Top 10 Culture Trips With Kids In Asia To Do Now!
Best Cities To Visit Before They Leave The Nest
Asia is a cultural melting pot of religions, customs and heritage. Each country has something unique to offer. Here are our favorite places to travel with kids, where they will learn about local history, culture and life long ago.
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1. BANGKOK
Full of history and culture, Bangkok is a must visit with kids in tow. Bangkok is a busy, bustling city that is vibrant, colorful, noisy and a little bit smelly! It is a fantastic place for the kids to learn about Thai cultures and traditions. Visit one of the many museums, the Grand Palace, take a boat ride along the river, check out the markets, and visit one of the hundreds of temples. The food is delicious too and the hotels are super kid-friendly.
50 Things To Do With Kids In Bangkok
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2. HO CHI MINH CITY
Affectionately called Saigon by the locals, HCMC has it all, including friendly locals and delicious food. Get ready for plenty of fabulous eateries, shopping gems, five-star stays, and historical adventures. A must do is the Holocaust Museum. Here you will learn more about the tragic war. Downtown, check out the Notre Dame Cathedral, the History Museum, Reunification Palace, Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda, and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. The kids will be full of knowledge, history, and culture by the time they leave.
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3. HONG KONG
Hong Kong is awash with history and culture. There is so much to do with kids in tow. Check out their many museums. There’s also lots of cool markets too where you can barter with the locals. To see Hong Kong at its finest, hire a junk boat or take a hike up the famous Peak. Plenty of amazing hikes, country parks and temples to see en-route. Each district in Hong Kong is very different, so take the time to explore, TST, Central, Kennedy Town and Stanley which are steeped in culture.
30 Things To Do With Kids In Hong Kong
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4. PHNOM PENH
Cambodia’s capital city is steeped in history and culture. Home to the Killing Fields, this is a must visit. It’s a surprisingly tranquil place, where you will learn about the war and listen to survivor’s stories. The Royal Palace glistens in the sunlight. It’s a beautiful place to walk around on a hot day. Why not take a boat ride along the Mekong river and watch merchants bring their goods into port. Check out the two main markets if you like jewelry and gems. There’s plenty of nick knack’s for the kids too.
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5. SEOUL
Seoul is a great city to visit with kids in tow. It’s easy to get around, clean and efficient. Visit the Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace and walk around the streets to see traditional honk houses. There are many art galleries and museums the kids will enjoy. We like the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Leeum Samsung Art Gallery with the Kids Gallery, and the Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Museum. There’s also lots of great food to try too! Little tummies will be kept very happy.
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6. SHANGHAI
A walk along the famous Bund is a must do. You’ll see historical buildings and modern office blocks that adorn this cityscape. The French Concession is a lovely place to meander, check out local cafes, shops, and parks. Check out Tianzifang, a maze-like area full of shops, boutiques, food stalls, and bargains galore. The Jing'an Temple is centrally located, and a must visit to understand Chinese heritage in Shanghai. Check out cool boutiques, antique shops, and coffee shops for a spot of people watching.
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7. SINGAPORE
This small but wondrous country is a melting pot of Asian cultures. From Chinese to Malay, to Indonesian and Indian, there is plenty to explore. Chinatown has temples, churches, mosques, and a large visitors center. Little India is colorful and chaotic but has a vibrant food scene and temples on every corner. The number of museums is endless. One thing Singaporeans are proud of is their heritage, and some fabulous exhibits showcase Singapore then and now. The little red dot has so much to offer, just take the time to find out for yourself how much culture there is here.
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8. TAIPEI
For Chinese history and culture, you must visit the National Palace Museum. Stay for lunch it’s delicious. Take a trip to the Shonan Cultural Park. This is where the kids will get to see students showcase their work. It’s considered the cultural and creative hub of Taipei. The Children’s Art Museum is worth a trip too. They can get involved with interactive exhibitions. Taipei is famous for its food and also its countryside, so make sure the kids get to explore the many food options and take a day trip to see the spectacular scenery outside of the city.
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9. TOKYO
Japan’s bustling capital Tokyo is an eclectic and eccentric mix of tradition and modern. Head there for shopping, great food, fish markets, temples, and the nearby beautiful coastal areas. Gardens are scattered all over the city ready and waiting for you to explore. There’s plenty to see and do, including the fish market – perfect for sushi lovers, just get up early to get the best fish. The Imperial Palace is stunning and has beautiful gardens you can walk around. Shinjuku is a fun area your teens will like to explore. Take the train for about 75 minutes to Kamakura. The beautiful seaside town has dozens of Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines.
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10. YANGON
Prepare to be transported back in time. Yangon is one of those mysterious places in Asia that is mostly untouched and still feels like it belongs in the 1950s. There is a lot to see and do, but make sure you’re wearing good shoes as you’ll be doing lots of walking! Shwedagon Paya is a must do, this stunning gold temple is mesmerizing. Head to Aung San Suu Kyi’s house on Inya Lake. Here you will be able to see where she was kept under house arrest. The reclining Buddha is held in a warehouse-like temple, but this lady is a must visit. There’s also a lovely little temple on the other side of the road you should check out too.
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