Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in South Africa

 South Africa Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Formally called the Republic of South Africa, the country makes a favorite tourist destination, especially for safari-seeking adventurers. You'll discover raw and unspoiled African scenery ranging from creepily beautiful deserts, golden savannah, magnificent gaping gorges to a stunning type of African animals.

Aside from the well-known game parks of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Kruger, South Africa houses a few of the most lavish private game reserves in the world. In fact, wildlife seekers arrive here from all over to look for elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and frequently they end up finding much more, the least expected.

White water canoeing on raging rivers, gleaming coral reefs, dragon-supported mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches washed by celebrated surf breaks are only a few of the several other tourist attractions in South Africa.

Touring through this massive land and visiting spirited cities with friendly folks everywhere willing to assist you in any way, you could learn about South Africa's sometimes conflicting, sometimes confusing, stormy history, particularly in Cape Town, which is one of the prettiest cities in the world; in Durban, a dissolving pot of amazing cuisines and cultures; at the heartrending galleries and museums in Johannesburg; and finally, in Soweto, place of birth of former president Nelson Mandela, who resisted oppression, fought against the cruelty for a brighter tomorrow, and replaced tyranny with democracy.

Find the top tourist attractions in South Africa's huge diversity with the help of my South Africa travel guide.

1) The Drakensberg.  The magnificent Drakensberg, translating to "Dragon Mountains," happens to be one of Kwazulu-Natal's best spots to visit as well as a South Africa's popular vacation destination. Also, it has the tallest peaks in the nation.

The region covers the World Heritage-enrolled uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, which is an area filled with unbelievable beauty, San rock art, jagged basalt buttresses, and even the Royal Natal National Park, which hosts the incredible Amphitheatre, an impressive cliff face and South Africa's source for chief rivers.

Giant's Castle Game Reserve which lies in the region, plays the vital role of protecting big herds of eland. Nearly impenetrable forests prosper in the rolling sheltered valleys, and which is home to over 800 various species of blossoming plants and a broad variety of wildlife.

In the summer season, the mountain terrains are verdant and fruitful, with perfectly clear streams and waterfalls pouring and splashing. But in the winter months, you'll see snow covering sensational peaks.

Tourists throng here to cycle and hike the picturesque mountain trails, rock climb, fish for trout, parasail, abseil, and paddle through the rushing waters. Hot air balloon trips are another option for admiring the spectacular topography.

2) Robben Island.  Situated in Table Bay, Robben Island, now a World Heritage site, is a symbol reminding one of massive discrimination and its awfulness that once haunted the South African people. Former President Nelson Mandela was forced to live 18 years in a compact small prison cell here together with other political protestors and social nonconformists.

Probably the most important enduring part regarding such experience is that former prisoners can behave like guides and narrate touching personal details of the horrors they overcame.

Trips here start always with multimedia displays hosted at Nelson Mandela Gateway museum, located in Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Visitors can next hop on a boat to Robben Island, usually coping with rough swells during the ride that varies from 30 to 45 minutes to complete, depending on weather and sea conditions and other unforeseen factors. You are advised to book early, for these tours are snatched rapidly.

3) Durban's Golden Mile.  The expansive waterfront promenade known as the Golden Mile, is undeniably illustrious Durban attraction as well as an excellent beginning place for touring the city. While Long blond beaches draw anglers, surfers, and swimmers in abundance, the vibrant promenade truly feels more like Miami Beach because of its towering hotels, restaurants, shops, and dazzling entertainment centers.

You have the choice to either walk through the promenade or just rent a Segway or a bicycle. In addition to the beach scene, best-rated attractions lined around this length include Moses Mabhida Stadium; uShaka Marine World, consisting of sea-related highlights; and Mini Town, a little reproduction of Durban sporting a tiny airport, harbor, and rail network.

4) Kruger National Park.  It's the continent's largest game reserve and home to species of amazing mammals, much more than elsewhere, including the Big Five, giraffes, cheetahs, and more. Kruger is really unlike other safari parks, for it's a self-drive destination boasting superb infrastructure and several places to spend the night while in the park.

The accommodations range from extremely simple tented camps all the way to luxury hotel-like rooms. Consider staying 3 to 4 days to fully experience and appreciate the park's natural majestic scenery and wonderful, diverse wildlife.

5) Franschhoek.  Franschhoek is a beautiful village founded back in 1688. It's name means "French Corner" that its French settlers gave it. The village makes a great tourist destination with its old-fashioned but history-loaded streets, centuries-old vineyards, charming local cafes, Franschhoek Wine Tram, Cape Dutch architecture, Motor Museum, and several in-villa restaurants.

You can take short walks along trails that wind pleasantly through rows of flowers and varying kinds of wildlife at Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and enjoy lovely views overlooking Franschhoek Valley.

Be sure to visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum and a nearby monument that commemorates the region's French settlers, arriving somewhere between 17th and 18th centuries. Then, stop by Motor Museum, home to vintage automobiles amid mountain farmland.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Philippines

 Philippines Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

The Philippines is no other than a glittering tropical paradise comprising over 7,000 islands which offer a vast playing field for your inner adventurer. Altogether, its landscapes feature a wide variety of natural marvels, from rice terraces and grumbling volcanoes to limestone caves and underwater rivers, along with stunning beaches that rank as the Philippines' top-rated tourist attractions.

Separately, each island offers something different and unique, whether you're searching for top places to snorkel and dive or prefer visiting historical sites in cities such as Vigan or Manila, each having deep colonial ties.

Because the country is uncommonly spread in many directions, a visit to the Philippines for sure requires painstaking planning in order to connect with the right tour guides and locate the best accommodations as a starting base for most activities. Some places such as Bohol's Chocolate Hills or Sagada's Hanging Coffins, are distant, but arriving there is really worth all the effort.

Plan your trip with my Philippines travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in the Philippines.

1) White Beach.  There exists no scarcity of immaculate beaches in this country, but if you're searching for a bit busier beach scene, Boracay's White Beach is the perfect place for you. As the island's most populous beach, you'll find numerous opportunities for all sorts of water sports. Also, it's one of Asia's most beautiful beaches.

With many hammocks and easy chairs below the palm trees, you could both relax and delight in the snow-white sand as the tides keep receding rhythmically. Moreover, you could schedule a beachside massage. Snorkeling has become quite popular at White Beach. However, if you don't feel like laboring at all, consider taking an easy boat ride or just book a tour on the unique glass-bottom boat for a different type of experience.

2) Shipwreck Diving.  Coron offers a few of the world's best-rated diving sites to explore sunken ships. The wrecks which are at varying depths, are appropriate for shallow water snorkeling and deep water scuba diving.

The shipwrecks, several from WW2, have transformed into habitats for a wide range of fish species. The crystal-clear water helps make viewing underwater wildlife and shipwrecks very easy. Several of the shipwrecks originate from the Imperial Japanese Navy getting attacked in 1944. Deep divers will be eager to see the old Akitsushima Maru warship, the Kyokuzan Maru, and Trako Maru.

With dozens of shipwrecks to explore, you might wish to prolong your stay around here.

3) Mayon Volcano.  Situated on Luzon Island, in the Albay province, you definitely must see the Mayon Volcano. In fact, it's a lively stratovolcano rising over 2,400 meters in elevation. Plus, it boasts a perfectly-shaped cone peak.

The majority of tourists will choose to admire the volcano from the ground only. From nature trails provided by the national park grounds, surrounding the volcano, you could observe wildlife such as parakeets perching on random branches.

Hardcore hikers may apply for a permit in order to begin climbing the volcano. However, it's a challenging hike through forest, and life-threatening gases are released near the top, so caution is recommended. The best time to come is between March and May. Also, you could use an organized tour from Manila to arrive here.

4) Chocolate Hills.  What occurred on the Bohol island, called Chocolate Hills, is truly a geological marvel. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and protected area, features over 1,200 miniature mountains which emerged over the ground throughout many centuries.

Once under the water, these novel hills can be seen extending in every direction. Though they are green a lot of the year, during dry seasons they actually change to a very different color: chocolate-brown, and how they got their name, Chocolate Hills.

A convenient and easy route leads to a higher elevation, essentially a lookout spot, which offers the best view. Be certain to catch the several fine flowers dotting along the path which are unique here.

5) Underground River.  Imagine going on a river tour in Puerto Princesa's Underground River? It's one of the Philippines' most rewarding experiences any visitor can enjoy while here. The underground river runs on Palawan Island, more specifically, hidden in the Subterranean River National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Boat tours stand ready to transport visitors to experience the enchanting 5-mile river journey. The entire trip takes you along an elaborate cave system which vertical limestone cliffs surround. You could see the oldest stalactite and stalagmite formations while the cave's coolness naturally balances the outer tropical heat.

As you continue floating smoothly through the dim caves on beautifully emerald-colored water, your tour guide will identify fascinating points such as tropical wildlife which reside in the underground river that the South China Sea eventually swallows.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Finland

 Finland Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Although Finland has lively art-jammed cities like Turku and Helsinki, breathtaking depths of enchanting boreal forests to the faintly inhabited outer archipelago, the country remains a mostly unknown niche of Europe. This is probably due to it being so distant from the popular tourist routes, but Finland's several historical and cultural tourist attractions only enhance the untarnished scenery to make it a perfect destination. 

You want great tourist attractions and places to visit in Finland? Its vast wild spaces, rivers rushing in every direction, lakes gleaming, ideal for peaceful fishing, fells, all that and knowing it'll snow in winter make Finland a Nordic playground for winter and summer-related activities.

Helsinki is the central spot where most tourists enter Finland. The bustling Baltic port is home to the most significant museums, plus architecture by the country's greatest architects, particularly Eliel Saarinen, responsible for designing Helsinki's Railway Station, constituting an early modern architectural landmark.

Just within a stone's throw of Helsinki you'll find the delightful smaller cities of Porvoo and Turku. But why confine your trip just to the Baltic Coast, while vast stunning countryside beckons? Finnish lakes lie to the west, huge area past the Arctic Circle is in the north, home of the northern lights, midnight sun, and a few of Europe's top winter sports.

Whether summer or winter, Finland offers numerous activities to do. Map out your trip using my Finland travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Finland.

1) Suomenlinna Fortress.  As one of the largest sea fortresses in the world, the 18th-century fortress sitting on Suomenlinna is only a fifteen-minute ferry trip from Market Square in Helsinki.

Once here, you can quickly fill your day visiting charming sites. The splendid fortress, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Swedes constructed in 1847 to frighten away the Russians, who instead of being intimidated, captured the fort later.

Start in the visitor center and have an audio-visual experience of lively history. Next, explore its museums, tunnels, and ramparts, and take one of the trails that go around the lovely island. Or enroll here instead for a guided tour and learn much more about the fortress and its different attractions. Some of these include the 250-ton Vesikko submarine which the Finnish Navy used beginning in 1936 until World War 2 ended.

The Ehrensvard Museum demonstrates Swedish's earliest era, and the Doll and Toy Museum exhibits dollhouses, dolls, and even toys housed in the Old Russian villa. Various structures are home to studios as well as shops of potters, glassblowers, and other craftsmen. In the summer, Suomenlinna Summer Theatre hosts musical and dance performances.

2) Rovaniemi and the Arctic.  The Arctic Circle not only crosses northern Finland but also through Rovaniemi town, claiming to be the Gateway to the Arctic. During the summer, you'll experience the famed midnight sun. Although the sun just stays as if stuck beyond the horizon for all 24 hours in Rovaniemi in late June on the summer solstice, from later in May to early in August it never falls far to cause darkness. Locals everywhere can be seen indulging in the great outdoors during this unusual "white night" period and invite visitors to join them.

Rovaniemi lies in the heart of a huge area bursting with gushing rivers for fishing, swimming, or canoeing, and trails running alongside them for cycling and hiking. The city is famously known as Santa Claus' home, right beside the Arctic Circle where you'll find Santa Claus' Village. Here, you can pet reindeer or visit Sami reindeer farm.

Tour through the fantastic Arktikum Science Museum to learn about Arctic's geology and meteorology, natural history, and Lapland culture.

3) Ride a Dogsled!  During winter the Arctic region becomes a winter wonderland for skiers and snow lovers. You could enjoy long and fun rides cruising across frozen lakes, including visiting Sami villages, all while on a dogsled safari. Learn how to drive your very own reindeer sled for many miles, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or observe the splendid northern lights.

Downhill skiers can head around 170 kilometers to Levi, which is an all winter recreation center, with miles of scenic ski trails, even lit for night skiing. The slopes and pistes of the country's biggest downhill ski area are also lit. Several hotels here provide rooms conveniently with glass ceilings for guests to be able to watch the northern lights.

4) Aland Archipelago.  These islands in fact exist as an independent archipelago between Finland and Sweden. As a mostly Swedish-speaking Finnish region, Aland consists of some large islands and almost 10,000 smaller ones. Aland has a distinct history. Sweden relinquished it to Russia in 1809, but in 1854, a joint British/French fleet captured the islands and then destroyed the fortress. After this, the whole archipelago got demilitarized, remaining so until today.

Around 27,500 people call Aland home, and 11,000 live in the chief town of Mariehamn. Since trade and shipping have always been the islands' main industry, the Maritime Museum, the Maritime Quarter, and the Museum Ship Pommern are all worth visiting to better comprehend the islands' maritime history.

Another worthy place to see is the Jankarls garden open-air museum located in Kastelholm, and here you could find out what an average island farm looked more or less back in 1890. But the real draw to Aland now is its untainted beautiful landscapes.  

5) Tavastehus Castle.  It's a royal medieval castle locally situated on an island. It was built sometime in the 13th-century, after the Swedish Crusade, as a stronghold in Finland. Though a defense against the invading Novgorodians, the castle also served as an administrative center and residence.

In the 1730s a heptagonal system of bastions surrounded the castle, reinforced in the 1770s, but served as a prison between 1837 and 1972. Its restoration started in the 1950s, completed in 1988.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Scotland

 Scotland Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Think of a place like Scotland and you'll probably call up fleeting images of skirling bagpipes ringing with familiar Scottish tunes, tartan-kilted mountaineers, isolated towering castles, the legendary mysterious Loch Ness Monster, golf, hairy Highland cattle, and stunning scenery; all of these play a role in the overall mystique surrounding this almost magical country, but still also a genuine preview of what tourist attractions visitors can expect to find there.

Today, tourists could explore Scotland by foot, through its many fabulous trails, touring by automobile, by boat, or on scenic rail rides, and each guarantees to lead to memorable adventures. History is practically everywhere as each sightseeing trip takes you to a majestic towering castle, or a legendary battlefield where tribes and clans once fought fiercely to the death, assist you in tracing the footsteps of long forgotten emperors and kings, or follow literary paths carved out by authors like Sir Walter Scott and James Barrie.

Another perhaps less obvious but top attractions that are available in abundance in Scotland is its solitude, nurtured by its distant stretches of heather-shrouded moors; quiet, serene, and secluded beaches; and romance-inspiring mountains with their narrow valleys of delightful greenery. 

Whether you begin your tour with a historic town overlooking a gorge, remote islands and moors, or vibrant cities like Glasgow, you'll learn they are all packed to the brim with exciting tourist attractions to see and things to do.

Plan your next travel with my Scotland travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Scotland.

1) Edinburgh Castle.  Since as early as the 13th-century Edinburgh Castle's walls and stone towers have been dominating Edinburgh skyline. Seated atop dark basalt rock, the castle provides impressive sights of the city, including a path through the country's turbulent history.

Edinburgh Castle offers highlights such as the stunning Crown Jewels, the renowned Stone of Destiny, and then St. Margaret's Chapel, constructed in 1130, plus Edinburgh's oldest structure. Enter the castle after crossing a drawbridge that overlooks an old moat, where the famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo occurs each August. Bronze statues of such fabled heroes Robert the Bruce and William Wallace appear to be watching above the castle gates.

Below, begins the Royal Mile, stretching down the arduous escarpment that lead to the refined Palace of Holyroadhouse, one of the most renowned landmarks in Edinburgh. Though lined by historic landmarks and brick townhomes, the Royal Mile also is packed with museums, kilt makers, small shops, cafes, and tearooms. Between its high structures, a few rising over ten floors, you'll notice little narrow alleys, referred to as "winds" which weave between very small concealed closes.

Do not miss a visit to the National Museum of Scotland while here. As a top-ranking attraction, this fascinating museum offers everything ranging from medieval objects to exhibits relating to science and art.

2) The Royal Yacht Britannia.  For over forty years, this regal yacht acted as a floating residence for royalty, sailing over a million miles all over the world. Catch a peek of the life of the royal personalities, their invited guests, and even the crew while exploring the vessel's 5 chief decks via an audio guide, touring from the Bridge, Royal Bedrooms to the Engine Room.

Also, you could see the actual Rolls-Royce Phantom V which accompanied in those travels onboard, and drop by for some cakes and tea by entering the Royal Deck Tea Room.

Recently added is the Fingal Hotel which offers luxury accommodations, from a former lighthouse that stands conveniently beside the royal yacht.

3) Stirling Castle.  Once the palace that both James V and Mary Queen of Scots called home, Stirling Castle now is one of UK's best preserved Renaissance structures. Although some earlier buildings yet stand, all of the castle's rooms and grand halls have been meticulously restored and then furnished admirably to its former 1500 appearance, even including laborious recreations of its tapestries. Moreover, costumed interpreters are always around interacting with tourists, reviving the castle along with its colorful and eventful history, and there exist History Hunter programs over the weekends designed specifically for young inquiring minds.

Perfectly located between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the castle is renowned for the fate-determining Battle of Bannockburn, where history books narrate Robert the Bruce overcoming the English enemy in 1314, and heroic William Wallace securing Scotland's independence in the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge. The fine Bannockburn Heritage Centre provides a superb range of exhibits that add another dimension regarding this significant period.

Between Bridge of Allan and Stirling stands the magnificent Wallace Monument, an extraordinary tower rising 246 steps high with amazing views of the surrounding area. In addition, you'll find a few artifacts believed to have William Wallace's personal possessions.

4) Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.  Because a terrible fire broke out destroying a lot of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's work at the then Glasgow School of Art, another location was required: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum became the main destination for fans of the Glasgow Style, a unique part belonging to the Arts and Crafts movement as well as to the Art Nouveau styles.

Built and then opened prior to the fire, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style Gallery hosts many whole Mackintosh rooms, including art works by other eminent artists of the same movement.

Together with other major treasures such as Bronze Age tools, Van Gogh portrait, and a splendid 1901 organ still in use in daily free concerts, the museum's wildly popular display is Christ of St. John of the Cross by Salvador Dali.

5) Fort William.  The top site for exploring Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, is from Fort William's beautiful town. Located at the southeastern termination of the Caledonian Canal, the coastal town could actually trace its roots all the way to Fort William, constructed around this area in the seventeenth century. Despite the fact it's long gone, West Highland Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the fort's history, as well as enormous collections of weaponry, paintings, and Highland costumes.

You must ride The Jacobite, which is a steam train that Harry Potter movies help popularize. The train runs through the West Highland Line across the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Next, there's Ben Nevis, which can easily be seen on a fine day from Fort William. It's an incredible sight, drawing several hikers, from novices to the most experienced. In spite of its height, the climb could be completed in about 2.5 hours. The entire ascent is fully justified for the impressive views, stretching as long as 150 miles over the Scottish Highlands and beyond.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Vietnam

 Vietnam Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Vietnam is a shocking combination of cultural diversity and natural tourist attractions. While majestic scenery unfolds with jagged soaring peaks observed from zigzagging mountain trails down to lush paddy valleys painted in all imaginable shades of greens as from a masterful artist, the country's lengthy history and stunning number of ethnic minorities translate that culture devouring fanatics will find a ton to admire.

Cyclists, hikers, and outdoor adventurers could indulge in the countryside via the many national parks, while the magnificent karst seascape belonging to Halong Bay is such a natural marvel that even the less active could experience uncommonly near on a ship.

While the rural surroundings overflow with remarkable vistas, the large cities exhale with everyday living and offer plenty of chances to sink your teeth into Vietnam's delicious culinary selection.

This intriguing nation is packed with pleasant surprises and is probably Southeast Asia's most undervalued destination. To maximize your overall experience, plan your sightseeing trip with my Vietnam travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Vietnam.

1) My Son.  Hidden as a glowing emerald by verdant jungle-covered mountains, My Son is a Cham in ruins and an era temple city dating from the fourth century. This particular Hindu religious place was yet much used between the seventh and tenth centuries, declining completely before being neglected during the thirteenth century.

Approximately twenty temple buildings still stand here, each constructed of sandstone blocks or bricks, and displaying fascinating influences from different Asian empires like Malay and Indian. Know that Group B's temples are the oldest, and Group A houses the site's most significant monument except US soldiers destroyed it purposely in the Vietnam War.

There's an excellent museum on-site providing many details on the Cham, and Hoi An gives access to this highlight.

2) Nha Trang.  For exciting sandy fan, Nha Trang can't possibly disappoint. The well-kept beach stretches for 6 kilometers along the shores of the central part of Nha Trang city, which gets crammed with both locals and foreigners during summer.

There's superb swimming here along with marked swimming sections and even manicured lounging spots which make this an excellent pick soaking up the sun while relaxing on the white sandy beach with a cool coconut fruity drink in a glass.

But in case you still end up getting bored soaking excessive sunlight, the aged Po Nagar Cham Towers stand north over the Xom Bong Bridge, which have been in use for worship from the seventh-century.

Also, there's a fine museum built in dedication of Alexandre Yersin's work who discovered the bubonic plague's cause and created Nha Trang's Pasteur Institute.

3) Cuchi Tunnels.  A sure intriguing adventure for every tourist, and not only those interested in the modern military history of Vietnam. The Cuchi Tunnels happen to be a far-reaching tunnel network which during the war, extending for over 250 kilometers, permitted VC forces to function and communicate effectively in the area that surrounds Ho Chi Minh city.

Two modest areas belonging to the network could be toured with an authorized guide who shall lead you down into almost scary and shadowy and restrictive confines, which may intimidate some people, particularly claustrophobia sufferers.

You'll actually find yourself on your knees and hands crawling at certain points. Now, you can gain access to the tunnels at Ben Duoc village or Ben Dinh village.  

4) Ba Be National Park.  The calm-inducing park is unusually striking, boasting three lakes that interlink at its center, bordered by thickly forested slopes and jagged karst peaks.

The majority of visitors arrive here to enjoy tranquil kayak or boat journeys on the lovely lake as well as explore the nearby caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites in the vicinity. However, for the actively-inclined, there are trekking and hiking opportunities in the hills among ethnic minority villages.

This is an extraordinarily peaceful place in Vietnam, which offers visitors who spend a night or two here a chance to sleep in a typical stilt-house homestay arrangement along the lakeshore, permitting one to experience the simplicity of rural life.

5) Hoi An.  Probably Vietnam's most atmospheric city, beautiful Hoi An sports charming pockets of surviving but irreplaceable historic architecture. The aged town quarter itself is a fun place to explore, overflowing with nicely preserved merchant homes which go as far back as the 15th-century during the pinnacle of Hoi An's trading center, time when this town was a chief location for both Chinese and Japanese merchants to meet and haggle over the fair cost for local silks.

Much of the aged merchant homes can be visited by the public, so now you could get an idea of this early time period. The favorite seems to be seventeen-century Tan Ky House, which showcases wonderful decorative and architectural elements.

But Hoi An boasts a major landmark: the charming Japanese Bridge located on Tran Phu Street, in the west. While close by, you'll find the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, the old town's exceptionally decorated temple. Though there are many little museums and pagodas distributed all over town, Hoi An's real charm can be seen by just wandering the aged town streets appreciating the fabulously preserved facades.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Singapore

 Singapore Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Singapore has been characterized as a recreation place for the wealthy, and it's quite true that the little city-state does sport a particular flash of wealth. But Singapore offers far more than only luxury 5-starred hotels, fine dining, and classy shopping malls. There's also a lively history and varied ethnic niches to discover, including several family-friendly attractions as well as charming public spaces which make exploring this almost futuristic country worth the visit.

Singapore provides great public transportation which makes touring both easy and very convenient. But once you've grasped the metro map, without doubt you'll be zooming from town to town. Everyone here speaks English and also all signs are in English.

Actually, Singapore is known as one of the easier countries to get around in Southeast Asia. And if you restrain yourself from comparing prices to neighbors like Vietnam and Thailand, you're in for a fantastic vacation.

For great ideas on what to do and visit, refer to my Singapore travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Singapore.

1) Marina Bay Sands.  The affluent resort complex provides top-notched luxury hotel, the Artscience Museum, a mall with an actual canal that runs right through it, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck, which offers a unique angle for viewing the whole city. In fact, the Skypark's deck for observing and infinity pool are located in the ship which tops the hotel. Though only hotel guests can use the infinity pool, everyone could enter the observation deck.

When up there, guests could enjoy either coffee or a snack at the restaurant's nice rooftop, as well as buy keepsakes at the souvenir stall. Plus, you can buy a photograph of yourself standing before the huge hotel as though it's lit up at night. Both the opulence and elegance of the Marina Bay Sands reflect Singapore's status and style as a big-time international site in Southeast Asia. 

2) Gardens by the Bay.  Once you have eyeballed this exquisitely designed green space, you'll be reluctant to leave. Tour through the Bay East Garden, ideal for delighting in the lively plant life as well as escaping the noise and bustle for least a few minutes.

You'll want to visit Supertree Grove, and here you'll see a group of futuristic icons designed for performing environmentally sustainable operations. Next, go to the Cloud Forest Dome and observe the highest indoor waterfall in the world and learn something about biodiversity.

3) Singapore Zoo.  Promoting itself as the Number one rainforest zoo in the world, the Singapore zoo succeeds in delivering. The whole facility is gleaming clean and even attractive, and the creatures appear to be well taken care of where there's an abundance of habitat space and lush vegetation.

The orangutans are especially stunning, and tourists could see infants and adults swinging way over their platforms and snacking on bananas. In addition, there is a big chimpanzee family, meerkats, mole rats, kangaroos, zebras, white tigers, and several other animals.

Visitors could watch feedings for a few animals. Permit a minimal of 3 hours to tour through the zoo.

If the zoo fails your need for coming much closer to wildlife, there are other options available such as the Jurong Bird Park, River Safari, and the Night Safari. If you want to visit all three wildlife parks, available are park hopper passes.

4) Singapore Flyer.  If the observation deck found at the Marina Bay Sands didn't live up to your expectations, consider a spectacular view of the city while seated in the Singapore Flyer, the biggest giant observation wheel in the world. Now visitors can select from many various packages which will serve and pamper as you enjoy an amazing view which allows you to see the Singapore skyline, and even capture Malaysia's Straits of Johor and Indonesia's Spice Islands.

With many varying ticket packages available today and including access to stand in front of the exciting Journey of Dreams display, which digs into the construction of the Singapore Flyer and Singapore's history.

All flights will last thirty minutes, operating from early morning hours to late at night, giving you the choice, of which view of Singapore you wish to enjoy: the start of yet another busy day or as Singapore is glowing after sunset.

5) Chinatown.  If you have recently gone to China, or in the distant past, Singapore's Chinatown will definitely take you back right here. From genuine delicious Chinese dishes, the small and humble string of stores to the typical brightly lit red lanterns, you'll experience the hustle and excitement in this neighborhood. You could tour through the Chinese Heritage Centre and take pictures of the lovely Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple.

Also, it's worth visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic temple. By waking up unusually early, you could hear the drum ceremony in the morning. Or you can always catch the closing ceremony much later at night after checking the relic.

Heritage signs have been posted everywhere in languages such as simple Chinese, Japanese, and English so tourists can truly understand the area's importance. However, this community isn't only a testimony to the Chinese influence throughout Singapore's past. It's a progressive neighborhood that houses the fashionable Ann Siang Hill section, where upscale boutiques and quaint bistros can be at home nearly in most Western cities.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in South Korea

 South Korea Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

South Korea offers tourists everything they can dream of in a single destination. The country has both a long and intriguing history, a beautiful culture, incredible food, hospitable people, and a superb tourism infrastructure such as the new lightning-fast rail system.

It's also a nation of contrasts, with top tourist attractions that range from the finest national parks, oldest mountaintop Buddhist temples, ancient enchanting palaces to the super-modern skyscrapers such as Lotte World Tower.

South Korea has an unusually unique attraction that no self-respecting tourist will want to dare miss: a no-man's land forming a rather high-tension military border where two nations technically yet at war. 

Discover the best places to tour with my South Korea travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in South Korea.

1) Changdeokgung Palace.  Of the five great palaces erected in the fifteenth century near Seoul via the Joseon Dynasty, this palace was the obvious favorite royal residence. Here, the king and his regal family resided daily.

The palace isn't only one single building, but a complex of structures, of which each serve a specific and different purpose. For example, some for dining, some for-meeting guests, some as libraries, and some for accommodations.

Be sure to tour through the massive 78-acre palace garden, lying just behind the palace. It's bursting with fabulous green spaces, lovely pathways, pagodas, lakes, and streams.

2) Busan.  Did you realize that you could head to South Korea and find great beaches? As the country's largest city, Busan's coast is filled with gorgeous beaches as well as resorts. There's much history and culture here, too.

Make it a priority to stop by the Beomeos Temple and the interesting hillside village called Gamecheon, which has a European style, sitting on the cliffs over the sea as if a Korean type of Santorini.

If you love seafood, visit Jagalchi Market, South Korea's biggest commercial seafood market. But only one section of the marketplace is currently open to the public, and there are several modest restaurants which will actually prepare your purchase, letting tourists to enjoy eating it right here.

South Korea's KTX extremely quick train will transport you to Busan from Seoul, taking a bit over two hours.

3) N Seoul Tower.  If visiting Seoul, you should definitely climb up in the iconic observation tower. It's positioned nearly on a mountaintop, and the structure's towering height itself takes you almost five-hundred meters into the sky with the city below appearing somewhat smaller.

But allow time for exploring the nearby mountain area. The tower is close to the peak of Mount Namsan, and the whole area happens to be Namsan Park that the city runs. Plus, you can explore hiking trails that extends for miles, and only a few minutes from downtown Seoul.

There's also a cable vehicle that transports visitors from Seoul to the base area of the tower. Here, you could then hike. After enjoying the beautiful panoramas from the tower and the cable car's ride, leave time to check out the Namsan Hanok village. These preserved historical villages that are scattered across Korea and Seoul, are actual re-constructions representing ancient Korean neighborhoods. The village also includes 5 restored hanoks (traditional Korean houses).

4) The DMZ.  Standing for demilitarized zone, DMZ is basically a no-man's spot bordering between two countries: North and South Korea. Although heavily mined and guarded fiercely, the odd area can still be visited, but permitted only with an authorized, guided tour. The whole area is approximately four kilometers wide, formally regarded as Joint Security Area, or just JSA.

A DMZ tour beginning from the capital, provides round-trip transportation. Official DMZ tours also allow you to visit the 3rd Tunnel, which the North dug to help make an invasion to the South easier, and the Dora Observatory, which permits you to gaze across DMZ into North Korea.

5) National Museum of Korea.  Acting like a global capital, Seoul is home to many museums, including the largest, the National Museum of Korea, and in comparison, to New York's Met, it's a place which truly cannot be explored in only one visit. The mega collection ambitiously combines archaeology, art, and history, displayed in order to tell the historical account of Korean Culture as well as the story of its people.

It's also a superb attraction to visit if you happen to be running on a tight time frame in Seoul. The collection can only be described as beyond vast, for it supposed to go as far back as more than a million years. It's truly fascinating, particularly for children and families as there is such a broad range of neat objects, from stone Age tools to Korean modern artwork.

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