UK travel blogger TheNorthernBoy presents some top travel locations to visit

Huge country but also China is a fabulous location if you are searching for ancient history mixed with modern attractions feeling. Widely considered one of the world’s most dramatic city skylines – as much a result of its having one of the highest concentrations of skyscrapers as it is the presence of the tall hills that frame them – Hong Kong has for decades been the bustling capital of finance and commerce in this part of the Pacific. And it’s a cityscape that can be enjoyed from a number of different vantages. One of the best views is from Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, where the skyscrapers frame the city’s huge harbor, a special treat after nightfall. Equally stunning is the view from Victoria Harbour itself. Here, you can hop aboard one of Hong Kong’s famous ferries and head to various points to wander and explore, such as Kowloon. Or you can simply stay on board and enjoy the views. If possible, try to time your trip to coincide with the nightly laser extravaganza, a stunning 360-degree laser-light show that uses the harbor’s skyscrapers as a magical backdrop (for the best views, try to catch the show from the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour).

Thailand and Phuket are a fabulous destination if you are looking for adventure and ancient history exploration. Every Thailand visitor looks forward to cheap and delicious food, and it can be found in abundance at Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Walking Street. Vendors sell all kinds of treats: pad Thai, chicken satay, samosas, crab cakes, fried bananas, sweet rotees, and fresh fruit shakes – often for less than $2 a piece. When you’ve satisfied your culinary cravings, you can peruse hundreds of stalls selling an array of unique goods such as all-natural soaps, hand-dyed textiles bearing the unique patterns of local hill tribes, incense and essential oils, musical instruments, paintings, wall hangings, and more. The market gets crowded every week without fail, no matter what time of year you’re visiting, so brace yourself and try to enjoy being part of the throng. This is a must-do in Chiang Mai, and is an essential part of the Thailand experience. If you’re not around for the Sunday market, or just want to get a taste of other market experiences in Chiang Mai, check out the Saturday Night Walking Street or the Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road, a daily event. For something less touristy, check out the daytime Warorot Market, near Mae Ping River.

Indonesia is an incredible country, so much history, a must see. A visit to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi Province will not only feel like you’ve stepped far back in time, but also offers a look at the richness and diversity of Indonesia’s long-standing cultures. The architectural style of Tongkonan, boat-shaped houses and other buildings, are immediate standouts, but the people are what make this piece of natural paradise so special. They are, by many accounts, the friendliest and most welcoming people you could hope to meet while traveling. The Toraja approach to death is one of reverence and celebration. Funerals are elaborate ceremonies involving plenty of food and traditional dance, and the dead are buried in graves built into surrounding caves. Travelers to the area can visit villages and connect with locals, or trek in the notoriously lush and pristine countryside.

An incredible country, Myanmar, you must see this place on Earth! Here are some top attractions in Myanmar. The Shwedagon or Greater Dragon Pagoda is considered the most sacred site in Buddhism in Myanmar because it contains a strand of Buddha’s hair and other religious relics. The 2,500-year-old pagoda is located on Singuttara Hill in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar. Over the centuries, the pagoda has grown from 8 meters to 99 meters (26 feet to 366 feet). The origins of Shwedagon are lost in antiquity but it is estimated that the Pagoda was first built by the Mon during the Bagan period, sometime between the 6th and 10th century AD. It is covered in gold leaf; the stupa is covered in 4,531 diamonds. Numerous temples, statues and stupas can be found at this unforgettable site. Pagoda visitors are expected to follow a dress code (trousers preferred, T-shirts with elbow-length sleeves) and enter the temple barefooted.

Among the best tourist attractions in Myanmar, Mrauk U is the hidden gem that you cannot forget once taking a glance at the fancy mist and smoke in the morning. It is also the 2nd largest center of temples in Myanmar. When you visit it in Myanmar tourism, you will see hundreds of pagodas and temples built of bricks from the 15th century remains, nestled in the hills and small villages. You can also visit the riverside village for a sense of an adventure and enjoy the serenity. Although it is quite hard to get to Mrauk U when you have to embark on a boat to get there, you will be completely fascinated by the labyrinth of maze designed as the tunnels containing the great collection of Buddha statues in Shitthaung Temple, the most impressive relic in this ancient city. See more travel tips at UK travel blogger.

Alamgir mosque is famed for its exquisite architecture and enviable location. The mosque is situated on the edge of River Ganga and enjoys a picturesque scene. Said to be built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who is believed to have demolished the old Kashivishwanath Temple and constructed this mosque in its place; Alamgir mosque is a fine piece of architecture. The mosque is also known as Gyanvapi mosque due to the well of the same name situated close to it. One can notice the influence of North Indian or Hindu architecture in this mosque; however most of the mosque is done in Islam architecture. Reckoned to be the oldest ghat in Varanasi, Dasaswamendha Ghat is where all the action takes place. The ghat is situated near the Vishwanath temple and is famous for its evening aarti. Often crowded with sadhus, sanayasis, beggars and devotees, this ghat is an important landmark of Varanasi city. During the evening aarti, devotees leave earthern lamps in the water to float creating a beautiful scene which is unmatched.