In a city consistently ranked as the cleanest and most friendly in the world, spending time in Tokyo isn’t difficult or unappealing. Ease of traveling, helpfulness of locals, and plenty of historical sights in addition to modern amenities puts Tokyo at the top of many travel guides’ lists of must-see places. It is the capital…
Category: Asia
Exploring Thailand Off the Beaten Path
The country of Thailand is known for its exotic beaches, delicious food, and thriving culture. Located in the center of the Southeast Asian peninsula, Thailand boasts a booming economy and attracts over 20 million tourists a year. In 2013, Thailand was among the top ten most visited countries, and one of only two Asian countries…
A Step Back in Time: Exploring Hoi An Hotspots
Located along the central coast of Vietnam is the ancient town of Hoi An. This town dates back centuries, and is rich with history and natural beauty. For travelers to Vietnam, Hoi An is a must-see for providing a glimpse into the country’s heritage. LeafCanoer, DeclanBradley, recently shared some of his favorite places to visit in his leaf,…
Temples of Java: A Journey into the Sacred
Java is an island of rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. Though technically Muslim, the island’s religious beliefs are influenced greatly by a mix of Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous animism. This spiritual melting pot is evidenced by the temples and holy sites that dot the landscape of the island. From the famed Borobudur temple to…
Five Must-Do Activities in Taiwan
Known for its year-round spring time weather, Taiwan is a place that is rich in culture and history. Visited by millions of tourists each year, Taiwan is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. The country has a number of natural and man-made attractions that draw visitors to the island each year. LeafCanoer, Crooked Flight, recently…
Exploring Xinjiang
Xinjiang, also known as Uyghurstan or East Turkestan, is an autonomous region situated in Western China. Xinjiang’s stunning landscape, comprised of desert and steppe juxtaposed against the giant mountains of the Karakorams (part of the Himalayas), was once bustling with trade caravans traversing the famed Silk Route. Unlike most of China, Xinjiang is inhabited by…
Visiting Sanya on the Island of Hainan
Sanya, at the southern tip of the island of Hainan, is China’s hottest beach destination and a popular vacation spot throughout the year. Tourists come from around Asia to enjoy the city’s sandy beaches and balmy tropical climate. In fact, it’s the only place in China that is situated inside a tropical climate zone. Resorts…
Riding the Trans-Siberian Train from Beijing to Russia via Mongolia
The Trans-Siberian Railway, stretching almost 5,000 miles from Moscow to Beijing, is one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, as it has been beckoning great travelers and adventurers since being constructed in the early part of the 20th century. There are three routes on the Trans-Siberian Railway, all of which lead from Moscow to the…
Visiting The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
China is world famous for its giant pandas, but unfortunately there’s not many left in the wild. Current estimates put the total number of pandas in the wild at less than 2,000. This is due to a combination of factors including China’s rapid industrialization, the limited amount of bamboo forests suitable for their habitat and…
On The Panda Trail in Shaanxi
Escape from the polluted and over-populated cities on China’s densely populated coast and head inland to Shaanxi Province to experience some of the country’s most pristine natural beauty and, if you’re lucky, to see the country’s most famous wild resident, the Giant Panda. It’s not a stretch to say that Giant Pandas are the international…