Wanderlist: Countries I Want To Visit in Asia

Since my recent trip to Japan I’ve found a new love for Asia and I am really curious about what else the continent has to offer. This is my wanderlist:

Myanmar
Up until a a few years ago Myanmar was harder to get in and I can only imagine that people who went through the visa process felt like it was like a Golden Ticket. But since the country has begun opening up and tourists visa regulations have relaxed, it seems it’s now quite an approachable and popular tourist destination. I would love to get the train and go around places like Kyaikhtiyo to see the Golden Rock, spend an afternoon at the Bogyoke Aung San Market, experience the Thadingyut festival of lights in Inle Lake and catch a game of Chinlone. A friend of mine has sung the praises of the local speciality Atho Noodles, so I must have some of this, otherwise we can’t be friends again.

China
I’ve spent two very long lay-overs in China, but haven’t seen anything besides the Ghanzou Airport transfer hall and into the distance from the windows. As I sat there and waited for the time to pass my China holiday bucket list grew longer and longer. I was so close to it all and almost could smell all amazing hot pots and other authentic food. I could see myself in the park doing some Tai Chi with old people who are better than me. The Great Wall, Li River, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army were all so close, yet far away.

Vietnam
I only want to visit Vietnam if I can hop along with my Vietnamese friends and visit her village, meet her Grandma, worry if I am going to get dog served and have a lot of spring rolls. Also maybe go to Halong Bay because everyone has been to Halong and I want to be able to talk about it and not forgetting the stunning Huế Imperial Citadel so I can get my Tomb Raider vibes on.

North Korea
North Korea must be fascinating: going to a country and not be able to go wherever you want and see and do the things you want to do. Still I am wondering what it is like to be in a city without Western shops or advertising billboards (though apparently they have propaganda billboards) or what’s it’s like to be guided all day from one surreal to another place. And then spend the nights in the one hotel they keep for tourists. Must be very Truman Show like. Oh and it’s Metro system looks incredible – what could improve your commute more than chandeliers in the tunnels right?

Processed with VSCOcam with m3 presetTibet
Ever since seeing Seven Years in Tibet, Brad Pitt convinced me that I must go here one day. I won’t find Brad (unless him and Angie are scouting for a new kid to adopt) but I will be able to see the breathtaking Lake Yamdrok (I am saying breathtaking as a friend has been spamming Instagram with photos) I want to visit Samye Monastery, the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism and maybe even step foot on the world tallest mountain. Though now is not a good idea.

What’s on your Asia bucketlist?

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4 Comments

  1. If you’re really interested in North Korea, I highly recommend reading “Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea.” It was an excellent book!

  2. I’ve always wanted to visit Vietnam. It seems like such a beautiful place, and for some reason I’ve dreamed of it since I was a kid. All of these places seem so serene, great list!

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