When I started the series about the best places to spend each month in Asia, I never realized just how much fun I would have documenting it. The process has helped me cross paths with a number of travel experts and with each post that I publish, I find myself gaining a deeper insight into the criteria that everyone puts down for their ideal travel destination.
This post is dedicated to the best places to spend July in Asia and as usual we have reached out to a multitude of travel bloggers. I am happy to say that many of them reached back with their suggestions that I will pen down in just a bit.
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Table of Contents
Should The Monsoons Stop You From Spending July In Asia?
I do want to add a few points before we start talking about all the great places that you can spend July in Asia. July falls smack within the monsoon season in many countries. Particularly if you look at south east Asia. A lot of people think that traveling to these countries during this season is a no – no. Shawn and I have never been dissuaded by it.
We do however check the weather forecast and try to travel at the start or the end of the monsoons. This means that we get to see the country in a different aspect and the bonus is it is usually not peak season. The weather is cool, and the showers of rain are lesser and more scattered.
There are however a couple of countries which do not have cloud bursts over their heads in July. These too make ideal locations to visit. At the end of the day, keep an open mind and head to the place that calls out your name the loudest.
China
Not a lot of people talk about visiting China. It just so happens that while many parts of the continent are being lashed by the monsoons, China isn’t. This makes it a pretty great location to spend July in Asia.
1. Shanghai
Shanghai is a gorgeous place to spend July in Asia.
LOCATION: Shanghai
GETTING THERE: Direct flights go to Shanghai Pudong Airport from all over Asia, Europe and Australia, and then it’s an easy train ride (on the world’s fastest train!) into the city. The city is also connected to the rest of the country by rail.
You can reach Shanghai from Beijing on a 13 hour modern overnight sleeper train or a five hour bullet train, and it has connections to most other major Chinese cities as well.
WHERE TO STAY: Shanghai is a huge city, meaning that there are plenty of accommodation options! To be in the heart of the action, choose a hotel near the Bund, or for some of Shanghai’s colonial charm, stay in the French Concession.
I highly recommend Phoenix Hostel for any backpackers or budget travellers; it’s one of the best places in China to meet other travellers, as it has a great bar and restaurant and nightly activities. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the staff are really knowledgeable and helpful with everything you might want to know about the area.
With futuristic buildings, a unique history, and delicious food, there are lots of reasons why Shanghai is a must on many people’s China itinerary. The country’s biggest city enjoys a gentler climate than the rest of China, with warmer winters and cooler summers, thanks to its geographical position near the coast.
July has temperatures of around 25-30 degrees (very different to the sweltering 40 that Beijing often experiences!) and normally has a gentle breeze, making the busy city seem a lot cooler and refreshing. Summertime also sees longer days in Shanghai, with it staying light until around 7:30 pm – so it’s perfect to explore the city by day and night.
By Claire from Claire’s Footsteps
India
A lot of people are dissuaded about visiting India during this month but in my opinion, India is a pretty magical place to spend July in Asia. I guess, it largely depends on what you are looking for. The monsoons may put a damper on the mood in some places, the sea is definitely uninviting, but the surroundings turn a lush green that you don’t see at other times.
If you meander out into the villages, you will find that the country slips into a peaceful trance. The lack of tourists is certainly another draw. My favourite location in the country at this time is definitely the western Ghats.
2. The Deccan Plateau
The Deccan Plateau in India is a great place to spend July in Asia.
LOCATION: The Deccan Plateau in Maharashtra
GETTING THERE: Most people take their own vehicle to get to the different parts of the plateau.
WHERE TO STAY: Pune is the perfect city since it is situated on the plateau and has hikes in all directions from the city.
Deccan plateau in Maharashtra, India is heavenly in the monsoon season. There are numerous hikes in the mountains that come alive with green forests and thousands of waterfalls. Monsoon hikes have always been very popular among the college going youth of Pune. Students miss college to head to the mountains, even if it means getting in trouble.
Pune has many trekking outfitters, but one can just as easily go on their own. Some outfitters arrange village stays and multi-day hike in in the mountains during monsoon. Some of the favorite places to hike or just visit for a day are Sinhagad fort, Pratapgad fort, Tikona fort, Mulshi dam, Lonavala, Khandala, Tamini ghat, Bhinashankar, Lohagad, and Rajmachi trek.
Many of these places have ruins of historic forts that once guarded the kingdom from Muslim invaders. Today these mountains are popular for treks and also for authentic vegetarian Maharashtra food made by the villagers.
If you’re able to visit during the monsoon in July plan a trek or drive to any of these places and you’ll love it.
By Jyoti from Story At Every Corner
Indonesia
Indonesia is one of my favourite locations in South East Asia. I know that most people think about Bali when I say Indonesia but there are so many other destinations in the country that begged to be noticed! Not that Bali isn’t on our list because it is! If you are thinking of spending July in Asia, consider visiting one of the gorgeous islands that Indonesia has to offer.
3. Bali
There is a lot of fun to be had if you choose to spend July in Asia in Bali.
LOCATION: Bali is in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands. The Indonesian province is located in between Lombok and Java.
GETTING THERE: Bali is extremely easy to get to due to the influx of tourism and consistently good weather. The easiest transportation method is to arrive via plane at Ngurah Rai International Airport, just south of the capital Denpasar.
WHERE TO STAY: Where to stay in Bali will depend on the type of traveller you are. There are hordes of backpackers all over, luxurious retreats and simple Balinese villas throughout the country.
Personal preferences include Ubud’s Capella glamping tents or Bambu Indah for unique stays, Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort for an otherworldly surf retreat, and anywhere in Nusa Dua if you’re more into convenience and a resort feel. Top picks include St. Regis Nusa Dua and the Mulia.
While the majority of Asia may be covered in typhoons and torrential rains, Bali in July is quite the opposite. With an average of around 27C and consistently dry weather, it’s one of the best places in Southeast Asia to head for sun and sea.
Bali is the country’s only province that has a Hindu majority apart from the Muslim majority elsewhere. For this reason, it’s nicknamed “Island of the Gods” and is known as the spiritual centre of the country where tourism makes up 80% of the economy.
If you’re a surfer, then the south near Uluwatu is where you’d want to base yourself. If you aren’t into roughing it and are going with family in tow, resort-esque Nusa Dua is the best option. You can party all night long on the beach in Seminyak, have a work vacation in digital nomad paradise Canggu or explore Ubud’s hipster cafes and spiritual retreats.
The foodie scene is spectacular, especially in Ubud where there is a focus on sustainable and localised produce with health at the forefront of every meal. There is also a boom in Fourth Wave Coffee with focusing on sustainable production.
Bali indeed has something for everyone from monster treks up Mount Batur or Agung to more off-the-beaten-path areas and waterfalls in the north.
By Callan from Once In A Lifetime Journey
4. Flores
Flores is another great location to spend July in Asia.
LOCATION: Labuan Bajo / Komodo / Flores
GETTING THERE: Fly into Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo) airport from Bali or Jakarta. It takes just over an hour and is served by several budget airlines.
WHERE TO STAY: The further up the hill you stay, the better the views of the harbor and town. And the traffic’s quieter, too. Before heading out on a two-day boat tour we chose to stay at Villa Seiram Alam, a few minutes’ drive out of the main hustle and bustle of the town. The sunsets from our room were breath taking.
Most people fly into Labuan Bajo to visit the Komodo National Park and, if they’re lucky, see the famous dragons on either Komodo or Rinca Island. But the underwater world in the Park shouldn’t be missed, either.
The best diving is usually between April and October. But the pristine coral, teeming with fish in the crystal clear waters, is a sight to behold at any time of year. Don’t worry if you’re not a scuba diver as the snorkelling is almost as good. Especially when you get to swim alongside majestic manta rays at Manta Point!
We took a two-day trip on a boat, which included camping overnight on a secluded island and a visit to the pretty Pink Beach too. But if you’re looking for a longer dive holiday, it’s worthwhile checking out the liveaboard options on offer from one of the dive outfits you’ll find in town. Many people, on their return to Labuan Bajo, fly straight out. But Flores is a relatively small island and there’s lots more to explore.
Consider heading east to Kelimutu National Park where a dawn hike can afford you wondrous views over the colourful volcanic crater lakes. You can climb volcanoes such as Mount Inerie, explore jungle-clad mountains, laze on white-sand beaches and visit a myriad of remote traditional villages like Wae Rebo.
Indeed, Flores might be considered a less-trodden alternative to Bali. And it’s well worth a visit.
By Nicky from Above Us Only Skies
5. Karimunjawa Islands
Have you thought of spending your July in Asia in the lesser known Karimunjawa?
LOCATION: Karimunjawa islands
GETTING THERE: It takes a bit of sacrifice to get to Karimunjawa, but I promise, once you do, it will be worth it. The easiest way how to get to Karimnunjawa is to get to Yogyakarta. From there, you have to get to the harbor city called Jepara.
Often, most of the tours will pick you up around 11 PM in Yogyakarta and drive through the night to get to Jepara. It takes around 5-8 hours, and you will arrive at the harbour early in the morning (4.30 AM). Then, you need to take a ferry or speed boat to Karimunjawa Islands.
WHERE TO STAY: There are several accommodations on the biggest island of Karimunjawa islands, but we really loved Ayu hotel. They have authentic wooden huts with showers outside, and excellent breakfast. Not many people have heard about the Karimunjawa islands as they are not very well known and quite hard to reach.
Karimunjawa islands consist of 27 islands, and it is a real paradise. Make sure to drive around the island and stop at Ujung Gelam Beach. It is such a stunning place and I have never seen turquoise waters that bright and blue. However, our favorite thing to do was snorkeling and island hopping around the Karimunjawa islands.
We had a stop at The Gleyang island which is a true tropical paradise with turquoise water and perfect white sand beach. Our guide got us fresh fish and made us a tasty lunch. It is a full day trip with fantastic sunset views.
By Gigi from Beach Addicted
Japan
One of the countries that I have always wanted to visit and haven’t had the opportunity to is Japan. This gorgeous country that is famed for its food and its gorgeous landscapes, made it to our list of places to spend July in Asia. While the weather is still a bit tricky in the season, don’t scratch it off your list just yet because we have travel bloggers here who will tell you just how to get around that!
6. Kyoto
Kyoto in Japan is the perfect place to spend July in Asia.
LOCATION: Kyoto
GETTING THERE: Fly into Osaka and get the train to Kyoto / Train from Tokyo
WHERE TO STAY: Tomato Guest House is excellent for budget travellers and very close to the main train station
Kyoto in July is quite magical. Whilst July is the typhoon season in Japan, you may have a day of glorious sunshine or a day of cooling rain. Or some days you may have both sun and rain! Yet you will be grateful for the rain as it pierces the hot sticky summer air.
Furthermore, Kyoto in July is a wonderful time for photographers. Bamboo forests and little stone men covered in moss look even more enchanting with their bright green colors. Little droplets of water on fauna make for interesting images. The rain can also temporarily force some tourists inside. Therefore, if you are looking for some images without the crowds – bracing the rain is a great way to get that perfect Instagram shot!
There are many incredible things to see in Kyoto. There are over 1600 temples in the city and 17 UNESCO world heritage sites! It can be hard to choose what to see! If it is your first visit to Kyoto, you cannot miss the beautiful red tori gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji), Kyoto Castle, Arashiyama and the Gion Geisha district.
The monsoon season is in full swing in most places in Asia in July but that does not mean you cannot still enjoy visiting at this time of year! Kyoto in July is wonderful. Just make sure you do not mind getting a little wet during your visit to Kyoto!
By Anna from My Travel Scrapbook
Kyrgyzstan
There are so many countries in Asia that we haven’t had a chance to explore and every time we put together a list, we find ourselves yearning to head out to them. One of the countries that has captured our attention is Kyrgyzstan. It also made its way on to our list of great places to spend July in Asia.
7. Altyn Arashan
Altyn Arashan is another location that you should consider spending July in Asia.
LOCATION: Altyn Arashan
GETTING THERE: It’s a 14 kilometre trek from the village of Ak Suu near Karakol.
WHERE TO STAY: One of the yurt camps in the Altyn Arashan valley
Karakol in Kyrgyzstan is often seen as the outdoor capital of the country with a number of hiking trails and mountain sceneries within its reach. Aside from the numerous things to do in Karakol, you will find that one of the easiest treks from Karakol is to the beautiful Altyn Arashan valley famous for its hot springs and spectacular views.
The remote location of the Altyn Arashan village has preserved its authenticity and beauty. Because the road is so bad it is an adventure in itself to get there by jeep. Something that is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it is much better to hike the 14 kilometre trek from Ak Suu to the Altyn Arashan valley.
In winter only a few people stay at Altyn Arashan and it is in summer when the valley truly comes alive. Several kyrgyz nomads set up their yurt camps near the hot springs to welcome visitors. They can organize horseback riding trips or guided treks further up the mountains as far as Ala kul lake at 3000 meters.
In July as it gets pretty warm in the city of Karakol, Altyn Arashan is a nice respite from the summer heat. The 5 to 6 hour hike to get there is more than worth the effort. It is incredibly scenic and at the end you can relax your sore muscles in the hot springs surrounded by the most beautiful alpine meadows.
By Ellis from Backpack Adventures
Malaysia
Malaysia is probably the one country that I have found myself visiting time and time again. It hasn’t always been by choice because work has drawn us to its shores but the numerous interesting places in Malaysia, have kept us occupied and happy to return each time. Needless to say, I was happy that the country made it to our list of places to spend July in Asia.
8. Tioman Island
A fun spot to spend July in Asia is Tioman island.
LOCATION: Tioman Island, South China Sea
GETTING THERE: A ferry from Mersing. Depending on the tide and the general sea conditions, the trip takes about 1.5-2 hours.
WHERE TO STAY: There are plenty of accommodation options, with a dozen or more very chilled chalet sites and resorts located throughout the island.
The month of July is a good time to visit the islands off the east coast of the Malaysian Peninsula in the South China Sea, particularly Tioman Island. The northeast monsoon transforms this archipelago of cheap tropical islands into a desolate place from the end of October until the beginning of March. During this period many resorts are closed, and the region should be avoided.
Outside of these months, the island becomes a pleasant nature reserve surrounded by beautiful beaches, known for its coral reefs, dive sites, and shipwrecks. It is also a great snorkeling and surfing spot. During the month of July, the sun is shining, and the weather is pleasant all-round, making sunbathing and exploring the tropical rainforests a welcoming activity.
The beaches on the island are some of the best in this region and the rainforests that cover much of the interior is home to a number of waterfalls, and fauna that include monkeys, lizards, and butterflies.
On the east coast the Juara Turtle Project, a hatchery that protects the sea turtles found here, is an important learning activity of any visit. No visit to Malaysia is complete without a stop in the beautiful Pulau Tioman that has something to offer for every visitor.
By Rai from A Rai Of Light
Mongolia
Have you thought of Mongolia as a destination to spend July in Asia? To be honest with you, the country hadn’t crossed my radar till someone suggested adding it to the list. It made us wonder why we hadn’t considered the country before. The trans-Siberian rail journey however has always been on my list so maybe this wold make an ideal combination some time in the future.
9. Ulaanbaatar
Have you considered spending your July in Asia at UlaanBaatar?
LOCATION: UlaanBaatar
GETTING THERE: Fly into Chinggis Khaan International Airport, just 11 miles from the city centre. Alternatively, stop off in UlaanBaatar as part of a Trans Mongolian / Trans Siberian Railway from Irkutsk, Russia to Beijing, China.
WHERE TO STAY: Legend Hills Mongolia Guest House
The capital city of Mongolia, UlaanBaatar, is full of surprises. There are crumbling buildings aligned with modern, glass skyscrapers, traditional gers lying at the foot of imposing apartment blocks and tiny shops selling traditional Mongolian crafts next to global fashion chains. The capital hosts excellent, world class museums such as the National Museum Of Mongolia and the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art.
For something different, visit the intriguing, puzzle packed floors of the International Intellectual Museum. After wandering the impressive statues of the central Sukhbaatar Square, see the giant standing Buddha at the Gandantegchenling Monastery.
Don’t miss an evening trip to the brilliant Tumen Eke Ensemble. This musical evening is mesmerising; the highlight of the show is an incredible throat singing performance. For a fantastic view of UlaanBaatar climb to the top of the Zaisan Memorial on the edge of the city.
If you have any free time in UlaanBaatar head out to scenic Terelj National Park short drive from the city centre, visiting the enormous, metallic Genghis Khan Statue Complex on the way.
July sees the biggest festival in the Mongolian calendar – the Naadam festival. The centuries old festival is held all over the country every July with the largest gathering held in UlaanBaatar. People gather from all over Mongolia to compete in colourful displays of horseback riding, archery and wrestling.
By Sinead from Map Made Memories
Russia
Anyone who knows me, knows that I fell in love with Russia. Unlike Shawn, I only visited the country in the mid of winter and it is still one of my biggest regrets that I did not get to witness all the seasons in this gorgeous country. If I could spend July in Asia in Russia would I? Without a doubt I would!
10. Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is an intriguing place to spend July in Asia.
LOCATION: Lake Baikal (in Siberia in the far east of Russia)
GETTING THERE: Minibuses run regularly from Irkutsk to Listvyanka, a popular tourist town on the lake. Alternatively, take a ferry from Irkutsk to Listvyanka or to the small village of Bolshiye Koty
WHERE TO STAY: Baykal’skiy Domik Guest House in Listvyanka or Lesnaya 7 Hostel in Bolshiye Koty
As the oldest and deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal is one of the greatest attractions of natural beauty in Asia. Most visitors stick to the popular tourist town of Listvyanka, as it’s the most easily accessible town on the lake. But to really see the natural beauty of Baikal, I recommend heading a bit further afield. A fantastic way to experience the lake is by hiking the Great Baikal Trail, which connects Listvyanka with a couple of much smaller and quieter villages further along the lakeshore.
Since this is Siberia, after all, the hiking season is extremely short, so July is one of the few months of the year when it’s possible to hike the trail. Of course, you could also come in the depths of winter to see the lake when it’s frozen over, but that would be a completely different experience!
The hike from Listvyanka to Bolshiye Koty, a tiny village with fewer than 100 inhabitants, is about 25 kilometers long. You will need to arrange a permit before setting out, but this is inexpensive and easy to obtain in Irkutsk or Listvyanka. The path heads into the forest for the first few kilometers and then follows the shoreline for the rest of the way. All along the trail, the scenery is spectacular.
By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
11. Singapore
Singapore is a popular place to spend July in Asia.
LOCATION: Singapore
GETTING THERE: Fly in to Singapore Changi Airport / Ferry from Batam/Bintan, Indonesia / Drive in from Malaysia via Johor Bahru
WHERE TO STAY: Shopping Paradise (Orchard Road Area / City Hall Area), Near Major Attractions (Marina Bay Area), and Nightlife (Clarke Quay Area) are great options.
Singapore is a little red dot country in Asia. They just below the south of Malaysia and north of Indonesia. They are the 3rd most densely populated country in the world.
Just behind Macau and Monaco. Singapore has a warm climate throughout the year and in July, the temperature ranges from 25°c to 32°c. July has also slightly lesser crowds compared to the previous 2 months: May and June.
A 5-6 days itinerary should be sufficient to cover the major attractions in Singapore. Places like Sentosa, Universal Studio Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, Botanic gardens and the Singapore flyer is a must-visit if you are planning to visit Singapore.
Singapore has recently commemorated the opening of a Shopping mall that is link to the 3 terminals at the airport. It is called the Changi Jewel. All your last-minute shopping can be done there. They also feature the world tallest indoor waterfall.
If you have the time, you really need to explore the hawker food centers in Singapore. Singapore has recently submitted their nomination to include the food hawker culture as a list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The must try food are Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chilli Crab, Bak Chor Mee (Minced Pork Noodle), Orh Luak (Oyster Omelette) and Durian (If you are adventurous enough to try).
By Don from Money Saving Daddy
Sri Lanka
As an Indian, I never really thought about visiting Sri Lanka. The excuse we gave was that the distance was so small that we could do it any time we wanted to. Then one fine day, we found ourselves with a long holiday.
We combined a couple days leave and headed out to spend two weeks in Sri Lanka. One of the travel bloggers suggested spending July in Asia in Jaffna or North Sri Lanka which is a part of the country we haven’t yet explored. One that we plan on heading back to see some day.
12. Jaffna
Jaffna is a cultural spot that you should consider spending July in Asia.
LOCATION: Jaffna
GETTING THERE: Catch a train from the capital Colombo or local buses from any of the northern region
WHERE TO STAY: The best way to experience the area is by staying in one of the many traditional guest houses
Though Sri Lanka does have quite a temperamental climate – with two monsoons seasons – July is when you’ll experience the best weather in the North. This is also one of the most exciting parts of the country to visit!
Unlike the rest of Sri Lanka, the majority of the population in Northern Sri Lanka are Hindu; differing from the Buddhists in the rest of the country. However, the culture blends itself into a beautiful hybrid, picking up some of the best qualities from both groups of people and making unforgettable travel experiences.
Travel through Northern Sri Lanka and you’ll find an unexplored land filled with an incredible variety of Buddhist and Hindu temples, probably one of the most mouth-watering cuisines you’ll find around the world and a culture of people who are so welcoming you’ll never want to leave.
Jaffna is known as the capital of Northern Sri Lanka and is a great base for any trip to the region. Of some of the travel highlights you definitely shouldn’t miss Jaffna Fort or exploring the Jaffna Peninsula. You can’t rent a motorbike and spend days discovering distant islands, windswept temples and sandy sunsets that melt into the horizon.
A visit in July will give you the best weather conditions possible (as long as you don’t mind the heat!). Rain won’t be an issue at all, and you can cool down with a fresh coconut if the heat starts getting to you!
By Josh and Sarah from Veggie Vagabonds
Thailand
Everyone loves Thailand. The tasty food, the friendly people and the gorgeous landscapes. Whether it is white sand that you crave or mountains covered with forests, Thailand has it all. Thailand also happens to be a great place to spend July in Asia. Take a look at the locations in the country that made it to our list.
13. Chiang Mai
Exploring temples and mountains is a great way to spend July in Asia.
LOCATION: Chiang Mai
GETTING THERE: Chiang Mai has its own international airport (Code is CNX) and from there takes about 15/20 minute drive to get you into the heart of the city. Alternatively, you could take an 11 hour bus ride from Bangkok (Thailand’s capital city) which usually costs around 800 Thai Baht.
WHERE TO STAY: The Old City of Chiang Mai is the main place for budget travellers / backpackers and accommodation is in abundance here.
Santitham is a lesser-known neighborhood of Chiang Mai and somewhere definitely worth exploring. I stayed in Santitham during the whole month of July and it was by far the best decision I made because the area is residential for locals, has lots of tasty street food and is considerably cheaper. Plus, Santitham is just 10 minutes away from the old city and highly accessible.
If you’re going to visit just one place in Thailand during July, make it Chiang Mai. July is the perfect time to explore this historical, unique city in the Land of Smiles. It is classed as ‘rainy season’ during July so when it rains, it pours, but the sudden showers last about 10 minutes and the sky clears up again. The humidity isn’t as intense as other parts of the year and you still get ample opportunities to sunbathe and walk around the city without getting too hot!
While visiting Chiang Mai, be sure to check out a local Muay Thai fight or visit an ethical Elephant Sanctuary (this requires extensive research beforehand).
Found in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai has distinct differences from the Southern islands, including that the North doesn’t have the beaches that the South does. What Chiang Mai lacks in oceanic nature, however, it makes up for in scenic mountains that you can take hikes, find waterfalls and visit majestic temples at sunrise.
If you’re just looking to relax in a laidback city bursting with culture, the best way to experience Chiang Mai would be through eating street food. And it’s found on every corner. The unique Thai dish that you cannot find outside of the North is Khao Soi. In addition, there are lots of meals to try and the flavours will have you planning your return trip for next July!
By Shireen from The Happy Days Travels
Uzbekistan
Have you ever thought of visiting Uzbekistan? The country has come up on my radar ever since I started doing this series. Interestingly, Uzbekistan has made its way onto many of the lists. It is also a great place to spend July in Asia.
14. Samarkand
Samarkand is a nice spot to spend July in Asia.
LOCATION: Samarkand
GETTING THERE: From Tashkent, the capital, it is possible to reach Samarkand by plane or by train.
Samarkand is a great place to visit in Asia in July, when the weather is hot and dry, and the spring crowds are gone. The city is one of the main tourist destinations in Uzbekistan, a relatively new country in Central Asia which once belonged to the ex-Soviet Union.
Samarkand is one of the most ancient cities of the world, with a very interesting history and an incredible heritage. Once part of the mythical Silk Road, the ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean, its inhabitants are for centuries used to the presence of travelers, that’s why they are very welcoming, always with a smile.
During the 14th century Samarkand was the city capital of the terrible Tamerlane, grandson of the mythical Genghis Khan thanks to his marriage with one of the Khan’s granddaughters. During Tamerlane’s kingdom, Samarkand was the center of all arts and crafts and many beautiful palaces, mosques and mausoleums for his family were built that we can still see today.
The most impressive sight is however, the Registan square. This huge and impressive square was the center of ancient Samarkand and it is bound by 3 religious buildings. While in Samarkand don’t miss to try its regional cuisine, with main dishes such as the pilaf.
By Elisa from World in Paris
Have you spent July in Asia? Which location did you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
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Ashley
Saturday 1st of February 2020
I agree with Chiang Mai for Thailand to visit. There are tons of great tips and some I've been to and others I hope to visit. Thank you for the tips.
Emma
Saturday 1st of February 2020
So many beautiful places! I'm hoping to be in Asia in July this year, so I'm bookmarking this for later!