All in Culture
Shaggy and hard-working, the yak plays an essential role in the lives of people on the high plateaus of the Himalayas. It’s a pack animal and important provider of milk, food and much else for communities across the far-flung region. Here are some facts about this distinctively Asian animal.
Spirit houses can be seen in different forms all over Southeast Asia and in many other parts of the continent too. They are often draped in colourful garlands of flowers and have offerings of food and drinks for the spirits. We take a closer look at the spirit houses in Thailand and find out why they are there.
A self-organised themed tour is a different way to travel but can be a satisfying and enjoyable way to learn about the culture and history of Asian countries. This tour focuses on the Peranakan culture of the Straits Chinese and takes travellers from Singapore to Melaka and Penang in Malaysia where there are many opportunities to learn about how these entrepreneurial pioneers of the 19th and 20th centuries contributed to the development of those countries.
Bhutan is often called “the last Shangri-La on Earth”. Even seasoned adventurers find themselves spell-bound by this mystical Buddhist kingdom sandwiched between China and India in the Himalayas. Bhutan is a destination with a fascinating cultural heritage where visitors can enjoy some extraordinary adventures at a pace that is eminently suited to older travellers.
In these days of social distancing, health experts recommend that we no longer shake hands given that is a common means by which viruses and other germs are passed from one person to another. For many in Asia, that’s not a problem as local cultures have traditionally used other means of greeting and saying goodbye. For those in the west, there is a lot to be learned from those countries that do not use the handshake as a means of greeting.
It’s ironic that the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, is located in Indonesia, a country that is predominantly Muslim. Borobudur is also Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction – a fact that worries many concerned about its preservation. But the Indonesian Government in partnership with UNESCO have done much in the past 50 years to preserve this ancient site for future generations. It’s a destination in Asia that older travellers will enjoy.
The stunning Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon inspires awe in almost anyone who visits it. It lies at the heart of the city, both geographically and spiritually, and its striking presence on the city skyline helps define Yangon in a way that few monuments in other cities can. The city’s rich history and vibrant present provide plenty of interest, not least for older travellers keen to learn more about the country’s distinctive culture and traditions.
For visitors to Tokyo with an interest in the city’s past, the Edo-Tokyo Museum has much to offer. It charts Tokyo’s history, culture and growth since its founding in 1603 under the name Edo through to the modern era. Considered one of Japan’s best museums, its spacious atmosphere and its range of exhibits and amenities is likely to appeal to many older travellers.
The Philippines is a country rich in history. For those interested to learn more about its heritage and culture, there are a number of destinations that are particularly suited to older travellers as they provide the opportunity to visit historic landmarks at an easy pace. This comprehensive guide to what these places have to offer, how to get there and what to see, will assist travellers contemplating or planning a ‘heritage holiday’ in the Philippines.
Thailand has many Buddhist festivals throughout the year, but some of the most interesting for visitors to the country to experience are the colourful candle festivals held at the start of the annual rains retreat. The parades are held on both city streets and waterways and feature the transportation of candles to the temples ranging from individual offerings in floral displays up to massive wax carvings on motorised floats that take up to a year to make.
Paintings make great souvenirs to bring home from a trip to Asia. They not only serve as a reminder of places that you’ve visited, but will look great on the walls of your home. Original paintings may appreciate in value and are a better buy than reproductions. Our guide to buying art in Asia tells you where the best places are to buy original paintings, how to transport your paintings home, and where to see the best art if you aren’t in the mood to buy yet.
The three historic Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley offer visitors a journey into the heart of Nepal’s heritage. They contain many of country’s finest temples, both Hindu and Buddhist, along with centuries-old royal palaces. Despite being badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake, the squares remain full of atmosphere, and of buildings that retain the power to dazzle any visitor.
Visiting the colourful provincial festivals in the Philippines can be a stressful experience for senior travellers because of the distance, heat, crowds and noise. But there is one festival close to Manila that can be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace, and still offers all the elements of the larger ones — colour, tradition, culture and local foods to sample.
The fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on 15 April 2019 has revived memories of how accidents and natural disasters have devastated sacred buildings in other countries. We take a look at similar tragedies in Asian countries, and how the authorities have handled them.
From experiential art installations to raptors and turtles, the emirate of Sharjah in the UAE offers a plethora of things to do and places to see for the senior traveller. Guest author, Ambica Gulati, describes her 4-day visit to this destination on the Persian Gulf that is growing in popularity with visitors from overseas.
Kathmandu’s main tourist area is the bustling district of Thamel. It’s a busy place, full of hotels, restaurants and shops, and its narrow alleys are crowded with visitors. But this wasn’t always so. When backpackers began discovering Kathmandu in the 1960s and 1970s, most stayed in an area further south, around the historic Durbar Square. It’s one of the many ways Kathmandu has changed over the years – and some of the changes have been dramatic.
