Asia’s Top 15 Countries to Visit

Asia is the world’s largest continent, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Its vast landmass includes everything from epic mountain ranges like the Himalayas to the arid Arabian and Gobi deserts. Southeast Asia has steamy jungles, as well as paradise islands and beautiful beaches.

Aside from its massive size, Asia is home to more than half of the world’s population. The continent’s dazzling diversity defies definition, with so many different cultures and languages to explore. Because each country has its own distinct history and heritage, exploring Asia’s many natural wonders and hidden treasures could take a lifetime.

#1 China

China, which dominates Asia in terms of both size and population, has one of the world’s oldest civilizations. As a result, incredible historical and cultural landmarks can be found everywhere.

While the Great Wall of China is undoubtedly the most popular attraction, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an and the Forbidden City in Beijing are equally popular. Others visit China to take in the breathtaking scenery, which includes towering mountains, endless rice terraces, and the desolate Gobi Desert.

China, the world’s most populous country, is home to many rapidly modernizing cities that are fascinating to visit. However, its age-old traditions and customs have not changed. China is a continent with vast and diverse landscapes, cities, and cultures that could take a lifetime to explore.

#2 Thailand

Thailand is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, glittering temples, and friendly people. It is appropriately dubbed “the Land of Smiles.”

While Bangkok has great food and nightlife, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are home to some of the country’s most famous temples. Wild jungle, picturesque paddy fields, and quiet and secluded towns and villages can be found further afield.

Its golden sands and underwater wonders attract tourists every year as it lies between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Many visitors come to party in its beach towns, visit idyllic islands like Ko Tao, or take in the breathtaking scenery of Krabi.

#3 India

India is home to one of the world’s richest and oldest civilizations, as well as a plethora of cultures, religions, peoples, and traditions. This variety is what makes it so fascinating to explore.

While the Himalayas dominate the north, the rest of the country is filled with steamy jungle, picturesque tea plantations, and beautiful beaches. Millennia-old archaeological sites and colorful yet chaotic cities like Mumbai and New Delhi are tucked away among these diverse landscapes.

The world’s second-most populous country has something for everyone, from temples to cuisine, history to wildlife. The only issue is deciding where to begin.

#4 Japan

Despite its nearly 7,000 islands, the majority of Japan’s major sights and tourist attractions can be found on Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. These are the four biggest ones.

The island nation, located to the east of mainland Asia, is a fascinating place where old and new meet. While Tokyo and Yokohama are futuristic metropolises full of skyscrapers and neon lights, Kyoto and Nara are home to traditional palaces and age-old temples.

The country, which is covered in mountains and forests, is also home to some beautiful nature and scenery. This explains why the vast majority of its large population lives in the densely populated cities that line the country’s long and indented coastline.

#5 Nepal

Nepal is a breathtakingly beautiful country with incredible scenery that is one of the best places in the world to go trekking and mountaineering. The Himalayas dominate and define the mountain nation, which is home to many of the world’s tallest peaks. Mount Everest stands head and shoulders above the rest.

While many people visit Nepal to hike the Annapurna Circuit, the country also has a rich cultural heritage. The country is dotted with centuries-old temples, shrines, monasteries, and palaces, the most famous of which is the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini. It was here, 2,500 years ago, that the Buddha was born.

Kathmandu, known as the ‘City of Temples’ due to its many religious sites, is not to be missed.

#6 Indonesia

Indonesia spans 4,700 kilometers from east to west and is made up of more than 18,000 islands. As a result, the country is one of the most diverse on the planet, whether in terms of people, culture, and languages, or landscapes and wildlife.

The archipelago defies categorization in many ways. For example, its small, secluded sleepy settlements stand in stark contrast to Jakarta’s teeming and chaotic capital. As one of the world’s most populous countries, its customs, traditions, and cuisines vary greatly depending on where you go.

Its habitats are as diverse as its location between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. While Bali has beautiful beaches, Borneo has wonderful wildlife and amazing orangutans. With so much to see and do, the ‘Emerald of the Equator’ is a must-see.

#7 Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations, with so much amazing history, culture, and nature. The country has a diverse landscape, and its idyllic coastline hugs the South China Sea.

Many visitors rent motorcycles and ride along the Ho Chi Minh trail. This route takes you from Hanoi’s colorful but chaotic capital to Ho Chi Minh City, passing through the ancient capital of Hue along the way. Ha Long Bay is another must-see destination due to its breathtaking seascape and limestone islands.

The picturesque coastal town of Hoi An is also worth a visit, and the hill tribes around Sa Pa demonstrate some of the country’s cultural and ethnic diversity. Whatever you do, Vietnam’s fantastic cuisine will not disappoint.

#8 Jordan

Jordan in the Middle East has long welcomed travelers and traders due to its strategic location between Africa, Europe, and Asia. Armies also passed through, and rulers and empires left behind crusader castles, Roman amphitheaters, and, of course, Petra over the millennia.

The ancient Nabataean city is a sight to behold, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. It is unquestionably the highlight of any visit to the country, set in the desert and carved out of rock.

While Petra is undeniably the main attraction, the desert landscapes of the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum are also worth exploring. Jordan is the safest country to visit in the region, and its many charms and Middle Eastern hospitality will undoubtedly entice you to return.

#9 The Philippines

Given that the Philippines is made up of over 7,000 different islands, it should come as no surprise that it is a popular beach vacation destination. Its inviting waters provide excellent surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling opportunities, with Boracay and North Palawan being particularly popular.

Some islands are covered in lush rice fields or tropical rainforest, while others have hidden lagoons and smoking volcanoes. There are chaotic yet colorful cities dotted throughout its varied landscapes, such as Cebu and the capital Manila.

The country’s cultural makeup is diverse; while traveling around, you’ll notice Spanish, American, and traditional influences, among others. As you can see, the archipelago offers much more than sun, sea, and sand.

#10 South Korea

South Korean culture, birthplace of K-Pop and Kimchi, is currently popular all over the world. This is a significant shift, as it has long been overlooked and outshone by its larger and more powerful neighbors, China and Japan.

Traveling around the peninsula is fascinating because the country has a rich and distinct history, heritage, and culture. It has, however, rapidly modernized. Skyscrapers and massive shopping malls coexist with centuries-old palaces and temples.

South Korea is deceptively mountainous, but it also has many wonderful national parks to visit, as well as beautiful islands and beaches that line the coast. Jeju Island is the most popular destination for both locals and tourists.

#11 Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an increasingly popular tourist destination, is located in the Indian Ocean, just south of India. While its beautiful beaches are one of its main draws, the island also has a rich history and culture to explore.

Sri Lanka has many impressive archaeological sites as well as historic and cultural landmarks to visit due to its 2,500-year history. Many of these, ranging from ancient temples to colonial-era forts, can be found in the enthralling cities of Anuradhapura, Galle, and Kandy.

In addition, Sri Lanka has some breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife for you to enjoy. Sri Lanka has it all when it comes to beaches, culture, history, and nature.

#12 Oman

The Sultanate of Oman’s unique culture, traditions, and heritage are visible everywhere you go. Indeed, the proud identity of its people, as well as their welcoming nature, contribute to the country’s allure.

Oman, unlike many of its neighbors, has not built any skyscrapers or modernized significantly. This means that its desert oasis towns and capital, Muscat, still have beautiful old architecture and a skyline that has remained unchanged for centuries.

While its souks and medinas are stunning, the country’s desolate landscapes are equally appealing. Oman, with its spectacular mountains, beautiful coastline, and scenic sand dunes, is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

#13 Malaysia

This incredible country, which consists of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests. In addition to the breathtaking nature and scenery, its national parks offer fantastic trekking and wildlife.

Malaysia’s thriving cities and capital, Kuala Lumpur, are very multicultural and diverse, with Chinese, Indians, and ethnic Malays living there. Impressive historical and cultural landmarks can be found among the modern skyscrapers, and its restaurants serve a variety of delicious local cuisine.

With idyllic islands and pristine beaches to be found in Malaysia, seeing an orangutan up close in their natural habitat is likely to be the highlight of any visit.

#14 Cambodia

Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia between Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, is rich in historical ruins and archaeological sites.

This is due to the mighty Khmer Empire’s construction of numerous amazing temples, monuments, and palaces throughout the country between the 9th and 15th centuries. The unmistakable highlight of these structures is the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat.

Cambodia, in addition to the vibrant cities of Siem Reap and the capital Phnom Penh, is rich in natural beauty. Cambodia has something for everyone, with picturesque paddy fields, jungle-clad mountains, and fabulous tropical islands to explore.

#15 Maldives

The Maldives, comprised of approximately 1,200 islands and atolls, has some of the world’s best and most breathtaking beaches. The glamorous getaway is known for its luxurious resorts, many of which have their own private island in the Indian Ocean.

While each idyllic island in the archipelago appears to be more beautiful than the last, the Maldives is also known for its underwater treasures. As a result, it is an excellent location for scuba diving or snorkeling, with numerous colorful coral reefs and shimmering shoals of fish to discover.

With so many picture-perfect white-sand beaches to choose from, this serene and secluded honeymoon destination should not be overlooked.

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