The first time I visited Asia was actually when I moved to live there! I was doing a research project with Cambridge University in Singapore as part of my dissertation, and I made Singapore my home. That being said, Singapore is only one tiny part of Asia, and there’s a heap of the best places in Asia to visit all across the region.
The way I then ‘did Asia’ was picking out a specific destination (a city, a town, a village, a resort area; it didn’t matter). It was the best excuse to visit places and countries nearby, too. For instance, visiting Hong Kong gave me the opportunity to throw in a quick visit to neighbouring Macau.
The point I’m trying to make here is that a great way to the best places in Asia. Split your trip into manageable chunks (or regions) and get to explore this hugely diverse and incredible area of the world.
Anyway, I don’t want to ramble for too long, but take a look at some of the best places in Asia to visit on your next trip. Have the best time.
1.) Beijing, China
Beijing, being the capital city of China, is almost a no-brainer when it comes to deciding where to visit in China. After all, it’s one of the best places in Asia to visit if you want to visit one of its vast cities.
It’s fast-paced, exciting and arguably a lot more cosmopolitan than most other places you’ll visit in China. Well, that and Shanghai, at least.
With a heap of cultural and historical sites, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, there are enough places to explore to last you months!
Plus, there’s a load of bustling street markets (you’ve got to check out the Panjiayuan Flea Market), Beijing is unquestionably a fun city for all travellers and a fantastic place to begin a trip through China.
Read more: Best things to do in Beijing
2.) Siem Reap, Cambodia
Rich with thousands of years of history and with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, Siem Reap is one of the best places in Asia to visit for sure.
Take some time to tour the temples and ruins of Angkor Wat for a fascinating insight into Cambodian history.
Oh, and when you’re done with this (as well as the other amazing ruins), be sure to make time to eat your weight in delicious Cambodian food (try Fish amok) at the local markets.
Read more: Best temples to visit in Siem Reap
3.) Bangkok, Thailand
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is a brilliant blend of new and old! It’s one of the best places in Asia to have a mix of shiny and new, and totally ancient spots to explore in and around the city.
When you visit, you can hop over to see some of the incredible palaces and temples and also join one of the best food tours in Bangkok (in a tuk-tuk), which we loved.
Also, visiting the city is a great opportunity to check out Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world’s largest open-air markets. Also, stand at the base of a 150-foot golden Buddha statue (in Wat Pho), too.
Finally, make sure to take a trip to the nearby ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya, too. It’s so incredible to see.
Read more: Best things to do in Bangkok
4.) Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is one of my favourite cities in the world and a place I could very happily live in.
Thing is, it’s a bright a shiny city but there’s so much of it that’s also very gritty and very real which, in a lot of ways, reminds me of cities like London (i.e. home… which probably explains why it was so easy to feel at home almost immediately here).
The best part about Hong Kong is that there’s pretty much everything and anything you’d want from a city here; amazing food, fantastic nightlife, old historic temples, right through to fun places like Hong Kong Disneyland, to mention but a few.
Point is, if you’re looking for an exciting city holiday, you’ve come to the right place here.
Read more: Best things to do in Hong Kong
5.) Kathmandu, Nepal
Famous as a gateway to Mount Everest, there’s a heap of epic and historic things to do in Kathmandu that you can’t miss when in Nepal.
For me, it’s one of the best places in Asia to visit, especially as it can be a gateway to explore the rest of Nepal (like we did), too.
Besides potentially hiking in Nepal, there’s a fair bit to keep you busy once in this dusty and lively city.
For instance, places like the Pashupatinath Temple (a sacred Hindu temple), the busy shopping streets of Thamel, and (to step away from the main hubs of activity) heading down Old Freak Street (an important part of the 60s and 70s) hippie trail all make this city unique.
Read more: Best things to do in Nepal
6.) Bali, Indonesia
When people think of Bali, people probably think of beaches, but there’s so much more to this amazing Indonesian island than that.
There are fantastic temples to visit, some of the best coffee in the world, amazing hikes and those epic rice fields, to mention but a few.
Of course, once you’re done with all that (or perhaps even before), it’s definitely still worth checking out the amazing beaches that Bali and incredible waterfalls that Bali is famed for.
Read more: Best things to do in Bali
7.) Kyoto, Japan
Tokyo is an amazing city in Japan (no matter how much time you spend here, you’ll leave wanting more), but if you’re looking for a more traditional side to Japan, Kyoto is where you should explore.
You see, Kyoto was once the capital of Japan, a fact that becomes very visible once you start to visit the amazing shrines and palaces dotted across the city.
Thanks to the super-fast bullet train, Tokyo is only a few hours away and perfectly combined with a trip to Kyoto, leaving you with a fantastic opportunity to experience old and new Japan. Not only that, but it’s also one of the best cities in Japan to explore when you arrive.
Read more: Best things to do in Kyoto
8.) Bagan, Myanmar
This area used to be home to more than thirteen thousand temples and stupas, now offering travellers the chance to explore the two thousand temples that remain. Incredible, right?
A trip to Bagan is unlike anywhere else you’ll ever see and is one that you have to do, even if that’s all you have time to do in Myanmar. It’s easily one of the best places in Asia to include on a wider trip.
