I’ve traveled extensively through Asia from the Middle East to the Southeast. I used to live in Saudi Arabia, I’ve spent two separate times traveling Southeast Asia on a break from working as a nurse, and despite having traveled to nearly 15 countries in Asia, I still have so much more to discover. I love the food, history, diversity, and culture of Asia; everything about the continent intrigues me. So, if you’re a first-timer to Asia or you’re considering planning a trip, here are the best places to visit in Asia!
1. Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is perhaps one of the most ancient, impressive places I’ve been to on all of my travels. If you’ve heard of Bagan, you’ve probably seen photos of pagodas scattered throughout the land. With over 2,200 still standing, this is one of the most impressive things about this place that was founded in the second century AD. If you’re looking to be impressed – add Bagan to your Asia bucket list.
To learn more about Bagan, don’t miss…
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of those cities you either love… or hate. There’s really no in-between. I happened to absolutely adore Bangkok – the sites, sounds, tastes, people – everything! It’s the perfect city to kick of a trip to Southeast Asia as its airport is a big hub for the area. Plus it has a wide range of things to do from budget friendly activities all the way to luxurious experiences. Visit ancient temples during the day and sip champagne on a rooftop overlooking the city at night.
- Best thing to do in Bangkok: Eat your way through the city! I highly recommend this food tour
- Where to stay in Bangkok: Kimpton Maai-Lai Bangkok (you can read about my stay at the hotel here)
If you’re traveling to Bangkok, don’t miss…
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
I’ve included many places in Thailand on this list simply because Thailand has so much to offer and is one of my favorite countries in Asia. While most places I mention are in the south, Chiang Mai is located in Northern Thailand and is truly a cherry on top of any Thailand vacation. With lush jungles, elephant sanctuaries, incredibly temples, and a peaceful town – you’ll definitely want to add Chiang Mai to your Asia bucket list!
If you visit Chiang Mai, don’t miss…
4. George Town, Malaysia
George Town is the capital of the state of Penang in Malaysia and is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming town is filled with incredible street art, food vendors that rival anywhere in the world, boutique shopping, and great weather year-round. By far, George Town is one of my very favorite cities in Malaysia.
- Best Thing to do in George Town: Join this food tour to learn about Penang’s food scene
- Where to stay in George Town: Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion
If you plan to visit George Town, don’t miss…
5. Gili Air, Indonesia
If you’re looking for a quiet, but beautiful island getaway – Gili Air it is. An island so small it has no cars… you can walk from one side to the other in just 20-minutes. Not to mention the island has great restaurants, cute cafes, and breezy beach clubs! According to the expats to call this place home, good luck visiting and not extending your stay. For me, I had intentions to stay for three days and it’s now been well over a week.
- Best thing to do in Gili Air: Rent a bike and ride around the entirety of the island (watch the sunrise from the east and the sunset in the west)
- Where to stay in Gili Air: Jago Gili Air
If you plan to visit Gili Air, don’t miss…
6. Ha Giang, Vietnam
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I personally think that Sapa, Vietnam is incredibly overrated and not worth a visit. Instead, I’d head just east of Sapa to Ha Giang to complete one of the most epic motorbike adventures offered in Southeast Asia. Ha Giang is located on the border of China in Northwestern Vietnam. You can rent motorbikes and explore this stunning region with rice fields, canyons, waterfalls, and ancient villages. So, if you’re considering Northern Vietnam, skip Sapa and head to Ha Giang.
- Best thing to do in Ha Giang: A motorbike tour through the area
Read this post for everything you need to know about Ha Giang…
7. Hoi An, Vietnam
Located in Central Vietnam, Hoi An is the city of lanterns! It’s the perfect place to stop for a few days and soak up the quaint streets, get a custom tailored outfit (what Hoi An is most famous for), relax on the beach, and eat amazing Vietnamese food. Because it’s located in Central Vietnam, it’s a great stop between the north and south (if you’re traveling Vietnam by land), or there’s an airport nearby in Da Nang if you’re not planning to travel in one of the famous Vietnam sleeper buses.
- Best thing to do in Hoi An: Walk the streets of old town (preferably early in the morning when there are fewer visitors)
- Where to stay in Hoi An: Em’s House Hoi An Homestay
If you’re planning to visit Hoi An, don’t miss…
8. Inle Lake, Myanmar
Inle Lake is a unique area in the heart of Myanmar. Here you can rent a boat to visit different floating villages, see the famous fisherman (yes, this is a tourist attraction but you’re able to put money directly into locals pockets), and just get a general taste of life in Myanmar. It’s one of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve been to in Asia.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
A city that straddles Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a unique blend of eastern meets western. Turkey’s capital is affordable, lively, and has so many incredible restaurants and local traditions to partake in. As one of the top cities I’ve ever visited (around the world), Istanbul is worthy of any vacation.
- Best thing to do in Istanbul: Visit a historic Hamam bath for a traditional Turkish bath
If you plan to visit Istanbul, don’t miss…
10. Koh Lanta, Thailand
I adore all things Thailand so when I pulled up to this small island off the west coast of Thailand, took in the white sand beaches and turquoise waters, I fell in love with Thailand all over again. Koh Lanta is what travelers dreams are made of – a beautiful island, that hasn’t been overrun with tourists and chain restaurants/hotels, that is still affordable. I would even dare say that Koh Lanta is my favorite island that I’ve been to in Thailand.
- Best thing to do in Koh Lanta: Rent a motorbike and spend the day exploring the island
- Where to stay in Koh Lanta: Rawi Warin Resort & Spa
See why you should visit Koh Lanta…
11. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I was truly not expecting to like Kuala Lumpur as much as I did. Malaysia’s capital is energetic, beautiful, and has tons of unique things to see and do. From expiring Batu Caves to strolling through Perdana Botanical Garden, there’s something for everyone in Kuala Lumpur.
- Best thing to do in Kuala Lumpur: Visit Batu Caves
- Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur: Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
If you’re planning on visiting Kuala Lumpur, don’t miss…
- 10+ of the Best Hotels in Kuala Lumpur (with an Infinity Pool!)
- The Best 2 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary
12. Luang Prabang, Laos
Lucky for me, my first time to Laos was when I visited Luang Prabang – definitely the star of the country. Luang Prabang is nestled on a peninsula formed by the merging of the Mekong River and Nam Khan River, and surrounded by the PhouThao and PhouNang mountain ranges. With beautiful temples, kind locals, and an overall chill vibe – Luang Prabang is an incredible city to add to your Asia bucket list.
- Best thing to do in Luang Prabang: Visit Wat Xiengthong
- Where to stay in Luang Prabang: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang
If you’re planning on visiting Luang Prabang, don’t miss…
13. Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca is another one of my favorite places in Malaysia and absolutely worth the visit. The city is a treasure chest of history and culture. You can stroll the quaint streets during the day, admiring influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British; each building and street telling a story of Malacca’s rich past. And at night, head to the Jonker Street Night Market (open Friday-Sunday) or enjoy dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in town. The best part is, if you’re limited on time, Malacca is an easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur.
- Best thing to do in Malacca: Visit Stadthuys
- Where to stay in Malacca: The Majestic Malacca
For more on visiting Malacca, don’t miss…
14. Mestia, Georgia
An absolutely charming town in Northern Georgia near the border of Russia, Mestia is a breathtaking mountain town that rivals any mountain town around the world. But the special thing about Mestia is that it’s affordable, lacks the hoards of tourists that flock to similar places (such as Switzerland and France) and is very remote. It’s the perfect place to unwind, relax, enjoy the outdoors, and do some hiking.
- Best thing to do in Mestia: Visit Heshkili Panorama at sunset
- Where to stay in Mestia: Chalet Mestia
Learn more about Mestia…
15. Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Just south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is an other worldly place in Vietnam. With stunning landscapes, beautiful pagodas, and scenic boat rides, Ninh Binh has to be the most beautiful and jaw-dropping place I’ve ever been in the world. It’s also referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” due to its winding waterways and rock formations jutting from the ground.
- Best thing to do in Ninh Binh: Hike Mua Cave
Read more about Ninh Binh…
16. Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan, Indonesia
30-minutes east of Bali brings you to the lesser known Nusa Islands – Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. They might not be as well-known or as “Instagram worthy” as its bigger neighbor to the east – Nusa Penida, but Nusa Lembongan should absolutely be on your Southeast Asia bucket list. For starters, the beaches here are stunning, the islands are quiet, and there are tons of fun beach clubs. You can easily get around on motorbike and you can even drive across the bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. While you only need one or two days on these gorgeous islands, they are absolutely worth the visit!
- Best thing to do in Nusa Lembongan/Nusa Ceningan: Visit the beach clubs
If you’re traveling to Nusa Lembongan, don’t miss…
17. Nusa Penida, Indonesia
A 30-minute boat ride east of Bali brings you to the gorgeous island of Nusa Penida. Where each road leads to a stunning view, there are plenty of beach clubs, and overall fewer visitors than Bali. This tropical haven is a must see for anyone in Indonesia!
- Best thing to do in Nusa Penida: Visit Diamond Beach
- Where to stay in Nusa Penida: MAUA Nusa Penida
If you’re traveling to Nusa Penida, don’t miss…
18. Petra, Jordan
Petra is an ancient city in Jordan with signs of inhabitation back around 7000 BC. In 1812, Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt uncovered the ruins of Petra, alerting the world to its beauty and history. In 1985 Petra became an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today visitors from all of the world come to marvel at the ornate structures carved into rock. Also, as of 2007, Petra has been named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
19. Phuket, Thailand
I think that Phuket has a bad rep for being “too touristy” of an island. And while this is true (it’s easy to get to from Bangkok and has an international airport that accepts flights from other parts of the world), I personally love Phuket. The island is beautiful and the beaches are some of the best I’ve ever seen. If you visit Phuket, I’d simply urge you to stay away from the touristy parts of the island and find somewhere more remote or even check into a nice resort to spend time at.
- Where to stay in Phuket: Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
If you’re traveling to Phuket, don’t miss…
20. Rijal Almaa, Saudi Arabia
Rijal Almaa is a tiny village in the Asir Province of Saudi Arabia. The village is nestled in the mountains and dates back 900 years; having a unique architectural style. If you find yourself exploring the vast land of Arabia, I would definitely recommend making a trip to the Asir Province to learn about the region and visit Rijal Almaa.
Read more about visiting the Asir Province…
21. Siem Reap, Cambodia
If you’re a history lover, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Siem Reap and explore the great Angkor Complex/Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century and is the largest religious monument in the world. Originally, it was a Hindu temple but was changed to a Buddhist temple when Cambodia changed religions. The complex was the heart of the Khmer Empire and a major cultural and political center in Southeast Asia. It’s one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever visited.
- Best thing to do in Siem Reap: Visit the Angkor Complex
- Where to stay in Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (read about my stay here)
Read more about Siem Reap and Angkor Wat…
- What You Need to Know About Visiting Angkor Wat
- The Ultimate 3 Day Siem Reap Itinerary
- 10+ of the Best Hotels in Siem Reap
22. Sighnaghi, Georgia
Perhaps the most romantic and charming town in what’s considered to the birthplace of wine, Sighnaghi is a small town of just a couple thousand people located Georgia’s Kakheti wine region. With cobblestone streets, rooftops of orange, and homemade wine at every turn – this underrated destination is affordable, romantic, and an idyllic getaway whether solo, with friends, or with a lover. Because Georgia straddles both Europe and Asia, it’s also a great place to visit if you’re just new to visiting Asia and looking to dip your toes in.
- Best thing to do in Sighnaghi: Eat dinner at Pheasant’s Tears
- Where to stay in Sighnaghi: Kabadoni Boutique Hotel
Make sure to check out…
23. Singapore
Of course, no visit to Asia would be complete without stopping in the futuristic city of Singapore. With super trees, world famous hotels, and an incredible bar and restaurant scene; Singapore is not to be missed. Just be aware – it is one of the most expensive countries in Asia.
- Where to stay in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands
If you’re traveling to Singapore, don’t miss…
24. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and is a completely underrated gem. The city is safe, clean, affordable, and has done a great job at preserving its oldest buildings and traditions, while still expanding and growing. I love that there are luxury accommodations and cheap hostels, affordable local food or nice traditional restaurants, and most of all, I loved that when I would walk the streets in the morning I’d see homemade wine sitting on family doorsteps. Tbilisi is perhaps, one of the most interesting capital cities in Asia.
- Best thing to do in Tbilisi: Visit a sulfur bath
- Where to stay in Tbilisi: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi
If you’re traveling to Tbilisi, don’t miss…
25. Vardzia, Georgia
Another incredible place to visit if you’re a history lover is Vardzia. Located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region in southwestern Georgia, Vardzia is a carved-out cave town in the Erusheti Mountains. In fact, Vardzia shows what Georgia was like when people first began to settle in the country! Today, you can still walk through the carved out rooms to see what it was like when people used to live here. It’s an incredibly eye-opening learning experience.
Don’t miss…
FAQ
Istanbul, Turkey
Q: “What country is the best to visit in Asia?
- A: That is completely dependent on what you’re looking for! If you’re looking for a cheap destination – any country in Southeast Asia should suffice. If you’re looking for ancient traditions – China, Japan, South Korea, etc. And if it’s your first time to Asia and you just want to dip your toe in, somewhere in Eurasia like Turkey or Georgia. I’ve listed many countries in this post but my personal favorite countries in Asia are Thailand, Georgia, and Turkey.
Q: “What country do most tourists visit in Asia?”
- A: In 2022, the countries that saw the most tourists in Asia include China, Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia.
Q: “What country is the most beautiful in Asia?”
- Of course, that’s subjective but in my opinion Thailand and Vietnam have some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. However, according to a survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, the most beautiful countries in Asia are India, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Turkey.
Q: “What is the most beautiful part of Asia?”
- Personally, I would argue that it’s Southeast Asia. In Southeast Asia you have everything from towering mountains to gorgeous islands. It’s a truly unique part of the world!
Q: “What should I keep in mind when visiting Asia?”
- I think that the most important thing to keep in mind is that you’re visiting a very old, historic part of the world rich in culture and traditions. Try to leave your notions and comforts of the “western world” at home to dive in and enjoy a different way of life and living. Keep an open mind, be respectful, and stay curious.
Asia is an incredibly diverse continent and one of the most intriguing in the world. From Eurasia to the Middle East and Southeast Asia – each part of the continent has something different to offer. I hope that this guide to the best places in Asia inspires some wanderlust and gets you planning your first (or next) trip to Asia.
If you’re looking for more of the best places around the world to visit, don’t miss…
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Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
every countries above are worth visit, except singapore and saudi arabia, there is nothing special about these two countries.
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