9 Must-Visit Destinations in Asia

You could spend a lifetime travelling across Asia — there are so many amazing places to visit and so many unique cultures to immerse yourself in! So, how do you go about choosing which ones to put on your itinerary? Reading through this list of the best places to visit in Asia can definitely help. 

Find out what we love about Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and other countries on the continent.

• Japan
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• Hong Kong
• Cambodia
• India

Japan is a popular tourist destination in Asia — and for good reason! It has some of the most unique accommodations and attractions in the world. Think futuristic capsule hotels and traditional ryokans, owl cafés, ramen and dumpling vending machines, anime museums and so much more! If you love roaming neon-lit streets and embracing new cultures, Tokyo and Osaka are for you.

That said, there are also quieter moments to be had in the “Land of the Rising Sun”. Outside of the more contemporary cities, there are plenty of ancient towns, serene temples and historic sites to visit. In Kyoto, for example, you’ll find the centuries-old Golden Pavilion and the Fushimi Inari Taisha (don’t pretend you haven’t seen pictures of these orange torii gates on Instagram). 

There’s also some astounding natural beauty to take in across the country, from the peak of Mount Fuji and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the blush-pink cherry blossoms that bloom across the country between March and April.

Best time to visit: September – May  
Local currency: Yen (¥)
Official language: Japanese

With its towering skyscrapers, state-of-the-art airport and urban greenspaces, Singapore is one of the most futuristic and sustainable places you can visit in Asia. At the same time, it has a rich cultural heritage. In 1819, the city was a humble fishing village — but today, it welcomes millions of foreign visitors each year.

While there are spectacular ancient sites to see, your time will be best spent exploring Singapore’s more modern tourist attractions. Stop by the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Supertree Observatory at the iconic Gardens by the Bay; satisfy your appetite at humble hawker centres (hello, street food!) and Michelin-starred restaurants; and shop ’til you drop on Orchard Road. Travelling with kids? There are countless family-friendly attractions, including Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark and the Singapore Zoo. 

Best time to visit: February – April 
Local currency: Dollar ($)
Official languages: Malay, Singaporean, Mandarin, Tamil, English

Speaking of beautiful beaches…have you ever looked up pictures of the Philippines?! They deserve a spot on every screensaver, mood board and travel bucket list. But this should come as no surprise — the archipelago is comprised of more than 7,000 islands, meaning there are countless places for travellers to soak up the sun. We recommend you spend most of your vacation island hopping, hitting top spots like Boracay, Coron, Bohol and Palawan.  

If the city lifestyle is more your speed, add Manila and Cebu to your itinerary. Both destinations have a rich history, which you can learn about (and immerse yourself in!) by visiting cultural sites such as Paco Park, Intramuros, Fort San Pedro and the 17th-century Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House. 

Best time to visit: December – May 
Local currency: Piso (₱)
Official languages: Filipino, English

History buffs, take note! Vietnam is one of the best places to visit in Asia if you’re interested in viewing world-famous heritage sites. 

Hội An, for example, is one of the oldest trading ports on the entire continent — and the Old Town area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is especially well-preserved. You can wander past French-colonial houses, ornate Chinese temples and a Japanese Covered Bridge; it truly feels as if you’re stepping into the past. Try visiting during the full moon, so that you can also witness the spectacular Lantern Festival that takes place here every month.

For a more fast-paced vacation, head to Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi (the capital city of Vietnam). The latter offers the perfect blend of history, culture, food and natural beauty. Visit the 11^th-century Temple of Literature, walk through narrow alleyways in the Old Quarter, refuel on Vietnamese coffee and bánh mì or go on a day trip to Hạ Long Bay where you can take in stunning scenery during a junk boat tour. 

Best time to visit: March – May  
Local currency: Dong (₫)
Official language: Vietnamese

Like Singapore, Hong Kong is a contemporary-yet-historic destination. It has towering skyscrapers, crowded streets and high-tech spectacles like the Symphony of Lights laser show at Victoria Harbour — as well as plenty of natural and cultural tourist attractions. Think national parks, hiking trails (walk up Victoria Peak for epic views!), top-quality beaches, colourful local markets and historic monuments such as the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island.

Put simply, you can spend your days in Hong Kong wandering and taking in the sites and then enjoy the vibrant nightlife and local cuisine. From microbreweries and dim sum restaurants to street food markets, there’s something for every palate. 

Best time to visit: September – November  
Local currency: Dollar ($)
Official languages: Chinese, English

No trip to Southeast Asia would be complete without visiting Cambodia. One of the biggest draws is Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. Located in Siem Reap, this temple complex stretches over 400 square kilometres, giving travellers the opportunity to marvel at age-old temples, impressive monuments and incredible architecture. It truly is one of the best places to visit in Asia and one of the most unique cultural experiences you can have on the continent.

Once you’ve picked your jaw up off the ground, continue exploring Siem Reap. From food tours and Aspara dance performances to zipline courses and pottery workshops, there’s a lot to do in this resort town.

Interested in seeing the Mekong River? Head to Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh. This incredible body of water looks especially great from the deck of a sunset cruise. For a slice of history and culture, the National Museum and Royal Palace are also worth adding to your itinerary.

Best time to visit: November – January 
Local currency: Riel (៛)
Official language: Khmer

If India isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think about living out your Barbie fantasies, you probably haven’t seen enough images of Jaipur (aka the “Pink City”). In 1876, most of the buildings in the city were painted shades of pink — the colour of hospitality — in preparation for a visit from Queen Victoria. Talk about welcoming locals!

As such, Jaipur is filled with incredible architecture. But nothing is as impressive as the Hawa Mahal. This pink sandstone palace, modeled after Hindu god Krishna’s crown, features domed canopies, floral patterns and fluted pillars. The fact that the entire structure is meant to look like a honeycomb makes it all the more sweet. 

Wondering what other amazing places there are to visit in India? You can’t go wrong with a trip to New Delhi, Mumbai or Agra — the latter of which is home to the famous Taj Mahal.

Best time to visit: December – March   
Local currency: Rupee (Rs)
Official languages: Hindi, English

Filled with ancient cities, natural wonders, beautiful beaches and religious sites, Asia is one of the most diverse areas of the world to explore. Ready to plan an unforgettable trip? Check out our latest travel deals or chat with one of our consultants today!