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Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Korea Herald
Step Into Adventure: Agoda's Guide to Asia's Top Cities to Explore on Foot
SINGAPORE, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda invites travelers to lace up their walking shoes and discover the charm of Asia's most stroll-worthy cities. From cobblestone streets to scenic riversides, Agoda's list of Asia's top cities to explore on foot celebrates destinations where pedestrian-friendly streets, compact layouts, and clusters of attractions make walking the ideal way to experience the local culture. Walking through a city is more than just a way to get around. It's a journey of discovery that engages all five senses. Whether it's the aroma of street food wafting through the air, the chatter in bustling markets, or the intricate details of historic architecture, exploring on foot allows travelers to experience the rhythm of daily life, discover hidden corners, and fully engage with their surroundings. Agoda has rounded up seven destinations across Asia where walking isn't just an option—it's the best way to experience the heart and soul of the city: 1. Hanoi, Vietnam: A Stroll Through Time in the Old Quarter Hanoi's Old Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets brimming with history and culture. French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant street markets create a dynamic backdrop for exploration. The area's pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to wander and discover local delicacies like Pho and Bánh mì from street vendors. The Old Quarter's charm lies in its ability to surprise, with hidden cafés, serene pagodas, and bustling markets around every corner. 2. Kurashiki, Japan: Canal-Side Serenity in Okayama Prefecture Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture is a compact, flat area that is a dream come true for those who love leisurely strolls. The picturesque canals lined with weeping willows and traditional white-walled kura (storehouses) create a tranquil atmosphere. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Ohara Museum of Art, while shoppers can browse handmade crafts. Walking through Kurashiki feels like stepping into a postcard, with every corner offering a picture-perfect view. 3. Chiang Khan, Thailand: Riverside Charm in Loei Province Nestled along the Mekong River, Chiang Khan is a quaint town located in northeastern Thailand that's best explored on foot. Its famous pedestrian-friendly walking street, Chai Khong Road, is a car-free stretch lined with well-preserved wooden shophouses, cozy guesthouses, quirky cafés, and local boutiques. In the evenings, it transforms into a lively night market with street food, handicrafts, and live music. Visitors can also experience the serene Buddhist ritual of giving alms to monks at dawn, a photogenic and peaceful tradition. Don't forget to catch the sunrise over the Mekong for a truly magical experience. 4. Melaka, Malaysia: A Fusion of Cultures in a UNESCO-Listed Old Town Melaka Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that's compact, flat, and ideal for a walking tour. The city's rich history as a trading port is reflected in its diverse architecture, from Dutch colonial buildings to Chinese shophouses. Attractions, museums, cafés, and shops are clustered together, making it easy to wander on foot. Jonker Street and the surrounding heritage area are car-free on weekends, ensuring a safe and enjoyable walking experience. Shaded walkways, riverside promenades, and historical sites add to the charm of this culturally rich destination. 5. Pondicherry, India: A French Connection Pondicherry's French Quarter is a walker's paradise, with its grid-like street layout, pastel-colored colonial buildings, and tree-lined avenues. The seaside promenade, Goubert Avenue, is closed to vehicles in the evenings and early mornings, offering a peaceful space for pedestrians to stroll or relax by the sea with views of the Bay of Bengal. The city's relaxed vibe, with less traffic and noise compared to many Indian cities, makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy exploring on foot. 6. Gyeongju, South Korea: A Walk Through History Known as "the museum without walls," Gyeongju's historic city center is a treasure trove of historical sites, making it perfect for walking. The main attractions, including Tumuli Park, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, are all within walking distance of each other. The city's well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and scenic walking paths make it easy to explore on foot at a leisurely pace. 7. Taipei, Taiwan: The Emerging "15-Minute City" Cited by The Economist as an emerging "15-minute city," Taipei offers wide sidewalks, clear signage, and shaded boulevards for the perfect city adventure, complete with an efficient MRT system that connects walkable hubs seamlessly. Highlights include Da'an Forest Park, Yongkang Street's food scene, the historic Dihua Street in Dadaocheng, and the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park loop. Scenic riverside bikeways and walkways add another layer of accessibility and beauty to the city. Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, "Walking is such a simple yet rewarding way to explore a destination. It's about letting the world unfurl around you, noticing the little things, and really soaking in the atmosphere of a place. At Agoda, we love to help travelers find places where they can wander, get lost, and make memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're strolling through Hanoi's Old Quarter or catching the sunrise in Chiang Khan, we've got the stays and activities to make your trip unforgettable." With Agoda's extensive offerings of over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, travelers can easily plan their next walking adventure. Visit or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals and seamless booking options.
Buzz Feed
20-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
20 Restaurant Experiences That Disappeared
Restaurants have changed a ton over the last few decades. Everything from the food to the decor to dining culture itself has evolved in ways new generations might never realize once existed. If you've ever wondered what restaurants used to be like, you're in luck. A few weeks ago, Tasty readers took a trip down memory lane and shared the restaurant experiences they had in "the good old days," and it's giving me a serious case of secondhand nostalgia. Here's what they had to say: "As a kid, I remember all the adult meals came with a side salad. And most importantly, those salads came with croutons and a pack of crackers. The croutons and crackers the adults didn't want were my original appetizers!" "The first thing that would happen once you were seated in the restaurant is that the waitress would come to the table with a glass of ice water for each diner at the table, then ask everyone for their drink order. You also got a napkin, a knife, a fork, and a spoon. Nowadays, you're lucky to get more than just a fork." "Just the quality and taste of the food was better. Now the food looks and tastes like frozen microwave dinners." "I would love to walk into a Pizza Hut again with the brick walls and the glass lights hanging down. It was such an atmosphere." —ChihuahuaMom "Oh my god, Ponderosa used to have student nights where you could go to their buffet for under $10. During college, my friend and I used to not eat the entire day, hang out with our good friend 'Mary,' and then eat there. We normally wouldn't even want to eat the next day. Great deal." "I miss the three silver containers that came to the table that had sour cream in one container, butter in another, and chives in the other. I also miss apple dumplings from Wendy's." "I remember going to the A&W drive-thru. They would bring your food out in roller skates, and the root beer was in real glasses: big ones for adults and little ones for kids." —Heather, 57, Ohio "There used to be a completely separate area labelled for truck drivers at truck stop restaurants, and they gave a truckers discount as well (and they had smoking or non-smoking sections, too). This was only in the US, though. Canada never had that." "KFC used to have a buffet! It was amazing home-cooking-style country food like beans, biscuits, gravy, and mashed potatoes." "I miss the way McDonald's restaurants USED to be. Many of them were often uniquely decorated to reflect the city in which they were located. When we traveled when I was younger, we would often see a McDonald's that had different decor than any other we had ever been to. And Ronald McDonald and his friends were often a colorful presence." "Now, McDonald's restaurants all look alike, with nothing to really tell them apart from each other. I find that really sad, since the McDonald's of my childhood were COOL!"—jomariem "It used to be easy to find a nice Chinese-style food restaurant that was not a buffet with menu items like Flaming PuPu Platter, Happy Family, Phoenix and Dragon, and an extensive drink menu. You would all order one dish apiece, which you could share with your dinner mates." "Personally, I miss restaurants with crayons and coloring page menus or other little games for kids. A lot less annoying to see kids busy with those, instead of on a tablet without headphones." —sportypear867 "The Little Caesars in Kmart is the only time Little Caesars has been good. It must have been something special in those little kitchens." "If they brought back an old video game that takes one quarter to play, like Centipede, Asteroids, Defender, or Pac-Man, there would be people on that machine all night long. I stopped playing them when they came out with games costing more than a quarter that only last for a couple of minutes." "Parsley was put on plates as a garnish. It's a natural breath cleaner that you can chew on to remove any bad breath or taste from whatever you ate at dinner. I discovered that working in a Chinese restaurant. Pretty cool." —Gerry, 72, Washington "They used to have kale as just a salad bar decoration. It was not meant to be eaten." "Instead of bread and butter, restaurants served WisPride cheese spread in a crock or ball covered in slivered almonds and an assortment of crackers." "I would kill for a great salad bar. Buffets in general these days just don't hit the same." —marvelousbubble "I miss having real maple syrup at the table. I miss real pepperoni on my pizza. I miss my Burger King beef patty coming fresh off the flame broiler and not from a stainless steel drawer. I miss when Arby's would steam their beef sandwiches." "I miss the lunch counters at department stores. Our dad used to take us girls to JCPenney's counter for cocoa after our Saturday morning dance lessons. My mom and I would stop into Rea & Derick (a drug store) for a cherry coke, and when we'd go to the mall with friends, we would go to the counter at McCrory and get their French fries. They were the best." —Blinky Bo Can you think of anything else that's changed about restaurants in the last few decades? Let us know in the comments, or fill out the anonymous form below! And if you're finding yourself craving the taste of your youth, download the Tasty app to browse everything from KFC-style fried chicken to salad bar-style salads — no subscription required.
Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Indian Express
Must-visit Southeast Asian countries for your next trip
Vietnam offers a blend of natural beauty, floating markets, ancient temples, and vibrant cities. Explore Ha Long Bay, Mekong River, and savor authentic Pho in Hanoi.
What's On
09-04-2025
- Business
- What's On
Why Vietnamese foodies' new brisket pho is a must-try
Sponsored: Slow-cooked, smoky, and seriously delicious… Pho lovers, this one's for you. Vietnamese Foodies' Australian Slow Cooked Brisket Pho takes the beloved classic to another level. The secret? Time. At the core of this dish is a 14-hour bone broth, slow-simmered to perfection for that signature rich and comforting depth. But what sets this one apart? The brisket. Sourced from Australia, it's slow-cooked for four hours – smoked, braised, and infused with just the right amount of umami. Every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender, balanced by fragrant spices, delicate rice noodles, and a fresh hit of herbs. It's familiar, yet something entirely new. A new chapter in Pho mastery Every element is carefully considered – silky rice noodles, fragrant herbs, and a smoky, umami-packed brisket that lingers long after the last bite. This is a dish that doesn't rush the process, and you can taste the difference. Where to try it For those who appreciate pho done right, this one is worth trying. The Australian Slow Cooked Brisket Pho is now available at all Vietnamese Foodies locations across Dubai. About Vietnamese Foodies What started as a single spot in JLT back in 2018 has turned into a citywide staple. Vietnamese Foodies, led by Co-Founder and Executive Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen, has grown from its first location to eight across Dubai, becoming a go-to for those craving fresh, authentic Vietnamese dishes. The menu is simple but satisfying. Think Pho, Banh Mi, Goi Cuon (rice paper rolls), and a variety of other classic Vietnamese dishes. Each location brings a taste of Ho Chi Minh City's street food scene, with a focus on fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and healthy, affordable meals. It's the kind of place that's easy to drop into for lunch or dinner, and you know you're getting something healthy yet delicious every time. Vietnamese Foodies, multiple locations. @ vietnamesefoodies Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
