This article is contributed by Trip101.com
Travelling with kids is an incredible experience for the whole family. Asia has the power to delight, entertain, and it really makes for a magical trip. Whichever country you’re in, you’ll find something that will put a smile on the face of mum, dad, and the kids. However, when you’re in a hot and humid environment, things can easily change!
Kids can get bored, parents can get irritable, and sometimes you need a little time apart to diffuse any tension. So, leave your kids in some reliable childcare and check out these 8 date ideas in Asia for less than $50 – which will hopefully take you back to right where it all began!
1. Tokyo – Marvel at The Art and City Views
Let’s start our cheap date list in one of the world’s most expensive cities (logical, right). Tokyo has more Michelin Star restaurants than any other city in the world, so a regular date like dinner and a movie is going to blow your budget out of the water. However, think a little outside the box and you can save yourself a pretty penny!
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Shibuya Hikarie gives you the experience of heading up one of Tokyo’s ultra modern skyscrapers, but you’re not just ascending to admire the view! The 8th floor of this building often has rotating exhibitions – most importantly they’re free, while the 11th floor offers jaw-dropping views of the city.
2. Taipei – Try a Weird Café
Taipei is another city where you going to struggle to find something cheap if you’re not a little creative with your thinking. However, instead of going to a fancy restaurant, why not try a quirky café – which Taipei has plenty of.
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Fall into the rabbit hole and experience a Mad Hatter’s tea party at the cool and psychedelic Alice is coming. There are teacup tables, Alice themed music, and lovely milkshake teas. Alternatively, try the sophisticated Wisteria Teahouse.
If you want to remember the days when you were young and immature, head to the Modern Toilet Café. Everything is toilet themed, from the food to the crockery. Downside is if the kids find out you’ve been here without them; they might get upset!
3. Bangkok – Tour The Night Market and Aeroplane Graveyard
Bangkok will give you a lot more bang for your buck compared to the Tokyo and Taipei, but it still pays to be creative when planning a date as there’s plenty you can experience in Bangkok that you can’t elsewhere in the world!
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One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok are night markets – but here’s one with a twist. Changchui Night Market is a creative hub with food trucks, cafes, tattoo parlours, and a vintage cinema – all centred around the carcass of an old aeroplane.
If that piques your interest, why not extend this with a trip out to the aeroplane graveyard in Hua Mak which anyone can explore!
4. Kuala Lumpur – Cool Off in a Waterfall
As we said in our intro, some parts of Asia can get hot and humid. This day date is perfect if you have the opportunity to put the kids in a safe and secure creche for the day.
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Chiling Falls are about an hour’s drive out of Kuala Lumpur and then another hour of hiking from the parking area. It’s a good idea to go in the morning so that you’re not overheating and uncomfortable on your hike!
Not only can you cool off in the waterfall, but this is also a great spot to see some natural wonders and wildlife too!
5. Johor Bahru – Go Potty Over Pottery
Sometimes having a bonding experience can remind you of something that might not be evident every day when it comes to balancing all your life responsibilities like the kids, work, and your family.
However, to rediscover that all you need to do is a cool activity together that will make you laugh and break a bit of ice and tension! Why not try a pottery class? Min Yue Pottery in Johor Bahru is an opportunity to re-create that famous scene from the movie Ghost – or just simply make your own pottery.
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Not only is it an unusual and fun date experience, you’ll have an unforgettable souvenir at the end of it!
6. Singapore – Indulge in a Michelin Star Dining Experience
We are pulling your leg, right? Having food that’s earned a Michelin Star for less than $50 is impossible. Well, what if we told you that you could have it for less than $5?! You still wouldn’t believe us?
Well, it just so happens that a Singapore noodle cart, HK Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, has earned a Michelin star for its $1.50 noodles. That means you can have exquisite food on your date for just $3, and be back to tuck the kids into bed.
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With all deals that sound too good to be true – there’s just one downside. Sometimes the queue for this place can be up to two hours long!
7. Hong Kong – Have a Picnic at Inspiration Lake
Hong Kong is another city where you can quickly find your costs spiralling out of control if you don’t keep a careful eye on stuff. You’ll probably have already been or are planning to take the kids to Disneyland, and you may have even passed Inspiration Lake without noticing.
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It’s time to head back there – just the two of you! Pack yourself a picnic with your favourite snacks (supermarkets are cheaper than restaurants by far) and unfurl your blanket by the lake. Head there in the evening for manageable temperatures and a romantic sunset stroll!
8. Hanoi – Witness The Water Puppet Theatre
An unusual date idea but a fun one that will enable you to learn more about an important Vietnamese cultural tradition.
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On the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake (which you can take a romantic stroll around after the show), you’ll find the Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre, where you can get a ticket for under $5. See famous tales of Vietnamese mythology and folklore re-enacted through the medium of water puppets, all to the backdrop of traditional and authentic music played on instruments like the Vietnamese monochord!
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