Can’t get enough of Viator’s 2008 Top 25 lists? Neither can we. We’ve been busy compiling the Top 25 Things to Do around the world, based on tours and activities that actual Viator.com travelers participated in this year. So far we’ve covered Central & South America, Australia & New Zealand, and Africa & the Middle East among others. Now we’re ready to unveil our Top 25 Things to Do in Asia for 2008.
Viator's Top Things to Do in Asia? Read on!
But first, let’s review the major travel trends in Asia in 2008. Surprisingly Singapore has slipped a few spots in overall popularity, as has Thailand. What happened? Japan in general, and Tokyo in particular, skyrocketed in popularity this year with Viator travelers. And on the flipside, Thailand had some political turmoil this year (plus a strike at the airport) that kept many travelers away. Ditto with Hong Kong, which remains one of the top destinations in Asia this year but also fell a few spots. Kuala Lumpur also made our 2008 list.
On the ‘notable exceptions’ list is China and Vietnam (also see our blog post of suggested itineraries in Vietnam). We assumed the 2008 Olympics in Beijing would thrust Beijing into the Top 25 spotlight, but alas it did not. And here’s hoping to Vietnam making a splash in 2009. In the meantime, without further ado, the top 25 things to do in Asia in 2008.
Top 25 Things to Do in Asia: 2008
Japan's Mt Fuji - Voted #1 in 2008
25. Macau Full Day Tour by Catamaran, Hong Kong
Sail across the sea to the Monte Carlo of the Far East, with a trip to the Old Fort, Penha Hill and Grand Prix Race Course, glimpse the Chinese Border Guards before going into the Casino.
24. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island Tour, Hiroshima, Japan
Dedicated to promoting peace around the world, your visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum is a deeply moving reminder of the devastating effects of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
23. Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament, Tokyo, Japan
An exciting Sumo wrestling ceremony in the Kokugikan, and introduction to this fascination tradition in the Sumo Museum.
22. Kamakura Full-Day Walking Tour with Optional Rickshaw Ride, Tokyo, Japan
Walk through the cherry trees on Wakamiya-Oji, Komachi Shopping street, and visit Tsurugoaka Hachimangu Shrine on this fascinating guided walking excursion to Kamakura.
21. Kuala Lumpur Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary Private Tour, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Spend an exhilarating day in close contact with semi-wild Elephants in this beautiful tropical rainforest, experiencing the Malaysian Wildlife Society’s Elephant conservation program.
20. Sentosa Island Afternoon Trip, Singapore
A relaxing afternoon on gorgeous Sentosa, take a cable car to Singapore’s island resort, watch the pink dolphins play in the lagoon, go on your own underwater voyage and hear songs of the sea.
19. Island Tour - Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, Stanley Market, Hong Kong
The highlights of Hong Kong, from the panorama of Victoria Peak, to Aberdeen fishing village and the floating community, finishing at Stanley Markets and a local jewelry factory.
18. Lantau Island Tour including Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong
Discover pristine beaches, lush valleys and soaring mountains on Lantau, visiting Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha, with spectacular views from the cable car and ferry trip.
17. Guangzhou (Canton) China including Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Hong Kong
Meet a panda and the Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors, on this colourful day trip to mainland China, which also includes Shekou Industrial Zone, and Guangzhou City.
16. Singapore by Night Tour with Dinner at Clarke Quay, Singapore
An evening on the town in Singapore, with dinner by the riverside at Clarke Quay, a visit to the vibrant Night Market and Bugis St, and finish by sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel.
15. Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto, including Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan
Explore wonderful Kyoto in the morning, from Nijo Castle to Kinkakuji Temple, Imperial Palace and Golden Pavilion, then spend the afternoon visiting Todaji Temple and Deer Park in Nara.
14. Morning at the Singapore Zoo with optional Jungle Breakfast with Orangutans, Singapore
Enjoy a wild breakfast with these highly sociable and intelligent primates, and tram ride around the Open Zoo with landscaped gardens and minimal cages to see the animals up-close.
13. Hong Kong Harbour Night Cruise and Dinner at Revolving 66 Restaurant, Hong Kong
A delicious buffet dinner with fabulous panoramic views of Hong Kong, stroll along Temple Street Night Market and cruise on Victoria Harbour to enjoy the mesmerizing city lights.
12. Panoramic Tokyo - Meiji, Asakusa, Tokyo Bay Cruise, Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
A perfect day in bustling Tokyo, visiting Meiji Shinto Shrine, Akasaka Palace, Imperial Palace Gardens, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Ginza shopping district, lunch and the Rainbow Bridge.
11. Kyoto Day Tour - Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan
The magic of Kyoto awaits you on this day trip to enjoy the cultural attractions and lunch in this beautiful city, including Kinkakuji Temple, Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple.
10. 2-Day Mt Fuji and Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan
Travel to Mt Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi and aerial cableway before speeding to Kyoto, visiting the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace, and the famous Shrines and Temple after lunch.
9. Kyoto Rail Tour By Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan
Zoom to Kyoto on the Bullet train, with splendid views of Mt Fjui for an afternoon sightseeing in this beautiful traditional city, visiting Kiyomizu Buddhist Temple, Heian Shinto Shrine and more.
8. Mt Fuji Daytrip including Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, Tokyo, Japan
Lunch on Mt Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi and ride the cableway with sweeping views of Hakone national park in this popular day trip from Tokyo.
7. Tokyo Tower, Tea Ceremony, Sumida River Cruise, Tokyo, Japan
The best of dynamic Tokyo in a day, from panoramic views, a traditional tea ceremony and Imperial Palace, to Ginza shopping district and cruise from Hinode Pier to Asakusa.
6. Singapore Zoo Night Safari Tour with optional Buffet Dinner, Singapore
Roam through the jungle on this fantastic nocturnal safari in Singapore Zoo, with the mystery and drama of the animals in a simulated natural habitat enhanced by moonglow lighting and dinner.
5. 3-Day Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan
The quintessential Japanese travel experiences in three days, travel from Mt Fuji to Kyoto and Nara, visiting magnificent cultural and historical World Heritage Sites.
4. Kyoto and Nara 2-Day or 3-Day Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan
Magnificent views of Mt Fuji from the Bullet train taking you to Todaiji Temple and Deer Park in Nara, then overnight in Kyoto for a trip to the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace.
3. Nikko National Park Day Trip, Tokyo, Japan
Look out for monkeys on this scenic trip, exploring shrines and temples in the stunning natural landscape of Nikko National Park, with Japanese lunch near the sacred volcano Mount Nantai.
2. 2-Day Mt Fuji, Hakone and Bullet Train Tour, Tokyo, Japan
A relaxing coach trip to Mt Fuji, cruise on Lake Ashi and Mt Komagatake cableway, stay overnight at Hakone, try the famous hot spring baths (onsen) before the Bullet train to Tokyo.
1. Mt Fuji, Lake Akashi and Bullet Train Day Trip, Tokyo, Japan
Enjoy the crisp mountain air of iconic Mount Fuji on Tokyo’s most popular day tour, cruising Lake Ashi, riding the aerial cableway over Hakone National Park and the Bullet train home.
Do you have your own list of favorite things to do in Asia? We’d love to hear about them. Simply leave us a reply below and we’ll add them to the list.
And if you’re looking for more inspiration in Asia, Viator’s got you covered in: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia (including Bali), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. In the meantime, if your curious about the top things to do last year in Asia, keep on reading…
* * * * * * * * *
So what was hot in Asia in 2007? The latest installment in our series - Top 25 Things to Do in Asia - has a few surprises. The biggest are the overwhelming popularity of Japan and Singapore.
Viator’s travelers clearly know how to make the most of a visit to Singapore, either en route to other destinations in Asia or on a weekend getaway for Singapore’s shopping and world-class dining scene.
Top 25 Things to Do in Asia: 2007
25. Malacca Malaysia Day Tour, Singapore
24. Half-day Safari around Phuket, Phuket, Thailand
23. Kuala Lumpur Grand Day Tour, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
22. Sentosa Island Afternoon Trip, Singapore
21. Lantau Island Tour including Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong
20. Kyoto Day Tour - Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan
19. Morning at the Singapore Zoo with optional Jungle Breakfast with Orangutans, Singapore
18. Island Tour - Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, Stanley Market, Hong Kong
17. Macau Full Day Tour by Catamaran, Hong Kong
16. Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament, Tokyo, Japan
15. 2-Day Mt Fuji and Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan
14. Panoramic Tokyo - Meiji, Asakusa, Tokyo Bay Cruise, Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
13. 2-Day Mt Fuji, Hakone and Bullet Train Tour, Tokyo, Japan
12. Mt Fuji Daytrip including Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, Tokyo, Japan
11. Kyoto Rail Tour By Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan
10. Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto, including Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan
9. Singapore by Night Tour with Dinner at Clarke Quay, Singapore
8. Guangzhou (Canton) China including Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Hong Kong
7. Tokyo Tower, Tea Ceremony, Sumida River Cruise, Tokyo, Japan
6. 3-Day Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan
5. Hong Kong Harbour Night Cruise and Dinner at Revolving 66 Restaurant, Hong Kong
4. Singapore Zoo Night Safari Tour with optional Buffet Dinner, Singapore
3. Nikko National Park Day Trip, Tokyo, Japan
2. Kyoto and Nara 2-Day or 3-Day Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan
1. Mt Fuji, Lake Akashi and Bullet Train Day Trip, Tokyo, Japan
There you have it. Viator’s list of the Top 25 tours and things to do in Asia in 2006.
Happy travels across Asia and the world in 2006.
April 15th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I wrote a post called, “What else you should do in Hanoi,” which was published the The Guide magazine in Vietnam: http://preyanka.com/2008/01/what-else-you-should-do-in-ha-noi.html
July 28th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Top 25 Things to Do in Asia: 2007
25. Malacca Malaysia Day Tour, Singapore
correction:
25. Malacca Malaysia Day Tour, Malaysia
^^
September 8th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
i would like to go to asia 1 day and see wat it is like up there and how dye do it up top
January 12th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
try visiting Iloilo, Philippines
there are many wonderful places around here… I bet you’ll enjoy your stay.
May 28th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Cool site! I agree with iloilo on foot. Try visiting the Philippines. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it here. there’ll be approximately 50 (or more) things to do here. And it’s only here in the PHilippines where you can surf all year round
enjoy and good luck to your next trips!