Seven incredible places in Asia that should be on top of your bucket list

JOE

Brought to you by the new Travel Vaccination Service at Boots Ireland and USIT

It looks like your travel bucket list is going to get longer before it gets shorter…

Whether a holiday to you means chilling on a beach lounger or hiking up a mountain, there’s no better feeling than finally booking a trip abroad. All the better when you’re going to the far end of the world or a place you’ve never been to before.

Seeing as Asia is the largest continent on earth, it’s no surprise that you’ll find just about everything you could possibly hope to get out of a holiday.

We’re talking ancient temples worthy of Lara Croft (one below was used in the movie), massive jungles, and islands that look like something from another planet.

If you’re already sold, and planning your next trip, you might be glad to know that Boots have become the first pharmacy in Ireland to offer a travel vaccination service making getting the recommended vaccinations before your travel a lot easier. One less thing to worry about then!

1. Ha Long Bay – Vietnam

You’ve seen it in pictures (and possibly the Top Gear special) , but not all of us have been lucky enough to visit this incredible place. A collection of 16,00 islands with steep cliffs rising up from the ocean, most of them are completely hollow and contain labyrinthine series of caves for you to explore.

For navigating the bay, we recommend renting a kayak so you can get some stunning close-up photos. It’s easy to see how this UNESCO Heritage site inspired the planet of Pandora in the blockbuster film Avatar. There are no special effects in play here however, just the natural beauty of Eastern Vietnam.

2. Ulun Danu Bratan Temple – Bali, Indonesia

If you’ve ever known anyone who has gone to Bali, Ulun Danu Bratan Temple was probably in 50% of their Instagram stories. That’s no surprise either, as the temple looks as if it’s literally floating on the water when the river rises.

Built in the 17th Century as a shrine to the river goddess Dewi Danu, it has to be up there with one of the most peaceful places on earth. The massive Lake Bratan where you’ll find it is the main source of irrigation for the island as well, so it’s of huge importance to the local people.

3. Kerala Backwaters – India

India is more of a sub-continent than a country, so you’d be setting some task for yourself if you wanted to cover it all in one trip. If you’re looking for something that’s perhaps not quite as popular as the Taj Mahal, many people totally overlook the incredible Kerala backwaters.

Stretching out over 900km (over twice the distance of Donegal to Cork), this spectacular series of interconnected rivers, lakes and canals is India’s best-kept secret. People looking for a relaxed holiday could see it all from a houseboat, or the more adventurous could opt for exploring every nook and cranny from a kayak.

4. Batu Caves – Malaysia

It’s perfectly acceptable for the theme tune of Indiana Jones to be in your head the entire time you’re in the Batu Caves of Kuala Lumpur. It’s not every day you visit an underground cathedral guarded by a colossal statue of a Hindu god, so you could also opt for an Indy-style hat as well (the whip might be overdoing it).

The caves themselves are a remarkable sight, with limestone structures over 400 million years old. There are over 160 climbing routes on the exterior of the Batu Caves if you’re up for it, although you can have just as much fun watching the many mischievous capuchin monkeys that roam the area!

5. Registan – Uzbekistan

If you want your trip to stand out from everyone else’s, you’d be hard set to beat Uzbekistan. The gem in this nation’s crown is Samarkand, a historic public square and 15th Century-marketplace with incredible mosaic tile art dating back to the ancient Silk Road that once connected Europe and with the far reaches of Asia.

Registan may translate to “Desert” in Persian, but thankfully you don’t have to make any camelback journeys to get there! The iconic marketplace is located in the heart of the city of Samarkand, which is just a few hours’ drive from the capital of Tashkent.

6. Angkor Wat – Cambodia

There’s a reason why Angkor Wat is all people talk about when they get back from Cambodia. One of the largest religious monuments in the world, there is absolutely nowhere else that even comes close to the ancient temple complex.

Movie fans will also recognise Ta Prohm Temple from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), which was used as a filming location. If you really want to appreciate Angkor Wat, get there extra early (gates open at 5am) and watch the sun rise over the massive main temple.

7. Phi Phi Islands – Thailand

You may well have been to some great beaches in your life, but not all of us get to visit THE Beach. As in, the spectacular one used in the movie The Beach (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Once you’re there you’ll have the option of renting boats if some adventurous island hopping is your thing. Then again, there’s no better place to just sit back, relax and let the modern world fade to the back of your mind.

There you have it, seven incredible places to add to your bucket list. Just don’t forget, travel vaccinations are recommended ahead of visiting any of these places.

So, what are you waiting for? Your next adventure awaits!

Boots are the first pharmacy in Ireland to offer a Travel Vaccination Service, providing more convenient access to travel vaccinations for customers. To find out more or book your vaccination service visit www.boots.ie/travel-vaccination-service.

On the travel feature, just before the T&C’s, can you include the line USIT, Helping Irish People Work and Travel Abroad for 60 Years.