Best Places to Travel in Asia
Our journey paints a vibrant panorama of Asia’s tapestry – as diverse as it is profound. This odyssey has everything from mighty towers piercing the sky to ancient shrines resting amidst tranquil landscapes.
Embark on our romantic journey through Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Become a part of a stirring confluence of cultures and lifestyles. Get ready, for the time of your life is about to start.
Japan
Japan, cloaked in rich history yet always taking strides into the future, is the quintessential land of contrasts. Here, traditions dating back thousands of years meet the comfort of cutting-edge technology, creating a fascinating balance of old and new.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the bustling capital, is where tradition and modernity harmoniously coexist. Hyperactive electronic districts sit side-by-side with serene Shinto shrines, painting the unique landscape of this city. Tokyo is a living testament to Japan’s resilience. This town rebuilds on its past while pushing the boundaries of the future.
Tokyo’s specialty lies in its ability to offer contrasting experiences within short distances. The tranquillity of Meiji Shrine, juxtaposed against the exhilarating pace of the famous Shibuya crossing, encapsulates the city’s dichotomy. Tokyo is unique because it can satisfy every traveler’s curiosity, whether it’s high-paced city life or tranquil historic elegance. Check out our recommendation of the best places to go in Tokyo!
Kyoto
Kyoto, a city steeped in history and undeniable charm, is the guardian of Japan’s ancient traditions. With over 1,600 temples and 400 shrines, it is the epicenter of Japanese religious and historical heritage.
What singles Kyoto out is the city’s commitment to maintaining its rich cultural roots amidst the march of progress. The timelessness you feel walking through Gion’s wooden machiya houses or the awe inspired by the thousand vermillion gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine are experiences that exist solely in Kyoto.
Osaka
Osaka, the kitchen of Japan, is known for its unique food culture and vibrant nightlife. Bursting with street food vendors offering delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, the city guarantees a culinary adventure.
The spirit of Osaka indeed emerges after dusk. Neon lights illuminate the streets, and the sound of laughter from izakaya pubs sets the ambiance for the city’s animated nightlife. Osaka’s distinct trait is its cheerful and welcoming people who epitomize the city’s lively character, giving it a unique allure unlike any other.
Taiwan
Taiwan, often called the ‘Jewel of East Asia,’ is an island nation that beams with diversity. It offers a splendid blend of city comforts and natural beauty, from densely forested mountains to bustling metropolises. It offers sterling sights and experiences worth savoring.
Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city, is a kaleidoscope of experiences, an electrifying city life, and a paradise for food lovers. With towering skyscrapers like the Taipei 101 juxtaposed with traditional markets like Shilin Night Market, Taipei offers endless exploration opportunities. Check out our recommendation of the best 9 things to do in Taipei!
What sets Taipei apart is its culinary scene, which ranges from upscale restaurants to a bustling street food culture. No visit to Taipei is complete without tasting the city’s signature beef noodle soup or the stinky tofu. This city is a true gastronomic adventure waiting to be discovered.
Tainan
Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, is a treasure of rich history and cultural heritage. Tainan, often described as Taiwan’s ‘Cultural Capital’, boasts stunning traditional architecture, historic sites, and wonderfully preserved relics.
What makes Tainan special is its deeply ingrained cultural heritage, with a vast array of well-preserved ancient sites, temples, and structures, each with its own story. The city, steeped in historical beauty and atmospheric nightlife, provides visitors a genuine experience of Taiwan’s traditions and rich history.
Jiufen
Jiufen, set among the mountains, enchants with its quaint streets and traditional tea houses. As you stroll through the town’s labyrinthine old streets shrouded in red lantern light, you can feel transported back in time.
Its charm lies in the quiet simplicity – small mom-and-pop shops, old-world tea houses, and stunning hillside views. Jiufen offers a step back in time, a peek into traditional Taiwanese culture underpinned by the mesmerizing beauty of a mountain town, making it a must-visit.
Thailand
Thailand, fittingly named ‘The Land of Smiles,’ is a mesmerizing blend of exotic landscapes, rich culture, and warm-spirited people. From idyllic islands to vibrant cities, it symbolizes the essence of Southeast Asia, inviting everyone to partake in its extraordinary offerings.
Bangkok
Bangkok, the heart of Thailand, pulsates with vibrant city life and colorful street food culture. The cityscape, a collage of towering skyscrapers and ornate temples like Wat Arun, is one fascinating spectacle that speaks volumes about the city’s high-energy lifestyle. Check out our recommendation of the best 8 places to visit in Bangkok!
What makes Bangkok unique and stand out is its sumptuous street food culture. It’s not an actual visit to the city without savoring Pad Thai from a street food cart or indulging in mango sticky rice from a local food market. Indeed, Bangkok is a carnival of tastes, where old and new, domestic and foreign, all come together in a compelling culinary spectacle.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, encircled by verdant mountains and serene landscapes, is a haven for those seeking unique cultural experiences. With hundreds of intricately designed temples reflecting the city’s rich history, Chiang Mai is a tapestry of architectural wonders.
What makes Chiang Mai special is its holistic immersion into Thai culture. Whether experiencing a traditional Yi Peng Lantern Festival or quiet meditation at a mountainside monastery, you are allowed an intimate feel of the country’s profound spiritual and cultural ties, setting the city apart.
Phuket
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a treasure chest of natural beauty. With its palm-fringed white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Phuket is a tropical paradise.
Phuket’s radiance shines through its stunning beaches and the tranquil beauty they offer. This peaceful charm of long beach walks, mesmerizing sunsets, refreshing tropical breeze, and exhilarating water sports make Phuket an unforgettable beach destination.
India
India is a country of mesmerizing diversity. A land where cultures, languages, and traditions blend seamlessly, from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to sun-kissed beaches, India showcases an alluring mix of historical and natural spectacles.
Delhi
Delhi, the heart and soul of India, is a city that takes pride in its rich historical heritage. It houses an impressive array of architectural masterpieces, from the majestic Red Fort to the historic India Gate. The city offers tales of the bygone era at every turn.
What sets Delhi apart is its vibrant markets like Chandni Chowk and Sarojini Nagar, embodying the spirit of this bustling city. Skimming through the variety of wares, from textiles and jewelry to mouthwatering street food, the city’s energetic markets give you a taste of the real Delhi, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Jaipur
Jaipur, fondly known as the ‘Pink City,’ is a magical city endowed with magnificent forts and palaces. With attractions like the Amer Fort and the intricate Hawa Mahal, it harbors some of India’s most splendid architectural wonders from the royal past.
Jaipur’s charm lies in its vibrant culture, which is symbolized by its unique pink terracotta buildings. The city’s hues, reflected in its bazaars filled with handicrafts, traditional attire, and jewelry, give Jaipur its unique character, deeply soaked in heritage and tradition, making it a paradise for history enthusiasts.
Goa
Goa, India’s smallest state, is a traveler’s paradise famed for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. It offers a surreal escape from the bustle of city life, with its beautiful coastline, swaying palms, and sparkling turquoise waters.
Goa’s allure is its laid-back lifestyle, melded with a buzzing nightlife scene. Whether sunbathing on Calangute beach, partying at Tito’s, or shopping at the lively Anjuna Flea Market, Goa blends relaxation and action in equal measure, creating an unforgettable tropical experience.
China
Often depicted as the meeting ground of ancient history and modernity, China is a land where time-honored traditions coexist with fast-paced urban expansion. From the grandeur of its ancient monuments to its cutting-edge cityscapes, China presents a dramatic encounter of the past, present, and future.
Beijing
Beijing, the capital city of China, boasts some of the world’s most awe-inspiring historical sites. The Great Wall, stretching over rugged lands and steep mountains, is a human marvel that testifies to China’s engineering prowess in ancient times.
Another must-visit place is the Forbidden City, a palace complex of incomparable grandeur. It showcases imperial opulence, echoing tales of the age-old dynasties that ruled China. The city’s immersion in history, culture, and heritage amidst the bustling city life crafts a vivid panorama of Beijing.
Shanghai
Shanghai, the bustling metropolis, stands tall with iconic skyscrapers and breathtaking futuristic cityscapes. Featuring architectural marvels like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, the city skyline is something to behold.
What sets Shanghai apart is the harmonious fusion of the old and new. The sprawling cityscapes, combined with traditional spots like the Yuyuan Garden and the antique stores of Dongtai Road, lend a unique flavor to the city. This striking mix of the past and future breathes life into Shanghai, making it a cosmopolitan delight.
Xi’an
Xi’an, the ancient capital city, is a sanctuary of rich Chinese history. Its crowning glory is the Terracotta Army, a collection of thousands of life-sized sculptures depicting the armies of the first Emperor of China. It’s a sight that leaves every viewer in awe.
Xi’an offers a journey back to the Silk Road era, with its well-preserved city walls and ancient artifacts in the Shaanxi History Museum. Its rich historical residue, coupled with the vibrant Muslim Quarter, makes Xi’an a living museum, illustrating the depth and diversity of Chinese culture.
Vietnam
Vietnam, often called the ‘Hidden Gem of Southeast Asia,’ is adorned with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. It unravels a unique story of the resilience of its people while seducing visitors with its enticing flavors and sights.
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital city, enchants visitors with its rich history and graceful French colonial architecture. With ancient pagodas, enthralling museums, and centuries-old merchant quarters, it is a testament to Vietnam’s captivating past.
What sets Hanoi apart is its distinct fusion of cultures. Its architectural grandeur, epitomized by spots like the St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hanoi Opera House, are brilliant embodiments of colonial influences, making Hanoi a captivating city that blends tradition with modernity.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, remains the epitome of hustle and bustle in Vietnam. It is widely recognized for its vibrant street life and sumptuous culinary delights, which add life and color to this effervescent city.
The city’s charm lies in its street-side cafes, bustling open markets, and mouthwatering street food that takes your palate on an unforgettable culinary journey. Whether it’s the quick bite of a Bánh mì or a slurp of Phở, the gastronomic scene in Ho Chi Minh City is truly a pleasure cruise.
Hoi An
Hoi An offers a serene contrast to the vibrant city life. It captures hearts with its ancient town charm, characterized by ornately decorated temples, traditional wooden houses, and charming narrow lanes.
Nightfall brings a magical transformation as the old town is lit with countless lanterns, making Hoi An quite the sight to behold. Coupled with its well-preserved architecture and tranquil river settings, Hoi An is a fascinating location to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cultural diversity palette.
Indonesia
Indonesia, the ‘Archipelago of Adventure,’ is a land of untamed beauty and sheer diversity. Its sprawling collection of islands boasts idyllic beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant, eclectic cultures. An adventure on every island, Indonesia is a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to unfold.
Bali
Bali, the most famous of Indonesia’s islands, is an enchanting paradise celebrated for its pristine beaches and spiritual retreats. Known for popular spots like Kuta and Seminyak, it’s a surfer’s haven that tempts every beach lover with its sparkling turquoise waters.
Bali stands unique with its spiritual context. With majestic temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot offering mesmerizing sunset views and serene yoga retreats in Ubud, Bali nurtures the soul, making it a divine sanctuary of relaxation and spirituality.
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, offers a rich blend of heritage and culture. Renowned for its ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, it deepens into Indonesia’s intriguing past.
What makes Yogyakarta unique is its unwavering commitment to promoting traditional arts, which is evident in its bustling art markets, Javanese dance shows, and vibrant batik scene. This exquisite cultural showcase immerses Yogyakarta in Indonesian traditions and culture.
Lombok
Lombok, often called ‘Bali’s sister,’ has idyllic beaches and adventurous landscapes. Whether the serene sandy shores of Tanjung Aan or the thrilling trek up Mount Rinjani, Lombok brings you the true essence of Indonesian charms.
What adds value to Lombok is its less-touristy atmosphere. It offers peace and tranquility amidst its pristine natural beauty, lending a completely ‘off-the-beaten-track’ touch to your travel experience. This amalgamation of adventure and tranquility makes Lombok an exotic escape from the mundane.
Conclusion
On completing our expedition, we stand in awe of the experiences these captivating Asian countries have provided us. The unique blend of tradition, innovation, heritage, and diversity makes each city unique in its own right. It’s been a wild ride, filled with myriad tastes, sights, and textures.
Our expedition through the best places to travel in Asia has been incredible, leaving us in awe of the experiences these captivating Asian countries have provided. From the tranquil temples of Kyoto to the idyllic beaches of Phuket, the vibrant markets of Delhi to the majestic relics of Beijing, the cultural melting pot of Hanoi to the spiritual retreats of Bali, each moment stitched an indelible impression on our hearts.
So, travelers, dust off your atlases and start charting the course to your subsequent Asian discovery. Bon voyage!
