Hostels in Asia

A Backpackers’ Guide to Asia

Asia is different. To non-Asian backpackers traveling the region, the sheer novelty, the freshness – the exotic foreignness – gets right to the heart of what backpacking’s all about. Its bustling markets, gilded palaces and inspiring temples stretch out before you, demanding proper investigation.

The long thin strip of land that makes up Vietnam is rather less visited than many of its Asian neighbors. Traveling around, from Vietnam hostel to Vietnam hostel, there’s so much to explore right across the country’s many awe-inspiring landscapes.

Whether it’s taking a boat ride up the Mekong Delta or lounging on the hidden coves of the divine Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is endlessly enthralling. And its cities are no different: the Royal City of Hue has a mystical beauty to it, while the Old Town of Hanoi is a delight.

 

 

Moving north and east, to its neighbor, China, the traveling landscape becomes even more littered with unmissable attractions. Few places anywhere in the world can match China’s wealth of World Heritage Sites and assortment of other historical and cultural monuments.

The Jokhang Temple of Lhasa; the Great Buddha of Leshan; the Yungang Caves and the Hanging Temple; Jiayuguan Fort – not to mention the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and Beijing’s Forbidden City... The list goes on and on, with far too many places to mention.

When it comes to choosing a hostel in China, meanwhile, the backpacker is spoilt for choice. Prices are low and standards (although they can vary from place to place) are good. But what really makes them stand out, though, is the number of places that are housed in ancient buildings.

Beyond China lies Japan, a country whose island landscapes border on the mythical. From one stunningly beautiful island to the next, serenity and calm reign in the countryside. A land of cherry blossom, and dazzling temples dotted amongst soaring peaks… It’s a truly magnificent place.

Serenity’s not necessarily always the word to describe its cities: technology reigns in Tokyo, a city of blinking, neon lights, towering skyscrapers and heaving crowds of people. Sapporo and Fukuoka are lively, while with its Shinto shrines, gardens, temples and palaces, Kyoto is more the travelers’ vision of Japan.

And like the country in general, hostels in Japan are often a bit special. A little more expensive than their counterparts elsewhere in Asia, they’re often of a decidedly ornamental nature containing features of Japanese design.