The beauty of travelling to Asia is the varied sights, tastes, sounds and smells you can experience – from skiing in Japan to yoga in Ubud to sampling street food in Thailand. We outline the best of Asia and its countries in our Asia travel guide here.
Things to see in Asia
Asia delivers something for every kind of traveller – high-octane adventures like speedboat rides, wildlife expeditions, hikes, diving, skiing and surfing, or slower days spent shopping, poolside and dining at some of the world’s best restaurants. History buffs will find some of the planet’s most enthralling cultural experiences here too, from the Great Wall of China to the temples of Angkor Wat.
Beaches are a major drawcard. Thailand is famed for islands like Phuket and Koh Samui, while Krabi’s limestone cliffs and turquoise water offer a quieter alternative. Bali draws surfers and sunbakers alike, India has the beaches of Goa, Sri Lanka’s white sands are a highlight, and the Maldives remains one of the world’s most sought-after beach destinations. For something more off the beaten path, Phu Quoc in Vietnam and the islands of the Philippines are well worth seeking out.
Best places to visit in Asia
Bali is a favourite for Australian travellers thanks to its short flight time – think beachside shopping in Seminyak, rice paddies in Ubud, or nightlife in Kuta. Thailand offers bustling Bangkok, sun-drenched islands, and the more traditional mountain city of Chiang Mai. Japan continues to be one of the hottest destinations globally, with Tokyo’s rich culture and refined cuisine leading the charge.
For more adventurous travellers, India delivers spicy cuisine, stunning beaches and energetic cities, while Singapore has become a destination in its own right thanks to its hotels and world-class food. Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most multicultural destinations, and Cambodia offers Siem Reap alongside hidden beaches along the Mekong. Vietnam combines jungle mountain vistas and heavenly beaches with fast-changing modern cities, while China and Hong Kong are known for exceptional food and shopping. Laos offers the captivating city of Luang Prabang and its Kuang Si waterfalls, and Sri Lanka rounds things out with unique landscapes and formidable cuisine.
Standout cities include Tokyo (the city that never unplugs), Kuala Lumpur (a food lover’s paradise), Seoul (ancient architecture meets K-pop energy), Beijing, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Singapore, Kyoto, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Mumbai – each with its own distinct character worth building an itinerary around.
Best time to visit Asia
Asia is vast enough that you’ll find good weather somewhere on the continent no matter the month. The main thing to plan around is monsoon season, which varies by country depending on geography – check the monsoon timing for your specific destination before booking. Some destinations also require vaccinations or visas, so check the Australian government’s Smarttraveller website for up-to-date entry requirements.
Where to stay in Asia
Asia caters to every budget, from beach camping and high-vibe hostels to five-star hotels and private villas. Asia’s long-standing backpacker scene means excellent, modern hostel options – capsule hotels are also a great budget choice. Thanks to its coastline and islands, this region is also home to some of the world’s best resorts.
For bigger cities, options range from big-name five-star hotel chains to boutique stays. A stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan – known for great food, relaxation and hot spas – is an authentic experience not to be missed.
Best places to eat in Asia
Asia’s flavours are as varied as its landscapes. In Japan, expect refined, regional cuisine – from tempura bars in Kyoto to bustling food markets in Osaka. Thailand is famous for Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup (with mango sticky rice for dessert), while Malaysia’s char kway teow and love of durian make for a memorable food scene. China offers everything from delicate dumplings to fiery Szechuan noodles; India’s cuisine ranges from creamy northern curries to spicy southern dishes (and is a great destination for vegetarians), and Vietnam’s food reflects centuries of history, with every region offering its own take on staples like noodle soup.
Cultural experiences in Asia
Asia’s ancient history and traditional cultures sit alongside its bustling modern cities, and its people are eager to share their stories with visitors. Highlights include traditional tea ceremonies and geisha culture in Japan, the Hindu temples of India, the Temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Great Wall of China, which stretches 8850 kilometres and dates back to the seventh century BCE.
In Vietnam, explore the country’s colonial past and the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruise the Mekong Delta, or take in the beauty of Halong Bay. In India, don’t miss the grand palaces of Jaipur. Nepal, home to 10 of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, rewards a few days in Kathmandu acclimatising before exploring local markets and temples. And in Myanmar, the ancient city of Bagan is home to more than 2200 standing Buddhist temples rising from the plains.
Wildlife lovers can also seek out ethical elephant encounters, spot tigers and rhinos on safari in India’s national parks, meet orphaned orangutans in Borneo, or get up close with giant pandas in China.
Getting to Asia
With numerous budget airlines flying between Asia and Australia, competitive flights are easy to find – sign up with carriers like Scoot, AirAsia and Jetstar for fare alerts. As above, check visa and vaccination requirements for your specific destination via Smarttraveller before you go.
