Asia
π Cities π Volcanos ποΈ Islands π΄ Jungles π Temples π― Palace π Food πΌοΈ Culture
Stretched out between Turkey in the northwest and Singapore in the southeast, even reaching as far as eastern Russia, Asia is huge. As the worldβs biggest and most populated continent, this is a place of endless possibilities.
Itβs not just the affordable travel that makes Asia such a tourism hotspot. Its ancient history shines through in ruined forts and temples, its religions and rituals are as diverse as it gets and its eclectic cuisine is a feast for the senses.
Of course, what is means to discover Asia is different for everyone. For many, walking over theGreat Wall of China, stepping into the Taj Mahal in India, or cycling among the moss-clad ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia features high on their bucket list.
Others are saving up for a photography course inSri Lanka, a yoga retreat in India or a foodie tour ofJapan. Meanwhile, the more adventurous types may dream of an eco-tour ofVietnam, tubing down a river inLaos, climbing a volcano in Sumatra or even climbingMount Everest in Nepal.
Some will look no further than lazy beach sessions on the stunning islands of Malaysia or Thailand, which also happen to be great for scuba diving. And for those looking to party, there is always the nightlife in Tokyo, Bali, Bangkok and Koh Phangan to delve into.
Long-overlooked regions, such as Taiwan,South Korea, and the Caucasus region are now attracting hordes of curious travelers as well. Even poorer Asian nations such as Cambodia,Myanmar and East Timor are making the list and doing splendidly. Itβs here that you can still find the authentic villages and a genuine curiosity towards visitors.
Itβs worth noting that most βWesternersβ experience a culture shock on their first trip to Asia, especially in vast countries such as India, China and the Asian part of Russia. Just prepare to be happily lost in translation, look for the beauty in the chaos and be sure to try something new every day.
Maldives
These low-lying islands in the Indian Ocean are renowned for their luxurious resorts. Enjoy secluded beaches, watersports and a colorful underwater world.
Japan
Experience βthe Land of the Rising Sun,β where tradition meets modernity. The skyline features high-rise buildings, ancient temples and snow-capped mountains.
Kyoto
Osaka
Tokyo
Thailand
Known as the Land of Smiles, this Southeast Asian hot spot is famous for its exotic beaches, dramatic limestone karsts, deliciously spicy food and friendly locals.
Bangkok
South Korea
Tour this country that charms with its culture, heritage and diverse landscapes. Visit ancient temples, explore dense rainforests and relax on tranquil beaches.
Hong Kong SAR
Visit this region on Chinaβs southeast coast to find an alluring city and its quaint English charm, a picturesque harbor, Buddhist monuments and scenic beaches.
Singapore
In one of the most sophisticated cities in Southeast Asia appreciate natural beauty, have family fun or explore arts and history.
Singapore
Philippines
Discover the cities, rainforests, mountain landscapes, tropical waters and colorful coral reefs of this vast Southeast Asian archipelago.
Taiwan
Experience the natural and cultural riches of this East Asian island nation, home to mountain trails, monuments, temples and skyscrapers.
Vietnam
Explore an Asian country that beguiles visitors with its ancient temples, modern high-rises, forest-covered mountains and gorgeous beaches.
India
Experience a colorful prism of ancient culture, breathtaking Himalayan and tropical landscapes, impressive architecture and festivals in this South Asian country.
Malaysia
Visit a country in Southeast Asia that's known for its gorgeous beaches, mountains, minarets, jungles and cultural attractions.
Kuala Lumpur
Sri Lanka
Travel to an island country in South Asia that's home to Buddhist temples, diverse wildlife, a modern capital and miles of superlative beaches.
Indonesia
Adventure, relaxation and breathtaking scenery await you on this tropical archipelago, featuring tranquil beaches, wild jungles and mystical ancient monuments.
China
Vast and exotic, this East Asian country encompasses stunning cityscapes, jagged mountain peaks, architectural wonders and a fascinating ancient culture.
Hong Kong
Cambodia
Small though it may be, this fascinating country has a long, intriguing history. Majestic temple complexes, archaeological wonders and laid-back beach towns await.
Nepal
Atmospheric cities, secluded towns and sacred shrines sit amid lush valleys and in the shadow of the snow-capped Himalayas in this South Asian wonderland.
Laos
Visit this untamed travelerβs paradise, which has ancient Buddhist temples, hidden tribal settlements, laid-back cities, lush green countryside and unique wildlife.
Brunei
Known for its splendid Islamic architecture and tranquil rainforests, this small Southeast Asian country offers many surprises for vacation delights.
Palau
Dive into clear water and swim with stingless jellyfish and colourful fish at this tropical oasis. Explore mangrove forests and relax on secluded beaches.
Myanmar
Find ancient pagodas dotted across glorious countryside, cities decorated with colonial relics and beaches blessed with pristine white sand in this country where tribes still flourish in mountain villages.
Macau SAR
An intriguing blend of Cantonese and Portuguese cultures, this autonomous region of China is packed with luxury hotels, duty-free shops and high-class casinos.
Russia
Art and history, eclectic architecture and an extraordinarily varied landscape await in the largest country in the world.
Moscow
Saint Petersburg
Highlights
ππ Angkor Wat β Magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire π· πΊΒ
ππ Varzaneh - On of the most beautiful and accessible deserts of the world. Being close to great salt lake and ancient town of Varzaneh.
Bali β unique Hindu culture, beaches and mountains on the Island of the Gods
Dead Sea β stay afloat in this extremely salty lake
Great Wall of China β several thousand kilometres long, its condition ranges from excellent to ruined
K2 β also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, is the second highest mountain in the world. Located in Northern Pakistan in Himalayas, Karakoram range.
Lake Baikal β the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the world, containing over one fifth of the world's supply
ππ Mount Everest ποΈ β the world's tallest mountain straddling the border of China and Nepal
Petra β ancient city carved out of sandstone and one of the new 7 Wonders
Registan β the impressive historic heart of Samarkand, a major trade city on the Silk Road
Sundarbans National Park - the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger
Mount Kailash-The name for Mount Kailash (Sanskrit name) in Tibetan is Khangrinpoche or Khangkartisi that literally means Precious Jewel of Snow, which lies in Tibet, China
Pacitan β A tiny Paradise in Java island, 2 hours drive by car from Yogyakarta. Beautiful surfer beaches, hidden beaches, unique and ancient's caves, and beautiful tropical landscapes.
Pokharaβ It is arguably one of the most serene and calm cities in the world, on a big lake that reflects some of the tallest mountains in the world! It is also one of the largest cities in Nepal.
Cities
Bangkok β Thailand's bustling, cosmopolitan capital with temples, nightlife, and fervour
Beijing β capital of the People's Republic of China with the Forbidden City and springboard for visiting the Great Wall of China
Isfahan β Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a lot of historical and cultural monuments. Famous historic bridges, museums, parks, palaces and mosques, as well as many of the natural attractions of Asia, are located in this city.
Dubai β most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE, developing at an unbelievable pace
Hong Kong β a truly world-class metropolis with a unique mix of native Chinese and former colonial British heritage
Jerusalem β containing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City, this city is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims
Lahore - Pakistan's most liberal and cosmopolitan cities. It exerts a strong cultural history and influence.
Mumbai β most eclectic and cosmopolitan city of India, well-known for the Bollywood film industry
Seoul β beautiful palaces, great food and a hopping nightlife, Seoul is a frenetic way to experience the Asia of old and new
Singapore β modern, affluent city-state with a medley of Chinese, Indian, Malay and British influences
Tokyo β the world's largest city brings a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis with high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan
Shanghai - largest city in the People's Republic of China with modern skyscrapers alongside old British and Chinese buildings.
Manila - vibrant city of Spanish and Asian culture with smiling, friendly and courteous inhabitants
Lhasa- Sitting in the Lhasa River Valley, the central city of Tibet Autonomous Region, and the largest city in the region. The center of Tibetan Buddhism for more than a thousand years
Yogyakarta β A city in Java island with the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Borobudur and Prambanan temples, used to be the center of Buddhist and Hindu Kingdoms in 2-10th century A.D.
KathmanduβA city of Baudanath and Pashupatinath, it has seven UNESCO heritage sites within few miles. Being a valley in high altitude, it is surrounded by mountains. Yet, it is also a bustling, modern city with pretty much everything to enjoy.
Islamabad - Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, and is federally administered as part of the Islamabad Capital Territory. Islamabad is the ninth largest city in Pakistan, while the larger Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area is the country's fourth largest with a population of about 7.4 million.