Compass: Asia
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
–Miriam Beard
Explore beautiful Asia, the Earth’s largest continent. Covering more than 30 % of the planet’s land surface, Asia is the most populous region. It has a unique blend of many first civilizations. Asia’s history is vast and the continent is abundant with diverse ethnic groups, cultural heritage, traditions and religious beliefs; all worth learning more about.
The countries within beautiful Asia include: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, North, Korea, South, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor Leste (West), Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam
Historic Places in China You Absolutely Need to See
By Jennifer RaskinChina was a place I wound up in much by accident. It’s a place that tends to give most people intense culture shock, but once it wears off, you’re left to marvel at this beautiful place surrounding you. Read more
Asia History
Saving a Species: Palm Oil, Orangutans, and the Leuser Ecosystem
By Jessica BarrettSix and a half million acres. That’s the size of Indonesia’s Leuser Ecosystem, one of the most ancient and biodiverse places ever documented and the last place on Earth where Sumatran rhinos, tigers, elephants, orangutans, and sun bears roam freely together. Read more
Asia Sustainability
Yamadera – A Japanese temple experience with a special view
By Thomas SpäterAt the end of my backpacking trip through Japan, I had three days to spare with no idea what to do. I had already explored the very south (Hiroshima) as well as all major landmarks around the central part of this beautiful Asian country (Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo). Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path
Sustainable Travel in Thailand: A Homestay at the Ban Rai Kong Khing Community
By Derek CullenCommunity-based tourism (CBT) is a sustainable model which promotes local communities and invites tourists to learn more about local culture and customs. In recent times, this tourism model has gained traction in Thailand as more and more visitors yearn for more “real” or authentic experiences. Read more
Asia Experiences Sustainability
How to Spot Ethical Animal Tourism in Southeast Asia
By Lola MéndezHelp stop animal cruelty in Southeast Asia by avoiding inhumane experiences with captive animals—we’ve got the details on ethical animal tourism in Southeast Asia. Read more
Asia Social Responsibility
The Journey to Bali’s Sekumpul Waterfall
By Thomas SpäterDeep inside the jungle of Bali’s northern Sawan district of the Buleleng regency lies one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world–Sekumpul waterfall. What makes this specific waterfall so special is its overall impressions and the layout of its surroundings. Read more
Asia Nature & Outdoors
The Food that Keeps Kashmir Warm
By Sugato MukherjeeMehman nawazi (hospitality) is etched in the ethos of Kashmir and her people, a centuries-old legacy of this Northwestern Indian state. Every time I land myself in Srinagar, my friend Mushtaq would pick me up late in the evening, and a half-an-hour bumpy ride through the Srinagar-Ganderbal highway would take … Read more Read more
India Food & Drink
Unearth Istanbul In Rumi’s Footsteps
By Lipsa DasRumi. That is one of the first thoughts that would cross your mind when you visit Istanbul. When you google Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Market, the Blue Mosque would be the topmost tourist attractions on the list. Read more
Asia Europe Architecture History
Jehan Numa Retreat – A Serene Gateway to Bhopal – The City Of Queens
By Bandita MukherjeeThe expanse of the Bhopal sky slowly turns scarlet as we settle into the serene world of Jehan Numa Retreat. A short 30 minute drive from the Bhopal airport has us approaching the 12.5 acres boutique property of the erstwhile Nawabs of Bhopal in the Malwa plateau of Central India. Read more
India
Looking Behind the Funhouse Mirror in Thailand
By Josh FredmanThe dock at Ao Nang in Krabi, Thailand is as nondescript as any western restaurant patio. Wooden slats make up a narrow walkway with benches on either side. Read more
Asia Sustainability
Central Florida Lantern Festival Shines Light on Chinese Culture
By Kirsten HarringtonThe Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia by gathering with family, decorating the house with red couplets and giving red envelopes with money to friends and colleagues. Also known as Spring Festival in China, this 15-day celebration starts on January 22nd and ends with the Lantern Festival on February … Read more Read more
Asia The World Events & Festivals
Traveling in China – under the skin of the culture
By Jon GeldartTravelling by train in China is not as difficult as you might first think, though buying tickets can be a fraught affair with the many booths and total lack of any language other than Chinese which can confront you. Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path Rail & Road Travel
The positive influence of eco-tourism in Sumatra
By Bianca CaruanaIn places like Sumatra, environmentalists are hoping a focus on eco-tourism will influence conservation efforts. Read more
Asia Eco-tourism Sustainability
Exploring Kolkata’s Colonial Architecture
By Mehk ChakrabortyThe British colonized India for over 200 years, and cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai are home to notable Victorian-era buildings. But Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, was the capital of India for 39 years during the British rule, and it remains the top spot to see colonial architecture, a … Read more Read more
Asia Architecture
Swat Valley: The Switzerland of Pakistan
By Muzammil HussainSwat Valley (Swat) is known as the ‘Switzerland’ of Pakistan because of its snow-capped mountains and beautiful scenery. Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path History