Asia is a continent filled with diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history, so it’s tough to truly name the best countries to visit in Asia. The continent offers a huge array of truly incredible and varied destinations for travelers seeking extraordinary experiences.
Among the many remarkable countries in Asia, many stand out as must-visit destinations. But, some places to visit in Asia are a bit more intense than others, so this list will go into countries that are best for beginners and what each country is best for.
I would include every country if I could, but these ten will have to do for now as they are all special in different ways. Let’s embark on a virtual journey through these enchanting lands, discovering the unique charms they have to offer.
Thailand
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: Culture, Diversity of Landscape, Ease of Travel, Beaches, Nightlife, Temples
Thailand, also known as the Land of Smiles, is a haven for travelers seeking a perfect blend of cultural immersion and tropical beauty. Thailand has something to offer for everyone, from the bustling cityscape of Bangkok to the temples of Chiang Mai to the tranquil beaches of Phuket (which are all great starting points in this country).
If starting in Bangkok, one popular option for travelers is to explore the vibrant floating markets, where locals trade their goods from longtail boats, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. Additionally, the ancient temples, such as Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, offer a glimpse into the country’s spiritual heritage. There are also dozens of epic hidden gems in Bangkok beyond the guidebook.
Discover hidden Gems in Thailand as a whole to get off the tourist track a bit after exploring the main sights – make sure to check the best music festivals in Thailand when you are there, as there are some great ones.
India
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: Culture, History, Traditions
India, a land of true diversity, is a country that will easily captivate the soul with its rich history, architectural wonders, and vibrant traditions. From the bustling cities of Delhi and Mumbai to the calm backwaters of Kerala and the majestic Taj Mahal, India offers an unparalleled journey of discovery.
For beginners, it is advisable to start in the south to integrate more slowly into Indian culture, because the north can get intense for a lot of travelers. It’s best to work your way up! Check out some of the best places to visit in Kerala for a lush tropical pradise, or even start with some wellness at an Ayurveda resort in Kerala. There are many reasons to visit Goa too – the list goes on!
Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of the streets, where colors, aromas, and sounds blend harmoniously. Explore the regal palaces of Rajasthan or embark on a spiritual quest in Varanasi, the holiest city in Indiam on your way up to the Himalaya mountains.
China
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: History, Culture, Ancient Landmarks, Landscapes, Diversity
China is one of the most fascinating countries in Asia, offering an incredible mix of ancient history, modern cities, dramatic landscapes, and super unique cultural experiences. As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, China is home to iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors, while also boasting futuristic skylines in some of the most massive and impressive cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.
Many first-time visitors begin in Beijing, where they can explore centuries of history through imperial palaces, traditional hutong neighborhoods, and nearby sections of the Great Wall. Other popular destinations include Shanghai for its modern architecture and vibrant food scene, Xi’an for its historical significance, Chengdu for pandas, and Guilin for its stunning karst mountain landscapes that seem straight out of a painting.
China offers a wide range of experiences for travelers, and one of the most remarkable is Tibet travel. Visitors can explore the stunning Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich Tibetan culture. From walking through the iconic streets of Lhasa to seeing Mount Everest from the Tibetan side, a trip to Tibet provides a unique combination of adventure and cultural immersion. It is a must-consider destination for anyone looking to experience Asia beyond the usual tourist paths.
Maldives
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: Beaches, resorts, and pristine waters
Nestled in the calm and crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is one of the best countries to visit in Asia that is truly like no other. It’s a great destination in Asia for beginners as once you can navigate getting there, it’s truly smooth sailing and luxurious experiences from there on out.
A tropical paradise that seems to have been plucked from a dream, the Maldives are famous for the overwater villa resorts where you can wake up to the ocean. There are dozens of beautiful islands, and all kinds of water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating.
A Maldives trip promises a world of tranquility and natural beauty where you can relax away from it all. Dive into the turquoise waters (right fomr your overwater villa, perhaps) to discover a kaleidoscope of marine life, including manta rays and colorful fish. Unwind on secluded beaches, savoring the warm tropical breeze.
Indonesia
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: Culture, Beautiful Landscapes/Beaches, Kind Locals, Expat Culture
Indonesia, which is actually the largest archipelago in the world, is truly a tropical paradise brimming with natural wonders and cultural treasures. There are over 18,000 islands that comprise Indonesia, but of course, only a selection of these are inhabited or popular for tourism.
From the tranquil beaches of Lombok to the ancient temples of Borobudur, Indonesia offers the whole range of experiences. Discover the iconic rice terraces of Ubud in Bali or scuba dive through the underwater wonders of the Komodo Islands, where you must also, of course, see some magnificent Komodo dragons up close. Jakarta is the bustling capital city on the island of Java, which also has a lot to explore.
The obvious choice for beginner travelers is Bali, the most popular island in Indonesia for tourism. Bali is known for yoga retreats, spa treatments, world-class surfing, and a diverse expat community that call the island home. I lived in Bali during most of 2020 and plan to make it my full-time home one day! Check out some more info about Bali:
Vietnam
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: Culture, Food, Landscapes, History
Vietnam is a country rich in heritage and landscape. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay and the historic city of Hoi An, Vietnam is full of captivating destinations perfect for beginners.
Start in the busy city of Hanoi, where you will learn plenty of history about the war, before heading out into the remote terraces of Sa Pa to meet hill tribes. Sail the waters and limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, and make your way south along a well-blazen tourist trail. Stop in places like Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and eventually Ho Chi Minh City. See my two week Vietnam Itinerary here!
Don’t forget to sample the world-renowned Vietnamese cuisine, with its fresh flavors and aromatic herbs mixed into things like pho noodle soup, Vietnamese springs rolls, and more. Vietnamese coffee is a must, too! Vietnam is a truly well-rounded country with diverse experiences, making it one of the best countries to visit in Asia.
Japan
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: History mixed with Modernity, Food, Culture, Landscape
Japan is a truly incredible first-world country famous for balancing ancient traditions with forward-thinking modernity. From the densely packed streets of Tokyo boasting neon-lit signs and hundreds of eateries, malls, and skyscrapers to the ancient temples of Kyoto, which remind visitors of a time long past through over a dozen UNESCO sites, Japan has a lot to offer.
Japan is a great country for beginners because, with punctual public transport, clean streets, and easy-to-navigate systems, you will always know what to expect. This cannot be said of many Southeast Asian countries, which often seem to run on their own time!
Japan is not as cheap as Southeast Asia but encompasses a totally different and unique culture that is worth seeing. Mount Fuji is the tallest snow-capped mountain that travelers love to visit, as well as the Shibuya Crossing, the Hiroshima Memorial, and more. If it’s on your list, consider hiking Mount Fuji with a guide for smoother logistics and extra safety, especially if you’re new to high-altitude hikes.
South Korea
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: Culture/Tradition, Food, Modernity, Landscape
South Korea is a stunning smaller country which is one of the best countries to visit in Asia for many reasons. South Korea firstly has tons of incredible landscapes, from the shores of Jeju island to the skyscrapers of Seoul to tons of national parks packed into the small area.
Some of the best places to visit for beginners are, of course, Seoul, which is a big city that is quite easy to navigate and full of historical treasures such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Visit the coastal city of Busan and take a ferry to Jeju, or learn some ancient history at the city of Gyeongju and dozens of other UNESCO sites.
South Korea’s charm doesn’t stop at landscapes, however. Korean K-Pop music has taken the world by storm, and Korean food is also some of the best. Try delicious bulgogi beef, kimchi, and bibimbap if you haven’t already.
Cambodia
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: History, Temples, Beautiful Coastlines
Cambodia is often overlooked by its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam but definitely boasts its own charm making it one of the top Asian countries to visit. The standout Cambodian draws are the grand ancient temples built by the Khmer Empire between 500 and 1000 years ago, such as the famous Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is comprised of multiple temples, making it the largest religious monument in the world!
Visiting Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is an absolute must, but the capital city of Phnom Penh is also incredible with its bustling streets and dark history from the genocide in the late 70s (tough but necessary to see). One of the best parts of Cambodia, however, is the untouched beaches and islands on the south coast. You can truly get off the beaten track in Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, and more.
Cambodia has the laid-back vibe of most Southeast Asian countries and is accessible via busses between the main destinations (and ferries to the islands). It’s fairly simple to get around and frequented by travelers especially on trips between the surrounding countries.
Singapore
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: Big City Vibes, Fancy Establishments, Theme Parks
Singapore is truly a unique country to visit in Asia. It’s got all the first-world comforts (and prices) with its whole population packed into its tiny size, fitting in tons of skyscrapers, world-class hotels, and a couple of mountains for good measure. Singapore is almost futuristic, with neon-lit structures and interesting architecture throughout.
From the space-age Gardens by the Bay to the theme parks of Sentosa Island to the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel with its famous rooftop infinity pool, Singapore is a place to visit for indulgence. But that doesn’t mean it has no Asian charm – there are still plenty of hawker markets, food stalls, and bustling streets of Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam.
Singapore has strict cleanliness laws and keeps everything spick-and-span at all times. It’s an easy country to travel around and navigate, especially as English is one of the official languages.
Sri Lanka
One of the Best Countries to Visit in Asia For: Traditions/Culture, Landscapes, Wildlife/National Parks
Sri Lanka packs a big punch into a tiny island country. With a tropical climate and alternating rainy seasons, it’s possible to visit this country and get great weather year-round, depending on where you go.
Sri Lanka has incredible beaches along its whole coast, with diving, snorkeling, water sports, and whale watching. The capital city, Colombo, has bustling streets and a history from thousands of years ago to British colonial times. Getting back into ancient history, it’s popular to visit places like Kandy, a beautiful mountain city, Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress, and the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
There are miles of mountainous tea plantations in the center of the country, rich with waterfalls and viewpoints, and over 2 dozen national parks with indigenous Asian elephants and much more.
Sri Lanka is safe to visit despite some financial struggles in 2022. Sri Lankans are some of the kindest and most welcoming people in Asia who are keen to share their country and culture. The country is well-connected by trains, tuk-tuks, and busses, which are easy to book online or in person. Here are some great reasons to visit Sri Lanka and the perfect 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary for visiting for your first time.
Travel Tips and Cultural Etiquette for Asia
As you embark on your Asian travels, it is important to respect the local customs and traditions of each country. Remember to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local customs and practices. It is also advisable to try and learn a few basic phrases in the local language, as it can greatly enhance your interactions with the locals.
In terms of safety, it is always recommended to take necessary precautions such as securing your belongings, being aware of your surroundings, and following any travel advisories or guidelines issued by your home country.
With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Asia offers an abundance of unforgettable experiences. Whether you find yourself relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Maldives, exploring the bustling streets of Seoul, or immersing yourself in the ancient traditions of India, each country in Asia has its own unique charm waiting to be discovered.
So pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and let the wonders of Asia leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.