Top 20 places in Asia you must visit

Planning a trip to Asia? I still get this amazing feeling every time I think of my adventures across the continent. It has more life, vibrancy, and chaos than any other region in my eyes. From the kind hearts of Thailand to the island lifestyle of Bali, these are the best places in Asia to visit.

Bali

Whether you’re soul searching or just looking for a place to relax and shake off reality, Bali is a spiritual oasis. Bali is the kind of place that you don’t visit just once. I’ve been a handful of times thanks to Bali’s proximity to Australia. You may read this Bali guide here.

Kyoto

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto has a wealth of history and culture to discover. You will need at least a few days to discover everything this city has to offer. From Bamboo Forrest to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, which boasts a seemingly endless line of torii gates.

Tokyo

The capital of Japan, Tokyo, has made a name for itself as one of the most extravagant capitals in the world. From cat cafes to robot dance parties, there really isn’t anything that hasn’t been thought of. Also, the crazier the idea, the more popular it becomes!

Hong Kong

There is no other city in Asia that blends East and West as seamlessly as Hong Kong. you will only need 48 hours in Hong Kong to get an idea of ​​what the city has to offer. Of course, more time is recommended, but I’ve still had fun on fleeting visits.

First-time visitors could easily spend a week in this vibrant city. In fact, the first time I visited Hong Kong, I stayed for nine days. There are endless Buddhist temples to explore, the famous street markets of Mongkok, Hong Kong Island, and impeccable views from the Peak! And you can even add a short day trip to China (Shenzhen) for some retail therapy.

Phuket, Thailand

The mountainous island of Phuket has quickly become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia and for good reason. Crystal clear waters, epic day hikes, and incredible Thai cuisine make Phuket a dream destination for many. Phuket is full of luxury villas with epic views over the Andaman Sea. All of them are within easy reach of Phuket’s beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Siem Reap

This former Cambodian resort town became a tourist hotspot thanks to the movie Tomb Raider. You may remember the scene where Lara Croft runs through these same temples. Angkor Wat is the most famous of the temples, however, there is a handful to explore. You can easily spend a day wandering around all of them.

Maldives

I still think that the Maldives It is the most romantic destination I have ever been to. It’s everything you’d expect and more. With crystal clear waters and some of the best snorkeling, I’ve seen anywhere in the world! There are endless hotels to choose from and many of them are floating on private islands.

Bhutan

In recent years, Bhutan has carved out a name for itself as one of the world’s bucket list destinations and one look at this epic landscape will leave little to the imagination as to why this is a photographer’s dream destination. This is one of the few remaining countries with no Western influence (ie no McDonalds or Starbucks) and is known as the last of the Himalayan Buddhist kingdoms.

hello an

One of the most popular small towns in Asia that has somehow managed to retain its culture and charm despite the influx of tourism. hello an It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in Asia to visit.

Chiang Mai

Located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai has become a traveler’s favorite destination for visitors to Thailand. Known for its incredible cultural sights and thriving cafe scene, Chiang Mai has quickly become a favorite for young travelers backpacking Asia looking for a cultural experience beyond the beautiful beaches of Phuket or Koh Samui.

Sri Lanka

tourism in Sri Lanka is experiencing a major renaissance as travelers flock to the small island country to experience what has been dubbed “India lite.” Here you can enjoy an Asian safari, board a train to the beautiful tea plantations in Kandy, or spend your days on the beach learning to surf at one of the many surf and yoga schools that have recently sprung up.

Seoul

South Korea’s capital, Seoul, has become a hot spot for young travelers looking to experience a thriving city of skyscrapers, subways, K-pop culture, and amazing food.

Dubai

Dubai has become one of the most popular stopover cities in Asia for travelers traveling from one end of the world to the other, thanks to its unique location in the center of travel routes. The city itself is a thriving metropolis, but a short distance from the city you will find tranquility in the sand dunes.

Laos

Renowned for its authenticity, mountainous terrain, and friendly people, Laos has quickly become a must-see destination on travelers’ Southeast Asia itineraries. Laos’ location makes it an excellent combination for visiting neighboring Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Pangkor Laut, Malaysia

If you’re looking for an Asian honeymoon destination that’s a bit cheaper (for example, the Maldives), then look no further than idyllic Pangkor Laut in Malaysia. Here you can get an overwater bungalow for a fraction of the price you’d pay in the Maldives or where the phenomenon began in Bora Bora, Tahiti.

Jaipur

India is a dream destination for many and if you were to travel there, you could not visit without stepping foot in Jaipur and marveling at the incredible architecture.

Agra

Another must-see on any traveler’s India itinerary would be the Taj Mahal in Agra, an ivory-white mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Abu Dhabi

Known most famous for the fascinating great mosque Abu Dhabi is another of the most popular stopover cities in Asia. Located on the Persian Gulf, the city is also a popular spot for ex-pats, making it a lively city to explore for a few days and nights.

Boracay, Philippines

If white-sand beaches and endless shades of blue are what you have in mind for your romantic getaway, look no further than Boracay in the Philippines. This area is famous for its resorts and water activities, making it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia.

Ha Long Bay, Hanoi

Known for its limestone islands topped by wild rainforests, Ha Long Bay is a must-see in Asia for those seeking the surreal. The area is populated by many junk boats each day traversing the epic scenery, but if you want something a little more adventurous, you might also consider kayaking, rock climbing, or hiking in the area.