Unforgettable Travel Destinations in Asia
Asia is a continent of endless contrasts and incredible diversity. One moment, you’re exploring centuries-old temples, and the next, you’re sipping cocktails on a rooftop watching futuristic skyscrapers light up the night sky.
It’s a dream for culture enthusiasts, home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, rich philosophies and spiritual practices.
But it’s also a paradise for adventure seekers, offering everything from remote, untouched destinations to extraordinary landscapes, whether you’re trekking the world’s tallest mountains or unwinding on a pristine tropical beach.
And then there’s the food - whether it’s indulging in street food in Thailand or tasting the freshest sushi in Japan, Asia’s diverse cuisine is an adventure in itself.
After travelling extensively across the continent, we've rounded up the most incredible travel experiences we’ve had across Asia.
Overview: Incredible Countries to Travel to in Asia |
Unforgettable Travel Destinations in Asia
1. Bhutan
Best for culture / spirituality / architecture / hiking / nature
Bhutan is a spiritual land where ancient traditions and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. As the world's only Buddhist kingdom, it measures prosperity by Gross National Happiness, reflecting the deep contentment of its people.
Prayer flags flutter in the wind, monks chant in centuries-old monasteries and life here moves at a peaceful pace.
Our 3 top travel experiences in Bhutan:
🏯 Hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site perched at 3,120m elevation on the side of a cliff.
📿 Observing Bhutan’s unique architecture while watching monks go about their daily rituals in temples and fortresses.
♨️ Relaxing in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, where river stones are heated and used to warm the water.
2. China
Best for culture / history / architecture / culinary experiences / nature
China is a country of striking contrasts, where ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity collide.
One moment, you're seeing Shanghai's hypermodern skyline light up at night, and the next, you’re eating the world's first hamburger in Xi'An or tobogganing down the Great Wall of China.
Every region tells a different story. Whether you're drawn to its extraordinary landscapes, historical sites, rich culture or dynamic cities, China is a place that never stops surprising you.
Our 3 top travel experiences in China:
🌃 Watching Shanghai's futuristic skyline light up at night from a rooftop bar
🍵 Exploring China’s Pu’erh tea scene, sipping aged teas in elegant manors that have been transformed into teahouses.
🥾 Hiking through Zhangjiajie, home to China’s dramatic "floating mountains" that inspired the movie Avatar.
Explore our China travel guides.
3. Indonesia
Best for scenic beaches/ wellness retreats / culture / surfing / unique excursions
Indonesia is rich in culture and jaw-dropping natural beauty. From ancient temples to tropical islands, every corner of Indonesia feels like a new adventure.
Trek through emerald-green rice terraces, snorkel in some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs or come face-to-face with a Komodo dragon in the wild.
Our 3 top travel experiences in Indonesia:
🏄♂️ Experiencing Bali's laidback surf culture on the Bukit Peninsula.
🧘♀️ Exploring Ubud's spiritual side and natural wellness scene.
🐉 Boating through Komodo National Park, spotting ancient Komodo dragons up close, and snorkelling on pink sand beaches.
Check out our Indonesia guides.
4. Japan
Best for culinary experiences / culture / wellness escapes / craftsmanship / history
In Japan, a dedication to craftsmanship and excellence is woven into every aspect of life, from ancient traditions to modern innovations.
Whether you're tasting street food in Osaka, walking through eclectic fashion districts in Tokyo or soaking in mountain hot springs in Hakone, Japan is filled with discoveries.
Our 3 top travel experiences in Japan:
♨️ Staying at a ryokan in Hakone, wearing soft yukatas, enjoying a multi-course kaiseki dinner, and soaking in hot spring baths with misty mountain views.
🍣 Tasting the freshest sushi in Tokyo, from just-caught seafood at renowned fish markets to hidden omakase spots where every bite is perfection.
🎨 Exploring Naoshima Island by e-bike, where contemporary art seamlessly blends into the landscape
5. Kyrgyzstan
Best for offbeat adventures / culture / horse trekking / hiking / remote nature
Kyrgyzstan is one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets, with its untouched alpine beauty, nomadic traditions, and warm hospitality.
Its wild, off-grid feel makes it a paradise for adventurers, with epic trekking routes, authentic yurt camp stays, and a deeply immersive cultural experience.
Nomadic life still thrives here, with locals herding livestock and living in yurts on high-altitude pastures, just as they have for centuries.
Our 3 top travel experiences in Kyrgyzstan:
🐴 Horse trekking to Song Kul Lake, riding through alpine meadows and mountain passes, with stops at nomadic yurt camps along the way.
⛰️ 4x4ing into the extremely remote Tian Shan Mountains, on the border of Kyrgyzstan and China.
🌌 Watching the Milky Way light up the sky in Kyrgyzstan’s arid, remote wilderness.
See our Kyrgyzstan travel guides.
6. Maldives
Best for relaxing getaways / white sand beaches / snorkelling / swimming / overwater bungalows
The Maldives feels like a dream come to life, with its overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons, and powdery white sand beaches. This tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean is made up of 1,192 coral islands, each surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the world.
The country is unique for its private island resorts, thriving marine life and unique geography with tiny, low-lying islands.
Our 3 top travel experiences in Maldives:
🐬 Watching the sunset from our over-the-water bungalow as dolphins jumped in the distance
🚲 Biking through lush jungle paths on the private island to our favourite beachfront spots.
🐠 Snorkelling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
7. Nepal
Best for adventure / trekking / culture / spirituality / remote nature
Nepal is an unforgettable destination for raw adventure, with legendary trekking routes, cozy tea houses and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Hikes take you to high-altitude peaks with panoramic views of the world’s tallest mountains.
Beyond the trails, Nepal’s deep spirituality is woven into daily life, from prayer flags fluttering from mountain passes to stupas perched on cliffs, making every journey feel like a part of something greater.
Our 3 top travel experiences in Nepal:
♣️ Staying in teahouses along the trekking route, playing cards by the fire with locals after a long day on the trails.
🏔️ Reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri and taking in expansive views of Everest and the world’s highest peaks.
🙏 Discovering the Nepalese way of life in remote mountain villages, experiencing the rhythms of daily life far from the modern world.
8. Singapore
Best for cutting-edge design / architecture / culinary experiences / luxury
Singapore is a place where cutting-edge design and diverse cultures come together. You can feast on Michelin-starred hawker food, explore historic neighbourhoods like Little India and Chinatown, stay in fabulous hotels and experience its futuristic approach to green spaces.
With its mix of modern innovation and deep-rooted heritage, Singapore offers an exciting mix of flavours, sights, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Our 3 top travel experiences in Singapore:
🍹 Floating in Marina Bay Sands’ iconic rooftop infinity pool, suspended across three towers with views of the city skyline.
🍜 Sampling Michelin-recognized street food at Singapore’s famed hawker centres.
🍸 Experiencing Singapore’s cocktail scene, sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles, where it was first created, before stepping into the jaw-dropping Art Deco grandeur of Atlas for a gin cocktail.
Check out our Singapore travel guide.
9. South Korea
Best for culture / cuisine / creative hubs / architecture/ nightlife
South Korea is a multifaceted destination where ancient history and trendsetting culture intersect. Whether you're exploring Seoul's buzzing neighbourhoods, visiting centuries-old palaces, discovering creative hubs or diving into its food scene, the country is packed with unique experiences.
With its energy, creativity and deep traditions, South Korea is a place that never stops evolving.
Our 3 top travel experiences in South Korea:
🏯 Exploring the maze-like streets in Ikseon-dong, a historic neighbourhood in Seoul lined with traditional hanok houses now home to eclectic restaurants, bars, and shops.
🎨 Spending time in creative hubs and industrial-inspired cafes in Seoul's hip, more alternative neighbourhoods.
🥢 Trying as much Korean cuisine as possible.
Explore our South Korea travel guides.
10. Thailand
Best for beach hopping / relaxing getaways / culture / cuisine / nightlife
Thailand stands out as the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a European power - a rare distinction that has helped it preserve its deep-rooted culture and traditions.
From its satisfying cuisine to its incredible beaches and abundant marine life, Thailand offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're unwinding at a beachside resort or exploring the buzzing nightlife of Bangkok, this country has something for everyone.
Plus, it’s an ideal place for budget travellers, offering top-tier experiences at prices far lower than in many other parts of the world.
Our 3 top travel experiences in Thailand:
🌃 Experiencing Bangkok’s electric nightlife from rooftop bars where the city skyline sparkles.
🌕 Chilling under the full moon at laidback beach bars on Koh Lipe island.
🏝️ Paddling through crystal-clear waters to discover tiny islands that feel like your own private paradise.
Explore our Thailand travel guides.
We hope you enjoyed these incredible travel destinations in Asia!