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Asia

Why Asia Belongs on Your Travel List

Asia is the world's largest continent by both area and population — a vast, endlessly varied landmass stretching from the icy tundra of Siberia to the coral-ringed atolls of the Indian Ocean. It is home to the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, the highest mountains on earth, the largest ancient temple complex ever built, and some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems anywhere in the ocean. No other region on earth packs such extraordinary variety into a single travel zone.

What makes Asia truly remarkable for travellers is the sheer contrast between destinations. You can spend a morning in Tokyo — one of the world's most orderly, technologically advanced cities — and land in Bali the same afternoon, where life revolves around rice terraces, temple ceremonies, and the rhythm of an ancient Hindu calendar. A week in the Maldives diving pristine coral reefs can be followed by a week trekking to Everest Base Camp. Singapore's gleaming gardens and hawker centres sit just two hours by flight from the ancient jungle temples of Angkor Wat. Asia rewards the curious traveller with juxtapositions that simply don't exist anywhere else on earth.

Practically, Asia offers the world's best value for mid-range and budget travellers. Southeast Asia in particular — Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia — delivers world-class beaches, extraordinary food, and rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost of comparable Western European or American destinations. A week in Chiang Mai or Hanoi with comfortable accommodation, excellent meals, and activities can cost $40–70 per day. Even Japan and Singapore — Asia's most expensive destinations — compare favourably to London or Paris for what your money actually buys.

In 2026, Asia's travel momentum is accelerating. Japan is experiencing record visitor numbers driven by the weak yen making it extraordinary value for Western travellers. South Korea's global cultural footprint — from K-pop and K-drama to Korean cuisine — has created an entirely new generation of first-time visitors to Seoul. Bhutan's revised Sustainable Development Fee structure is bringing the Himalayan kingdom back into serious travel itineraries. And throughout Southeast Asia, post-pandemic infrastructure investment has improved connectivity, new boutique hotels have opened, and the food scenes in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok continue to evolve. There has never been a better time to explore Asia.

Asia by Sub-Region — Where to Go

Asia is too vast to treat as a single region. Here's a breakdown of what each part of the continent offers, to help you plan your itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Asia

Asia's climate varies enormously by region, and choosing the wrong season for a specific destination can mean monsoon flooding, extreme heat, or closed mountain passes. Here's when to go where.

Asia Travel Tips for 2026

• 🛂 Visa Complexity — Plan Ahead Asia has no single visa bloc like Schengen. Requirements vary widely: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong are visa-free for most Western passport holders. Thailand offers 30–60 day visa-exempt entry. Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia have visa-on-arrival or e-visa options. Bhutan requires an approved tour operator and Sustainable Development Fee ($100/day in high season). India e-visa must be applied for in advance. Always check the current requirements for your specific passport at least 2 weeks before departure — requirements change frequently.
• ✈️ Getting Around — Budget Airlines Rule Southeast Asia AirAsia, Scoot, Vietjet, and IndiGo connect Southeast Asian cities for $20–80 per flight, making multi-country itineraries surprisingly affordable. Japan's Shinkansen bullet train network is superb but expensive — the JR Pass (7, 14, or 21 days) offers excellent value if you plan to travel between cities multiple times. In Southeast Asia, overnight sleeper trains (Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Hanoi to Da Nang) combine transport and accommodation for exceptional value.
• 💵 Money — Cash Still Dominates Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia are still heavily cash-based economies — always carry local currency. ATMs are widely available in cities but less common in rural and island areas. In Japan, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson convenience stores have ATMs that reliably accept foreign cards. China has moved dramatically toward mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) — tourists can now link foreign cards to these apps. Revolut and Wise provide competitive exchange rates with no hidden fees for multi-country trips.
• 💉 Health & Vaccinations Consult a travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Standard recommended vaccinations for most of Asia include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and a Tetanus-Diphtheria booster. Japanese Encephalitis vaccination is recommended for longer trips to rural Southeast Asia. Malaria prophylaxis is required for rural areas of Myanmar, Cambodia, and parts of Southeast Asia outside major cities. Dengue fever has no preventive medication — mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+) is essential. Tap water is not safe to drink in most of Southeast and South Asia — bottled water is inexpensive and ubiquitous.
• 📱 Connectivity — eSIMs Are the Best Solution Airalo eSIMs work across most of Asia and can be purchased and activated before departure — ideal for multi-country trips where you'd otherwise buy a new SIM in every country. For Japan specifically, IIJ, Sakura Mobile, and Docomo tourist SIMs offer excellent data speeds. In China, most Western apps including Google and WhatsApp are blocked by the Great Firewall — download a reputable VPN app before entering the country. Wi-Fi is generally fast and widely available in hotels, cafés, and coworking spaces across Asia's major cities.
• 🙏 Cultural Etiquette — Respect Goes a Long Way Removing shoes before entering homes and many temples is standard across Asia — look for shoes at the door as a cue. In Buddhist and Hindu temples (Thailand, Cambodia, Bali, Nepal), covered shoulders and knees are required. In Japan, bow slightly when greeting; tipping is not customary and can sometimes cause offence. In Muslim-majority areas of Malaysia and Indonesia, dress modestly and be mindful during prayer times. Pointing with the index finger is considered rude in many Asian cultures — use your whole hand instead. These small gestures of respect make an enormous difference to how you're received everywhere you travel.

Asia at a Glance

A snapshot of what makes Asia the world's most populous and diverse continent — and what to expect when you arrive.