MANILA, Philippines - Step outside the comforts of your homeland and immerse yourself in the distinct cultures of your Asian neighbors ¾ spectacular destinations with well-preserved remnants of a colorful past. Experience what Asia has to offer, and celebrate the wonder and diversity of this magical continent.
Cebu Pacific Air lets every Juan enjoy year-round affordable flights to culturally-rich Asian destinations such as Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and more.
Travelers aiming to enrich their historical knowledge by participating firsthand in foreign customs and traditions ought to include the following sites in their must-visit list.
Kyoto, Japan — This former Japanese capital is just a train or bus ride from Osaka, where CEB flies thrice weekly. Kyoto packs an impressive array of cultural gems despite its being dwarfed in size by other major Japanese cities. Travelers can marvel at the Buddhist temple of Kinkaku-ji in all its golden splendor, visit the remarkable Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, or troop to the Gion district and witness real-life geishas going about their daily teahouse tasks.
The Forbidden City, China — Located in the heart of Beijing, the grand Imperial palace-turned-Palace Museum offers a glimpse China’s rich history, the lifestyles of ancient Chinese royalty, and the most comprehensive collection of well-preserved ancient Chinese artifacts. The Great Wall of China is, of course, a must-see, but try to visit the Mutianyu section for less crowds and a breathtaking cable car ride to the top. CEB flies from Manila to Beijing four times weekly.
Bang Phli, Thailand — Travelers can experience the 150-year old Bang Phli floating market, featuring aged wooden structures and quaint shop-houses. Also look forward to tasting an assortment of authentic Thai delicacies such as Kung Yiat, a dried prawn snack and Khanom Chak, a coconut-based sweet in Mueang Boran, a park displaying miniature replicas of major historical buildings. Bang Phli is just a little over 25 kilometers away from Bangkok, where CEB flies from both Manila and Clark.
Gyeongju, South Korea — Once the center of Korean political and cultural life, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla is still home to archaeological sites. The historic areas of Gyeongju, known as one of the biggest “museums without walls” in the entire world, boasts of groups of royal tombs, Buddhist and Shaman artifacts, and the world-renowned Cheomseongdae Observatory. The huge expanse of land brings out perfect picnic spots, where travelers can chow down on traditional Gyeongju foods like Hwangnam-ppang, a red bean-filled bread, or Ssambap, rice and meat wrapped in lettuce. CEB flies to Incheon and Busan from Manila and Cebu.
Old Quarter in Hanoi, Vietnam — Apart from touring the 36 shop-lined streets of this busy district in Hanoi, where CEB flies to twice weekly, travelers can escape to the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque setting surrounded by other equally interesting cultural treasures such as the Temple of the Jade Mountain and the Huyen Thien pagoda. For a unique entertainment experience, check out the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre where folk tales are staged using traditional Vietnamese art forms.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Embark on a spiritual journey in Cambodia’s famed religious complex, a backpacker’s journey from Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh. One of the finest and best preserved ancient architectural masterpieces in the world, Angkor Wat creates the perfect environment for locals and travelers to pray or at the very least, find calm in its vast layout and ornate stone carvings.
As Cebu Pacific continues to offer the most affordable flights to these destinations, more travelers can now see Asia’s treasure trove of cultural hotspots for themselves. Experience the rich and diverse Asian culture now by visiting www.cebupacificair.com for flights and hotel packages.