Top 5 Non-Capital Asian Cities

When travelling abroad, most people will usually start their journeys in capital cities. It makes sense. The airport is there, there is always lots to do and see and you can always find somewhere good to eat. But, capital cities are often just a tiny snippet of what a country has to offer. There is often just as much, if not more, excitement to be had in non-capital cities as there is in capitals.

If you’re ready to leave the chaos of the capitals behind and embark on a bit of an adventure then take a look at the following list of non-capital Asian cities and prepare to be inspired.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Imagine the exact opposite of Bangkok and you might start to get an idea of what Chiang Mai is like. Quiet, peaceful and filled with gleaming temples, Chiang Mai is the perfect retreat for weary travellers. Here you will be able to spend your days strolling through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds at your own leisurely pace. In the evenings there are plenty of bars with live music where you can while away some hours away before heading back to your hotel.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City feels like a capital – especially when compared with Hanoi, the current capital of Vietnam. This is mainly because it was the capital of Vietnam for a while before it was usurped by Hanoi. Nevertheless, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as it is also known) is a vibrant metropolis that will give you a great insight into modern Vietnamese culture. Be sure to take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels while you’re there and pay a visit to the War Remnants Museum for a bit of historical context to the city.

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Infinitely better than the sprawling mess that is Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, Kandy is by far the best city in Sri Lanka. Its number one attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, which has gained international fame for being reputed to contain within it a relic of the tooth of Buddha. However, there is plenty more here than just the temple. Visitors can spend their time picking out beautiful fabrics in the local markets or strolling around the sparkling Kandy Lake.

Mumbai, India

A complete world away from New Delhi – the capital of India – Mumbai is a slice of modernity in an otherwise traditional and spiritual country. While tuk tuks still whizz along the roads at quite an alarming speed, the chaos in Mumbai seems much more manageable than that of other large Indian cities. Home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, dozens of silver stores and a rocky coastline, your trip to India would incomplete without spending some time in Mumbai.

Shanghai, China

Nowhere in the world is as crazy as Shanghai. With 25 million people it is the most populous city in the world and the second you get there you will feel its unique energy. Highlights of this Chinese megacity are the Shanghai Tower, the Yu Garden and the Pudong skyline. The Bund is also a place worth visiting as it sits along the waterfront of the city and is generally considered to be the heart of Shanghai.