When you think of destinations on a Muslim's travel bucket list, the first places that often come to mind are Europe or the Middle East. But Asia, with its melting pot of rich cultures, sumptuous cuisines and diverse people, holds just as much excitement for the average Muslim traveller ?
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With no shortage of Muslim-friendly facilities, these 5 Asian destinations await your arrival with open arms, from their sprawling markets selling everything under the sun to their glittering neon lights ?
P.S. Visited any of these destinations before? Share your experiences and leave a review on our website to help out fellow Muslim travellers!
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1. Bangkok
Sawasdee-kap! Winning the title of the world's most popular tourist destination in 2016, Bangkok is a land of gorgeous, grand contrasts. Be awed by the grandeur of its gleaming golden palaces, co-existing next to vast shopping malls and markets you can never get enough of!
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Indulge in a bit of retail therapy and lose yourself in the endless rows of stores in Bangkok's Central World: the tenth largest shopping mall in the world. You'll definitely leave with arms full of shopping bags once you're done here!
In the midst of all that shopping, you can even drop by one of Central World's two (yes, TWO!) prayer rooms to perform your daily prayers ?
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But if you prefer a touch of local authenticity to your shopping escapades, wander through one of Bangkok's many street markets, where you can bargain-hunt to your heart's content.
Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety of street markets to choose from? Read our guide to the 10 best street markets in Bangkok!
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Whether you're planning your first, second or third trip here, you'll never run out of things to see, do, or eat, so be sure to check out our website for all the yummiest Muslim-friendly eateries, nearby prayer spaces and attractions in Bangkok! ?
2. Seoul
A visit to the home of K-pop and K-dramas is a must, even if you're not a fan of Korean pop culture! From the tranquil grounds of its age-old traditional Korean palaces to the futuristic curves of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, there's something here for everyone ?
Calling all shopaholics! You're in for a treat when you visit Dongdaemun, the largest shopping district in Seoul, which is open all day and all night! Wholesale stores here operate through the night, while the retail malls burst with customers during the day.
If you're still not satisfied, you can always visit these 8 shopping hotspots in Seoul (with Muslim-friendly food nearby!)
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You can't miss out on some authentic halal Korean cuisine while in Seoul. Head over to Eid Sit down for a steaming bowl of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), tender beef bulgogi, and (of course) the all-important kimchi!
#HHWT Tip: Seoul's Itaewon neighbourhood has the highest number of halal and Muslim-friendly eateries, along with the huge Itaewon Central Mosque so don't forget to explore the area before you leave!
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Planning to visit Seoul? Check out the yummiest Muslim-friendly eateries, prayer spaces and attractions only on our website! ?
3. Tokyo
Whether you're hurrying through the bustling Shibuya Scramble or strolling through the vibrant pink flower fields admiring the scenic views of Mount Fuji, Tokyo will have you falling head over heels for her beauty ?
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Be sure to pay a visit to the stunning Tokyo Camii Mosque, Japan's biggest mosque located right in the Shibuya district. Have a taste of Turkey right within the heart of Japan: the mosque's gorgeous Turkish architecture is bound to take your breath away!
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And who can forget the juicy goodness of halal yakiniku? Savour the best of halal Japanese grilled meat at Gyumon, one of Japan's most popular eateries both amongst locals and tourists alike! What's more, it's located just a short 10 minute walk from Shibuya Station.
Need more ideas on where to get halal Japanese meat in Tokyo? Check out these 4 muslim-friendly eateries in Tokyo that every meat-lover must visit!
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Disclaimer: The meat used at Gyumon is halal, however, alcohol is served, so dine at your own discretion ?
If you're still unsure about what to see, where to eat or where you can pray here, check out our website for the top attractions, muslim-friendly eateries and nearby prayer spaces in Tokyo!
4. Osaka
No visit to Japan is complete without a visit to Osaka, the foodie paradise of Japan. Travel back in time when you step into the ancient Osaka Castle, and join the locals milling around in the beautiful park surrounding the castle afterwards ?
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Osaka comes into its own at night, so don't miss out on a walk through the vibrant, lively streets of the Dotonbori district! The sheer amount of neon lights, sounds, aromas and activity is sure to be an experience you won't soon forget.
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Don't forget to snap a picture of the iconic Glico man in the heart of Dotonbori! Few things embody the spirit of Osaka itself than the brightness and radiance of the neon signs at Dotonbori itself ?
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The next time you're in Osaka, why not save yourself the time and hassle of planning and use our ready-made 5D4N Muslim-friendly Osaka itinerary? ?
If you prefer to have more freedom in planning, though, we've made things easier for you on our website, so check out the top Muslim-friendly eateries, prayer spaces and attractions in Osaka!
5. Kyoto
The cultural heart and soul of Japan, there's truly no place quite as unique as Kyoto. With its well-preserved grand temples and traditional Japanese houses dotting the city, you'll surely feel as though you've stepped into the scene of a period drama! ?
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It can be pretty overwhelming for first-time visitors to Kyoto to decide which sites to visit first, because of the sheer number of things to do! Don't worry, though, we've got you covered with our first-timer's guide to navigating Kyoto like a pro.
Be amazed by the gleaming exterior of the Kinkakuji Temple, or pay a visit to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and wander through the infinite rows and rows of bright orange tori! ?
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One of the most pleasant experiences to have in Kyoto is simply to walk through the neatly arranged traditional Japanese houses in Kyoto's Gion district, which are all so quaint you'll end up wanting to snap pictures every corner you turn.
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With so much to see in so little time, be sure not to miss on anything and check out our website for the best attractions, eateries and prayer spaces in Kyoto!
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So now you know that there's no need to go all the way to Europe to have a fun-filled vacation: Asia holds something for every type of traveller, shopper, and foodie. So what are you waiting for? Book those flight tickets right now! ?
If you've visited any of these destinations before, remember to leave a review on our website and tell fellow Muslim travelers all about your experiences ?