7 Best Walkable Asian Cities
25 Dec 2024 Asia Experiences
Have you ever imagined traveling in Asian Cities through walking instead of vehicle rides? It may sound impossible at first, but it is very much possible. Several cities in Asia are best when explored on foot. We present you the 7 Best Walkable Asian Cities that offer historical, cultural, and adventurous diversity. All selected cities are pedestrian-friendly and convenient. What a great way to explore hidden gems, watch local people and their activities, and connect with new cultures and lifestyles. Join us in this phenomenal journey to gain a unique perspective and create precious memories. Below is the list of the 7 best walkable Asian cities that are fun to explore.
Nepal Tibet Bhutan Luxury Tour 13 Days
Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour 12 Days
1. Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is fondly called the ‘City of Temples’. The picturesque city mesmerizes travelers with its numerous temples and artistic monuments. Some are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a 16th-century complex with intricate woodcarvings and sculptures. Tour around Taleju Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, Kasthamandap, Ashok Binayak Temple, Living Goddess Kumari, Hanumandhoka Museum, and Shiva Parbati Temple within the vicinity Several festivals also continued exhibiting the authentic and ancient local culture and tradition. If you visit during the festival, attend them for a unique experience. Next, walk down to the old Ason town popular for its vibrant markets from spices to souvenir goods. The hustle and bustle may seem chaotic but that’s the beauty of exploring on foot. From there, walk to the popular Thamel following narrow streets and alleys. Thamel is abundant with cafes, restaurants, clubs, and shops offering a variety of goods. Enjoy the Thamel nightlife, interact with lovely locals, and admire the ancient and modern amalgam of the city.
2. The Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam
The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a phenomenal place where visitors experience the coexistence of history and modernization. Also known as Phố Cổ Hà Nội, it is home to several iconic landmarks including ancient pagodas, and temples with impressive architecture. Walk around the nearby iconic landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The specialty of this area is its narrow and twisting streets with century-old buildings. The town abundant with French colonial architecture allures visitors with its vibrant street markets and endless variety of activities. Don’t miss trying the open-air eateries that offer delicious tempting Vietnamese cuisine at affordable prices. The town perfectly fuses history, culture, and diverse cuisines and goods.
3. Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Yangon, the largest Myanmar city boasts the highest number of colonial-era buildings in Southeast Asia. The city’s rich cultural heritage, several religious sites, and lively markets all are accessible on foot. The city’s walkable streets lead to the city’s best-preserved architectural heritage sites. It’s always a best idea to interact with the locals to learn about the place and its culture and history. Hear about the history of Sule Pagoda and other religious Buddhist sites. Yangon Heritage Trust Walking Tour provides close insights into the city’s past and present. Take an excursion to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple, and the fascinating Kandawgyi Lake. Wander through the lively streets of Bogyoke Aung San Market where you can get diverse products from local handicrafts to souvenirs. Relish the nightlife by strolling through food courts and trying delicious Burmese cuisine.
4. Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is a town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is made on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers. The well-preserved townscape features a perfect blend of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures. It is outstanding in all aspects; archaeology, artistic, and Lao iconography. The pedestrian-friendly roads take visitors through several alleys and side streets where you discover hidden gems. Such as golden-roofed temples, traditional wooden structures, Buddhist monasteries, and vestiges of French colonial architecture. Closely interact with locals and get a glimpse of their lifestyle. Visit less-explored food manufacturing places and try mouth-watering Lao cuisines. Don’t miss out on exploring the morning market and get good deals on spices and other products. An excursion to iconic landmarks like Phra Bang, Royal Palace Museum, Wat Wisunarat, Wat Xieng Thong, and Old Quarter Streets offers a unique insight into this nation. It is in perfect synchronization with the natural environment.
Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Nepal Tour 16 Days
Cambodia Laos Nepal and Bhutan Tours 18 Days
5. Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam
The Hoi An Old Town is a well-preserved complex including architectural monuments and commercial and domestic vernacular structures. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pagodas, temples, tiled houses with traditional motifs, a ferry quay, an open market, and lantern-lit night streets fascinate the visitors. It is a joyous moment for visitors to explore pedestrian-friendly streets to every corner offering a glimpse of its rich history, culture, and architecture. Century-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Quan Cong Temple, and other numerous structures perfectly describe the town as a melting pot of different cultures and architectural styles. Night markets on narrow streets covered with lit lanterns and street food stalls including popular Quang Nam food all are charming. The street foods, bustling night markets, and riverside promenades are a great combination to explore and soak in its timeless beauty.
6. Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
Galle Fort, the UNESCO-listed World Heritage site can be described as an iconic place with a history on its sleeves. A 16th-century Portuguese-built fort, enclosed by ancient walls is a phenomenal destination. It features Dutch-style houses, impressive colonial architecture, whitewashed mansions, heritage museums, and vibrant shops all within walking distance. Galle Clock Tower, Dutch Reformed Church or Groot, The National Museum of Galle, and Galle Lighthouse are some prime attractions. Walk on cobbled streets to explore these fabulous sites and relish the picturesque coastal views. Treat yourself to local and international cuisine at several cafes or restaurants in the surroundings. A prominent historical, archaeological, and architectural site that is also an ideal romantic gateway.
7. Jodhpur, India
Jodhpur in India is popular as the ‘Blue City’ for the dominant indigo-hued homes in the old town. The city amazes travelers with its abundant palace, fort, and sophisticated temples, all set against the rough backdrop of the Thar Desert. The old town with labyrinthine lanes, iconic blue-pattern homes, and carved doors along local culture and lifestyle exhibits traditional Rajasthani life. Get an authentic and colorful experience while exploring the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, havelis, and vibrant Clock Tower Bazaar. The city’s rich cultural heritage comes alive while walking through the local street markets and surrounding landmarks.
Conclusion
It is truly an enriching experience in Asian Cities to walk freely and watch local people and their activities, iconic tourist landmarks, vibrant street markets, and rich cultural sites. An ideal way to immerse in the local lifestyle and culture through experiencing their day-to-day life. What better way to connect with the nation you are traveling to and its people and authentic culture, sights, sounds, and flavors? We bet travelers won’t get disappointed while traveling to these 7 Best Walkable Asian Cities.
