Too sleepy to go? A guide to five morning-exclusive food and wonder experiences

When traveling abroad, your daily itinerary might already be packed to the brim. But if you’re heading to places like Tokyo, Sabah, Hua Hin, Angkor, or Gyeongju and still can’t muster the willpower to leave your pillow and blankets behind—just wanting to sleep in—you’ll miss out on plenty of morning-exclusive foods and wonders that’ll leave you kicking yourself. Below, we’ll tell readers about must-do morning experiences when visiting these locations, so everyone can start their day with awe and gain a full dose of energy for the rest of the day.

When traveling in Tokyo, waking up early one day to enjoy the freshest nigiri sushi or raw fish rice breakfast at Tsukiji Market has long been a staple activity for many visitors. Known as the “Kitchen of Tokyo,” Tsukiji Market is the world’s largest fish market, handling an enormous volume of seafood daily. Aside from exploring the market itself, the many small eateries originally catering to market workers around the edges offer fresh and affordable food, making them a favorite among tourists. The neighboring Tsukishima district is also the birthplace of monjayaki (also known as Tsukishima-style okonomiyaki), and although it's a residential area, it’s home to numerous monjayaki restaurants where you can enjoy this nostalgic taste.

 

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Address: 4-10-16 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Transport: About a 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro

The Sukau area in Sabah is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting a rich abundance of native animals. Without even trying too hard, you’ll spot all kinds of primates, reptiles, and various bird species keeping an eye on you as you walk along the path. The Sukau area lies along the lower reaches of the Kinabatangan River, which stretches approximately 560 kilometers and is recognized as Malaysia’s largest wild ecological river basin. The most interesting part is taking a boat ride downstream along the Kinabatangan River at dawn, where you can observe the bustling activity of animals gathering along the riverbanks. The most eye-catching sights include the rare proboscis monkeys and the colorful tropical birds.

 

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Address: Road from Sandakan to Sukau (2.5-hour drive), 135 km in length including 42 km of gravel road passing through palm oil plantations, about 350 km (6 hours) from Kota Kinabalu

Transport: Boat ride takes about 1.5 hours (from Sandakan City to destination); by bus, take the Sandakan–Kinabatangan route and get off at Labuk Station

The formation of floating markets is actually similar to our traditional markets. In the past, waterways were the main mode of transportation in Thailand, so just like ox carts were used for markets in other Asian countries, boats were used for markets in Thailand. Transporting goods by boat was the fastest way to conduct trade. Although there are no large traditional Thai floating markets in central Bangkok anymore, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, located about 80 kilometers from Bangkok, is the most well-known site for travelers. Although the floating market opens early in the morning, due to its traditional Thai charm, it is very popular with tourists, and many vendors adjust their opening hours accordingly. It’s recommended not to have breakfast beforehand and arrive between 8:00–10:00 AM, when the most visitors are around and all the shops are open, fully showcasing the image of Thai river life. It’s suggested to take a small boat into the canal; just call out, and the boat will stop to let you trade with passing vendors. Each vendor will also kindly pass items between boats, offering a fun-filled experience of eating, drinking, shopping, and exploring.

 

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Address: Damnoen Saduak, Rajburi Province

Transport: About a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok city center; take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal and get off at Damnoen Saduak

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Address: About 6 kilometers north of Siem Reap City

Transport: Can take a tuk-tuk within Siem Reap or ask your hotel to arrange a car