Far East

China has made its name for a variety of reasons. Their architeture, food, and cheap electronic products are just some of the things the country is known for. It is home to one of the seven wonders of the world: The Great Wall of China. Japan steals away the glamour with its geographical and historical architecture, its scenic beauty, and its unique cuisine. Taiwan has some of the best landscapes and mountains through which people can bike, hike, and raft. South Korea is a highly industriaized country admired for its mountains, lakes, rivers, temples, palaces, and monuments. Malaysia is known for its unique architecture along with its caves, beaches and islands. Cambodia has a rich history and its markets are worth a visit. Indonesia is highly visited due to its volcanoes, coral reefs, and spas. Singapore is popular for its shopping, diversity, festivals, and parks. Thailand would make sure to provide you with an adventure of a lifetime. Vietnam is known for its cuisine, landscapes, and hospitality.

There are many B&Bs luxury, mid - range, and budget hotels in this region. If you're in the major cities, the hotel fares are quite high. You can opt for youth hostels or a home stay.

The people of this region place a lot of emphasis on manners and etiquettes. They are very polite and usually greet by bowing their heads. The major religions are Confucianism, Taoism, Mahayana Buddhism, and Shinto. English is understood iin the urbanised countries. Therefore, it is best to learn a few phrases of the local language.

The main staples of this region are rice, breads, noodles, soups, and salads. The food is spiced with lemongrass, chilli, curry pastes, fish sauc, cumin seeds, galangal, ginger, coriander, bamboos shoots, wassabi, miso, rice vinegar, mirin, seaweed, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. Pork, chicken, and sea food are the favoured meats in this region.

Carry your passport and a photocopy of your documents at all times. Drink only bottled water. Bring clothes according to the season you're travelling in.

The Far Eastern countries have a vibrant nighlife most of which can be found in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei. You would find a wide range of options ranging from cheap western pubs to classy tapas bars and lounges. These places play a fine selection of local as well as English music. You would also find many live performances at the bars.

Some of the most sought out souvenirs include traditional handicrafts, silk items, carpets, jade and lacqer products, figurines, vases, bamboo items, ceramics, leather goods, embroideries, antiques, brassware, jewellery, art pieces, and electronics. There are many department stores and markets selling these items. Bargaining is acceptable in small shops.

Mongolia's Nadam celebrates wrestling, horseback riding, and archery. The festival features parades, dancing, and delicious food. China's Ice Sculpting festivals embraces its winters by building ice and snow sculptures.South Korea is the Boryeong Mud Festival. There are a series of events like mud wrestling, mud king contests, mud slides, and firework displays. Another site worth watching is Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri in which there are many lanterns depicting human figures accompanied by dancers parading the streets. Boat racing in Taiwan's Dragon Boat Festival, or eating Barbeque and Moon cake while listening to stories about the fall of the Yuan Dynasty in The Legends of Moon festival, are some of the events you could attend in Taiwan

Most of these countries are quite clean but is it best to drink bottled water. Make sure to be up-to-date on routine vaccines including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Besides that, make sure you're vaccinated for Typhoid, Malaria, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis.

People of this region are very respectful, especially towards the elderly. They bow to greet each other and less eye contact is maintained. It is better to address people by their titles. Don't pour a drink for yourself ; let your host/ companion do it for you. Also fill their glass if it's empty. Tipping is not practiced in most countries. Although, are acceptable in Hong Kong, Singapore etc. In other countries it is frowned upon. However, you would be expected to tip your independent guide and driver at the end of your trip.