Although Europe was the first continent that sparked my travel obsession, Asia is a close second. These days, I’m just as likely to slog out the (much) longer flight across the Pacific to explore the streets of Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Singapore than to wander through medieval European towns.
And my reasoning is simple: As the world’s largest continent, Asia is a world unto itself. For travelers, there’s no single thread binding Asia’s diverse countries together. The Turkic-speaking republics of Central Asia are about as similar to the nations of East Asia as Eastern Europe is to Central America.
With the continent’s vastness, no single trip to Asia (or condensed travel guide) can capture its breadth. Even trying to tackle sub-regions like East Asia or Southeast Asia in one fell swoop will leave you needing a vacation from your vacation. (We’ve all been there, no?)
Wherever you choose to go in Asia, know that it will be rewarding, if at times challenging. Whether you’re craving spiritual enlightenment in Bali, eating your way through Taipei, or treading the Silk Route in Samarkand, Asia is bound to get your traveler’s blood roaring.
When to visit Asia
In a continent as big as Asia, it’s impossible to pinpoint exactly when to go. In my experience traveling to Asia at different times of year, each sub-region and country has its weather quirks. Sometimes, even two places mere hours from each other can have opposite weather patterns at the same time! (Malaysia, I’m lookin’ at you.)
Throughout the continent, though, one thing is sure: you’ll never be sure of what you’ll get. In the hot and humid reaches of Southeast Asia, skies can turn from sunny to miserable thunderstorms at the drop of a hat. Even the more temperate four-season destinations of East Asia can see drastic changes in a day.
My best advice? First, decide where you want to go, and then dig deeper into the weather in those regions, countries, and cities. You’ll be surprised how much ideal seasons and months to visit can vary between seemingly similar destinations!
To help you get started, here are a few helpful Asia weather guides from our archives:
Where to go in Asia
I’d like to say there’s an easy answer to this, but, again, there isn’t. Asia is filled with incredible places; it would take a lifetime to see them all.
Let’s just stick to the basics. Here are a few of our favorite places to visit in Asia:
East Asia
Along with Southeast Asia and Europe, East Asia is, in my opinion, one of the best places to travel in the world. My reasoning is simple: It’s different enough to be shocking while familiar enough to make it easy to travel in.
The cities of East Asia are among the world’s top travel destinations. From the cultural treasures of Kyoto to the urban amazement of Hong Kong, there’s no shortage of places to be intrigued by in East Asia.
Planning a trip to East Asia? Get started with this East Asia Travel Guide!
China
Perhaps it’s a little ambitious to place China among all these other East Asian destinations. Diving into the sublime world of China is less like hitting up a single country than tackling an entire continent on its own.
Cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai fit well into the East Asian mold, but as you move further west, things start to change.
Ever-popular Xian, influenced by its Silk Road roots, offers a hint at what awaits elsewhere. By the time you’ve scurried far off-the-beaten-path to destinations like Kashgar, you’ll see why defining China in a few simple words isn’t so easy.
Need help planning your trip to China? Check out these featured resources from our China Travel Guide for more information on where to go and what to see & do…
Hong Kong
I’ll be the first to admit: Like many would-be Gen X and Y travelers, my first exposure to Hong Kong was from cheesy ’80s action movies like Bloodsport. Of course, that did nothing to prepare me for my first visit to the Chinese quasi-state two decades later, when it quickly became one of my favorite cities in the world.
Not everyone falls in love with Hong Kong at first glance. The never-ending urban buzz of Kowloon, where most tourists land on their first jaunt, can be draining. (Especially as the incessant calls for massages and tailors along Nathan Road begin to pile up.)
Even when it feels like you’ll never adjust to the chaos of Hong Kong, there’s always the possibility that a cathartic moment is not so far away.
Whether it’s ambling along a scenic hiking trail on the back side of Hong Kong Island or the New Territories or enjoying a quiet evening meal at a small Cantonese food joint on the backstreets of Central, Hong Kong is a city that always has a surprise up its sleeve.
Need help planning a trip to Hong Kong? Check out these featured resources from our Hong Kong Travel Guide for more information on where to go and what to see & do…
Japan
At once both deeply traditional and modern, Japan is a place you’ll never want to let go of. If your travel style is anything like mine, Japan is the type of place you’ll dream about long after you’ve left—and one where you’ll never cease wanting to return.
Japanese cities are unlike any others I’ve visited on the planet. Whether you’re into immersing yourself in the hyper-modernism of Tokyo and Osaka or exploring ancient temples in Kyoto or Nikko, Japan is bound to grab your attention.
For an even more memorable experience in Japan, escape the usual Honshu tourist route to visit hidden gems scattered throughout the country.
Enjoy a relaxing hot springs adventure in the onsen town of Noboribetsu on the northern island of Hokkaido. Take a walk among the wildflowers and traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go. Or laze on the beautiful white-sand beaches around semi-tropical Okinawa.
Need help planning a trip to Japan? Check out these feature resources from our Japan Travel Guide for more information on where to go and what to see & do…
Korea
Even without the fame of its neighbours, Korea is amidst a surge in popularity thanks to its cuisine’s growing reputation among foodies worldwide. Notwithstanding it’s tasty delight, Korea is a highly-underrated East Asian destination that’s primed to turn a couple heads when the world finally fully discovers it.
Even after living and working in South Korea myself, the pleasures of traveling are hard to pinpoint. Some travelers (like me) fall in love with the wild urban thrills of Seoul; others are more content with exploring classic Asian beauty in places like Gyeongju.
Either way, in this tightly-packed East Asian country, it’s not much of a stretch to do it all, even on a time crunch. Distances between major towns and cities are relatively short. With the country’s quick and efficient public transportation system, it’s easy to zip around in no time.
Need help planning a trip to Korea? Check out these resources from our Korea Travel Guide for more information on where to go and what to see & do…
Taiwan
I wouldn’t blame you if the thought of visiting Taiwan never crossed your mind. With Japan, China, and Hong Kong staring it down on all sides, it’s not surprising that this little island nation often gets left out of the running when dropping down your East Asia travel plans.
For a country as small as Taiwan, there’s quite a variety of things to keep your attention piqued. From the culinary delights of Taipei’s night markets to the beautiful, craggy coastal scenery around Hualien, you’ll never go wrong spending time in Taiwan.
Need help planning a trip to Taiwan? Check out these resources from our Taiwan Travel Guide for more information on where to go and what to see & do…
Southeast Asia
Outside of Europe, no region in the world attracts backpackers quite like Southeast Asia. And who could blame anyone for loving this crazy little corner of Asia?
Just about everything you’d ever dreamed of about the continent—from pristine white-sand coves to mystic ancient temples—is scattered throughout ever-interesting Southeast Asia.
Planning a trip to Southeast Asia? Get started with this Southeast Asia Travel Guide!
Indonesia
When my first foray into Southeast Asia took me to Indonesia, I knew this region was something special. It’s hard not to fall in love with this hefty archipelago, spanning all of Southeast Asia from below.
With its immensity, one trip to Indonesia is never enough to experience its breadth fully.
Most travelers start with Bali, which is either hell or paradise, depending on who you ask. (And when they visited.) For a first visit, the island of Java also has its charms, from the otherworldly landscape of Gunung Bromo to the cultural treasures of Yogyakarta.
Need help planning your trip to Indonesia? Check out these featured resources for more information on where to go and what to see & do…
Malaysia
Even lacking big attractions like Angkor Wat or the surfing paradise of Bali, it’s hard not to love traveling in Malaysia. In many ways, Malaysia embodies all the unique aspects that make Southeast Asia such an amazing place to travel.
The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is one of the region’s most interesting cities. Much like Singapore to the south, KL blends a hodgepodge of different Asian cultures to create a palette all its own. Its glitzy and glamorous skyline conceals the chaos of the city below, where you’ll find pockets of traditional shops and restaurants sprinkled among the glass skyscrapers.
As much as I loved exploring Malaysia’s cultural treasures, even more intriguing was its food. The mix of Chinese, Indian, and local Malay flavors can strike a chord in even the most hard-to-please foodie.
If you’re on the fence about whether Malaysia might be to your taste, a laksa or kari ayam should tip the scales in its favour.
Need help planning a trip to Malaysia? Check out these resources from our Malaysia Travel Guide for more information one where to go and what to see & do…
Singapore
Visiting the small city-state of Singapore is more than a bit of a departure from your typical Southeast Asian destination. Although it was once attached at the hip to Malaysia, Singapore in its post-independence era couldn’t contract more with its Malay Peninsula brethren.
Whether that’s good or bad is up to you to decide. Singapore’s modern trappings won’t appeal to every traveler, especially if your escape to Southeast Asia was meant as a spiritual journey or to induce a little culture shock into your life.
But don’t let Singapore’s sober (and, frankly, unfair) reputation fool you. After visiting several times, I can vouch that Singapore is as incredible a place to visit as you’ll find anywhere on the continent.
Even if it lacks the historical attractions of other Asian cities, Singapore still charms travelers in excess. World-class attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands are absolute must-sees for anyone with an appreciation for contemporary design. (With over 50 countries under my belt, Gardens by the Bay still ranks among the coolest urban places I’ve seen. Anywhere.)
And if that’s not quite enough to inspire a visit, the food here will. Singapore reigns as one of the world’s greatest cities for foodies—and along with Taipei and Hong Kong, one of my own personal favorites.
Singapore’s unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences has created a culinary scene like none other on the planet. Pull up a chair at one of Singapore’s bustling hawker centres, and let your taste buds fall in love.
Need help planning a trip to Singapore? Check out these featured resources from our Singapore Travel Guide for more information on what to see & do…
Thailand
Visiting Thailand is almost a rite of passage for the independent traveler. While most still launch their backpacking careers in Europe, more budget-conscious wayfarers are increasingly skipping out on the high prices in Europe for more value-laden times in Thailand.
It’s a blessing and a curse for Southeast Asia’s most popular country. On one hand, it’s made Thailand one of the easiest countries in Asia to travel in; on the other, it’s becoming harder to enjoy in peace.
Over-tourism aside, I’ve yet to visit any other place quite like Thailand. It’s home to some of the world’s most spectacular temples and some of the finest beaches I’ve had the privilege to relax upon.
Assuming you steer clear of the over-indulgences and excesses that pockmark many first-time backpacking trips, visiting Thailand will be one of the memorable journeys in your lifetime.
Transportation
Getting there
By air
With Asia’s sheer size, most travelers will enter the continent by air. Asia is home to several major international airports with flights from North America, Europe, and Oceania. Among the most popular gateways are:
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
- Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
- Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
By train
Not long ago, traveling to Asia by train was not only possible, but also among the world’s most epic rail journeys. The Trans-Siberian Railroad runs an almost unfathomable 9,288 kilometers between Moscow and Vladivostok, connecting to Mongolia and China via the Trans-Mongolian Railroad and the Trans-Manchurian Railroad.
As of 2020, trains between Russia and China have been suspended indefinitely. A weekly train recently resumed between Irkutsk and Ulan Bator, where you can catch a train to Beijing.
For (hopefully) obvious reasons, this route is not recommended for travelers these days. Just don’t do it.
Getting around
By air
With the great distances and slow travel times, flying is one of the best ways to get around Asia. A couple airlines I’ve found handy for traveling around the region include:
- Air Asia
- Singapore Airlines
- JetStar Asia
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Korean Air
- Thai Airways
By train
In the more developed parts of the continent, trains are the quickest and most convenient way to travel. This holds especially true in East Asian destinations like Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan.
In other areas in the region, however, trains tend to be slower and less convenient. I would recommend comparing various transport options on aggregator sites like Rome2Rio before deciding how to travel.
By bus
Outside of major population centers in East Asia, buses are often the better transportation option.
In my experience, the bus services to & from major destinations in places like Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, and Singapore tend to be high quality, comfortable, and easy to navigate.
Elsewhere on the continent, it can be hit or miss. I’ve experienced enough non-ideal bus rides around Asia to warn that what you see is not always what you get.
In general, I would recommend being prepared for buses to take much longer than expected, especially in Southeast Asian destinations like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
