Asia

Travel Guide

Mount Fuji showing landscape views, mountains and snow
Khao Lak which includes a sunset
Halong Bay showing a coastal town, a gorge or canyon and rocky coastline
Taipei which includes a sunset, a city and city views
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall showing a waterfall

Experience new flavors, smells, sounds and vistas in this continent that offers everything from horse riding on the plains of Mongolia to swimming at Thailand’s beaches.

Stretched out between Turkey in the northwest and Singapore in the southeast, even reaching as far as eastern Russia, Asia is huge. As the world’s biggest and most populated continent, this is a place of endless possibilities.

It’s not just the affordable travel that makes Asia such a tourism hotspot. Its ancient history shines through in ruined forts and temples, its religions and rituals are as diverse as it gets and its eclectic cuisine is a feast for the senses.

Of course, what is means to discover Asia is different for everyone. For many, walking over theGreat Wall of China, stepping into theTaj MahalinIndia, or cycling among the moss-clad ruins ofAngkor WatinCambodiafeatures high on their bucket list.

Others are saving up for a photography course inSri Lanka, a yoga retreat in India or a foodie tour ofJapan. Meanwhile, the more adventurous types may dream of an eco-tour ofVietnam, tubing down a river inLaos, climbing a volcano inSumatraor even climbingMount EverestinNepal.

Some will look no further than lazy beach sessions on the stunning islands ofMalaysiaorThailand, which also happen to be great for scuba diving. And for those looking to party, there is always the nightlife inTokyo,Bali,BangkokandKoh Phanganto delve into.

Long-overlooked regions, such asTaiwan,South Korea, and the Caucasus region are now attracting hordes of curious travelers as well. Even poorer Asian nations such asCambodia,MyanmarandEast Timorare making the list and doing splendidly. It’s here that you can still find the authentic villages and a genuine curiosity towards visitors.

It’s worth noting that most “Westerners” experience a culture shock on their first trip to Asia, especially in vast countries such as India, China and the Asian part of Russia. Just prepare to be happily lost in translation, look for the beauty in the chaos and be sure to try something new every day.

Popular cities in Asia

Bangkok featuring a bridge, skyline and a river or creek
Bangkok
Known for Shopping, Castle and Temples
Get away to Bangkok! Enjoy the temples, monuments, and local cuisine.

Reasons to visit

  • Khaosan Road
  • Pratunam Market
  • Terminal 21 Shopping Mall
Kyōto which includes street scenes and a small town or village as well as a small group of people
Kyoto
Known for Temples, Culture and Gardens
Explore Kyoto: its temples, culture, castle, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Kiyomizu Temple
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Nishiki Market
Taipei which includes heritage architecture, theater scenes and a temple or place of worship
Taipei
Known for Dining, Shopping and Business
Get away to Taipei! Enjoy the museums, temples, and culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Taipei 101
  • Shilin Night Market
  • Ningxia Night Market
Shinjuku which includes a city
Tokyo
Known for Shopping, Temples and Urban
Escape to Tokyo! Enjoy its temples, museums, and parks.

Reasons to visit

  • Tokyo Skytree
  • Tokyo Tower
Osaka featuring a square or plaza, zoo animals and a city
Osaka
Known for Shopping, Dining and Castle
Trip time! Discover the castle, local cuisine, and aquarium in Osaka.

Reasons to visit

  • Universal Studios Japan
  • Dotonbori
Dongdaemun Market which includes shopping, interior views and markets
Seoul
Known for Shopping, Castle and Culture
Trip time! Discover the castle, culture, and museums in Seoul.

Reasons to visit

  • Myeongdong Street
  • Namdaemun Market