HomeAsia 16 Beautiful Countries in Asia & Territories to Visit By Marcos Detourista. Updated on October 8, 2022. Where to go in Asia? Check out these beautiful countries, top tourist spots, best places to visit, must-see attractions, sights & more. From the bustling streets of Hong Kong to laid-back ancient temples in Myanmar, Asia is a place where adventure is ripe for the picking at every corner. First-time travelers can get easily overwhelmed by the thought of exploring this massively diverse region. Fortunately, there are a lot of destinations that are perfect for the uninitiated while others just need more preparation & planning. Get inspired to start your adventure in Asia with this list of the beautiful countries to visit as well as territories worth a place on your bucketlist. Take note that the countries featured below are the ones I’ve personally traveled to so far. If you have any suggestions, feel free to share your thoughts (in the comments or on my Instagram page). To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip! Asia travel essentials Click below to compare rates & read reviews: Flights See also: 32 Places To Visit in The Philippines, Indochina Itinerary, 33 Places To Visit in Singapore. View all travel tips on: Asia. 1. Philippines The Philippines is my home. If you’re planning to skip this country entirely, then you’re missing out on a lot! The Philippines is where you can find some of the best beaches in the World. Made up of over 7,500 islands, there is a ton of things to see and do here worth a spot on your bucketlist, from enjoying popular holiday destinations to discovering places off the beaten path. What sets the Philippines apart from the rest of Asia is its distinct culture, shaped by Spanish, American, and native influences. Bias aside, one of the best things I love about traveling in the Philippines is how easy it is to have interactions with locals. Getting around isn’t much of a problem since most Filipinos can understand English and are very friendly. Breaking down the language barrier makes travel more fun in the Philippines. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Manila is the main flight hub in the Philippines. Manila-NAIA International Airport serves direct flights from major cities in Asia, Australia, USA, Canada. An excellent alternative is to fly direct to the Philippines’ secondary international gateways including Cebu, Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Iloilo, Davao, Kalibo & Clark. Philippines Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch Dinosaurs Island Clark Admission Ticket Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay Magasang Rock Formation, Biri Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint, in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Marcos at White Beach Marcos at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Sunrise at Bohol Chocolate Hills Chocolate Hills sunrise view in Carmen, Bohol, Philippines Marcos at Tinago Falls, Iligan Marcos at Tinago Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Matukad Island, Caramoan Marcos at Matukad Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Bicol, Philippines Taraw Peak view, El Nido Taraw Peak view overlooking Bacuit Bay Islands, in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines See more: Philippines travel tips 32 Places To Visit in The Philippines Philippines Waterfalls Philippines Beaches For more travel inspiration, follow Detourista on: InstagramFacebooktiktokPinterest 2. Japan Japan is one of the first places to comes to mind when people ask me about my favorite places to travel. Japan is futuristic yet still retains strong ties to tradition. You’ll find serene temples surrounded by beautiful views of nature. People are very warm and the food is delicious. Japan offers nearly all of the kinds of sights and experiences that get me excited when I travel. Best of all, getting around is very easy because of the well-developed transport network. Location: East Asia. Save on Google Maps. Japan Travel Essentials Tours + discounts Top discounts Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea Admission Ticket Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours) JR Pass for Whole Japan Unversal Studios Japan, Okasa Butter Beer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Japan, in Okasa, Japan Marcos at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto Marcos at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan Shiraito Waterfall near Mount Fuji, Japan Marcos at Shiraito Waterfall, near Mount Fuji Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Marcos at Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan Shirakawa-go village view from Shiroyama viewpoint Shirakawa-go village view from Shiroyama viewpoint, Japan Plaza Omotesando in Harajuku, Tokyo Plaza Omotesando (shopping mall) in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan Matsumoto Castle, Nagano Matsumoto Castle in Nagano, Japan See more: Japan travel tips 16 Places To Visit in Japan Kyoto Itinerary + Travel Guide Japan Itinerary + Travel Guide Tokyo Itinerary + Travel Guide 3. Nepal Nepal is the ultimate destination for mountain lovers. The Nepali Himalayas is the roof of the World, home to Mount Everest — the highest peak on earth. Travelers who venture to this country soon discover a lot more sights and experiences that are worth the long journey from home. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Valley is home to medieval squares and sacred monuments for Hindus & Buddhists. In Pokhara, you can go paragliding or simply enjoy the majestic views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains from one of the many easily accessible viewpoints. Location: South Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Kathmandu International Airport is the primary gateway to Nepal. The airport’s busiest destinations include major gateways in India (Delhi), Middle East (Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai) & Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur). From the Philippines, book a connecting flight via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore since there are no direct flights from Manila to Kathmandu. Excluding time spent on layovers, travel time from the Philippines to Nepal via Bangkok should take around 7 hours minimum. Nepal Travel Essentials Tours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Kathmandu Airport-City/Hotel Transfers Everest Mountain Flight Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu (12D11N) Marcos at Annapurna Base Camp Marcos at Annapurna Base Camp, near Pohkara, in Gandaki, Nepal Boudhanath in Kathmandu, Nepal Boudhanath, Kathmandu Marcos at Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Pokhara Lakeside at Sunset Sunset view at Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal View of Ama Dablam from Tengboche View of Ama Dablam from Tengboche, Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal Horned Rhinos, Chitwan Horned Rhinos in Sauraha, Chitwan National Park, Nepal Central Canal, Lumbini Central Canal in Lumbini, Nepal See more: Nepal travel tips EBC-Gokyo Circuit Trek: 19 Days Hike to Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lake Everest Base Camp Itinerary + Travel Guide 7 Places to Visit in Pokhara + Things To Do 8 Places To Visit in Kathmandu 4. Singapore Arguably the easiest destination to travel in Southeast Asia, highly developed Singapore is perfect for first-time travelers, especially those traveling with family. Singapore is my most visited international destination! I’m very impressed with how nature is preserved and even masterfully integrated into the futuristic urban landscape. Gardens by the Bay and the Jewel Changi Airport are among my favorite spots. A melting pot of Asian cultures, Singapore is a foodie paradise where you can get a taste of the local cuisines of different parts of the continent. Thanks to its wide network of direct flights, Singapore is also a worthwhile jump-off point to more “exotic” places in Southeast Asia. And, a fitting last stop to indulge in urban comforts before the journey home. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Singapore’s primary gateway is Changi International Airport, which is well-connected by air from nearly all corners of the globe especially major cities in Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Australia. Land border crossings are also popular to/from Malaysia via Johor Bahru. From the Philippines, travel time from Manila by flight takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes. This route is served by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar Airways and Tigerair. Direct flights are also available from several provincial cities including Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo & Clark. Singapore Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Legoland Malaysia Admission Ticket Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket Singapore 4G Data SIM Card (SG Airport Pickup) Singapore River and Civic District Statues of children playing by the river with a view of heritage buildings and bridges along the Singapore River at the Civic District in Singapore Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore Marcos at Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore Merion Park and Singapore CBD Skyline Merion Park and skyline, in Singapore Marina Bay view from Helix Bridge Marina Bay view from Helix Bridge, Singapore Universal Studios Singapore – Far Far Away Castle Universal Studios Singapore – Far Far Away Castle in Sentosa Island, Singapore Monks at Gardens By The Bay Monks at the cloud dome, in Gardens By The Bay, Singapore Marina Bay Sands Skypark view Marina Bay Sands Skypark view overlooking Singapore skyline See more: Singapore travel tips 33 Places To Visit in Singapore Singapore Itinerary + Travel Guide Singapore Itinerary 5. Indonesia Even thinking about adventures to be had in over 18,307 islands already makes me want to go aboard the next flight to Indonesia. You can skip “eat” and “pray,” and go straight to “love” in Bali. If you’re tired of beaches, there are ancient temples, volcanoes, waterfalls, and nature parks waiting for you in 18,306 more islands. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Bali and Jakarta are the best entry points to Indonesia for most travelers as flights are aplenty. It’s also possible to fly direct to Medan, Surabaya or Yogyakarta from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. From the Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines operate direct flights to Jakarta and Bali. Travel time to both destinations should take around 4 hours. You might also be able to chance upon good deals by transiting through Singapore and Kuala Lumpur instead. Indonesia Travel Essentials Tours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Bali Private Car Charter Singapore to Bintan-Lagoi Ferry Nusa Penida Day Tour from Bali Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida Island Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida Island, Klungklung, Bali, Indonesia Marcos at Padar Island Overlooking Padar Island in Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Marcos at Tiu Kelep Waterfall Marcos at Tiu Kelep Waterfall, in Senaru, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Mount Ijen (volcano) sulfur mine Marcos at Mount Ijen (volcano) sulfur mine in Java, Indonesia Mount rinjani volcano crater lake Mount rinjani volcano crater lake, in Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Marcos at Ubud – Tegalalang Rice Terraces Sunrise at Tegalalang Rice Terraces, in Tampaksiring, near Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Borobudur Temple near Yogyakarta Borobudur Temple view from Amanjiwo Resort, near Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia See more: Indonesia travel tips 8 Places To Visit in Yogyakarta 12 Places To Visit in Jakarta 25 Places To Visit in Indonesia Bali Itinerary + Travel Guide 6. Myanmar If you’re already flirting with the idea of going on off-the-beaten-track adventures in Myanmar, go there now before tourism in the country grows too mainstream. Traveling in Myanmar used to take a lot of effort, but now it’s a lot easier thanks to the country opening up more to foreign tourists & convenience of booking hotels/tours online. If there’s one place you should visit, it’s Bagan, ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with thousands of temples that still survive to the present day. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Yangon is the primary flight hub in Myanmar. Mandalay is also a viable option, especially if you’re planning to visit the ancient temples in North Central Myanmar. Consider a trip long enough to fly in Yangon, enjoy a stopover at Bagan, and fly out from Mandalay (or vice-versa). From the Philippines, the best way to get to Myanmar is by going on a connecting flight via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. Myanmar Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Bagan Temples Cultural Full Day Tour Yangon Highlights Private Tour Yangon and Bagan Bus – VIP Ticket (One Way) Mandalay to Hsipaw train, Myanmar Gokteik Viaduct (Nawnghkio) crossing on the Mandalay to Hsipaw train, in Shan State, Myanmar Shwedagon Paya Pagoda, Yangon Sunset at Shwedagon Paya (Pagoda) in Yangon, Myanmar Marcos at Mahabodhi Temple Mahabodhi Temple in Bagan, Myanmar Kyaiktiyo Golden Rock Pagoda Sunset at Kyaiktiyo Golden Rock Pagoda in Myanmar Central Market (Morning Market), Hsipaw Central Market (Morning Market) in Hsipaw, Shan State, Myanmar Mandalay Royal Palace, Myanmar Mandalay Royal Palace in Mandalay, Myanmar Mount Popa Temple Mount Popa Temple in Bagan, Myanmar See more: Myanmar travel tips 14 Places To Visit in Mandalay 8 Places To Visit in Yangon Bagan Itinerary + Travel Guide 6 Places To Visit in Myanmar 7. Hong Kong, China A gawk-worthy modern skyline and exciting urban attractions are the top reasons that got me on a plane to Hong Kong on my first trip abroad. If you are traveling abroad for the first time or traveling with family, I highly recommend Hong Kong. Not only are there a lot of exciting things to see and do, getting around is very easy. Another I like about Hong Kong is that it’s within a 1-hour ride away from Macau & Mainland China. The border crossings are great if you’re on a journey to collect stamps on your passport. Location: East Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Most travelers arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which is well-connected by plane from all major cities across the globe. Frequent ferry services link Hong Kong to Macau (1 hour) and cities along the Pearl River Delta. By land, roadways, and trains connect Hong Kong to Mainland China via Guangdong & Guangzhou. From the Philippines, frequent daily flights connect Manila to Hong Kong (2 hours). You may also fly from Cebu, Iloilo, Clark & Kalibo. Direct flights are operated by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific & TigerAir. Hong Kong Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Hong Kong Disneyland Admission Ticket Ocean Park Hong Kong Admission Ticket Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Skip-the-line Combo Ticket Hong Kong Disneyland fireworks Disneyland Hong Kong fireworks show, in Lantau Island, Hong Kong Marcos at Tsim Tsa Tsui with a view of Central Marcos at Tsim Tsa Tsui enjoying a view of Central, Hong Kong Nong Ping 360 Cable Car Nong Ping 360 Cable Car – Lantau Island, Hong Kong Marcos at Disneyland Hong Kong Marcos at Disneyland Hong Kong Victoria Peak – Hong Kong skyline Victoria Peak – Hong Kong skyline view from Sky Terrace 428 in Hong Kong See more: Hong Kong, China travel tips 14 Places To Visit in Macau Hong Kong Itinerary Hong Kong Itinerary + Travel Guide 19 Places To Visit in Hong Kong 8. Thailand Growing up in a place heavily influenced by Western culture, the exotic appeal of Thailand was irresistible on my first solo trip abroad. With so many places catered to budget travelers, it’s easy to travel cheaply around fascinating destinations in the country while enjoying the bliss that is Thai food. If you’re looking forward to some saltwater therapy, the southern half of Thailand is home to jaw-dropping sea views. While the areas north of the capital Bangkok offers spectacular mountain scenery and fascinating temple towns. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Bangkok is the primary international and domestic gateway to Thailand. Travelers either arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport located on the eastern outskirts of Bangkok and Don Mueang International Airport in the north. Direct international flights also available in provincial tourist hotspots including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Samui, Krabi & Pattaya. Alternatively, land border crossings are popular from/to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia & Vietnam (via Cambodia). From the Philippines, fly from Manila to Bangkok (3 hours and 30 minutes) on Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or Thai Airways. You may also go on a connecting flight via Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Another option is to arrive in Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap, or Kuala Lumpur and continue your journey to Thailand by land or air. Thailand Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket Bangkok Chao Phraya Princess Cruise Pattaya-Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticket Koh Tao, Thailand Koh Tao, Thailand Chiang Rai White Temple Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), in Chiang Rai, Thailand Maya Bay (The Beach), Ko Phi Phi Leh Maya Bay (The Beach) in Ko Phi Phi Leh in Krabi, Thailand Monk Apprentices in Wat Chedi Luang Buddhist monk apprentices and apprentices during a prayer ritual inside Wat Chedi Luang, in Chiang Mai, Thailand Thee Lor Su Waterfall Thee Lor Su Waterfall in Umphang, Tak, Thailand Wat Pho (temple), Bangkok Wat Pho (temple) in Bangkok, Thailand Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near Bangkok Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near Bangkok, Thailand See more: Thailand travel tips 20 Places To Visit in Thailand 9 Places To Visit in Chiang Mai 12 Places To Visit in Krabi Bangkok Itinerary + Travel Guide 9. Cambodia If you’re in-love with the idea of exploring ancient temple ruins, then Siem Reap, Cambodia has Southeast Asia’s grandest archaeological site (in my opinion, at least). Plus, locals are very friendly and most of them speak good English, which makes traveling around the country very easy. Siem Reap, Cambodia is one of the most exceptional places to visit in Southeast Asia. Here, you can find Angkor Wat, the World’s largest religious monument & other ruined sites built during the reign of the ancient Khmer empire. I’ve traveled to Siem Reap several times & the marvelous sights never failed to amaze me. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: The majority of temple-bound travelers arrive in Siem Reap, the main gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, and less popularly in the capital, Phnom Penh. The country sits right in the middle of the Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam Indochina banana pancake trail making cross-border land travel very easy. Philippine Airlines serves direct flights between Phnom Penh & Manila. Alternatively, you can book a connecting flight via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Or, travel by land/air from Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia. Cambodia Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Angkor Wat & Little Circuit Guided Join-In Tour Banteay Srei & Angkor Grand Circuit Guided Join-In Tour Siem Reap Private Car Charter National Museum, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia National Museum, Phnom Penh Marcos enjoying the sunrise view at Angkor Wat (temple) in Siem Marcos enjoying the sunrise view at Angkor Wat Koh Ker-Thom Temple Koh Ker-Thom Temple near Siem Reap, Cambodia Sihanoukville-Sokha Beach Sokha Beach in Sihanoukville, Cambodia Sok San Beach (Long Beach), Koh Rong Sok San Beach (Long Beach) in Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, Cambodia , Kampot Kampot Riverside (Praek Tuek Chhu River) in Kampot, Cambodia Mekong River sunset Sunset view along the Mekong River, in Kratie, Cambodia See more: Cambodia travel tips 9 Places To Visit in Phnom Penh 7 Places To Visit in Sihanoukville & Koh Rong Islands 9 Places To Visit in Siem Reap Siem Reap Itinerary + Travel Guide 10. Vietnam 1 US Dollar converts to around 23,200+ Vietnamese Dong (as of the time of writing). To be a millionaire in Vietnam, you only need to have USD 43! (PHP 2100+) Try checking your ATM balance to get a good shock from all the digits. Purchasing power considered, your money still goes a long way here. Today, it’s one of the World’s cheapest countries to travel. Vietnam is most known for its turbulent wartime history, delicious food, and Ha Long Bay. Before arriving in the country and traveling around its countrysides, little did I know that it is also home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Southeast Asia, and charming heritage sites that are worth a peek. Vietnam is also a great starting point to traverse the (Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand) Indochina trail. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Travelers either arrive at Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) in South Vietnam or Hanoi in North Vietnam. Da Nang in Central Vietnam is also a good option as it caters to a growing number of direct international flights. Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are well-connected by flight (2 hours) as well as by train (33 hours with no stops), and overnight buses. From the Philippines, fly directly to Ho Chi Minh from Manila on Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Cebu Pacific also operates a direct route from Manila to Hanoi. You can also consider taking a connecting flight via Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur. Vietnam Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour Full Day Mekong Delta Excursion from Ho Chi Minh Private Noi Bai Airport Transfers (HAN) for Hanoi City or Halong Bay Hang Mua Peak (Mua Caves Viewpoint), Ninh Binh Hang Mua Peak (Mua Caves Viewpoint) – Overlooking Tam Coc, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam Marcos enjoying Vietnamese Phin Coffee, Hoi An Marcos enjoying traditional Vietnamese Phin Coffee in Hoi An, Vietnam Mui Ne Red Sand Dunes, Vietnam Red Sand Dunes in Mui Ne, Vietnam Marcos at Thien Mu Pagoda Thien Mu Pagoda, along the Perfume River, in Hue, Vietnam Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Cruise boats and blue sky, in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam Marcos at Pongour Waterfall Marcos at Pongour Waterfall in Da Lat, Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh City Hall in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam See more: Vietnam travel tips 12 Places To Visit in Hanoi 14 Places To Visit in Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh Itinerary + Travel Guide 15 Places To Visit in Vietnam 11. India There’s no place on earth like India. This country is home to the world’s most spectacular architecture and colorful mix of cultures. It is like a continent of its own. Each place offers unique experiences catered to different types of travelers. Once you’ve arrived and fallen in love with India, you’ll want to keep coming back for more. Location: South Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Arriving by air is the best way to get to India. Delhi and Kolkata airports are the primary flight hubs in north India. You can fly to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore or Chennai if you’re bound for south India. Major airlines in the country include Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, IndiGo, GoAir, AirAsia & Vistara. From the Philippines, catch a connecting flight in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Hong Kong since there are no direct flights between Manila and Indian airports. Excluding time spent on transits, travel time from the Philippines to India should take 6–8 hours via Bangkok or 8–10 hours via Singapore/Kuala Lumpur. India Travel Essentials Tours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Taj Mahal Fast Track Entry Ticket Delhi Private Car Charter Delhi-Agra-Rajasthan Private Transfers – Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & More Taj Mahal, Agra Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India Jaisalmer Fort, India Jaisalmer Fort sunset view from Kuku Coffee Shop in Rajasthan, India Chittorgarh Fort, India Chittorgarh Fort (Gaumukh Reservoir), Chittorgarh, India Mahabodhi Temple, Bodghaya The Bodhi Tree at Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India Bahai Lotus Temple, New Delhi Bahai Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India Marcos at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi Bara Bazar, Kolkata Bara Bazar in Kolkata, India See more: India travel tips 14 Places To Visit in India 10 Places To Visit in Kolkata 9 Places To Visit in New Delhi 6 Places To Visit in Rajasthan 12. Malaysia Lying between Singapore and Thailand, literally and on the scale of how easy it is to travel, Malaysia is a great choice if you plan on visiting adventure-filled places but still want to travel with relative ease. It’s also hard not to miss it if you’re flying with AirAsia, the biggest airline in the region based in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is worth a spot on your bucketlist for its captivating natural landscape, home to one of the World’s oldest forests and thriving multi-cultural cities. The country is composed of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Kuala Lumpur is the main gateway to Peninsular Malaysia while Kota Kinabalu serves East Malaysia. It’s also possible to fly directly to several international airports across the country including Penang, Melaka, Johor Bahru-Senai, Subang & Kuching. Direct land and ferry connections are available from Singapore (via Johor Bahru), Indonesia (Kalimantan-East Malaysia) & Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan-Sabah). From the Philippines, from Manila fly to Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Malaysia Airlines. Travel time takes nearly 4 hours. Direct flights to KL are also available from Clark, Cebu & Kalibo. East Malaysia bound travelers can take a direct flight from Manila to Kota Kinabalu (2 hours). Malaysia Travel Essentials Tours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Legoland Malaysia Admission Ticket KL Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket Malaysia 4G Data SIM Card (MY Pick up) Kek Lok Si (Temple) Kek Lok Si (Buddhist temple) near Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur Marcos at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Langkawi Sky Bridge Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia Mamutik Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Kota Kinabal Mamutik Island, Kota Kinabalu Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Christ Church, Melaka Christ Church at night in the Portuegese-colonial district of Melaka, Malaysia Legoland Malaysia Legoland in Johor Bahru, Malaysia See more: Malaysia travel tips 19 Places To Visit in Kuala Lumpur 8 Places To Visit in Kota Kinabalu 13 Places To Visit in Langkawi Kuala Lumpur Itinerary + Travel Guide See more of Asia 13. Taiwan Why Taiwan? For one, it’s easy to find cheap flights from major cities in Asia including Manila & Cebu in the Philippines. Taiwan’s decision to offer visa-free entry for Pinoy travelers was also a big reason why I went on my first trip. The capital, Taipei, is a bustling cosmopolitan city with a relaxed vibe. It’s home to the iconic Taipei 101 and offers an exciting food scene, night markets, temples & heritage sites as well as lots of beautiful natural sights nearby. It’s also worth mentioning that Taiwan is an affordable destination to visit, especially compared to similarly developed destinations in the region like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Location: East Asia. Save on Google Maps. Taiwan Travel Essentials Tours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Taiwan 4G Unli Internet/Data Pocket Wifi Yehliu-Shifen-Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen Taipei 101 Observatory Admission Ticket Taipei 101 Taipei 101 view from Elephant Mountain, in Taipei, Taiwan Zhongshe Flower Market, Taichung Marcos at Zhongshe Flower Market in Taichung, Taiwan Jiufen Old Street Jiufen Old Street near Taipei, Taiwan National Palace Museum National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan Shifen Waterfall, Taipei Shifen Waterfall near Taipei, Taiwan Shifen Old Street Shifen Old Street near Taipei, Taiwan See more: Taiwan travel tips Taipei Itinerary + Travel Guide 14. Laos Landlocked Laos is not the easiest to get to in Southeast Asia. Most travelers arrive here on land border crossings from Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. But don’t miss it if you want to avoid crowded cities, enjoy extremely laid-back countrysides, and see pristine natural sights. Go north if you want to visit Laos’ popular tourist spots including sacred Buddhist temples, old French-colonial heritage districts, and gorgeous riverside scenery. Make your way down south for majestic waterfalls, spectacular caves, and thousands of river islands where you can experience life in the countryside. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. Laos Travel Essentials Tours + discounts Top discounts Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang Shuttle – Shared City Transfers Pak Ou Cave & Kuang Si Waterfall Day Tour from Luang Prabang Vientiane – Vang Vieng Shuttle – Shared City Transfers Vang Vieng karst mountains and rice fields Karst mountains and rice fields, in Vang Vieng, Laos Muang Ngoi Neua, Laos Muang Ngoi Neua Village near Nong Khiaw, Laos Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang, Laos Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang Vat Phou (temple) Vat Phou (temple) in Champasak, Laos Pha That Luang (Stupa) Pha That Luang (Stupa) in Vientiane, Laos Monks at the riverside in Luang Prabang Monks at the riverside in Luang Prabang, Laos Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang Pak Ou Caves in Luang Prabang, Laos See more: Laos travel tips 11 Places To Visit in Luang Prabang 7 Places To Visit in Pakse & Champasak 10 Places To Visit in Vientiane 5 Places To Visit in Laos 15. Brunei Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Brunei Boat tour along the Brunei River in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex with Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei City Center Riverside in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Local boat crossing the Brunei River to Kampung Ayer (Water Village) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Brunei is a small yet wealthy nation, known for having the largest oil fields in Southeast Asia one of the world’s highest standards of living. Laid-back capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, gleams with magnificent mosques that contrast with a massive stilt house water village and lush mangrove forests nearby. Location: Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Brunei is easy to visit by flying to Brunei International Airport. Flight duration from Manila to Brunei is 2 hours. Ferry and land travel between Kota Kinabalu and Brunei is also very popular. The sea journey takes around 4 hours minimum, while the bus takes around 7 hours. Brunei Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discounts Top discounts Brunei Half Day City Tour in Bandar Seri Begawan Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in Brunei See more: Brunei travel tips 8 Places To Visit in Kota Kinabalu 6 Places To Visit in Brunei 16. Macau, China Very compact and easy to get around, the resort city-state of Macau offers a fascinating mix of city attractions, well-preserved Portuguese-colonial heritage sites and delicious local Macanese food. If you’re visiting Hong Kong, then a trip to Macau is highly recommended as the ferry & land crossing only takes an hour. Location: East Asia. Save on Google Maps. Macau Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Gondola Rides at The Venetian Macau Macau Tower Admission Ticket Hong Kong-Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets Ruins of Saint Paul Cathedral, Macau Ruins of Saint Paul Cathedral in Macau’s Portuguese-colonial district, China The Venetian Macao Indoor Italian-inspired canals and gondolas at The Venetian Macau Parisian Macao, Macau Parisian Macao in Macau, China See more: Macau, China travel tips 14 Places To Visit in Macau What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Asia that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts! Places to visit in Asia Asia tourist spots, things to do in Asia, where to go in Asia & more. 1. Philippines 2. Japan 3. Nepal 4. Singapore 5. Indonesia 6. Myanmar 7. Hong Kong, China 8. Thailand 9. Cambodia 10. Vietnam 11. India 12. Malaysia 13. Taiwan 14. Laos 15. Brunei 16. Macau, China Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank. Don’t Stop Here Click below for more travel inspiration: 32 Places To Visit in The Philippines 33 Places To Visit in Singapore Indochina Itinerary Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 8 Places to Visit in Lumbini + Things To Do18 Places to Visit in Baguio and Benguet + Things To Do14 Places to Visit in Clark and Pampanga + Things To Do15 Places to Visit in Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao +… Discover more blogs and travel tips in: SingaporeIloiloKuala LumpurBoracayBangkokManilaDavao CitySiem ReapPuerto PrincesaJakartaBaliLaoagHo Chi MinhYogyakartaMount Bromo See all places Find more posts about:FeaturedBest TravelBest PlacesBest Things To Do Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments MALMAM says August 24, 2015 at 6:00 pm THANKS FOR sharing your trAvel experiences…. ! Reply Marcos Detourist says October 18, 2015 at 12:27 am The pleasure is mine, MALMAM :) My travels around Asia had brought me so many beautiful experiences, this is my way of giving back by sharing. Reply Frances says March 10, 2016 at 4:19 pm Wow. This made me feel more excited to travel asia in the future! Anw, One of the countries I have listed on my bucket list is Thailand. How was the food and service? :) Reply Apple says April 30, 2016 at 10:51 am Very detailed article. Got many ideas to which country I must first go. Super loved it. Thanks for sharing this ? Reply Viet Nam says October 29, 2016 at 2:21 am Some amendments: in Vietnam, 1 USD is around 22,250 VND. you have to exchange at least 50$, or the exchange rate will be higher. Many scandals of toxic food, even in big restaurants. Reply Marcos Detourist says October 30, 2016 at 11:35 am That’s true. You can get best rates if you exchange using $100 bills. A lot of exchange stalls offer lower exchange rates if you use bills with smaller denomination. Reply sue says November 18, 2016 at 10:50 am Very impressive especially with the details of the itinerary! nice job Marcos~~ Reply Marcos Detourist says November 29, 2016 at 2:29 pm Thanks Sue! Reply Al-Jawi says October 12, 2018 at 11:09 pm Thanks for sharing such a very detailed article, it’s definitely helpful :) Reply s says December 8, 2018 at 10:10 pm where is china south korea and japan? Reply James says January 11, 2019 at 11:10 am Agreed on all three but especially JAPAN !!! I’ve been to all of these countries and Japan is by far my favorite. How could you leave such these cultural gems off a seemingly definitive list? Reply Marcos Detourista says January 11, 2019 at 11:33 pm Hi James. Went to Japan last month. I totally agree with you! I will definitely add Japan to the list on the next update. Josh says December 31, 2019 at 6:37 am Hong Kong is NOT A COUNTRY!!! ? Reply gomer de guzman says December 29, 2018 at 1:55 pm been traveling 2x a yr, this yr 2018, been to Jordan, Egypt, Turkey ,& Greece, china last April. Next will be Phil. o ur base. and been to Bangkok and Singapore. Will you be able to extend your expertise as to places in Asia to visit, fr Phil a week in a country maybe. Reply Nirajan says August 17, 2019 at 11:14 pm Nepal should be in no 1 Reply Willy bermejo says January 22, 2019 at 5:33 pm Informative Reply Faith says August 14, 2019 at 4:55 pm Hi! Love your blog! Just wanna ask if you’ve ever been to Japan on a December or any month? Do you have itinerary? Hope you’ll answer! Thank you! Reply Orlando says October 12, 2019 at 4:33 am Hi. My name is Orlando. I will be in Bali from Jan. 7-11. I will have 3 full days (8-10) to explore the beautiful city (I know that’s not enough time). What are the MUST see or do within those 3 days? Your experience and knowledgeable suggestions would be much appreciated. Hotel suggestions can help too (from lowest to mid rates per day). Thanks. Orlando Reply Peninsulahousemd says October 21, 2019 at 4:23 pm Oh my friend you narration was really awesome. If some more explanation about the particular destination this would be awesome. Can you prepare me a perfect travel plan across Asia. Reply Sunain Ali Yasir says December 31, 2019 at 3:01 am Pakistan is also one of the best country to travel. Reply HASINAH says January 20, 2020 at 2:30 pm Yeah right XD Reply Maryam Zahra says January 2, 2021 at 9:19 am It surely is! Reply Mitch says January 5, 2020 at 9:17 am I’m an avid fan here. Your blog helped me a lot in planning my trip esp in Asia. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Looking forward to your future adventures. Reply insa ali says January 6, 2020 at 4:30 pm pakistan is also an amazing for visiting once you visit you should be it’s fan… ohh dear don’t miss the chance bcoz i have visited pakistan 2 time with a new charm Reply Jecca says January 8, 2020 at 4:24 pm Hi. I will be in Malaysia from April 9-12. I will have 3 full days to explore the city. What are the MUST see or do within those 3 days? Your experience and suggestions would be much appreciated. Hotel suggestions can help too (from lowest to mid rates per day). Thanks. Reply Marcos Detourista says January 11, 2020 at 7:41 pm Hi Jecca. You can check out my KL Travel Guide here: https://www.detourista.com/guide/kuala-lumpur-trip/ Reply Tifanny says January 9, 2020 at 6:25 pm Hi Marcus! Thank you for sharing your travel experiences? Any idea how much will I spend or how much budget do I need If Il visit thailand,vietnam and cambodia?excluding the airfare. Reply Marcos Detourista says January 11, 2020 at 7:39 pm Hi Tiffany, you can check out my blog here: https://www.detourista.com/guide/indochina-itinerary/ Reply Chi Hoard says February 9, 2020 at 6:19 pm Thanks for sharing this bundle of information here. It’s Really Helpful for me. Keep sharing these kinds of information as it engages more travelers and tourists. Reply Alice Eduardo Enrile says March 17, 2020 at 2:20 pm Really powerful article. Enjoyed the read! Reply Hlsh says April 28, 2020 at 11:09 pm How aboat Iran? Reply Majid Khan says May 14, 2020 at 12:39 am Thanks for sharing such beautiful information, I love reading this. I hope you will share some more info about other countries in Europe or America as well for first-time visitors. Reply Zia Khan says April 29, 2021 at 7:17 am Pakistan is one of the most beautiful and interesting country in the world. … I would highly recommend you to visit Pakistan at least once in your life because the soul of the people and the beauty of its natural landscape topped with the fascinating aspects of its rich culture are sure to make it an experience you will always treasure your experience which would be, indeed, unforgettable: Naltar valley. Naltar is famous for its colourful lakes, it is situated at a drive of 2.5 hours from Gilgit. … Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. … Shangrila resort, Skardu. … Gojal Valley. … Deosai Plains. … Rama Meadow. … Paye. … Ayun and Bamburet Valley. Reply Traveler says September 16, 2021 at 6:51 pm Hunza valley in Pakistan is also worth visiting. Reply ANUSHA Thillekeratne says July 17, 2022 at 2:38 am Srilanka is the most Beautiful country in the world . But it’s not included here Reply
Marcos Detourist says October 18, 2015 at 12:27 am The pleasure is mine, MALMAM :) My travels around Asia had brought me so many beautiful experiences, this is my way of giving back by sharing. Reply
Frances says March 10, 2016 at 4:19 pm Wow. This made me feel more excited to travel asia in the future! Anw, One of the countries I have listed on my bucket list is Thailand. How was the food and service? :) Reply
Apple says April 30, 2016 at 10:51 am Very detailed article. Got many ideas to which country I must first go. Super loved it. Thanks for sharing this ? Reply
Viet Nam says October 29, 2016 at 2:21 am Some amendments: in Vietnam, 1 USD is around 22,250 VND. you have to exchange at least 50$, or the exchange rate will be higher. Many scandals of toxic food, even in big restaurants. Reply
Marcos Detourist says October 30, 2016 at 11:35 am That’s true. You can get best rates if you exchange using $100 bills. A lot of exchange stalls offer lower exchange rates if you use bills with smaller denomination. Reply
sue says November 18, 2016 at 10:50 am Very impressive especially with the details of the itinerary! nice job Marcos~~ Reply
Al-Jawi says October 12, 2018 at 11:09 pm Thanks for sharing such a very detailed article, it’s definitely helpful :) Reply
James says January 11, 2019 at 11:10 am Agreed on all three but especially JAPAN !!! I’ve been to all of these countries and Japan is by far my favorite. How could you leave such these cultural gems off a seemingly definitive list? Reply
Marcos Detourista says January 11, 2019 at 11:33 pm Hi James. Went to Japan last month. I totally agree with you! I will definitely add Japan to the list on the next update.
gomer de guzman says December 29, 2018 at 1:55 pm been traveling 2x a yr, this yr 2018, been to Jordan, Egypt, Turkey ,& Greece, china last April. Next will be Phil. o ur base. and been to Bangkok and Singapore. Will you be able to extend your expertise as to places in Asia to visit, fr Phil a week in a country maybe. Reply
Faith says August 14, 2019 at 4:55 pm Hi! Love your blog! Just wanna ask if you’ve ever been to Japan on a December or any month? Do you have itinerary? Hope you’ll answer! Thank you! Reply
Orlando says October 12, 2019 at 4:33 am Hi. My name is Orlando. I will be in Bali from Jan. 7-11. I will have 3 full days (8-10) to explore the beautiful city (I know that’s not enough time). What are the MUST see or do within those 3 days? Your experience and knowledgeable suggestions would be much appreciated. Hotel suggestions can help too (from lowest to mid rates per day). Thanks. Orlando Reply
Peninsulahousemd says October 21, 2019 at 4:23 pm Oh my friend you narration was really awesome. If some more explanation about the particular destination this would be awesome. Can you prepare me a perfect travel plan across Asia. Reply
Sunain Ali Yasir says December 31, 2019 at 3:01 am Pakistan is also one of the best country to travel. Reply
Mitch says January 5, 2020 at 9:17 am I’m an avid fan here. Your blog helped me a lot in planning my trip esp in Asia. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Looking forward to your future adventures. Reply
insa ali says January 6, 2020 at 4:30 pm pakistan is also an amazing for visiting once you visit you should be it’s fan… ohh dear don’t miss the chance bcoz i have visited pakistan 2 time with a new charm Reply
Jecca says January 8, 2020 at 4:24 pm Hi. I will be in Malaysia from April 9-12. I will have 3 full days to explore the city. What are the MUST see or do within those 3 days? Your experience and suggestions would be much appreciated. Hotel suggestions can help too (from lowest to mid rates per day). Thanks. Reply
Marcos Detourista says January 11, 2020 at 7:41 pm Hi Jecca. You can check out my KL Travel Guide here: https://www.detourista.com/guide/kuala-lumpur-trip/ Reply
Tifanny says January 9, 2020 at 6:25 pm Hi Marcus! Thank you for sharing your travel experiences? Any idea how much will I spend or how much budget do I need If Il visit thailand,vietnam and cambodia?excluding the airfare. Reply
Marcos Detourista says January 11, 2020 at 7:39 pm Hi Tiffany, you can check out my blog here: https://www.detourista.com/guide/indochina-itinerary/ Reply
Chi Hoard says February 9, 2020 at 6:19 pm Thanks for sharing this bundle of information here. It’s Really Helpful for me. Keep sharing these kinds of information as it engages more travelers and tourists. Reply
Majid Khan says May 14, 2020 at 12:39 am Thanks for sharing such beautiful information, I love reading this. I hope you will share some more info about other countries in Europe or America as well for first-time visitors. Reply
Zia Khan says April 29, 2021 at 7:17 am Pakistan is one of the most beautiful and interesting country in the world. … I would highly recommend you to visit Pakistan at least once in your life because the soul of the people and the beauty of its natural landscape topped with the fascinating aspects of its rich culture are sure to make it an experience you will always treasure your experience which would be, indeed, unforgettable: Naltar valley. Naltar is famous for its colourful lakes, it is situated at a drive of 2.5 hours from Gilgit. … Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. … Shangrila resort, Skardu. … Gojal Valley. … Deosai Plains. … Rama Meadow. … Paye. … Ayun and Bamburet Valley. Reply
ANUSHA Thillekeratne says July 17, 2022 at 2:38 am Srilanka is the most Beautiful country in the world . But it’s not included here Reply