Touring Asia’s Most Exciting Cities
Who hasn’t dreamed of just throwing their belongings into one big backpack, buying a round-the-world ticket and exploring the globe? With Asia representing the dream ticket for many backpackers, it’s possible to tour this fascinating continent on the cheap; from bedding down in a Hong Kong hostel to cheap digs in Singapore, there’s no need to break the bank where accommodation is concerned.
From a European perspective, one of the most attractive travel destinations is undoubtedly Asia. Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo are three of the most exciting cities to visit, as they represent a core part of Asia’s continental culture.
Singapore is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, embracing Western, Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions; notably in its food as well as its large shopping district.
The city boasts numerous hawker centres, which provide non-stop cheap food services and 24-hour coffee shops, and large shopping districts, such as Orchard Road and Suntec City.
Singapore is not the clean-craze rural country that everyone expects it to be; sure, it may be strict on littering, but who wants to walk around in dirt anyway?
As for accommodation, the city contains some of the best hotels in the world. If you are on a budget, perhaps the best hostel Singapore has to offer is a place on Lavender Street named the Little Red Dot, where you can find a bed for as little as $15 (£9).
While Singapore remains an Asian hotspot, Hong Kong is one of the safest and well-organised cities in the world. Architecture is one of Hong Kong’s most prized assets with over 7,650 skyscrapers densely populating the area, and more people living above the 14th floor than anywhere else in the world, making it the world’s most vertical city.
The south-coast city remains one of the busiest in the world and certainly one of the most densely populated, with over 6,500 people per sq km, so it might be difficult finding your way to a Hong Kong hostel. USA Hostel is one of Hong Kong’s prime accommodation institutions for backpackers, as you can get a private room from just $14 (£9) a night.
Tokyo is another beautiful and hugely popular tourist destination. It is one of the most (if not the most) technologically advanced cities in the world, so the fact that there is a profusion of electronically powered devices on display should come as no surprise.
Tokyo is also an extremely fashion-conscious city; when visiting expect to see everything from elaborate home-made styles to the most expensive Louis Vuitton scarves.
As for accommodation, a good Tokyo hostel is hardly difficult to find, but expect to pay slightly more than you would in Singapore or Hong Kong. Don’t let this prevent you from visiting this must-see city; if you are on a money tightrope then Tokyo Hostel is the place for you, boasting shared bunks from just $20 (£12) a night.