Expectation vs. reality: Asia’s hottest tourist spots

LAST week, a “rooftop” swimming pool in a Vietnamese hotel went viral for all the wrong reasons.

The tweet picked up traction and netizens soon jumped on the “expectation vs. reality” bandwagon.

What ensued was a series of tweets from other travelers showcasing similar swimming pool disasters.

At least your pool had water in it! ??? pic.twitter.com/jQ33w29XNf

— Michael Brown (@mbrownboy) May 17, 2018

Thankfully for Booking.com and the hotel involved, Jenny and her friends saw the funnier side of it and decided not to complain.

But it still doesn’t change the fact that what you expect can turn out to be disappointingly different.

It’s not just hotel pools that can result in frowns and underwhelming reactions. Some of the world’s most loved, visited and iconic landmarks can also offer up bitter realities.

Social media has undoubtedly created unrealistic expectations of these iconic places.

Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook have contributed to false representations of the beauty, grandeur, history or culture of these places.

When people do manage to take an outstanding photograph of a destination – edited, filtered and enhanced – many people would want to see that specific place.

This only fuels a #FOMO (fear of missing out) among eager travelers, which then creates a mass exodus of people to a destination.

Here are some examples of well-planned, impeccably-timed photos in comparison to what the average traveler will experience.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Expectation

A post shared by Paula & Borja ⋆ Travel couple↞ (@unviajede2) on May 17, 2018 at 12:42pm PDT

vs.

Reality

A post shared by Edü Denali (@edu.denali) on Apr 22, 2018 at 11:38am PDT

Taj Mahal, India

Expectation

NamaSLAY from India, and sorry not saree for the endless pun potential ???? The second most populated country in the world needs no introduction, because you’ve read her story and sang her song. The spectrum of life exists in all forms here, as ornamental architecture is juxtaposed with extreme poverty as most will turn a blind eye to. But you must take this country in doses, because she overwhelms, humbles, and teaches every day. There are no words that’ll prepare you for the absolute assault of the senses you’ll experience in India, and it’s the most enriching feeling to both test your comfort zone and ignite your inner-child in the same breath. You see, India isn’t for everyone. But it IS for anyone who wants to see beauty in both the obvious and beyond the surface-level details. I was slapped in the face by the scents of the spice market, but caressed like a newborn by the smiles of the locals. They stared at me with looks of adoration and I took close to 50 selfies at the Taj Mahal alone. My friend, visibly disturbed, began shielding my face with an umbrella when he noticed the stares of some to linger a bit too long. But I explained how I really didn't mind it. Here I was, bringing my chocolate @%$ to someone else’s country in all my black girl magic, glitter, and gold, so yes, I expect no less than a dozen broken necks. So stare or take a picture, because this melanin is magic ?? I'm a cultural chameleon, and I both blend in and stand out everywhere I go. But seriously, I feel so privileged to be here, and I’m humbled by the kindness and warmth I’ve been received with. I’m a solo traveler at heart, but being here with my dear friend @DakotaAdan is how I’m able to capture these endless memories and experience travel’s highest of highs in just a corner of this pale, blue dot we inhabit. India's heritage is their glory and its colors are their weapon. My eyes have been treated to the deepest hues of the rainbow, and I will never look at colors the same again. So… is India on YOUR bucket list? Check my stories for all the madness we got up to in the first 48 hours! Photo, Hand, & Body Guard Credit | @dakotaadan

A post shared by Glo | TheBlogAbroad.com (@glographics) on May 20, 2018 at 5:52pm PDT

vs.

Reality

Another one ticked off the bucket list ?? #tajmahal #agra #batemansontour #india #travelindia

A post shared by Georgia Bateman (@georgialbateman) on May 20, 2018 at 7:42pm PDT

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Expectation

Koh Lao La Ding, un paraíso escondido ? ?: @angd22 Sigue a @quierotailandia para descubrir más! . . . . #thailand #phuket #kohsamui #krabi #pattaya #bangkok #chiangmai #tropical #island #islandlife #paradise #amazingview #beachlife #beach #beachday #beaches #wanderlust #igtravel #instatravel #travel #scenery #fantastic_earth #awesomeearth #bestvacations #natureza #nature_perfection #phiphiisland #phiphi

A post shared by Quiero Tailandia (@quierotailandia) on May 19, 2018 at 12:54pm PDT

vs.

Reality

on Feb 1, 2018 at 4:03am PST

Forbidden City, China

Expectation

A post shared by godianogodsi (@godianogodsi) on May 21, 2018 at 12:12am PDT

vs.

Reality

Mar humano #forbiddencity #beijing

A post shared by Eduardo Brethauer (@eduardo_brethauer) on May 20, 2018 at 6:06am PDT

Great Wall of China, China

Expectation

Great Wall of China Follow @mysticalvoyage Photo credit goes to @halzaim . . . #greatwall #greatwallofchina #greatwallchina #greatwalladventure #travelchina #chineseadventure #chineseadventures #discoverchina #explorechina #china #chinatravel #chinatrip #chinaadventure #adventuretravel #chinesetrek #backpackerlife #backpack #backpacking #chinabackpack #chinabackpackers #greattrip #greattravel #greatplace #greatadventure #greatexplorer #greattravels #travels

A post shared by Rob the Traveler (@mysticalvoyage) on Dec 22, 2017 at 5:56am PST

vs.

Reality

on May 20, 2018 at 5:07am PDT

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Expectation

?‍♀️ #? @roxanne_yoga #gardensbythebay #supertrees #visitsingapore #yoga

A post shared by Gardens by the Bay (@gardensbythebay) on May 17, 2018 at 5:30pm PDT

vs.

Reality

A post shared by Ryan Poloway (@ryanpoloway) on May 20, 2018 at 11:36am PDT

Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Japan

Expectation

Exploring 10,000 Tori gates with @jlinhh ______ Each gate has been donated by a company or organization giving thanks for their prosperity and in hope of good fortune in the future. ______ ?: @andreweggers

A post shared by Andy To (@andyto) on May 20, 2018 at 8:49pm PDT

vs.

Reality

Long hike through the Thousand Gate Shrine

A post shared by Kate (@krw7454) on May 20, 2018 at 11:53pm PDT

Kuta, Indonesia

Expectation

Beautiful ? sunset #20180521 #bali #kuta #kutabeach #indonesia #beach #sunset #sunsetmadness #sunny #sunnyday #funday #travel #holiday #holidayfun #ink361 #cute #instagramers #instaselfie #instagood #instapic #instagood #shanghaiiger #awesome #bestoftheday #chill #chilling

A post shared by XIAO (@shadow_of_eris) on May 21, 2018 at 1:22am PDT

vs.

Reality

A post shared by Imade Agus Yudana (@bali_best_driver) on May 21, 2018 at 1:32am PDT

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Source: travelwireasia.com