Cities and Towns in Asia
The historical quarter of Kurashiki (called Bikan) is very photogenic with lanes lined with traditional rice storehouses. Particularly along the canals, where rowboats with tourists navigate the narrow waterway under the shady willows. Today the impeccable white-walled and black-tiled houses are occupied by boutiques, craft shops and denim stores. Kurashiki is a popular destination for domestic tourists, while most foreign visitors seem to stick to better known cities.
Kyoto was home for the imperial family for more than a millennium and was spared bombing during WWII. So today, the city has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, besides over a thousand of other temples, shrines, and gardens. So it's understandable that Kyoto is on every tourist's itinerary. The historical quarter, Gion, where geishas used to rush through the lanes, has become very touristic, but is still very charming with kimono-clad tourists strolling around. The famous food market, Nishiki, is equally popular with stalls offering local delicacies like stuffed octopus. So there is so much to see and do in Kyoto, that it will take weeks to cover it all. However, most visitors get templed-out after a couple of packed sightseeing days. Move on (or use Kyoto as a base) to explore other parts of Japan.
Although Almaty was stripped of the title of Kazakh capital in 1997, there is no question it is still the heart and soul of the country, and not at all what you'd expect from a Central Asian city. Beyond its pretty setting with a mountain backdrop, the place has more than enough to entertain travellers for a few days. From pumping clubs and bars to cable cars rides to the hills to well designed museums to beautifully manicured parks, Almaty is easily the most "user-friendly" capital in the area. But be sure to bring extra cash, as prices here are more in line with Eastern Europe than Central Asia.
More often than not, capital cities are a process of evolution. Whether a city grew out from commercial prominence or militaristically strategic location or any other number of factors, the cities start small and become a capital over time. This is not the case of Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. Prior to the 1990's, Akmolinsk was little more than a farm town. But after Kazakh independence in 1991, the location was chosen to become the new capital. A bizarre array of ultra-modern buildings, strange monuments and even a large aquarium were all part of the plan of the purpose-built city, officially made capital in 1997. The whole place is surreal and worth the trek to the middle of nowhere just to see it.
At the foot of a mountain massif lies the village of Arslanbob in a forest of walnut trees. Here the land lots are big, making Arslanbob very spread out, and many houses are traditional built with mud plastered walls. The roads are equally "traditional"; winding and of dirt and rocks. It's a very friendly places where the old men sport long white beards and female wear headscarf (Uzbek style, meaning colourful and not matching the dress). Due to its relatively high elevation at 1,500 m, Arslanbob is a favourite weekend destination among "low-land" Kyrgyz from Osh who are shuttled between sights in open jeeps. Besides the walnut forest, which is a real attraction during picking season in Autumn, the area offers several waterfalls (the big one mores scenic than the small), holy lakes (three-day trek) and great day-trek destinations, like the Holy Rock which soar 1,400 m above the village. For more serious trekkers, there is the 14-days trek to Song Kul.
Perhaps initially perceived as a little rough and tumble, the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek has a few surprises up its sleeves. The undisputed transport hub of the country, a visit here is almost inevitable. But what may come as a shock is there are more than enough things to do to keep one busy for a few days. Lots of Soviet-era monuments and architecture. A couple of museums (including the excellent Historical museum), dirt cheap theatres (ballet and opera) and even a circus will keep culture vultures more than occupied. Several old-school markets make for excellent shopping and people watching. A decent supply of restaurants and cafes line the treed boulevards making for relaxing dining. Not to mention a fair share of clubs and bars to rock the night away. Plus several chilled parks if it all gets a little much. You have to make an effort to actually get bored in Bishkek.
Karakol is located at the foot of the beautiful Terskey Ala-Too range and is the access point for trekking trips into the mountains. It's a gritty trading post with tough looking people. The streets are potholed, weeds are taking over the sidewalks, and nothing has been built (or painted) since the Soviet era – or so it seems. However, the town does have some charming sides. The wooden Russian Orthodox church is lovely and the colourful ornamented houses are rather cute, although neglected like the rest of the town. But the real jewel is the backdrop of snow-capped peaks right outside Karakol. A constant reminder of why you're here, namely to go trekking!
What once was an important trading town on the Silk Road, has since been Soviet-nified and is today the second biggest city in Kyrgyzstan. Most, if not all, of the glam and charm from the ancient days are long gone, but the wonderful bazaar is still huge and easy to get lost in. Locals - and foreigners – bargain over anything from fruit, bread and nuts, over textiles to livestock – and souvenirs. Besides trade, Osh also play the role as the regional transport hub. No matter whether you are going to/from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, or China, you will most likely pass through Osh.
Luang Namtha town is beautifully located among rice fields at the banks of Namtha River. The town itself is a rather uninteresting one-main-street affair, but the surrounding countryside is sprinkled by small villages inhabited by some of Laos many ethnic tribes. It is estimated that Luang Namtha Province is home to about 39 out of Laos' 100 different tribes, where Khamu, Lanten, Hmong og Akha are some of those that can be meet in Luang Namtha. Furthermore, Ban Nam Dee waterfall, which is located in a Lantan village, is only a bicycle ride away. If you want to do some trekking, Nam Ha Protected Area is close by (but needs to be booked).
Muang Sing used to be the biggest opium market in the Golden Triangle. Today, you can still be offered some of the black stuff in the street, but the new market is now for other stuff, like live frogs on a string, fried insects and rice wine by the bucket. Ethnic tribes come in from the surrounding hills to buy and sell their goods, making the morning market a colorful event and a great opportunity to mingle with so many different tribes at once. People from H'mong, Lao Lu, Thai Dam and Akha are among the usual crowds, but you need some practice to tell them all apart.