Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand is a fantastic destination for most Indians as it is exotic, friendly and affordable and is home to one of the most gracious and friendly folks on the planet. I will highly recommend Chiang Mai in the north — a relatively new city whose growth is in direct relation to the development of mass tourism. From the temple on the mountaintop, you see Chiang Mai sprawling through the valley below. On Sunday nights, the main street that runs through the town closes to traffic and the walking market takes over. This spectacular market is much cheaper than the tourist haute spot, the Night Bazaar. It feels like the whole city is there, selling crafts, clothes, furniture and food. Music plays on every street corner. A must do is also to head on a day tour to visit the local hill tribes.

HOT TIP: The best way to tour the many of the highlights of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand is to book yourself on a selection of one of the many day tours. They are affordable and the package includes pick up and drop in seat in coach basis, admission fees, services of an English speaking guide and lunch.

Taipei, Taiwan

Many travellers dismiss Taiwan as little more than a conservative economic powerhouse of Asia with nothing to offer the cultural traveller. But trust me, Taipei will certainly keep you busy. The subway is efficient, taxis are cheap, and so is the food and you will come home mesmerised by China’s living history. A must watch is the “Chinese Opera” and “Lion Dance” at the Taipei Eye and of course the famed tower “101”. Another place you don’t want to miss is the National Palace Museum, to explore Chinese history and the entry fee is only Rs 200. One of the best temples I have seen is the Longshan Temple — a very peaceful and serene place. The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, a huge square with a memorial, theatre and concert hall is also worth a dekho. The mad energy, the cacophony of sounds, the bizarre sights and the funky smells makes the night markets completely fascinating. All night markets have one thing in common, that is, food and lots of it for ridiculously cheap prices.

HOT TIP: Stay in a hotel situated in Xi Meng Ding, which a good choice as it is a pretty vibrant place and is bustling with many people and shopping areas. And write down the name of your hotel in Mandarin. It could come in handy!

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is everything you can imagine it to be — a bustling metropolis with a strange fusion of modern China with an air of Englishness and the obvious physical remnants of British rule, trams, post boxes, and orderly driving. Getting around in Hong Kong is not difficult and is easier with the must-have octopus card. This travel card is charged with an amount of money and can be used in shops, restaurants and public transport systems. Your first stop has to be the hundred year old Funicular tram to the summit of Victoria peak, the highest point on the Island at 522 metre. The peak commands the most spectacular views of Victoria harbour and the city skyscrapers below. The Kowloon district has a great waterfront area where you can spend the afternoon just enjoying the sun and the views (including the Hollywood’s Walk of Fame). You could also go to Lantau’s main attraction aka Disneyland! Ride on a space ride, The Teacups, go to the Pirate Island and walk through Tarzan’s house, on to a pirate boat ride fraught with danger!

HOT TIP: Visa is on arrival and is free. Cathay Pacific is economical and comfor­table. Cathay Pacific also has irresistible offers like ‘buy 2 get 1 free’. These offers are available for departures from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru & Chennai.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

A holiday in Colombo would mean loads of fun, experience of a unique culture and heritage at a very affordable price. Start your tour with a visit to the Gangaramaya temple. Located close to the Beira Lake is this renowned place of worship and centre for learning in the premises of the city. For shopping recommendations go for “Odel” at Alexandra place which is an upscale store featuring designer labels as well as many other goods at very affordable prices. For a taste of Sri Lanka go for the popular buffet meals at Raja Bojun, located on Galle road opposite a famous shopping place called Crisscat. A part of the Galle road is said to resemble Las Vegas because of the many casinos here. Colombo boasts of some good bars, pubs, lounges, karaoke bars and nightclubs, which can steal your night away.

HOT TIP: A legacy of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage Mount Lavinia has a lovely stretch of beach to relax on. The property was used during the filming of “A Bridge over the River Kwai” to portray the hospital. A standard room with breakfast here would cost approx Rs 5,000.

Antalya, Turkey

Nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya has a coastline dotted with cliffs and waterfalls resulting in stunning natural beauty. I’d say that if you are a traveller that is looking to have some fun in the sun and get a taste of Turkey, Antalya is just the place for you. Today it welcomes sun-worshippers, gourmands, spa-lovers, golf nuts and culture seeking vacationers to its line up of world-class resorts and gets over 10 million tourists a year! A must on the list has to be Aspendos, one of the earliest cities to mint coins, today its coins can be found throughout the ancient world. The major attraction here is the Amphitheatre theatre which was built in 155 AD and seated over fifteen thousand and again the structure is nearly intact!

HOT TIP: Do exactly what one is supposed to do on a beach holiday! Eat well, laze at the beach and go for a massage…though it is a different style in Turkey, it is the Hamam.

The writer is a travel, food and lifestyle writer