Choosing the best places to visit in Asia can be difficult because there is no single type of Asian travel experience. Japan is worlds away from the Philippines, Thailand feels very different from Taiwan, and China offers a completely different scale of travel.
That diversity is what makes Asia such an interesting continent to explore. Depending on where you go, you can find ancient temples and historic cities, tropical islands and beaches, mountains and wildlife, incredible food and completely different cultures.
We’ve travelled extensively across Asia and know how varied the experience can be. So, rather than trying to name the best Asian country to visit, this guide looks at nine diverse destinations in Asia and what makes each one worth considering for your next trip.
That diversity is what makes Asia such an interesting continent to explore. Depending on where you go, you can find ancient temples and historic cities, tropical islands and beaches, mountains and wildlife, incredible food and completely different cultures.
We’ve travelled extensively across Asia and know how varied the experience can be. So, rather than trying to name the best Asian country to visit, this guide looks at nine diverse destinations in Asia and what makes each one worth considering for your next trip.
Japan's famous floating Torri Gate on Miyajima Island
Japan: Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Innovation
Japan is a country of contrasts, and that’s part of what makes travelling here so interesting. Osaka is busy, colourful, and full of food, earning it the nickname “Japan’s Kitchen”. Japanese food is incredibly diverse, and while sushi and ramen may be familiar, every region has its own specialities shaped by local produce and tradition. From street-food favourites in Osaka to monastery cuisine and informal yatai stalls, eating your way around Japan is part of the experience.
Then there’s the scenery. A short journey from the cities can take you to quiet lakes, mountain temples and traditional towns. We found this change of pace ourselves around Lake Biwa, where Japan felt a world away from the neon and crowds.
Travel further and you’ll find hot-spring resorts, rural landscapes and centuries-old shrines. We also loved Miyajima, where the famous torii gate sits in the sea and forested hills rise behind it. Japan’s excellent transport makes it surprisingly easy to experience these very different sides of the country in one trip.
Japan is a country of contrasts, and that’s part of what makes travelling here so interesting. Osaka is busy, colourful, and full of food, earning it the nickname “Japan’s Kitchen”. Japanese food is incredibly diverse, and while sushi and ramen may be familiar, every region has its own specialities shaped by local produce and tradition. From street-food favourites in Osaka to monastery cuisine and informal yatai stalls, eating your way around Japan is part of the experience.
Then there’s the scenery. A short journey from the cities can take you to quiet lakes, mountain temples and traditional towns. We found this change of pace ourselves around Lake Biwa, where Japan felt a world away from the neon and crowds.
Travel further and you’ll find hot-spring resorts, rural landscapes and centuries-old shrines. We also loved Miyajima, where the famous torii gate sits in the sea and forested hills rise behind it. Japan’s excellent transport makes it surprisingly easy to experience these very different sides of the country in one trip.
Ha Long Bay in Vietnam
Vietnam: Extraordinary Variety from North to South
Vietnam compresses an impressive range of experiences into one long, slender country. In the north, travellers can sail among Ha Long Bay’s towering limestone formations or trek through Sapa’s terraced hills. Central Vietnam brings the lantern-lit streets and historic architecture of Hoi An, while Ho Chi Minh City delivers relentless energy, creative dining and vivid reminders of the country’s recent past.
Travellers considering Vietnam tours may be surprised by how naturally scenery, food and history fit within one itinerary. The Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago is a spectacular seascape of islands and islets, while further inland, mountains, rice terraces and rural communities await discovery.
Allowing several days in each region makes it easier to appreciate local character rather than simply collecting stops.
Vietnam compresses an impressive range of experiences into one long, slender country. In the north, travellers can sail among Ha Long Bay’s towering limestone formations or trek through Sapa’s terraced hills. Central Vietnam brings the lantern-lit streets and historic architecture of Hoi An, while Ho Chi Minh City delivers relentless energy, creative dining and vivid reminders of the country’s recent past.
Travellers considering Vietnam tours may be surprised by how naturally scenery, food and history fit within one itinerary. The Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago is a spectacular seascape of islands and islets, while further inland, mountains, rice terraces and rural communities await discovery.
Allowing several days in each region makes it easier to appreciate local character rather than simply collecting stops.
Wat Pra Singh Temple in Chiang Mai
Thailand: More Than Tropical Beaches
Thailand’s islands deserve their reputation, yet the country’s identity extends far beyond the coast. Bangkok mixes ornate temples and riverside communities with rooftop venues, shopping districts and one of Asia’s liveliest street-food cultures. Its contrasts are best enjoyed slowly, moving between morning markets, historic sites and contemporary neighbourhoods.
Northern Thailand feels different again. Chiang Mai, the largest city in Northern Thailand, provides a base for exploring mountain scenery, traditional markets and craft communities.
Pairing the north with a beach stay creates a balanced journey without rushing between too many regions. Responsible visits should favour local guides and experiences that respect people, wildlife and place.
Thailand’s islands deserve their reputation, yet the country’s identity extends far beyond the coast. Bangkok mixes ornate temples and riverside communities with rooftop venues, shopping districts and one of Asia’s liveliest street-food cultures. Its contrasts are best enjoyed slowly, moving between morning markets, historic sites and contemporary neighbourhoods.
Northern Thailand feels different again. Chiang Mai, the largest city in Northern Thailand, provides a base for exploring mountain scenery, traditional markets and craft communities.
Pairing the north with a beach stay creates a balanced journey without rushing between too many regions. Responsible visits should favour local guides and experiences that respect people, wildlife and place.
Borobudur Temple on Java, Indonesia
Indonesia: Islands, Volcanoes and Wildlife
Indonesia is much more than Bali. Its thousands of islands offer everything from Java’s volcanoes and the ancient temples of Borobudur, to the beaches of Gili Air, the diving and dragons of Komodo and Kalimantan’s rainforests. It’s a country where you can travel a long way and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
The country's enormous geographical and cultural variety means a different island can feel like a completely different destination. It is a great choice for travellers who want to combine nature, adventure, culture and beaches rather than simply choose a tropical resort. And that variety is what makes Indonesia so rewarding – there is always another island, landscape or experience to discover.
Indonesia is much more than Bali. Its thousands of islands offer everything from Java’s volcanoes and the ancient temples of Borobudur, to the beaches of Gili Air, the diving and dragons of Komodo and Kalimantan’s rainforests. It’s a country where you can travel a long way and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
The country's enormous geographical and cultural variety means a different island can feel like a completely different destination. It is a great choice for travellers who want to combine nature, adventure, culture and beaches rather than simply choose a tropical resort. And that variety is what makes Indonesia so rewarding – there is always another island, landscape or experience to discover.
South Korea's Jeju Island
South Korea: Palaces, Pop Culture and Wild Landscapes
South Korea combines heritage with confident contemporary style. Seoul’s royal palaces and traditional markets stand near futuristic architecture, design districts, nightlife and world-class shopping.
Beyond the capital, Busan adds beaches, seafood markets and a distinctive coastal rhythm, while national parks offer rewarding hiking among forested peaks. Centuries-old rural temples provide quieter encounters, and volcanic Jeju Island offers waterfalls, walking trails and unusual lava-formed landscapes.
South Korea combines heritage with confident contemporary style. Seoul’s royal palaces and traditional markets stand near futuristic architecture, design districts, nightlife and world-class shopping.
Beyond the capital, Busan adds beaches, seafood markets and a distinctive coastal rhythm, while national parks offer rewarding hiking among forested peaks. Centuries-old rural temples provide quieter encounters, and volcanic Jeju Island offers waterfalls, walking trails and unusual lava-formed landscapes.
Mountains of Taipei with Taipei 101 in the distance
Taiwan: Taipei, Food and Mountain Landscapes
Taiwan packs a surprising amount into a relatively small island, making it one of the more varied places to visit in Asia. Taipei combines ancient temples, famous night markets, excellent food and modern city life with some genuinely unusual experiences. Beyond the capital, places such as Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake offer dramatic scenery, mountains, hiking trails and a very different pace of travel.
Taiwan is a good destination for travellers who enjoy discovering a country through food and everyday culture rather than simply ticking off major sights. Its compact size also makes it possible to combine Taipei with mountains, hot springs, dramatic coastlines and rural landscapes without spending huge amounts of time travelling between destinations.
Taiwan packs a surprising amount into a relatively small island, making it one of the more varied places to visit in Asia. Taipei combines ancient temples, famous night markets, excellent food and modern city life with some genuinely unusual experiences. Beyond the capital, places such as Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake offer dramatic scenery, mountains, hiking trails and a very different pace of travel.
Taiwan is a good destination for travellers who enjoy discovering a country through food and everyday culture rather than simply ticking off major sights. Its compact size also makes it possible to combine Taipei with mountains, hot springs, dramatic coastlines and rural landscapes without spending huge amounts of time travelling between destinations.
The Great Wall of China, Beijing
China: History and Scale
China offers variety on a completely different scale. Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an each provide very different city experiences, while beyond them are ancient towns, dramatic mountains, karst landscapes and rural areas that can feel a long way from the major cities.
We travelled through China for 18 days, visiting Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and even that barely scratched the surface. Chengdu was a particular highlight, from its lively streets and Sichuan food to the unforgettable pandas.
China’s enormous size means it is not a destination you can experience in one short trip. Choosing a particular region or a handful of destinations makes far more sense than trying to cover too much. It gives you time to appreciate the history, culture and landscapes rather than simply collecting places.
China offers variety on a completely different scale. Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an each provide very different city experiences, while beyond them are ancient towns, dramatic mountains, karst landscapes and rural areas that can feel a long way from the major cities.
We travelled through China for 18 days, visiting Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and even that barely scratched the surface. Chengdu was a particular highlight, from its lively streets and Sichuan food to the unforgettable pandas.
China’s enormous size means it is not a destination you can experience in one short trip. Choosing a particular region or a handful of destinations makes far more sense than trying to cover too much. It gives you time to appreciate the history, culture and landscapes rather than simply collecting places.
Iconic Taj Mahal in India
India: A Country of Many Different Worlds
India may be the ultimate example of Asia’s diversity. Rajasthan’s forts and palaces, Kerala’s tropical backwaters, Goa’s beaches and the Himalayas all offer completely different experiences, while cities such as Delhi and Mumbai have their own distinctive character, not forgetting the iconic Taj Mahal.
Food, religion, history and wildlife add another layer of variety, with enormous regional differences meaning that travelling from one part of India to another can feel like entering a different country.
India can be challenging as well as rewarding, particularly for first-time visitors, so choosing your region carefully and allowing enough time can make a big difference.
India may be the ultimate example of Asia’s diversity. Rajasthan’s forts and palaces, Kerala’s tropical backwaters, Goa’s beaches and the Himalayas all offer completely different experiences, while cities such as Delhi and Mumbai have their own distinctive character, not forgetting the iconic Taj Mahal.
Food, religion, history and wildlife add another layer of variety, with enormous regional differences meaning that travelling from one part of India to another can feel like entering a different country.
India can be challenging as well as rewarding, particularly for first-time visitors, so choosing your region carefully and allowing enough time can make a big difference.
Moalboal's sardine run on Cebu Island, Philippines
Philippines: Thousands of Islands and a Tropical Adventure
The Philippines offers a very different type of Asian experience, particularly if beaches, diving, island hopping and tropical landscapes are high on your list.
There is far more to the country than its famous islands, though. Mountain rice terraces, waterfalls, jungle, volcanic landscapes and small rural communities offer plenty of opportunities to get away from the beach. The country’s history and culture also reflect a distinctive mix of Asian, Spanish and American influences.
With more than 7,000 islands, you cannot see everything in one trip. Choosing one region and exploring it properly is usually more rewarding than trying to tick off as many islands as possible. In Moalboal, for example, you can stay close to the famous sardine run while still being surrounded by nature and within easy reach of waterfalls, beaches and local villages.
The Philippines offers a very different type of Asian experience, particularly if beaches, diving, island hopping and tropical landscapes are high on your list.
There is far more to the country than its famous islands, though. Mountain rice terraces, waterfalls, jungle, volcanic landscapes and small rural communities offer plenty of opportunities to get away from the beach. The country’s history and culture also reflect a distinctive mix of Asian, Spanish and American influences.
With more than 7,000 islands, you cannot see everything in one trip. Choosing one region and exploring it properly is usually more rewarding than trying to tick off as many islands as possible. In Moalboal, for example, you can stay close to the famous sardine run while still being surrounded by nature and within easy reach of waterfalls, beaches and local villages.
Orangutan in Kalimantan, Indonesia
Which Asian Destination Is Right for You?
These nine destinations show just how different travelling through Asia can be. Japan combines ancient traditions with modern cities and excellent regional food, while Vietnam packs scenery, history and food into one long, varied journey. Thailand and Indonesia offer very different takes on tropical travel, from beaches and islands to mountains, culture and wildlife.
South Korea and Taiwan are ideal if you want a mix of cities, food, culture and nature, while China and India offer such enormous variety that a single trip can only ever show you part of the picture. The Philippines, meanwhile, is hard to beat if diving, island hopping and tropical landscapes are high on your list.
There is no single best place to visit in Asia. The right choice depends on what you want from the trip, how much time you have and whether you want to focus on cities, culture, food, nature, beaches or a mixture of everything. Whichever you choose, give yourself enough time to experience it properly rather than trying to fit too much into one itinerary.
These nine destinations show just how different travelling through Asia can be. Japan combines ancient traditions with modern cities and excellent regional food, while Vietnam packs scenery, history and food into one long, varied journey. Thailand and Indonesia offer very different takes on tropical travel, from beaches and islands to mountains, culture and wildlife.
South Korea and Taiwan are ideal if you want a mix of cities, food, culture and nature, while China and India offer such enormous variety that a single trip can only ever show you part of the picture. The Philippines, meanwhile, is hard to beat if diving, island hopping and tropical landscapes are high on your list.
There is no single best place to visit in Asia. The right choice depends on what you want from the trip, how much time you have and whether you want to focus on cities, culture, food, nature, beaches or a mixture of everything. Whichever you choose, give yourself enough time to experience it properly rather than trying to fit too much into one itinerary.
