Exploring the best places to visit in Asia opens the door to a continent filled with ancient cultures, captivating landscapes, and vibrant modern cities. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the turquoise beaches of Southeast Asia, travelers find endless inspiration when exploring the best places to visit in Asia. This vast region is home to spiritual temples, vibrant street markets, and world-famous cuisine that combine to create an unforgettable travel experience.
Best Places to Visit in Asia
Whether you’re dreaming of the historical wonders of East Asia or a tropical escape in South Asia, discovering the best places to visit in Asia will allow you to embrace diversity at every turn. Each destination has its own charm and story, making a journey through the best places to visit in Asia enriching and transformative. With tourism on the rise across the continent, exploring the best places to visit in Asia helps travelers appreciate cultures, traditions, and natural beauty that are unlike anywhere else in the world. Ultimately, exploring the best places to travel in Asia promises adventure, discovery, and memories that last a lifetime.
1. Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang wakes up before the sun, as hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk meditatively through the city’s frangipani-lined streets and alleys and residents gather to beg. Forget the map because this is a city that truly captures your heart, shaped by the influences of Buddhism, dynasties, French colonial power and generations of artists who cherish their craft.
Explore the old city – which is located on a peninsula at the confluence of two rivers, the Mekong and Nam Khan – and is home to more than 30 temples and monasteries alongside the city’s Royal Palace Museum. Spend your day sampling Lao cuisine and learning about local weaving traditions at the Traditional Arts and Ethnography Centre before watching a stunning sunset over the Mekong.
Getting around: Make time for day trips to some of Laos’ best spots. Perhaps you’ll choose to swim in the cascading Tat Kuang Si waterfalls; wander the Mekong to the village of Ban Jang Hai, where the locals brew their own wine; or head further afield to Pak Ou, where two limestone caves along the river hold hundreds of Buddha statues.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok has it all! We’re talking a Thai grandmother in a flower-paved hat quietly sipping coffee next to a vintage magazine stall, while the Sky Train (the city’s mass transit system) whizzes past some of Asia’s glitziest shopping malls. You can spend your morning aimlessly wandering the streets lined with golden Buddhist temples, sipping coffee from a bean-to-cup brew bar, then watching a street vendor toss rice noodles for dinner. First-time visitors can’t miss the Grand Palace and the glittering Wat Pho, then feast in Bangkok’s Chinatown or shop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you’ll find everything from mango sticky rice to knitted sweaters.
Those who want to embrace the city’s rhythm can spend time exploring its surrounding areas, which are home to Michelin-starred eateries, including the new cool kid, Talat Noi, where charming alleys and restored warehouses have been transformed into hip cafes.
Getting around: Take a day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya or cycle through the pottery village of Ko Kret.
3. Angkor, Cambodia
No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without a visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s national pride – it even features on the country’s flag. Built by Khmer kings about 900 years ago, this sprawling ancient temple complex rises above the tropical jungle and features elaborate bas-reliefs, soaring towers, and courtyards connected by wide walkways. Spend at least half a day on a guided tour to wander the temple galleries, where thousands of celestial apsaras (celestial figures) are carved into the walls and pillars.
Planning tip: If you have more time, explore other ornate Khmer temples as part of the vast 400-square-kilometer Angkor Archaeological Park, which UNESCO describes as “a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization.”
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
Ask anyone who’s been to Vietnam and they’ll tell you that Hoi An is one of the most memorable places they’ve ever visited. Although the UNESCO-listed city has been overrun with tourists in recent years, Hoi An’s remarkably preserved, lantern-lined old town still feels as magical as ever. In addition to strolling the warmly lit alleys of the atmospheric main drag past dozens of cafes and boutiques and enjoying epic sunsets, cycle along the rural roads that wrap around the waterway, passing rice fields, markets and craft workshops. Nearby Danang has earned a reputation as one of central Vietnam’s premier beach destinations, with Hoi An’s beaches great for a warm, sunny day by the sea.
Planning tip: Hoi An is also famous for its custom-made clothing. There are over 300 tailor shops here, and some even call it the tailoring capital of the world.
5. Hunza Valley, Pakistan
Snow-capped jagged peaks guard river valleys where cherry and apricot trees bloom in spring and wildflower-dotted meadows in summer await hikers and mountaineers alike. The Karakoram Highway is a high-altitude region in northern Pakistan, home to some of the world’s highest peaks in the Karakoram Mountains. The Hunza people have maintained their distinct culture, language and cuisine since the valley was isolated from the world for many years, and often boast community-based schools, which contribute to the region’s 97% literacy rate, the highest in Pakistan.
Those looking for adventure can opt for a road trip along the Karakoram Highway – a 1,300km route connecting Hassan Abdal near Pakistan’s capital Islamabad to Kashgar in China. With routes to Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat Base Camp, it’s truly a trekker’s paradise, but there’s plenty more to do here, such as wandering around the lively Karimabad bazaar, hiking to a glacial lake, and eating buckwheat pancakes and yak meat burgers.
Planning tips: The boom in tourism in recent years has seen guesthouses and hotels opening up in the Hunza Valley, and you can now fly into Gilgit, the nearest major city and gateway to the country’s remote northern regions.
6. Jaipur, India
Almost everyone who visits India visits Jaipur. The Rajasthani capital – nicknamed the Pink City of India because most of its buildings are painted pastel pink – is packed with attractions: a majestic royal fort, grand palaces and vibrant markets full of colour. Explore the historic old city, protected by massive gated walls; step inside Jaipur’s royal splendour at the museums, galleries and courtyards of the City Palace; and gaze out through the latticed windows of the sandstone palace Hawa Mahal at sunset. You can spend hours at the Amber Fort, with its palace, mirror-mosaic pavilion and courtyard gardens.
Planning tip: Shop for hand-block-printed clothes, handcrafted jewellery and colourful footwear at Jaipur’s old city markets. Disclaimer: You might want to bring everything home, like I did!
7. Pokhara, Nepal
A contrast to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, Pokhara is the perfect place to unwind. Nepal’s second-largest city, nestled around Fewa Tal, offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is the perfect place to recharge after weeks of trekking the Annapurna Circuit. But with temples, markets, cozy cafes and family-run homestays, you can easily dive deep into the heart and soul of Nepal here.
Planning tip: If you’re still craving more adventure, there’s that too – you can paddle a rowboat on the lake, go whitewater rafting and even paragliding from the Sarangkot hills.
8. Ella, Sri Lanka
The once-tiny village of Ella has become Sri Lanka’s adventure hub in the last decade. At sunrise and sunset, crowds gather at Little Adam’s Peak, which overlooks the increasingly jagged peaks of Ella Rock and the valley below. Chase the waterfalls; Walk through dense, humid jungle to see the Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of railway engineering; and enjoy caramelized coconut-filled pancakes at a café in town. Learn to cook coconut-milk-based Sri Lankan curries from scratch at the women-run cooking school Mettee Hat.
Planning tip: The 6-hour train ride from Sri Lanka’s spiritual heart in Kandy passes rolling tea gardens, cascading waterfalls and a British-era railway station, stopping in Ella.
9. Singapore
In Singapore, the airport is a destination in itself, consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, and this city-state does almost everything it can to win it over as one of Asia’s top tourist destinations. While many visitors use it as a connecting city, there’s much more to Singapore than just a pit stop. There is excellent hawker stall food, colourful Peranakan terrace houses and seemingly endless shopping on Orchard Road. Marina Bay Sands is an icon of Singapore, and the illuminated Gardens by the Bay is a must-see attraction on any Singapore itinerary.
10. Kerala Backwaters, India
For many travelers, Kerala’s lush landscape – coconut groves and canals woven around it, pink lotuses blooming in freshwater lakes – is unlike any other in the rest of India. A trip to these backwaters offers everything you need for a South Indian tropical vacation: home-cooked food, Ayurvedic treatments and extraordinary hospitality. Savor the state’s delicious cuisine, such as meen palichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaves) and appam (a fluffy snack made with a batter of fragrant rice flour and coconut milk). You can’t miss the toddy shops, a daily occurrence in Kerala, where fresh toddy (coconut flower juice) is served. The region’s beaches and picturesque villages make for wonderful day trips by boat, where you can pick your own water lilies.
Planning tips: Houseboat tours with meals start from the small town of Alappuzha (Alleppey); those who want to stay longer can find homestays.
11. Petra, Jordan
Selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra in Jordan - built by the Nabataeans in the third century BC - is a mountainous landscape surrounded by palaces, temples and tombs made of soft stone carved into the wind-blown rock. Entering through a crevice in the rock that stretches for more than a kilometer, Petra's masterpieces begin to unfold, such as the sun-drenched Hellenistic facade of the Treasury, or the Ad-Dair - known as the monastery - hidden in the mountains and carved from the rock.
12. Maldives
Everyone always thinks that the Maldives is an overpriced destination, or that it's only suitable for honeymooners. While some private island resorts offer the ultimate in luxury, the populated islands have now opened up to tourism with local guesthouses and boutique hotels offering comfortable accommodation for a fraction of the cost. You can choose from hundreds of local islands: popular ones include Maafushi and Thoddoo as they are easily accessible from the capital Male.
Planning tip: Be sure to dress appropriately for the public – bring your swimsuit for special beaches.
13. Penang, Malaysia
Perhaps Malaysia’s most exciting destination, Penang is a unique blend of old and new. The city is oozing with a warm energy, the locals are friendly and the food is excellent – Malaysians call it the country’s street food capital. From kopitiam (coffee shop) breakfasts to hawker stall noodle dishes, foodies will be spoilt for choice. As you enter the heart of George Town, you’ll be mesmerized by the street art. Visit the blue-walled Blue Mansion, now a hotel, and spend a day at Penang National Park, exploring the sandy coastline. Soak up the history, culture, and architecture as you explore the city’s numerous temples and group homes, from the ornate Khu Kong Si with its ceramic mosaics, to Kek Lok Si, a Buddhist temple with pagodas and pavilions.
14. Paro, Bhutan
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, where rivers flow past cedar forests, Paro epitomizes the mystical Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Here, burning incense is a way of life, and the country’s development is measured by happiness. The world’s first carbon-negative country, Bhutan aims to attract high-value, low-impact tourism and charges a daily sustainable development fee of US$100, which is invested in initiatives that help preserve the country’s values.
After a day of hiking at Takshang Goyemba (Tiger's Nest), a sacred monastery located 3,000 meters above sea level, relax in Bhutan's hot stone baths - locals believe the waters have healing powers. You can use Paro as a base to explore the capital Thimphu, visit a farmers' market and watch the 108 butter lamps (a sacred number for the Bhutanese) light the 54-meter-high Buddha Dordenma statue, which is adorned with more than 125,000 smaller Buddhas.
Planning tips: National airline DrukAir flies to Bhutan's Paro International Airport from Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok and Singapore.
15. Setochi, Japan
The Inland Sea (Seto-nai-kai) borders Japan’s main islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu and contains hundreds of smaller islands. Known as the Setochi, the region attracts far fewer tourists than Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. And for many people, the rural seaside landscapes are brought to life by Studio Ghibli films. In fact, some of the region’s port towns, such as Tomonoura, are where animator and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki drew inspiration for his popular films.
Perhaps nothing will prepare you for the spectacular views of rolling hills, soaring seagulls and the gentle lapping of waves as you pedal along the designated bike paths. Along the way, stop for ice cream and fresh lemonade at Ikuchi-jima, one of Japan’s leading lemon growers.
Planning Tips: You can use Hiroshima – home to the Peace Memorial Museum, which highlights the horrors of the atomic bombing – as your base to explore the region (while also benefiting from the city’s exceptional food scene), or opt for the small seaside town of Onomichi, from where the 70km-long cycle route known as the Setochi Shimanami Kaido (Shimanami Sea Route) winds through a chain of small islands, connecting Honshu to Shikoku.
16. Seoul, South Korea
With AI restaurants and robot delivery services, Seoul is sleek and modern on seemingly every corner, but it’s also a melting pot of fashion, culture and cuisine. Visitors should try South Korean delicacies like teokbokki (fried rice cakes in a spicy sauce) at the centuries-old Gwangjang Market, go shopping in Myeong-dong, and hike in Bukhansan National Park, the country’s most popular hiking destination.
Planning tip: You’ll love spending a night or two in a hanok (wooden house) at the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can get a taste of traditional life.
17. Siargao, Philippines
It’s fair to say that there’s not much else to do in Siargao besides surfing. In fact, Siargao’s year-round good waves and surf breaks are what first attracted people (and surfers) to this stunning island – some even call it the surfing capital of the Philippines.
You can island hop, kayak through palm-fringed mangrove swamps, and swim in aquamarine rock pools. And if none of that suits you, it’s the perfect place to take it easy, take a nap in a hammock, and watch the sunset with a cool drink in hand.
Planning tip: Development has taken a hit thanks to improved roads, new air routes, and luxury hotels, but you can still get a taste of local life by venturing deeper into the island.
18. Bali, Indonesia
Mention Bali, and many travelers conjure up images of a tropical getaway with coconut-palm-dotted beaches and bamboo villas with infinity pools overlooking endless rice paddies. Craving warm seas, diving, beach clubs, or spectacular island scenery with rugged mountains? You’ll find it in Bali. Although parts of the island, such as Kuta and Canggu, have felt the effects of overtourism, you’ll still find local festivals, peaceful Hindu temples and warungs (food stalls that are part of Indonesian life) as you head inland. Try exploring the small villages around Ubud, or base yourself in Singaraja for a more laid-back getaway. Take time to hunt down waterfalls hidden deep in the dense bush and plan a day trip to nearby Nusa Penida.
19. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Once home to the Timurid royal family, Samarkand is steeped in its past glory. Its striking blue-domed mosques, along with intricately detailed mosaic walls, have made this Silk Road city one of Uzbekistan’s top tourist destinations. Everywhere you look, you’ll find a wealth of cultural treasures, from the magnificent Registan, once the center of an ancient empire, to the historic Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum and silk factories where local women painstakingly weave stunning carpets.
Planning Tips: If road-tripping along the Silk Road is on your list, start in Samarkand, then head to Bukhara and further west.
20. Yunnan, China
To get a sense of just how diverse Yunnan is, look no further than its 51 ethnic minorities. Then take in the landscapes – deep gorges and towering mountains that make way for terraced rice fields. You could spend months exploring this province in southwest China, but two weeks is enough to catch a glimpse of its many attractions. Kunming – meaning “City of Eternal Spring” – is the modern provincial capital of Yunnan and is your first stop. From there, you can plan a trip to the town of Jianshui, with its rice fields and Confucian temples, gardens and tea houses, as well as the Dali Valley. There are also dramatic hiking trails, such as trekking through the picturesque Tiger Leaping Gorge canyon. Shangri-La is located near the Tibetan border, with its old town, Buddhist monasteries, bustling markets and high-altitude lakes.
21. Tokyo, Japan
We’ll admit it: there’s nowhere quite like Tokyo. Japan’s capital, with its contemporary art scene, futuristic technology and Michelin-starred cuisine, needs no introduction. Many visitors base themselves in Shinjuku (which feels like a city within a city) to easily get acquainted with the virtually endless list of things to do. Check out the Tokyo National Museum, the historic Imperial Palace and Senso-ji.
Wander the dark, densely populated alleys of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, where more than 200 bars and restaurants cluster in small bylanes, often frequented by the city’s artists. Spend half a day at the interactive art museum TeamLab Borderless; plan a trip to Tsukiji, the city’s largest and busiest wholesale market; and expect to be amazed by the landscaping of Rikugi-en. You’ll need to cross Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people come from all directions at once – nothing is more noisy than Tokyo!
22. Hong Kong
It doesn’t take long for Hong Kong to become a headache. Filled with neon-lit street markets, rooftop bars, retro-themed clubs and some of the best restaurants in the world. Add in the lovely hiking trails and you’ll be in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. For a truly unique Hong Kong experience – and something that almost all tourists do – take the Peak Tram to the highest point in the city. Don’t leave without sampling a delicious bowl of wonton soup and a plate of grilled meat.
Planning tip: Heading towards Kowloon, wander through the flea market on Apple Street, where locals frequent the lanes for electronic goods.
Read more: 25 Best Places to Visit in Croatia Tourist Attractions
Read more: Tourist Guideline
FAQ: Best Places to Travel in Asia
1. What are the best places to travel in Asia for first-time travelers?
Popular choices include Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Bali because they offer easy transportation, rich culture, and plenty of attractions for newcomers.
2. Which Asian destinations are best for budget travel?
Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, and India are top choices for affordable accommodations, food, and transportation, while also offering incredible cultural and natural experiences.
3. What is the best time to travel to Asia?
The best time depends on the region, but generally, most Asian countries, especially Southeast and South Asia, have pleasant weather from November to March.
4. Which Asian countries are ideal for adventure lovers?
Nepal for trekking, Indonesia for volcano hiking, Japan for skiing, and the Philippines for diving are perfect for adventure lovers.
5. What are the most family-friendly places to visit in Asia?
Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea offer safe environments, kid-friendly attractions, and modern amenities ideal for family travel.
6. Are Asian destinations safe for solo travelers?
Yes, many Asian destinations like Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and South Korea are known for their safety, hospitality, and well-developed tourism infrastructure.
7. What are the best romantic destinations in Asia?
Bali, the Maldives, the islands of Thailand, and Kyoto, Japan are popular honeymoon and couple-friendly travel destinations.
Conclusion: Exploring the best places to visit in Asia offers travelers the rare opportunity to discover a continent where ancient traditions and modern innovation coexist beautifully. From peaceful temples and green hills to bustling cities and serene islands, Asia offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you are looking for adventure, entertainment, culture or food, the diversity found throughout the region ensures that every trip becomes meaningful and memorable. When planning your next trip, the best travel destinations in Asia will inspire you with endless possibilities, unique traditions and breathtaking landscapes that leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, Asia is one of the most captivating destinations in the world, inviting travelers to return again and again to explore its wonders.
0 Comments