Hands up if you’re with us – the little ones are growing up way too quickly.
We wish time travel was a thing, but until it becomes a reality, here are 10 travel destinations to make the best memories on your next family holiday, from tribal villages and food heavens to unique festivals and more.
More on The Finder:
7 Unconventional Natural Attractions Near Singapore To Visit On A Budget
5 Private Island Getaways Near Singapore To REALLY Get Away From It All
1. Get down and dirty at a mud festival in Boryeong, Korea
Each July, the city of Boryeong, further south from Seoul, hosts the Boryeong mud festival, a great activity for families to let loose. Think mud obstacle courses, mud slides, and more; relax in the mud massage zone if you want to avoid the mud fights (but our advice: Start one!)
Don’t be afraid to swim in a mega mud tub – the mud is said to be rich in minerals and have beneficial health properties.
image
NEXT: Take a family road trip to Malaysia →
2. Take a family road trip to Malaysia
If you can’t spare the time for an extended holiday, even a day trip would suffice. The kids would love LegoLand, a resort with a water park, a city sculpted from Lego, and more, only an hour’s drive away from Singapore.
Then, stop by one of the hawker centres for a hearty meal. Hawker fare is cheap enough as it is, and to top it off, the brilliant exchange rate means you’re paying a third of what you would in Singapore.
See also: A Day Out: 7 Thrilling And Exciting Things To Do in Johor
image
NEXT: Visit Disneyland, an essential of every childhood, in Tokyo, Japan →
3. Visit Disneyland, an essential of every childhood, in Tokyo, Japan
4. Try Asia's best street snacks at Taiwan's night markets
You haven’t seen night markets until you’ve been to Taiwan’s Shihlin Night Market, a dazzling maze of booths peddling street food, local and international merchandise, quirky trinkets, fashion items, and more. If nothing else, go there for the food, particularly the pepper pork buns, oyster omelettes, and, for the adventurous, stinky tofu.
But if your kids are still little, hold tight, as it can get crowded – but that’s only testament to how amazing the market is!
image
NEXT: Get a taste of heritage in Siem Reap, Cambodia →
5. Get a taste of heritage in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. And one of the most beautiful, too – from its imposing grandeur down to each little detail carved in its walls, pictures do it no justice and you have to see it for yourself.
You’ll easily find tour guides around the temple who can fill you in on the rich history behind the temple for a small fee.
While in Siem Reap, explore the smaller temples and monuments as well, each brimming with its own history.
image
NEXT: Visit a village to experience the native way of life →
6. Visit a village to experience the native way of life
The Ifugao mountain people in Luzon, Philippines celebrate abundance and good harvest every April during what they call the Imbayah Festival, which tourists can attend.
The festival begins with a ritual opening and street parade, after which the Ifugao, donning full ethnic costumes, participate in cultural activities, traditional games like tug-of-war and wooden scooter races and more. It’s quite a sight to behold!
See also: 5 Unique Travel Destinations In Asia To Experience The Native Way Of Life
image
NEXT: Be enchanted by Bagan, Myanmar, from above →
7. Be enchanted by Bagan, Myanmar, from above
Tourism to Bagan wasn’t possible until only recently, after a long travel boycott was finally lifted.
This charming ancient city is home to more than 2,000 majestic temples and pagodas that stretch across the land. Most are amazingly preserved or have been restored by UNESCO, while the ruins sport their own kind of other-worldly beauty. Marvel at them from above in what’ll be the hot air balloon ride of your lifetime!
Pro tip: infrastructure is poor, so either plan comprehensively or book a tour package.
image
NEXT: Retreat back to nature in Bali, Indonesia →
8. Retreat back to nature in Bali, Indonesia
If you’re amazed at how much rice Asians eat as a staple in their diet, what’s even more amazing is where the rice comes from. Enter the stunning rice terraces in Bali.
Retreat back to nature with your kids who grew up with iPads – let them learn to appreciate the sublime beauty of nature that can’t be encompassed in pixels on a digital screen.
Want to kick back and relax? We haven’t forgotten Bali’s beaches either, obviously!
image
NEXT: Conquer the Great Wall in Beijing, China as a family →
9. Conquer the Great Wall in Beijing, China as a family
Ok, maybe not conquer the entire wall, because you know, it’s a dizzying 5500 miles (8850km) long, so set your own definition of “conquer”. It takes quite some determination to trek the distance, which makes for a great family bonding activity.
Beijing’s food is amazing as well, so keep your post-trek meal in mind as motivation!
image
NEXT: Get down and dirty at a mud festival in Boryeong, Korea →
