei, but this was the very first. It’s open late and is an ideal spot for finding last-minute gifts or savory snacks like tofu pudding and oyster noodles.
Ping Hsi Branch Railway Line
Hop aboard this train and get out of the city for a bit. You’ll see the craggy countryside and old, forgotten coal-mining camps. Disembark near Shi Fen to peruse a pair of eye-popping waterfalls.
Beitou Hot Spring Museum
Once a public hot spring, this historic site now chronicles, in part, the rare radioactive Beitou mine rock.
Go Figure
Some believe that Taipei 101 may actually be causing small earthquakes. On an entirely different note, the building’s elevators reach speeds of 37.5 miles per hour, making them some of the world’s fastest.
The city is one of the planet’s most
densely populated areas.
It’s estimated that 90 percent of Taipei
has access to the city’s public wireless
Internet service.
Taipei has more than 45 sister cities,
perhaps more than any other city in the world.
 Kuala Lumpur at a Glance
This modern city along the Malaysian peninsula’s western coast boasts more than 1.5 million residents and, seemingly, just as many highlights and amusements. — J.B.
Malaysia Tourist Information Complex
No ordinary visitor center, the MATIC has it all, from ticket booths for local attractions to restaurants to cultural performances. It’s the ideal place to start your trip.
Petronas Twin Towers
The tallest twin towers in the world, they are an easily identifiable landmark and have been in films like Entrapment. A sky bridge connecting the buildings some 40 stories up is open to visitors.
Batu Caves
You have to travel seven miles out of town and climb 272 steps to reach these sacred limestone caves, which were discovered more than a century ago.
National Museum
Malaysia’s first-rate, state-owned museum offers in-depth exhibits on everything you need to know about the country and its culture. Even the building itself is in the style of a Malay palace.
Petaling Street Prepare to bargain as you stroll through the countless vendors crowding this main drag, also known as Chinatown. The area is covered, so you can shop rain or shine.
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Designed by A.B. Hubbock and dating back to the early 1900s, the massive terminal is an architectural gem that exemplifies the influence the British had on Moorish design.
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
With its surfing lagoon, a submerging pirate-ship ride, and so much more spread out over its 80 acres, we see why this is Malaysia’s most touristed attraction.
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque
A three-story symbol of Islam that’s known as the Blue Mosque, this is one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia; it’s able to accommodate some 24,000 worshippers.
National Art Gallery
What started as four donated artworks housed in a borrowed space now features more than 2,500 pieces showcased in a sparkling slate-and-glass structure.
Lake Gardens
At this peaceful oasis, you can either simply enjoy the luxurious landscape or take advantage of the jogging track, rowboats, children’s playground, and more.
Go Figure
Kuala Lumpur ... is more commonly referred to simply as KL // means “muddy confluence,” in reference to its locale at the meeting point of two rivers // was founded in 1857 by a band of tin prospectors // enjoys the popular game of hash harrying, a combination of jogging and treasure hunting // and boasts the world’s tallest flagpole, which is 328 feet high.
 Seoul at a Glance
Situated astride the Han River, Seoul is an intriguing mix of old and new, where multilane highways and towering high-rises merge with ancient temples and tranquil gardens. — J.B.
Korean Folk Village
Seoul’s version of Colonial Williamsburg, this 240-acre site treats visitors to a slice of Korean life as it was in the days of old.
Seoul Tower
Hike or take a cable car up scenic Mount Namsan to reach this 774-foot-high beacon, complete with an observation deck and a rotating restaurant.
Changdeokgung Palace
A spectacular series of residences, pavilions, and secret gardens that dates to 1405, Changdeokgung Palace was built as a royal villa for King Taejong. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Itaewon Street
Along this mile-long street and its adjoining alleyways, you’ll find top-notch shopping (nearly 1,200 stores!) and countless restaurants and nightclubs.
Sejong Cultural Center
South Korea’s large arts and cultural complex is also one of the world’s top performing-arts centers. The playbill includes everything from opera to ballet to traditional Korean folk dramas.
Lotte World
A small city within a city, Lotte World is the world’s largest indoor theme park. It has shops, a skating rink, a pool and water park, a hotel, a health club, an art gallery, a barbershop, and more.
Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site A 1925 flood first exposed this ancient colony, now preserved to reveal mud huts, earthenware, stone tools, and other artifacts from the Neolithic era.
Mount Gwanaksan
One of the several peaks punctuating the Gyeonggi Province on the southern limits of the city, Mount Gwanaksan is a favorite among outdoor lovers for its proximity, panoramas, and plentiful hiking paths.
Namdaemun Market
Korea’s largest marketplace, with some 10,000 stores, Namdaemun is also the city’s oldest market, having been around for almost 600 years.
Moga Buddhist Museum
This museum offers a fascinating look at the 1,600-year history of Buddhism in Korea through artwork, handicrafts, classes, and more.
Go Figure
Seoul boasts the world’s largest Starbucks. // Most buildings in the city don’t have a fourth floor because the number
four is considered unlucky in Korea. // There is no set system of street addresses, and there are very few street signs. // The word seoul, which happens
to be the name of the capital of South Korea, is Korean for “capital.” // Hines Ward, the MVP of last year’s Super Bowl, was born here.
 Bangkok at a Glance
From densely packed skyscrapers to centuries-old temples, Bangkok is a study in contrasts. Your best bets for getting around the capital of Thailand are boats on the Chao Phraya River (which runs near most attractions) and tuk-tuks, three-wheeled, open-air, motorized taxis. — Haley Shapley
Grand Palace
Built in 1782 and featuring an explosion of ornate architecture, swirling spires, and detailed mosaics, this was the official residence of the king of Thailand until the mid-1900s. Don’t miss the Emerald Buddha, a jade figurine clothed in gold and said to have been created in 43 BC.
Wat Pho
The oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, it contains more than 1,000 images of Buddha, including the famous Reclining Buddha, whose face reaches a height of more than 49 feet. Visit the temple’s massage school for a traditional Thai massage.
The National Museum
A comprehensive collection of artwork, clothing, ceramics, weapons, musical instruments, and more takes visitors chronologically through Thailand’s history.
Vimanmek
Mansion Museum
This former royal estate is the largest golden teakwood building in the world. It contains 81 rooms, halls, and antechambers, some with themed displays.
Lumphini Park
There’s always something to do in this 143-acre park — rent a paddleboat, play chess, sing karaoke, weight lift, jog the trails, or watch ballroom dancers and martial artists perform — but peace and quiet can also easily be found.
Royal Barge
National Museum Eight barges once used in war now serve a ceremonial purpose. The king’s personal boat, Suphanahong (Golden Swan), is decorated with gilt carvings and a colorful mosaic.
Chatuchak Market
Spanning 35 acres and known as the largest market in the world, Chatuchak boasts thousands of weekend vendors with wares that range from rice to teacups to antique wooden carvings to leather sandals.
Ratchadamnoen Stadium
The popular sport of muay Thai (Thai boxing) may be brutal, but it’s rich with history. To see it firsthand, head to Ratchadamnoen Stadium, where the atmosphere outside the ring rivals the excitement within.
The Jim Thompson House
Here, you’ll find six traditional Thai-style teak structures from various parts of Thailand. Purchased and brought to this present location by American expatriate Jim Thompson (who is credited with reviving the silk industry in Thailand), the houses are decorated with rare sculptures, paintings, and other antiques.
Chao Phraya
Dinner Cruise
Relax and enjoy a quiet dinner set to traditional Thai music as you float down the river on a teakwood rice barge and take in all the sights of Bangkok illuminated against the night sky.
Go Figure
Bangkok … is the 22nd most populated city in the world // accounts for more than 40 percent of Thailand’s gross domestic product // has one of the highest average temperatures of any city in the world // is approximately 95 percent Buddhist // is said to be sinking two inches per year // refers to a district within the city, as the city’s actual name is Krung Thep.
 Hong Kong at a Glance
Hong Kong is known for its gorgeous skyline, efficient service, tasty cuisine, good shopping, and mix of cultural influences. Plus, its easy-to-use public transportation system (trains, trams, buses, subways, ferries, and taxis) makes hitting the city’s myriad sites a snap. — H.S.
Victoria Peak
See it all by heading up this mountain, the highest on Hong Kong Island. You’ll find Peak Tower, a wok-shaped structure boasting a 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s skyline, and Peak Tram, a funicular railway that dates back to 1888.
Avenue of Stars
Journey through 100 years of Hong Kong cinematic history here, where plaques honor 73 of the country’s brightest film stars.
Hong Kong Space Museum
Recognizable by its egg-shaped dome, the museum features interactive exhibits on space science and astronomy.
Ocean Park
Part amusement park, part marine conservatory, Ocean Park has something for everyone in the family. Visitors can ride the roller coasters and get up close and personal with pandas, dolphins, sharks, sea lions, and more.
Repulse Bay
Don’t let the name fool you. The sand is soft, the water is pristine, and the waves are gentle at this former pirate hangout. Two goddess statues, Kwun Yum and Tin Hau, watch over the bay and protect fishermen.
Temple Street
The open-air night market features fortune tellers, Cantonese opera singers, dozens of food stalls, and, of course, hundreds of vendors. Bargaining is expected.
Happy Valley Racecourse
Catch a nighttime race at Happy Valley, where the stakes are high and the crowds are plentiful. Horse racing is Hong Kong’s most popular spectator sport.
A Symphony of Lights
Lasers and searchlights dance across 33 buildings and over Victoria Harbour at this nightly event, which tells a story through five themes: awakening, energy, heritage, partnership, and celebration.
Tian Tan Buddha at Po Lin Monastery
Take a trip to Hong Kong’s outlying islands to see the world’s tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, which is more than 110 feet tall and weighs 250 tons. (But first, you have to climb the 268 steps to reach the statue’s base.)
Tai O Fishing Village
After visiting Tian Tan, on Lantau Island, head west to Tai O, a Chinese village made up of stilt houses. The residents here are mostly the Tanka people, fishers who feel more comfortable on water than on land.
Go Figure
The name Hong Kong means “fragrant harbor.” It’s derived from the area around present-day Aberdeen (on Hong Kong Island), where fragrant wood products and incense were once traded. // The median age at first marriage is 31 for males and 28 for females. // Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with more than six million people living on 415 square miles. // The official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) and English, with English spoken by more than a third of the population. Mandarin, the official language of China, is now the second most popular Chinese dialect spoken in Hong Kong.
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