Top Asian Countries Worth Visiting
Asia is not a single “vibe.” It’s dozens of different worlds, each offering its own scenery, food, and rhythm. Here are some of the best places to visit in Asia.
Japan
Japan balances high-tech cities with historic neighborhoods and nature escapes.
Highlights:
- Tokyo’s neighborhoods, museums, and food culture
- Kyoto’s temples, tea houses, and gardens
- Hokkaido’s national parks and winter sports
- Osaka’s markets and casual street food
- Extremely safe and easy to navigate
China
China is vast and culturally layered, offering everything from ancient capitals to dramatic landscapes.
Highlights:
- Beijing’s Forbidden City, hutongs, and Great Wall sections
- Shanghai’s skyline and historic Bund district
- Xi’an’s Terracotta Army
- Guilin and Yangshuo’s karst landscapes
- Yunnan’s ethnic villages and mountain trails
Travel infrastructure has improved significantly with high-speed trains and modern airports. Entry requirements vary, so check updated visa rules before visiting.
Thailand
Thailand works well for first-timers thanks to its mix of culture, beaches, and affordability.
Highlights:
- Bangkok’s markets and temples
- Chiang Mai’s old town, craft workshops, nature camps
- Krabi, Koh Samui, and Phuket for beaches
- Tasty and inexpensive street food
Vietnam
Vietnam blends natural beauty with distinctive regional food and friendly cities.
Highlights:
- Hanoi’s heritage streets
- Ha Long Bay
- Da Nang and Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Scenic train routes and affordable travel costs
South Korea
Modern yet tradition-rich, Korea offers compact travel with great connectivity.
Highlights:
- Seoul’s palaces and entertainment districts
- Busan’s beaches and seafood markets
- Jeju’s volcanic trails
- Efficient public transit and strong café culture
Singapore
Singapore is organized, clean, and easy for first-time Asia visitors.
Highlights:
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Bay skyline
- Hawker centers
- Great for short urban breaks or stopovers
Indonesia
With thousands of islands, Indonesia caters to many travel styles.
Highlights:
- Bali’s temples, rice terraces, and wellness retreats
- Yogyakarta’s Borobudur and Prambanan
- Komodo National Park
- Lombok’s beaches and hiking routes
Malaysia
Malaysia offers multicultural cities, islands, and wildlife.
Highlights:
- Kuala Lumpur’s landmarks and food scene
- Penang’s heritage neighborhoods
- Langkawi for beaches
- Borneo for rainforest wildlife
India
India is incredibly diverse and best for travelers seeking culture, history, and vibrant cities.
Highlights:
- Delhi, Jaipur, Agra’s heritage circuit
- Varanasi
- Kerala backwaters
- Goa beaches
- Rich cuisine and varied landscapes
Nepal
Especially rewarding for outdoor and culture-focused travelers.
Highlights:
- Himalayan treks
- Kathmandu Valley’s heritage
- Scenic lakes and tea houses
- Strong value for adventure travel
The Philippines
An island-hopper’s paradise with clear waters and friendly communities.
Highlights:
- Palawan
- Boracay
- Bohol
- Cebu
- Diving, snorkeling, and laid-back islands
Cambodia
Cambodia combines remarkable history with friendly communities and budget-friendly travel.
Highlights:
- Angkor Archaeological Park (Siem Reap)
- Phnom Penh’s riverside and museums
- Sihanoukville and nearby islands
- Strong cultural resilience and welcoming atmosphere
Tourism infrastructure has improved, especially around Angkor and major cities. Cambodia pairs well with Thailand or Vietnam in multi-country trips.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most versatile destinations despite its compact size - ideal for travelers who want beaches, wildlife, culture, and scenic train routes in one country.
Highlights:
- Colombo → Kandy → Ella scenic train
- Sigiriya and ancient cities
- Yala and Udawalawe National Parks for safari
- Southern beaches (Mirissa, Unawatuna)
- Tea country hikes and viewpoints
Good weather windows vary by coast, so planning by season helps.
Experiences You Shouldn’t Skip in Asia
No matter which route you choose, there are some classic experiences that make an Asia trip special.
Night Markets & Street Food
Food is a core part of daily life in Asia. Night markets in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are great introductions to local flavors without high costs.
Temple and Heritage Visits
Angkor Wat, Kyoto’s temples, China’s Imperial Palace, Sri Lanka’s Sigiriya, Nepal’s stupas, and India’s Mughal sites offer very different architectural and cultural styles.
Island Time
Go snorkeling in the Philippines, take a boat trip in Indonesia, kayak in Thailand, or relax on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
Nature & Adventures
- Nepal’s trekking routes
- Indonesia’s volcano hikes
- China’s national parks and karst scenery
- Japan’s alpine valleys
Hands-On Cultural Workshops
Try cooking classes, batik painting, pottery, meditation sessions, or tea tastings depending on the destination.
Scenic Trains
Japan’s Shinkansen, Sri Lanka’s Kandy-Ella route, and Vietnam’s coastal railway all offer unique experiences.
How Many Days Do You Actually Need in Asia?
Asia is massive, so your trip length dramatically affects your experience.
5-7 days: Japan (Tokyo + Kyoto), Singapore + Malaysia, or Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle
7-10 days: Japan’s Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route or northern Thailand with Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
10-14 days: Thailand, Vietnam, China (one region), South Korea
3 weeks: multi-country Southeast Asia, Japan + Korea, or China + Hong Kong
1 month: Thailand-Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia loop, or extended Indonesia/Sri Lanka trips
Long-haul travelers should aim for 10+ days to make the journey worthwhile.