Places to visit, places to stay
Holidays are the ideal time to indulge your interests and hobbies, with all the free time in the world and a thrilling setting in which to enjoy them.
To help you pursue your hobbies away from home, the travel website Booking.com dug into its data to create a list of lesser known travel destinations in Asia that are perfect for a range of hobbies.
Wild Swimming: Khao Sok, Thailand
If one of your hobbies includes swimming in natural water, then pack your bags and head to Khao Sok, a nature reserve in southern Thailand that’s home to dense jungle, dramatic mountains and the pristine Cheow Lan Lake.
Where to stay: Boasting overwater bungalows on the Ratchaprapha reservoir (Cheow Lan Lake), 500 Rai Floating Resort is set in a midst of natural surroundings. Guests can indulge in an outdoor pool and enjoy amazing views of lush green hills. Local and Western cuisines can be sampled at Talay Nai Restaurant.
Cycling: Imabari, Japan
The Shimanami Kaido is the famous bikeway across Seto inland sea that runs the approximately 80 km from Imabari to Onomichi. People from all over the world visit and enjoy cycling on the six islands and across the beautiful bridges.
Where to stay: Cyclists love Cyclo No Ie, a guesthouse for cyclists and backpackers, as it offers relaxing accommodation to rest your tired legs after a long bike ride around the area. As they cater mostly to cyclists, bike hire and bike storage are also available at the property.
Live music: Saitama, Japan
Home to the second largest indoor arena in the world (with a spectator capacity of 36,500), the Saitama Super Arena, as well as the John Lennon Museum, Saitama is a must-visit for all lovers of live music.
Where to stay: If you’re looking for a quiet retreat after your night’s out dancing and singing along to the best of live music then look no further than the Urawa Royal Pines Hotel, which features six restaurants, a top-floor cafe and its own pastry shop. It has a 24-hour reception and a hairdressing salon, while free Wi-Fi is available property-wide
History: Muang Phonsavan, Laos
For history buffs, a trip to Muang Phonsavan in Laos is a must. As the capital of the Xiangkhoang Province, Phonsavan is best known for its megalithic archaeological landscape called the Plain of Jars, which is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia.
Where to stay: Kongkeo Guesthouse is a family run accommodation and serves as the perfect place to stay if wanting to relax after a long day of exploring this historic area. The property features a restaurant, free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Culture: Qufu, China
If you consider yourself a culture vulture, you’ll be in good company on a visit to Qufu, China, which is probably best known as the hometown of Confucius and for various cultural cites associated with this celebrated Chinese philosopher.
Where to stay: Ideally located only a short walk from Confucius Six Arts City, as well as world-famous temples, cemetery and family mansion of Confucius, the Shangri-La Hotel offers 5-star accommodation with complementary Wi-Fi throughout. The enchanting property also features an indoor heated pool, a tennis court and five dining options.
Nightlife –Haad Rin, Thailand
Home to what’s probably the biggest all-night beach party in the world, night owls and party goers should not miss the chance to dance the night away to psychedelic trance music while wearing neon paint on Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach) during the monthly Full Moon Party hosted by the island.
Where to stay: Centrally located on Haad Rin, The Coast Resort Koh Pha-ngan is only 800 metres from the Full Moon Party. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free bottles of drinking water, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.
