Things to do in Asia
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FEATURED
Bangkok To Hanoi
13 days (Bangkok)
by Intrepid
Cruise down Bangkok's canals on a longtail boat, Bargain up a storm in Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, Relax on a slow boat down the Mekong, Take a dip beneath Kuang…Not LP reviewed
- All things to do
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Sea Stone Café
Very similar to the next-door Mermaid in style and feel, this chilled-out beachside café knows exactly what Western tourists want from a beach café, and the fish dishes are sensational. Equally sensational are the ocean views and the warm owners.
reviewed
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Wat Thammikaram
If you really need some exercise, hike the 418 steps to the golden-spired Wat Thammikaram, established by King Rama IV. Hordes of monkeys provide endless entertainment along the way. The view from the top stretches west to Myanmar's border, only 11km away.
reviewed
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Bannerman Tang's Toys & Crafts
Marvellous collection of handmade toys and delightful collectibles from Chinese weebles (budao weng; from Y30), puppets, clay figures, tiger pillows to kites and other gorgeous items; it's just along from the Confucius Temple.
reviewed
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Cambodian BBQ
Long a Cambodian favourite, the traditional phnom pleung (hill of fire) is a DIY tabletop barbecue of meat or seafood. Here they take it to another level by introducing exotic meats, including crocodile, snake (if you dare), ostrich and kangaroo.
reviewed
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HNL
Painted in kooky pastels and with a classic motorbike as its centrepiece, this cosy restaurant serves interesting Vietnamese dishes – along with pizza to keep the kids happy. If you’re feeling all revved up after dinner, there’s a karaoke lounge upstairs.
reviewed
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F
Mekong Riverside Restaurant
On the river, tucked just behind PVO, this comparatively formal riverfront eatery offers a small menu of tasty Lao staples supplemented by snacks you won’t find at home; deep-fried underground singer (cricket; US$2.50) with your Beerlao, anyone?
reviewed
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Khana Sutra
The curries here, which are claimed to have aphrodisiac properties, are authentically Indian and are served among the decorative charms of an authentic Delhi diner. If the owner's around, be prepared for opinionated discussions about British football.
reviewed
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Hungry Eye Kitchen
We love the stepped, multilevel design of Hungry Eye – this way everyone gets uninterrupted sea views. Very diplomatic. Thai food is a speciality here, and the kitchen can whip up red and green curries as well as the usual suspects of Varkala dishes.
reviewed
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Utopia
Many of Sihanoukville's most popular backpacker pubs and beach bars are along Serendipity Beach and the Road to Serendipity. Places to check out include Utopia , a garden bar that's home to the 24-hour party people and offers free dorm accommodation.
reviewed
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Japanese Shiatsu & Reflexology
Nothing feels better than a massage after a climb up Kinabalu or a trek through Maliau Basin. This cramped massage parlour in the Wisma Merdeka shopping mall doesn't look very encouraging at first glance, but the masseuses here are very good indeed.
reviewed
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Eddy's Bar
Shànghǎi’s longest-running gay bar is a friendly place with a flash, square bar to sit around, as well as a few corners to hide away in. It attracts both locals and expats, but it’s mostly for the boys rather than the girls.
reviewed
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Butterflies Garden Restaurant
This lush garden is home to more than 1000 butterflies that float above the tables, making it a hit with families. Khmer flavours, comfort food from home and indulgent desserts – take a flutter on something. Butterflies Garden supports local causes.
reviewed
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Almaty City History Museum & Museum of Repression
The combined Almaty City History Museum & Museum of Repression was closed for renovations at the time of writing but is well worth checking on. The Repression Museum goes into haunting detail about the fate of thousands who earned Stalin's ire.
reviewed
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Le Ark Café
Undoubtedly the trendiest spot in town, Le Ark sits along the waterfront like a beached boat, serving up a variety of cocktails to trendier types who laze on the comfy patio seating. A selection of local and international eats is available as well.
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Sunrise
Sunrise does a breakfast of champions, plus home-cooked Indian and several Italian and Swiss dishes for the homesick traveller. There are only six tables so arrive early. The delightful Shashi runs spicy cooking lessons in the downstairs kitchen.
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Com Nieu
Very popular with locals, this contemporary restaurant has hearty meals and affable staff. Besides its namesake dish, there’s a full spread of Vietnamese fare. Try the savoury grilled beef wrapped in seaweed, or ask about the day’s fresh seafood.
reviewed
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Dutch Cemetery
The Dutch Cemetery, consecrated in 1724, contains the worn and dilapidated graves of Dutch traders and soldiers; it’s gates are normally locked but you can ask the caretaker at St Francis Church if you want to have a look around.
reviewed
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Saigon Yoga
A small studio (tucked down a narrow alley) offering Vikram, Ashtanga, Vinyasa and power yoga, as well as pilates classes taught by US and Singaporean instructors. Short-term visitors can take advantage of seven days of unlimited yoga for US$25.
reviewed
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Bodyworks
Bodyworks is set in a traditional Balinese compound and treatment rooms are light-filled, although traffic noise competes with the gurgling fountains. A facial is Rp75000 while a spice, salt, milk or seaweed bath costs from Rp125000 to Rp150000.
reviewed
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Ganga Fuji Restaurant
Free live Indian classical music is played every evening at 7.30pm, which makes this otherwise ordinary multicuisine restaurant worth considering for dinner. Not to be confused with the nearby hotel, Ganga Fuji Home, which also has a restaurant.
reviewed
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Madame Shante’s
This rooftop option, which does its stock-in-trade in French, with a focus on seafood (try the garlic squid), isn’t quiete as polished-looking as the competition, but the food is still excellent and the ambience decidedly open-air and alluring.
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Southern Barbarian
Fine, MSG-free Yunnan cuisine served in a laid-back (though somewhat noisy) atmosphere. Unusual dishes include the stewed beef and mint casserole, ‘grandmother’s mashed potatoes’ and the addictive chicken wings. Booking a table is recommended.
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Fabindia
This shop has a good variety of quality woven goods and furnishings, traditionally made but with a contemporary feel. In operation since 1960, one of its selling points is its ‘fair, equitable and helpful relationship’ with village producers.
reviewed
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Torino
This new authentically Italian restaurant serves excellent pasta, pizza and proper espresso, as well as more exotic dishes such as frogs and crocodile. The windowless dining room takes on a better vibe at night when it doubles as a jazz club.
reviewed
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Sailomyoy
The Thai equivalent of a greasy spoon, this simple place serves all-day breakfasts, should your days be your nights, as well as basic Thai dishes. It isn’t the pinnacle of cuisine but it is cheap and conveniently located near Pratu Tha Phae.
reviewed