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
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
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Beijing, China
By Kirsten HarringtonIt was Fall of 2019 and Beijing was beautiful, with ripe persimmons hanging from trees like lanterns and golden gingko trees glowing in the park. But as the days grew shorter and the arctic chill set in, my spirits sank. Thanksgiving was just around the corner, and I longed for … Read more Read more
Asia United States Family Travel Events & Festivals
Discovering Traditional Arts in Thailand’s Golden Triangle
By Katie DundasThe Golden Triangle region of Northern Thailand sits at the intersection of three Southeast Asian countries along the Mekong and Ruak Rivers: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. A visit to this area is an incredible way to learn about the culture, history, and traditional arts of the region, which have been … Read more Read more
Asia History The Arts Social Responsibility
Exploring Kangra Valley from Rakkh Resort
By Sugato MukherjeeA mountainous land in the Northwestern part of India, the state of Himachal Pradesh has long been a paradise for travelers. Colonial-era hill stations, idyllic rural settlements and verdant valleys dot the expanse of this North Indian state that was once a part of undivided Punjab. However, Kangra Valley, in … Read more Read more
India Off the Beaten Path
The Coral Rehabilitation Project Reviving the Maldives Reefs
By Bianca CaruanaThe Maldives islands are home to more than a thousand coral reefs, vibrant ecosystems that provide a home for marine life. Read more
Asia Volunteer Travel Preservation
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
Climbing A Stairway to Heaven in The Philippines
By Len CristobalGrowing up in the Philippines, an intensely Catholic country, I have seen the extremes that people sometimes go to in the name of religion. “Stairway to Heaven,” a giant, outdoor stairway leading to a breathtaking replica of heaven, or how heaven looks according to traditional beliefs. Read more
Asia Experiences Religious Travel
5 Ways to have a more cultural experience in Cambodia
By Derek CullenWhen you think of Cambodia, first impressions can come with some very negative connotations. Read more
Asia Experiences
Locals of Licin, East Java
By Ziba RedifThe sleepy village of Licin is situated in the Banyuwangi regency of East Java, Indonesia. It’s a 30-minute drive from the town of Banyuwangi – Java’s easternmost tip – and an hour from the slopes of Kawah Ijen, the legendary volcano famous for its electric blue flames. Read more
Asia Agritourism Indigenous Sustainability
The Risk of Rabies is Real: Here’s What Travellers Need to Know
By Melissa HobsonWhile rabies occurs in more than 150 countries and territories and causes around 59,000 deaths worldwide each year, many travellers don’t fully understand the risks. Read more
Asia Health & Wellness Insights