The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Asia

best places to visit in asia

Most people who consider themselves world travelers think they can claim this title because of the number of stamps on their passport. They’ve been all over Europe more times than they can count, and maybe a few places in the Carribean or Latin America, too.

To really own up to this name, though, you have to actually travel the world. This means going off the beaten path and to more far-away places – like Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, or maybe even cities close to the Arctic Circle.

It’s not enough to be a frequent flyer if you’re always going to the same place. True world travelers are always in search of something new and looking for the next undiscovered destination.

If you still have yet to discover Asia, there’s no time like the present to go.

Here are seven of the best places to visit in Asia.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Depending on where you are in the States (or if you’re elsewhere on the globe entirely), Japan may be one of the closest Asian countries to you. Even if it’s not, it’s a great gateway to discover all that Asia has to offer!

Make Tokyo your first stop if you want to see what a big city is really like. New York and L.A. don’t hold a candle to this place. Tokyo is truly filled with adventure around every corner, and thousands of people keep the city buzzing at all hours of the day.

Plus, there’s something here for everyone. Entertain your sense with all the modern art and ancient traditions found in the city, or focus on indulging your foodie side, or maybe jump into Japanese history! It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

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2. Hanoi, Vietnam

Not too far from Japan lies Vietnam. It’s a beautiful country known for its welcoming people, delicious food, and breathtaking sites. You can be hanging out on a Vietnamese beach one day then high up in the mountains the next.

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of amazing culinary creations served up by friendly smiles. To discover more about this must-see country in Asia, be sure to visit the hot spring baths, taste the coffee, or maybe plan your visit around the Vietnamese New Year!

3. Luang Prabang, Laos

Up next on the list is Laos. This is an Asian country not many people know about, but one that is hard to forget once you go. Laos is located in between Vietnam and Thailand, with Cambodia to the south.

It’s a landlocked nation with food and fun to make up for the lack of beaches – attractions that usually lead people to southeast Asia in the first place. Laos does have breathtaking waterfalls, though, if your search for beautiful waters can’t wait.

You can find some of the best waterfalls just outside of Luang Prabang, and keep your eye out for a pink river dolphin if you go!

4. Bangkok, Thailand

It wouldn’t be a list of the best places to visit in Asia without putting Thailand on the list. In fact, Bangkok, the capital, was named the most popular international travel destination in the world for 2017!

Clearly, it’s worth paying a visit here if so many people have done so already. The party starts the moment you touch down. Bangkok is full of show-stopping nightlife that goes until the sunrise, delicious street food, huge markets, and architectural marvels.

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As if that isn’t enough, a few hours outside of the city will take you to a tropical paradise. There are plenty of small beach towns in Thailand to choose from. So much so that travelers prefer to hop around and see what’s out there rather than stay in one place when they reach the coast.

Click here to learn how to plan the ultimate Thailand vacation.

5. Ubud, Bali

Speaking of the tropics, if you’re really just a beach bum at heart and don’t care much for big-city attractions, put Bali at the top of your list.

One of the most well-known Balinesian beach towns is Padang Padang Beach. This is where you need to go if you enjoy quiet bays, small beach bars, and beautiful rock formations popping out of the water. Other great coastal destinations in this country include Medewi Beach, Pasir Putih, and Amed Beach.

However, give Ubud a try. This city in Bali is not on the coast, but it is home to incredible food and lovely rice fields. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world when you travel here – it’s just that spectacular.

6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Another southeast Asia vacation worth doing is a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This is the place to go if you want a little bit of everything. The city is ideal for foodies, explorers, and avid shoppers alike. It’s sure to appeal to the 5-star traveler in you as well as the one who likes to go off the beaten path.

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You can have a resort buffet for breakfast then some of the most delicious street food for lunch. In between meals, spend your time exploring some of the well-known attractions in Kuala Lumpur, like Little India, the various temples, and even some interesting day trips just outside the city.

7. Singapore

Last but not least, Singapore. This is actually a city and a country.

Everything here feels like a dream. Singapore is both a modern, exciting city and a natural wonder. Some parts of town are made to wow you. These include the gardens by the bay, the Singapore Flyer, and awesome Art and Science Museum.

Others, like Pulau Ubin and Mount Faber, have barely been altered by man. These are Singapore sights you have to see to believe.

See the Best Places to Visit in Asia for Yourself!

It’s one thing to read about the best places to visit in Asia and another to start planning your first trip there! Even if you’ve already traveled to this continent but have yet to see everything it offers, make it a point to check off all the places on this list.

For more travel tips and ideas, click here.