Going to Asia is synonymous with a change of scenery. The continent is home to a wide variety of destinations. Given its vastness, but also its very different cultures, climates and landscapes, choosing where to go in Asia leads to a large number of possibilities. To choose the right travel destination, you need to know the main alternatives.
In this guide, we present the main countries and regions to visit in Asia. For each, we’ll discuss its main characteristics and why you should go there. For further information, particularly on where to stay, please refer to our dedicated articles.
Things you need to know
Before we get into where to go in Asia, here’s what you need to know about tourism.
Top destinations in Asia
We’re going to review and introduce you to the main places to go in Asia. For each, you can consult our dedicated guide for more information and advice.
India, chaotic and exotic
If you don't know where to go in Asia, this immense country boasts an incomparable wealth of culture and gastronomy. Indeed, India is a destination that many people want to discover.
The Taj Mahal is an obvious must-see. But also other historic monuments such as the Golden Temple, Mysore Palace, Mehrangarh Fort and the Ajanta Caves. If you're in search of nature, note that India boasts parts of theHimalayas, Ladakh and the Jim Corbett and Ranthambore national parks.
Don't miss the cities of Delhi and Jaipur, home to the Wind Palace and Amber Fort. But also Bombay, with its more historic side. A trip to India also allows you to discover the relaxation-oriented Goa. This region boasts beautiful beaches, paradisiacal horizons and fishing villages.
Food is also a must on a trip like this. You'll discover lentil dahl, tandoori chicken, cucumber raita, chicken tika massala, samoussas and naan.
A very poor country, and sometimes a divisive one because of this, accommodation is suitable for small budgets.
Southeast Asia, between temples and islands
South Asia is the place to be, if only for the splendor of its landscapes, culture and unique street food. Thailand, Vietman, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia: these destinations are rich in unsuspected treasures, and very popular with travellers. Going to this little corner of paradise means discovering :
- religious sites such as Angkor, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar or the Batu Caves in Malaysia
- Buddhist temples, including Pha That Luang in Laos and the colorful temples of Chiang Mai
- the various paradise islands of Thailand and Halong Bay in Vietnam or Phu Quoc, not to mention rice paddies and authentic towns like Hoi An.
- dynamic and attractive megacities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi or Kuala Lumpur.
On the program: street food and markets, water rides and visits to traditional monuments. All of these countries offer a cultural immersion experience, as well as beaches where you can relax and unwind. Don't hesitate to try local specialties such as pho, a Thai noodle soup, or bánh xèo, a typical Vietnamese pancake.
This is a very touristy part of Asia to visit. So we advise you to book your trip in advance, especially as prices are not very high, except in the most popular places.
A cultural change in Japan and South Korea
Another option for a change of scenery in Asia: Japan and South Korea. These two countries are surprisingly rich in monuments and sites that are a must-see. Immense cities, natural landscapes, traditional temples and immersion in a different culture await you.
Japan is a very pleasant place to visit, as its culture is completely different from that of the West. Its Japanese shrines are impressive, starting with Kyoto, with its many wonders: the Yasaka-jinja shrine, the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, famous for its torii, and the Kinkaku-ji shrine. The city of Tokyo, climbing Mount Fuji and visiting the castles of Hiroshima and Osaka are also must-sees. The Okinawa archipelago also attracts visitors for its seaside resorts.
South Korea is also a very interesting place to visit, between the highly developed cities of Seoul and Busan and the sublime rolling natural landscapes, notably Hallasan National Park, Jeju Island and Suncheon Bay. A country with a strong history, you can also discover the demilitarized zone or the city of Jeonju.
Street food is an absolute must on a trip like this. For a Japanese immersion, try sushi, ramen, tempura, onigiri and takoyaki, the latter being fish balls. In South Korea, it's more common to eat biibimbap, a mixture of vegetables and rice, gimbap, similar to maki, and bulgogi, a meat-based dish.
Depending on the region, prices can be affordable if you plan ahead. Japan does, however, have a reputation for high prices, especially in the big cities, where demand is strong during the high season.
Going to the Middle East, ancient treasure and new excess
An ancient region with a thousand years of civilization, the Middle East is a destination that combines ancient traditions, cultural treasures and relaxation in the sun. Travellers usually decide to spend a week in one place, but it's also possible to take a road trip to a single place for 2 weeks. The Sultanate of Oman is ideal for this.
From desert excursions to souk strolls, or even the discovery of historic sites, a trip to the Middle East is an experience not to be missed, if only to discover such must-sees as Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, the Dead Sea and Amman in Jordan. But also Jerusalem for its religious history and iconic sites, Tel Aviv for its atmosphere, the cities of Teheran andIsfahan in Iran, or Doha in Qatar.
The United Arab Emirates are also very much in vogue, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi experiencing exponential tourist growth. The luxurious Dubai is a city of excess, as evidenced by the Burj Khalifa. The Sultanate of Oman is also appreciated for its more authentic side, with fjords, castles and natural sites such as Wadi Ash Shab and Wadi Tiwi.
With its many coastlines, there are also some very beautiful beaches. The advantage is that you can visit while relaxing at the end of the day, as in Muscat. Note that the Red Sea is the best diving spot you'll find, notably at Aqaba in Jordan or Hurghada, just next door in Egypt.
With the exception of the big cities of the Gulf, where prices are sometimes staggering, travel to the Middle East is quite affordable. The budget for road trip car hire, hotels and restaurants is affordable.
Visit the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines in Asia
Last but not least, Indonesia and the Philippines. Paradise islands with crystal-clear waters, these two popular destinations are inevitably synonymous with relaxation in the sun. Between boat excursions, endless rice paddies, nature parks and jungle exploration, you'll want to go there again!
Both countries are famous for their street food, which is a must-try! When it comes to must-sees, travelers love..:
- in Indonesia: its capital Jakarta, the Borobudur temple, Prambanan, the Komodo National Park, the Raja Ampat archipelago, the Bromo volcano, Kawah Ijen and the island of Lombok with its nearby Gili islands
- Philippines: the capital Manila, Coron Island, Boracay, Mayon volcano, El Nido, Banaue rice fields, Chocolate Hills and Ifugao province.
Bali is very well known, if only for Ubud. Its rice paddies, temples like Tanah Lot and Ulun Danu, the jewels of its little sister Nusa Penida, its endless beaches and beach bars. Kuta is also renowned for its nightlife and surf spots. It's worth noting, however, that during the high season, it's overrun by tourists. If you really want to get there, we strongly advise you to plan ahead.
Summary
As we’ve seen, depending on the destination you choose to go to in Asia, the trip will be very different. With different cultures, landscapes and climates, you’re sure to find a place to go that will give you the change of scenery you’re looking for.
Given its geographical expanse, from the Middle East to the Philippines, the possibilities are therefore numerous. To sum up
- Some countries attract visitors because of the culture shock they experience. This is especially true of Japan, South Korea and India, for different reasons. Although not mentioned in this guide, you’ll also find Hong Kong, Macao and Taipei in East Asia.
- others are a mix of culture, landscapes, temples and paradise. In varying degrees.
- finally, the Middle East is very different from the rest. Landscapes on the one hand, but also the way of life and the kinds of trips you can make there. The United Arab Emirates attract visitors for their exuberance and bling, while other countries in the region focus on experience and archaeological sites.
In any case, whether it’s a question of heat or monsoons, Asia is a winter destination, generally from November to March.
This is the conclusion