Beautiful Asia: The best places in Asia to visit
Discover ancient cultures, magical palaces and futuristic skyscrapers. Experience unforgettable encounters with wildlife and sample the exotic flavours of some of the world’s most varied cuisine. From the mysterious temples of Angkor to the sheer beauty of the Taj Mahal, an encounter with the orangutans of Borneo to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, Asia is unbeatable for its sheer variety. Here are the best places in Asia to visit.
The Essence Of Indochina
With intricately carved temples, rainforests and pristine beaches. Comprised of Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, a journey through Southeast Asia offers a captivating blend of history, vibrant culture and sublime landscapes.
Hanoi
The country’s capital is the perfect introduction to Vietnam. Located on the banks of the Red river, Hanoi is one of the world’s most ancient capitals, making it one of the best places to visit in Asia for history and architecture. This colonial city has busy streets lined with trees, grand public buildings and an opera house, all built around more than a dozen enchanting lakes.
Top tip from our expert Tour Manager, Shane: “Try Pho, a fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup which is usually served with beef or chicken. Add mint, bean sprouts and lime juice to suit your personal taste.”
Ha Long Bay is indisputably one of the most beautiful places to visit in Asia. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its dramatic limestone peaks are best seen from the waters like on a short cruise around the bay on our Vietnam and Cambodia tour. Home to the Cau Van floating village and incredible bio-diversity, a visit here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ho Chi Minh, formally Siagon, is the largest city in Vietnam. The residents have a zest for life, and its exhilarating pace is unmatched, making it a must-see holiday destination in Asia. Lose yourself in the colour and noise of the markets or glide down the Mekong Delta past traditional villages where time stands still.
Top tip from our expert Tour Manager, Michelle: “From bananas to broomsticks you’ll find everything for sale at the bustling Ben Thanh market, one of Saigon’s oldest landmarks.”
Home to the largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is another highlight on our list of the best places to visit in Asia. At its height, in the 13th century, Angkor had 1 million inhabitants. Billed as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor lies in an incredible state of preservation. The beauty of its design and its sculptures make it one of the most famous landmarks in Asia and earns it a spot on our list of the best places in Asia to visit.
Top tip from our expert Tour Manager, Shane: “Delve back into history at the Angkor National Museum in Sien Reap. Over 1,000 fascinating artifacts showcase the extraordinary era of the Khmer empire.”
The town is a UNESCO-protected site containing a wonderful fusion of French Colonial buildings and traditional Loa houses a walk through the back lanes unveils sites around every corner. From the stunning architecture of Wat Xiengthong, a Buddhist temple with golden walls and an intricate mosaic of the tree of life, the mountain landscape and the bustling night market, there are so many reasons why Luang Prabang makes our list of the best places in Asia to visit.
Colourful Kimonos And Fast-Paced Cities
Exquisite gardens and temples, glass skyscrapers, bullet trains and incredible cuisine – past and present truly meet in enigmatic Japan.
Tokyo
As one of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo is one of the best places to visit in Asia.
Discover ancient and modern living in harmony. Visit the traditional houses of Asakusa and the mesmerising Shinto Meiji shrine, then experience the energy of Akihabara electronic town. You can enjoy the energy of the modern sectors or retreat to the calm, peaceful areas, like the Imperial Palace East Gardens on our Japan Tour.
Top tip from our expert Tour Manager, Frances: “Meander amidst the tranquil surroundings of delightful Shinjuku Gyoen. This landscaped Japanese garden is located right in the heart of Tokyo.”
Mount Fuji
As one of the most famous landmarks in Asia, Mount Fuji is a must-see for anyone looking to explore this vast continent. Fringed by thick forests and a crescent-shaped ring of lakes, Mount Fuji offers a spectacular natural landscape. Although it hasn’t erupted since 1707, it remains an active volcano, but you can soak up spectacular views of Mount Fuji in (relative) safety from the shores of Lake Hakone on our Best of JapanTour.
Kyoto
One of the best places to visit in Asia for history lovers, Kyoto has ancient religious sites that date back to 711 A.D. Immerse yourself in the serene feel of the city, home to the Golden Pavilion and the beautiful Zen garden. The wooden houses, bright, silk-clad geishas, and traditional tea ceremonies of Kyoto’s atmospheric Gion district epitomise the classic image of Japan. In March and April, Kyoto becomes one of the most beautiful places in Asia, as it enters its famous cherry blossom season.
Top tip from our expert Tour Manager, Frances: “Browse amongst the stalls heaving with fresh seafood and local specialties. Known locally as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ Nishiki Market is also a great place to pick up traditional Japanese cookware.”
Tigers, Trains And The ‘Taj’
Amazing sights combined with an eclectic mix of colours and sounds. The sheer vastness of India is sometimes difficult to comprehend but it’s a place you cannot help but fall in love with.
Agra
Home to one of the seven wonders of the world, Agra is included in India’s Golden Triangle. Tourists are called to Agra every year to visit the Taj Mahal. This white marble architectural wonder offers a combination of beauty, symmetry and history. Built for the Emperor’s wife, the Taj Mahal is the ultimate expression of pure and enduring love, a tangible expression of the unquantifiable and one of the most famous landmarks in Asia – a must-see for every travel enthusiast.
You watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal on our tour of Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and Amritsar’s Golden Temple and other India tours for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Top tip from our expert Tour Manager, Matt: “Read Taj Mahal: A Love Affair at the Heart of the Moghul Empire. Diana & Michael Preston bring alive the history of the vast white marble monument in this fascinating book.”
Jaipur
Jaipur is known for the unique colour of the stone used to build many of the historic structures in the city, giving it the nickname the ‘Pink City’. Home to famous architecture like Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal palace and the Amber fort, there’s so much to see on a trip to this impressive city. You can tour the popular sights of Jaipur on our tour of India.
Top tip from our expert Tour Manager Gema: “Step into the ornately decorated rooms and elegant courtyards of Bagore-ki-Haveli. This gracious Jaipur residence is now a museum which showcases typical palace life of the 18th century.”
Futuristic Cities With Colonial Pasts
Kuala Lumpar
Kuala Lumpur is the perfect place to discover the delectable flavours of Malaysian culture and cuisine. Wander through the colonial-era landmarks of the Abdul Samad Building or the Kuala Lumpur Railway then walk the Skybridge and observation desks of Petronas Twin Towers set against the city’s futuristic skyline. This interesting mix of colonial-era and super-modern makes Kuala Lumpur a must-see stop on our Malaysia and Borneo tour.
Top tip from our expert Tour Manager, Julia “Kuala Lumpur’s transit network is the best way to get around the city. The efficient public transport system is easy to use and very good value.”
Hong Kong
Home to the largest number of skyscrapers in the world, it’s the third most densely populated place in the world. As a former British colony, Hong Kong blends Eastern and Western influences to create a culture unique to the city. There’s something for every traveller here, with high-end shopping malls, authentic Chinese markets, theme parks, incredible cuisine and so much more set against the backdrop of mountain peaks perfect for hiking.
Island Paradise
Bali
Bali is famous for its beaches and waterfalls but there’s so much more to explore on this Indonesian island. In addition to the exotic paradise you envision, Bali offers a unique cultural landscape with temples that date back over two thousand years. With lush rainforests, sweeping valleys and mountain peaks, Bali offers a cornucopia of natural landscapes to admire.
Phuket
Phuket is as close to paradise as you can get, with long, sandy beaches, clear blue waters and lush green forest. Relax on the beach, swim in the sea and enjoy boat tours of the stunning natural landscape around the coast, this is the perfect getaway.
Thinking about your next holiday? Our worldwide tours are fully escorted, by an expert Tour Manager who will travel with you, bringing each destination to life with local knowledge and history, insights into the culture and other information to create a unique experience. Find out more or book your Worldwide tour now.
