This guide is the best place to plan your trip in Asia and find inspiration for where to go next. Whether you’ve been dreaming of Bali’s beautiful rice terraces, Bangkok’s street food chaos, or Vietnam’s lantern-lit alleyways, I’m about to break it all down so you can make the choice that feels most you.
Asia is one of those places you won’t visit just once, and a big part of that is the people. Ancient temples, turquoise bays, jungle treks, food that’ll ruin you for anywhere else, and a genuine kindness from locals that stays with you long after you leave. Chances are it’s already on your radar: the floating markets of Thailand, the neon glow of Tokyo, the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay showing up on your Instagram feed with a ‘one day’ saved in your head. Hopefully this guide to the best places to visit in Asia makes that ‘one day’ happen a little sooner.
This is the continent where your budget goes furthest, where every country feels like a completely different world, and where the ‘I’ll just go for two weeks’ trip somehow turns into two months. Or, like me, many years! I’ve curated 15 of the best places to travel in Asia, grouped by travel style, so you can cut straight to what excites you most. Let’s get into it.
3 Top Tips for Travelling in Asia
Never been to this part of the world before? Here are three things I’d tell you as someone who keeps coming back.
1. Sort Your Visa Before You Go
Asia is made up of dozens of countries, each with their own entry requirements, and they change more often than you’d think. Some countries, like Thailand, offer a generous visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, while others, like India, require you to apply online in advance. You’ll often need to have proof of onward travel, hotel accommodation bookings, and a digital arrival card. Spend 30 minutes on your government’s official travel advisory site before booking anything, and save yourself a world of stress at the airport. Advice from someone who’s been caught out and found themselves booking onward flights at the immigration desk with a very unimpressed officer watching.
2. Travel Money: Skip the Airport Exchange
One of the best things to do in Asia is to use your money wisely from day one. Airport exchange rates are notoriously terrible. Instead, use a travel card like Wise or Monzo for near-zero conversion fees, and withdraw local cash from ATMs once you’re in-country. In countries like Bali, Vietnam, and Thailand, cash is still king for street food, local transport, and markets — so always have some on you. If you do use a card, they usually charge a 3%-4% fee, which can add up quickly.
Don’t Get Caught Out by ATM Fees:
Do your research on ATMs before you arrive; fees can vary widely.
In Vietnam, for example, VPBank tends to have the lowest fees for most international cards, which is why you’ll often see a queue of foreigners outside its branches! TPBank and Agribank are the next best options.
3. Pack Light, Layer Smart
Asia’s climate varies wildly: tropical humidity in Bali, cool mountain mornings in Northern Vietnam, air-conditioned malls in Singapore that’ll have you reaching for a jumper. Pack light, breathable clothing, but throw in one light layer for those blissfully over-air-conditioned sleeper buses and temples (which often require shoulders and knees to be covered). A sarong will become your best friend; it triples up as a beach wrap, temple cover-up, and emergency blanket.
From barefoot backpacker to honeymoon luxury, these 15 destinations cover every kind of traveller. Find your ideal destination and start packing for your trip to Asia!
Best Places in Asia for Backpackers
Thailand
If there’s one destination that’s practically synonymous with backpacker culture, it’s Thailand. Asia travel doesn’t get more iconic than hopping between Bangkok’s hustle and bustle, dodging tuk-tuks, the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, and the temple-scattered city of Chiang Mai, all on a shoestring. Temperatures hover around 28–35°C in the south year-round, making it a sunny destination all year round. English is widely spoken here by locals, which is ideal if it’s your first time in Asia.
Budget dorm beds start from around £5 a night, and a proper meal at a local market will set you back about £2. Thai food is incredible; choosing between Khao Soi and Pad Kra Pao is a genuine dilemma. Some of the best things to do in Thailand include renting a scooter around Pai, taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai, and catching sunrise over Doi Inthanon
Fun fact: Thailand has more Buddhist temples than any other country in the world, over 40,000 of them!
Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most thrilling and best places to travel in Asia, long, dramatic, and impossibly diverse. From the buzzing alleys of Hanoi (a foodies dream), to the beach clubs of Da Nang (often called the Miami of Asia!) and the ancient lantern town of Hoi An, you’ll never run out of things to discover. Temperatures range from 15°C in Hanoi in winter to a steamy 35°C in the south. Vietnam travel is also incredibly affordable; think £1 banh mi, £2.5 pho, and overnight sleeper trains that cost less than a taxi at home. The best things to do in Vietnam? Ha Long Bay overnight cruise, motorbike the Hai Van Pass, and get lost in Hoi An’s Old Town at sunset. Oh, and I forgot to even mention the Vietnamese coffee; a personal favourite is the coconut coffee, pretty much a dessert!
Fun fact: Vietnam has over 3,200km of coastline. Beautiful views everywhere you go!
The Philippines
For backpackers who want paradise without the price tag, travel in the Philippines is a revelation. The archipelago of over 7,600 islands means island-hopping is basically the national sport, and the turquoise waters around Palawan, Siargao, and the Visayas are genuinely something special. Expect warm, humid weather year-round (25–32°C), with the dry season from November to May being peak time.
The best things to do in the Philippines include diving in Tubbataha Reef, watching the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and catching waves in Siargao, the surf capital of Asia. Oh, and how can we forget Canyoneering in Moalboal, definitely something to add to the bucket list! Budget travellers will love that local island ferries often cost just a few pounds.
Fun fact: The Philippines is home to the world’s smallest volcano — Taal Volcano, which sits inside a lake, inside an island.
Best Places in Asia for Luxury Travellers
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of those rare destinations that absolutely delivers on the hype, and it caters brilliantly to mid-range and luxury travellers alike. Ubud‘s jungle infinity pools, Seminyak’s designer beach clubs, and Uluwatu‘s clifftop sunset spots make Bali travel a bucket-list experience for a reason. The island sits very close to the equator, so expect warm, humid days around 27–32°C, with a wet season from October to April.
The best things to do in Bali include watching the Kecak fire dance at Pura Luhur Uluwatu, cycling through Tegallalang rice terraces, and treating yourself to a traditional Balinese massage for about £15. Don’t forget a beautiful trip to the Gili Islands with beautiful beaches, glowing sunsets and an amazing spot for snorkelling and diving, especially known for its turtle spotting!
Fun fact: Bali has over 20,000 temples — you’ll never be far from a ceremony or a flower offering.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. Simply open the Google Map on your device and all my recommendations are at the touch of your fingertips.
Singapore
Singapore is Asia travel at its most polished, a gleaming city-state where Michelin-starred hawker stalls sit next to rooftop infinity pools and lush botanic gardens. It’s one of the most efficiently run cities on earth and a perfect gateway stop on any longer Asia itinerary. Oh, and an interesting fact: chewing gum is completely banned in Singapore. Can’t buy it, can’t bring it in. Make of that what you will, but the place is spotless!
Temperatures are consistently tropical at 28–32°C year-round. Singapore travel is admittedly pricier than its neighbours, but savvy travellers know the famous hawker centres (like Maxwell Food Centre) are where locals eat, and the quality is extraordinary. The best things to do in Singapore include watching the light show at Gardens by the Bay, exploring Chinatown and Little India, and sampling seafood at a harbourside restaurant.
Fun fact: Singapore’s Changi Airport has a 40-metre indoor waterfall. Be sure to check it out if you are there!
The Maldives
If your vision of travel in Asia involves overwater bungalows, neon-blue lagoons, and the sound of nothing at all, the Maldives is waiting for you. This collection of coral islands in the Indian Ocean is the gold standard for luxury escapes, with year-round temperatures of 27–30°C and exceptional underwater visibility for snorkelling and diving.
You don’t need to blow the budget completely either; there’s a growing scene of affordable local island guesthouses on inhabited islands like Maafushi that give you the same white-sand paradise at a fraction of the resort price. The best things to do in the Maldives include swimming with whale sharks, night snorkelling over bioluminescent plankton, and watching the sunset from a private sandbank.
Best Places in Asia for Honeymoons
Lombok, Indonesia
Just east of Bali, Lombok is what Bali was 20 years ago, raw, romantic, and breathtakingly beautiful. Lombok travel feels like a secret shared between travellers in the know: pristine beaches on the Gili Islands, the majestic cone of Mount Rinjani, and a slower pace that’s perfect for couples who want to actually unwind. Temperatures are warm and dry from May to September, ideal for a honeymoon, and the Gili Islands offer some of the most romantic sunset views in all of Asia. The best things to do in Lombok include snorkelling with sea turtles off Gili Trawangan, watching the sunrise over Rinjani’s crater lake, and catching a sundowner on a beachside swing while watching the surfers.
Kyoto, Japan
For anyone who finds romance in ancient beauty, Kyoto is one of the best places to travel in Asia. Walk through the bright orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari at dawn, wander through the bamboo groves in the Arashiyama forest, or wear a rented kimono through Gion’s cobblestone streets. Japan travel is deeply, quietly magical. Spring (March–May) brings the famous cherry blossom season, and autumn (October–November) turns the city into a riot of red and gold. Japan can stretch the budget but is very manageable with pre-booked rail passes and a mix of ryokan guesthouses and city hotels. Best things to do in Kyoto: tea ceremony experience, Nishiki Market food crawl, and the Philosopher’s Path at golden hour.
Fun fact: Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years and has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in Japan. Simply open the Google Map on your device and all my recommendations are at the touch of your fingertips.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a town that feels purpose-built for romance or a trip away with your friends. The glowing lanterns that line every street at night, the tailors who’ll make you a custom outfit in 24 hours, the ancient wooden shophouses reflected in the Thu Bon River, it’s utterly enchanting. Travelling in Vietnam feels slower and more intimate than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Hoi An is at its best between February and June, when rainfall is low, and temperatures are a comfortable 22–30°C. The best things to do in Hoi An include taking a lantern-making class, cycling to the hidden An Bang Beach, and cafe hopping to some of the most beautiful cafes (and trust me, there are so many to choose from!).
Best Places in Asia for a Road Trip
Northern Vietnam — The Ha Giang Loop
The Ha Giang Loop is Vietnam’s most jaw-dropping road trip, a 4-day motorbike circuit through the far northern mountains that’s becoming popular for very good reason. Towering limestone karsts, terraced rice paddies cascading down valley walls, and remote Hmong villages make this one of the truly unmissable best places to travel in Asia for adventurous souls. A trip that many talk about being ‘the best thing they’ve done’ for good reason: picturesque green hills, karaoke nights with the easy drivers, and you’ll not really know what it’s like until you do it.
The best time to ride is October–November when the rice is golden, or March–April for mustard flower blooms. You can rent a motorbike in Ha Giang city or hire a local guide to ride you if you’re not confident. You can choose from many companies to go through, but these are some of the most popular: Mamas, Buffalo, Jasmine, and Bong. If heading in December or January, Pack layers; temperatures can drop to as low as 5 degrees.
Fun fact: Ha Giang is Vietnam’s northernmost province; you can literally see into China from some of the mountain passes.
Thailand — Chiang Rai to Pai
Northern Thailand is road trip heaven. The winding mountain road from Chiang Rai through Chiang Mai and up to the hippie hill town of Pai is full of white temples, hot springs, hill tribe villages, and seriously spectacular scenery. Be sure to take a travel sickness tablet if you get motion sickness! Renting a scooter is cheap (from £5/day), and the roads are well-paved and perfectly manageable.
Temperatures are cooler in the north, ranging from 20–28°C, making it one of the most comfortable regions for travel in Asia. The best things to do on this route include visiting the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), soaking in Tha Pai Hot Springs, and hunting for the best local dishes in Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar.
Best Places in Asia for Hiking
Nepal — The Annapurna Circuit
Nepal travel is for those who want to earn their views. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s great trekking routes, a 2–3 week loop through Himalayan villages, rhododendron forests, and high mountain passes with some of the most staggering scenery on the planet.
The best trekking seasons are October–November and March–May. You don’t need to be an ultra-athlete; thousands of first-time trekkers complete it every year with a good pair of boots and the right preparation. Best things to do in Nepal beyond the trek: explore the temples of Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and take a sunrise flight over Everest or see Rhinos in Chitwan National Park. For anyone after a shorter trek, I’d recommend Mardi Himal; it’s a 5-day trek and offers the most beautiful views of the Annapurna region.
Fun fact: Eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains are in Nepal, including Everest at 8,849m.
Borneo — Rainforest & Mount Kinabalu
Borneo is one of the wildest and most biodiverse places on the planet and one of the best places to travel in Asia if hiking and wildlife are your thing. Climb Southeast Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu (4,095m), through mossy cloud forest and granite moonscapes to a sunrise that’ll stop your heart. Or head into the Danum Valley to spot wild orangutans, elephants, and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. Borneo travel spans Malaysian Sabah and Sarawak, both of which are easy to navigate, with humid, tropical conditions year-round and temperatures around 26–33°C in the lowlands.
Best Places in Asia for Culture
Cambodia — Angkor Wat & Beyond
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument on earth and one of the most extraordinary sights in all of Asia. Watching the sunrise over its reflection in the moat is a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime moment. Cambodia travel extends well beyond the temples, though; the riverside town of Kampot, the islands of Koh Rong, and the sobering Killing Fields memorial in Phnom Penh all make for a rich, complex travel experience.
Temperatures are hot and humid year-round (28–35°C), with the dry season from November to April being the most comfortable time to visit. Best things to do in Cambodia: explore Angkor by bicycle, take a boat on the Mekong, and try Khmer fish amok for dinner.
Fun fact: Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century and took an estimated 300,000 workers and 6,000 elephants to construct.
Sri Lanka — Tea Trails & Temple Towns
Sri Lanka is a compact island with ancient ruins, hill country tea plantations, surf beaches, elephant sanctuaries, and some of the most flavourful food you’ll ever taste. Honestly, a country where I believe there is something for everyone! The train from Kandy to Ella through the tea-covered highlands is regularly voted one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys.
Temperatures vary by region; coastal areas hit 28–32°C, while the hill country is a refreshingly cool 15–22°C. Best things to do in Sri Lanka: climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise, ride past the Nine Arch Bridge, and spot leopards in Yala National Park.
Fun fact!
Sri Lanka has been inhabited for at least 125,000 years; it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. Sri Lanka is widely known as the ‘teardrop of the Indian Ocean‘ due to its shape and geographical positioning just off the southeastern coast of the Indian subcontinent.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in Sri Lanka. Simply open the Google Map on your device and have all my recommendations at the touch of your fingertips.
Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Bangkok, the serenity of the Maldives, or the epic mountain trails of Nepal. Travelling in Asia has a way of genuinely changing you. The best places to travel in Asia are waiting, and honestly? There’s no perfect time to go. There’s only the time you decide to go.
Asia will surprise you, feed you, humble you, and absolutely make you fall in love with everything there.
Have you been to Asia?
What are the best places to visit in Asia? Anything you’d add to this Asia bucket list?
Charlotte Storey
