Top Asia: best destinations – World's Best Places

Discover the best places in Asia with the top destinations, cities and natural wonders of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, Northeast Asia including China, North Korea and Japan , the Indian Subcontinent including India, Nepal and Maldives, Central Asia and the Middle East including UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

Introduction

Asia is perhaps one of the most diverse and intriguing continent on Earth offering an abundance of cultural and historical heritage, and a variety of natural wonders. It comes to no surprise that Asia has become one of the most sought after destination in the world with millions of tourist flocking in each year. From the idyllic beaches of Thailand to the Himalayas , the world’s biggest mountains, passing by some of the 21st century biggest cities include Shanghai, Hong Kong or Bangkok, it really has everything to blow your mind away.

Asia can be divided into the various sub-regions including Southeast Asia, a popular holiday destination especially in Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam , Northeast Asia with the power economy of China, North Korea and Japan , the Indian Subcontinent & The Himalaya a Central Asia.

Asia Maps

Discover the top destinations of Asia on our Interactive Asia Map. The map includes all the countries of the continent, the best places to visit, top cities to explore, most remarkable natural wonders and the most idyllic beaches.

Click here to Launch the Asia Map or test your knowledge with the Asia map game.

Top destinations in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is the most exotic and tropical sub regions in Asia, due to its climate, sunny days, lovely beaches and paradise islands. Some of the op places in Southeast Asia include Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam , with the best cities to discover include Bangkok, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City. The area is also home to some of the best beaches in the world especially around Phucket or the islands of Koh Lanta, Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.

Thailand

Thailand is by far one of the world’s most visited exotic destinations. Not only because of the magnificence scenery but also because of its friendly citizens with their genuine smiles and Zen like approach. Not to forget the country has a legendary hedonistic attitude towards life.

Thailand’s top experiences include:

Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches of Phucket
Party with some of the friendliest and gentle people on the planet
Discover the jungle of gridlocked Bangkok
Dive in the remarkable coral gardens near the Phucket beaches
Taste the savours of Thailand’s local exotic cuisine
Visit the temples of Chiang Mai
Relax with a Thai massage

Singapore

Singapore is one of Southeast Asian most dynamic and cosmopolitan city-state with an impressing array of quality shopping, nightlife and Asian cuisine.

Singapore’s top experiences include:

Enjoy a Tiger beer some street cuisine in the open air hawker centre
Enjoy the night safari
Relax in the islands of Si Phan Don
Get lost in the ethnic districts of the city including Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam
Shop until you drop on Orchard Road

Cambodia

Cambodia is the land of the most magnificent temples in Southeast Asia.

Cambodia’s top experiences include :

Explore Angkor Wat, the biggest religious temple in the world
Ride the Bamboo train around Battambang
Enjoy the isolated tropical paradise on the south coast beach of Sihanoukville
Write elephants with the Pnong People in the wild east of Mondulkiri
Discover one of Asia’s most intriguing capital, Phnom Penh

Vietnam

Vietnam is another of Southeast Asia tropical treasure with its long coast off the South China Sea.

Vietnam’s top experiences include:

Take a motorcycle journey from Hanoi to the Gulf of Thailand
Enjoy cheap beer at a Bia Hoi with a streetside of pho, Vietnam’s flat rice noodle soup
Enjoy the beautiful sandy white beaches of Phu Quoc island
Kayaking near the islands of Halong Bay
Discover the chaotic city of Ho Chi Minh on a pedal power cycle

Laos

Squeezed between Thailand’s and Vietnam top holiday destinations, Laos is one of the most laid back country on the planet with a very ecological approach.

Cambodia’s top experiences include:

Enjoy a beer Lao with a laap, a spicy and delicious meat salad
Visit the temple of Wat Phu Champasak
Relax in the islands of Si Phan Don
Travel on the Mekong River on a river boat
Visit the national park of Nam Ha

Malaysia

Malaysia is a unique destination in Southeast Asia with a diversified environment, people and culture.

Cambodia’s top experiences include:

Relax and Enjoy on the beautiful sandy beaches of Pulau Perhentian
Dive in the exceptional waters the Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Climb the highest park , Mt Kinabalu
Taste the street food cuisine at the night markets and mamak stalls

Brunei

Brunei is of the wealthiest monarchy rule state in Southeast Asia.

Brunei’s top experiences include:

Discover the past ruling monarchs at the Brunei Museum
Travel on a motorboat taxi to discover Kampung Ayer water villages
Visit the national park of Ulu Temburong

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the most diverse counties in Southeast Asia offering various experiences, with its unique landscapes, wildlife and culture.

Indonesia’s top experiences include:

Visit the Javas , Buddhist monument on the peaks of Borobudur
Swim with whales shark at Sumatras Pulau Weh
Visit the national park of Tanjug Putting in Kalimantan’s
Dive in the exceptional waters and coral reef off Maluku’s Banda Islands

East Timor

East Timor is the world’s newest country, only gaining independence in 2006.

East Timor’s top experiences include:

Dive in the north coast reef
Climb the Mt Ramelau and be impressed by the breathtaking view of the north and south coast
Explore in the islands of Maubara and discover it’s Portuguese heritage

Philippines

The Philippines are the Southeast Asian country with the most islands with no less than 7000 of them.

Philippines top experiences include:

Dive among the sunken Japanese war ships in the Coron Bay
Swim with whales shark near Donsol and southern Layte
Hike the rice terraces of the Cordillera Mountains
Get lost in the streets of Manila

Top destinations in Northeast Asia

Northeast Asia is a mix of eastern tradition and modern approach, as well as one of the most populous areas in the world, with China itself counting for a fifth of the total population.

The Northeast Asia region can be divided into the following key states: Honk Kong, Macau, China, Mongolia, South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Top places in Northeast Asia include China, South Korea and Japan. As for the best cities to party, live or must visit it include Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai.

Honk Kong

Honk Kong, located on the island of the same name on the Kowloon peninsula and has one of the most spectacular skyscrapers in the world. Hong Kong which was run by the British (until 1997) remain the perfect mix between east and west.

Honk Kong top experiences include:

Visit the Tian Ten Buddha
Shop until you drop at the Temple Street Night market
Party and meet new people in multiple bars of Lan Kwai Fong
Take the Star ferry across Victoria Harbour
Enjoy a ride on the Peak tram

Macau

Macau is a small state within China and known to be the Las Vegas of Northeast Asia.

Macau top experiences include:

Try your luck at the numerous casinos
Visit the Taipa House museum
Enjoy the remaining of the St Paul’s Church

China

China remains one of the most unique countries in the world combining thousands years old tradition with a market driven economy. It is indeed one of the fastest growing economy in the world and there is no sign of slowing back.

China top experiences include:

Take a journey on China’s Great Wall
Visit the sensory overloaded cities of Shanghai and Beijing
Discover the imperial past with the Terracotta Army
Climb the Huang Mountains

Mongolia

Mongolia is one of the most humble states in Northeast Asia with an incomparable remarkable wild beauty.

Mongolia top experiences include:

Ride a horse on the steppe
Discover the lifestyle of nomad family
Get lost in the wilderness with communistic Russian jeep

South Korea

South Korea is a remarkable country with Asia with its own special touch.

South Korea top experiences include:

Discover the chaotic Seoul
Visit the fortress in Suwon City
Enjoy a jjim jjobang hot spring spa
Explore Jejudo honeymoon island

Japan

Japan is the world’s most high tech country but with the ability to preserve its traditions.

Japan top experiences include:

Get lost in Tokyo during rush hour
Calm yourself with a bowl of whisked green tea
Enjoy that star in a rotemburo open air bath
View a sumo wrestler match
Discover the great Buddha of Nara

Taiwan

Taiwan also named the “beautiful island” is a jewel of natural beauty, hospitable people, and most entrepreneurial businesses in the world.

Taiwan’s top experiences include:

Discover the hot spring of Chihpen
Hiking in the Suao-Hualien highway
Visit the Matsu Archipelago
Enjoy the wonders of the National Palace Museum in Taipei

Top destinations in Indian Subcontinent

The Indian subcontinent and the Himalaya is perhaps the most life changing region in Northeast Asia. Top places in the Indian Subcontinent include India, Nepal and Laos, with best cities to discover include Mumbai, Delhi and Kathmandu. Some of the most remarkable experiences to enjoy on the Indian subcontinent include discovering India by train, hiking in the Himalayas and enjoy a piece of paradise on earth in the Maldives.

The Indian subcontinent in Northeast Asia region consists of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

India

India is the land of charming people and a variety of colours, smells, religions and landscapes. It is perhaps one of the most life changing countries in the world when discovered.

India’s top experiences include:

Get lost in Mumbai street Jungle
Experience the train journey across India
Explore Kochi Portuguese heritage
Explore the French heritage of Chennai
Be impressed by the Taj Mahal in Agra
Relax and meditate in the north near the Himalayan mountains

Pakistan

Pakistan is a land of colours and beauty, with various ancient ruins, beautiful mountains and legendary trekking routes and remaining of its tribal cultures.

Pakistan top experiences include:

Visit the remaining ruins of an ancient city in Mohenjo-Daro
Go trekking in Baltistan
Discover the traditions of the Kalasha people in the Hindu Kush valley

Nepal

Nepal located in the Himalaya chain, is the Mecca for mountain travellers.

Nepal top experiences include:

Trekking the Annapurna or Everest Base camp
Raft the Bhote Khosi
Experience fantastic temples in Kathmandu

Bhutan

Bhutan lives in a time of its own in the splendours of the Himalaya. It is perhaps the most mystique country in the world.

Bhutan top experiences include:

Enjoy a Thimphu archery tournament
Trekking the Jumolhari
Experience the Paro tsetchu dances

Tibet

Tibet is the land of the snow and once the home of the Dalai Lama.

Bhutan top experiences include:

Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Himalayas from Rongphu Monastary
Drive to Mt Kailash, Asia’s most sacred mountain
Experience the numerous Tibetan monasteries

Bangladesh

Bangladesh might be one of the last remains of authentic culture in Asia.

Bangladesh top experiences include:

Visit the ancient sites in Bagerhat
Lose yourself in a rickshaw ride in Old Dhaka
Experience the canals of the Sunderbans
Ride a Rocket boat in the countryside

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers one of the most exotic and beautiful scenery in the region.

Sri Lanka top experiences include:

Enjoy the Esala Perahera festival
Experience the green tea plantation on a moppet
Lose yourself in a rickshaw ride in Colombo

Maldives

The Maldives might be one of the world’s remaining tropical paradises

Maldives top experiences include:

Dive with the turtles and friendly sharks
Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches of the islands
Discover the tiny capital of Male

Top destinations in Central Asia

Central Asia is a region of Asia from the Caspian Sea in the west to central China in the east, and from southern Russia in the north to Afghanistan in the south. Top places in Central Asia include Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Best Cities to visit include Astana, Ashgabat and Tashkent.

Enjoy Kazakhstan’s booming cities of Almaty and Astana
Visit Turkmenistan’s 12 meters high golden statue
Visit Uzbekistan’s spectacular architecture in Samarkand’s Registan
Hike Tajikistan’s turquoise lakes in the Fan mountains
Shop for the top Asian spices in the Osh bazaar in Kyrgyzstan
Enjoy a buzkashi game in Afghanistan, a polo like horse ridden game played with headless goat

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the biggest country in central Asia, with its nomadic and horse people past combine with the one of the world’s largest oil reserves.

Kazakhstan top experiences:

Trek to Kol Say lakes
Pilgrim to the Timurid-era Kozha Akhmed Yasaui Mausoleum
Enjoy the booming cities of Almaty and Astana

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan in the desert kingdom of central Asia

Turkmenistan top experiences:

Visit the 12 meters high golden statue of the president in Aszgabut
Go carpet shopping in Tolkucha bazaar
Meet the Yurt people in Karkum black sand desert

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan in the located in the middle of the central Asian Silk road and has one of the most hospitable people in the region.

Uzbekistan top experiences:

Enjoy a naan bread fresh from a tandoor oven
Go carpet shopping in Bukhara’s market
Visit the spectacular architecture in Samarkand’s Registan

Tajikistan

Tajikistan is located in the most remote corners of the region, but if you are looking for an authentic central Asian adventure with a beautiful mountain scenery, Tajikistan is your destination.

Tajikistan top experiences:

Hike to turquoise lakes in the Fan mountains
Take a exciting road trip from Korong to Osh
Enjoy a traditional bowl of kurtob (bread, yoghurt, onion and coriander)

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is perhaps the most welcoming republic in Central Asia, with its nice people and spectacular landscape of mountains and yurts.

Kyrgyzstan top experiences:

Shop for the top Asian spices in the Osh bazaar
Horse trek to the lake Issyk-Kul
Enjoy a kymys drink
Visit the magnificent blue waters of the Band-emir Lakes

Top destinations in the Middle East

The Middle East is the cradle of civilisation as the world’s greatest empires and cities were created in the region. Indeed the history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times, and throughout its history, the Middle East has been a major centre of world affairs. Top places in the Middle East include Lebanon, Oman and United Arabs Emirates with Best Cities to party, live or must visit include Dubai and Tel-Aviv.

Middle East region consists of the countries of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Bahrain.

Bahrain

Bahrain with one of the easiest-going lifestyle in the gulf is definitely worth visiting with its mix of old pear industry and contemporary skyscrapers.

Bahrain top experiences:

Enjoy the excitement of the Formula 1 Grand Prix
Try to catch pearls in shallow waters
Bargain and Shop in Bab al-Bahrein

Jordan

Jordan might be one of the most peaceful country surrounded with tough neighbours.

Jordan top experiences:

Enjoy the chariot races at the Roman ruins of Jerash
Discover Amman
Dive the waters off the coast of Aqaba

Kuwait

The city state of Kuwait is one of the most dynamic areas in the region.

Kuwait top experiences:

Enjoy some of Kuwait’s finest beaches
Discover the impressing city
Dine on the Al-Hashemi II , the world’s largest wooden boat

Oman

Oman is a modern country with traditional values, and immensely rich in natural and cultural beauty.

Oman top experiences:

Enjoy a buzkashi game, a polo like horse ridden game played with headless goat
Discover the lost beauty of the destroyed Buddha’s of Bamiyan
Visit the magnificent blue waters of the Band-emir Lakes

Qatar

Qatar is another fashionable place in the Middle-East.

Qatar top experiences:

Enjoy a walk along the Doha’s corniche
Camping near the water and rock formation at Bir Zekreet
Visit the camel races track in Al-Shahhainiya

Syria

Syria is another friendly destination in the Middle East region, with a vast array of castles and ruins.

Syria top experiences:

Discover the roman ruins of Palmyra or theatres at Bosra’s fortress
Listen to the professional story teller, the hakawati
Visit the ghost towns of the death cities
Enjoy a delicious foul soup in Aleppo

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates may be the most popular tourist destination in the region, combining the exotic of Bedouin culture with western modernity.

United Arab Emirates top experiences:

Discover the magnificent building and constructions of Dubai including the Burj Al Arab and the Palm
Visit the magnificent crystal clear waters of the Arabian Sea
Shop for gold, spices and carpets at Burj Al-Arab paperweights

Yemen

Yemen is known for his welcoming people as well as for its deserts and ancient ruins.

Yemen top experiences:

Discover the magnificent Shibam, also called the Manhattan of the deserts
Visit the magnificent temples at Ma’rib
Enjoy a fresh fish cooked in a traditional clay oven

Top journeys in Asia

Some of Asia’s greatest journeys you can take include:

Island hoping in south-east Asia
Motorcycle journey in China
India’s train journey
Trans Siberian Railway journey
Silk road journey
Lawrence of Arabia journey

About Asia: Essential facts

The following are some important facts about Asia, including its population, geography, diversity and economy.

Asia countries
Asia population
Asia cities
Asia geography
Asia economy

Asia countries

Asia has 44 countries and 40 official languages

Asia population

Asia is the world’s most populous continent, hosting 4 billion people, 60% of the world’s current human population. It has the largest ethnic group with the 1.2 billion Han Chinese

Asia cities

Asia has the second tallest building with the 509m Taipei 101.

Asia geography

Asia is the world’s largest continent covering 30% of its land area. Asia has the highest mountain, the Mount Everest with 8848m. It is part of the landmass of Eurasia, which also includes Europe. Asia is located to the east of the Suez Canal, east of the Ural Mountains and south of the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian and Black Seas. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Indian Ocean and on the North by the Arctic Ocean.

Asia economy

Japan is the largest economy of Asia and the second largest in the world. China has the largest economy (purchasing power parity terms) in Asia and the second largest in the world.