Asia
From the bullet trains of Japan to the street food stalls of Vietnam, Asia demands you pack an appetite for contrast.
48
Countries
2,300+
Languages
280+
UNESCO Sites
$25–300+
Daily Budget
Year-round
Best Time
Asia is a continent of extremes that rewards every travel style. You can navigate the high-tech subways of Seoul and Tokyo, spend weeks riding the rails across India, or trace the classic Southeast Asia backpacking loop through Thailand and Vietnam. It is a region where a five-dollar bowl of pho in Hanoi can rival a Michelin-starred meal in Singapore. Chase the spring cherry blossoms across East Asia, seek out quiet surf breaks in Indonesia, or marvel at the modern skyline of the United Arab Emirates. Planning is essential. The distances are vast, and regional monsoon seasons dictate the calendar. Focus on a specific route, rely on the extensive low-cost airline networks, and prepare for a sensory overload that will ruin you for anywhere else.
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Countries We Cover
Choose a country to find detailed itineraries, transport guides and local advice.
Interactive Map
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Find Your Style
Who Is Asia For?
Honestly? Everyone. But here's who thrives in Asia.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Asia's massive size means there is always a dry season somewhere.
Jan
South India dry
Thai beaches peak
Feb
Vietnam coast warm
Japan winter sports
Mar
India Holi festival
Kyoto cherry blooms
Apr
Seoul spring blooms
Thai Songkran festival
May
Bali dry season starts
China mild weather
Jun
Malaysia east coast dry
Indonesian surf season
Jul
Singapore food festival
Bali peak season
Aug
UAE indoor sights
Java dry season
Sep
Beijing autumn colours
Korea harvest festival
Oct
Vietnam autumn mild
North India cools down
Nov
Thai lantern festival
UAE winter sun begins
Dec
Kerala pleasant
Phuket beach weather
Don't Miss
Top Destinations
The Southeast Asia Loop
East Asia Cherry Blossoms
Epic Indian Train Journeys
Indonesian Island Hopping
Megacity Skylines and Transit
Vietnamese Coastal Roads
Money Matters
Budget Overview
Daily costs vary wildly from budget backpacker hubs to ultra-modern financial capitals.
| Country | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵 Japan | $60–80 | $120–250 | $350+ |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | $30–50 | $60–120 | $200+ |
| 🇮🇳 India | $20–35 | $50–100 | $200+ |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | $30–50 | $60–150 | $250+ |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | $25–45 | $50–100 | $180+ |
| 🇨🇳 China | $40–60 | $80–150 | $250+ |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | $55–75 | $100–200 | $300+ |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | $35–55 | $70–130 | $200+ |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | $70–100 | $150–250 | $400+ |
| 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | $80–120 | $180–300 | $500+ |
Transport
Getting There & Around
Major Flight Hubs
Low-Cost Airlines
High-Speed Rail
Sleeper Trains
Long-Distance Buses
Ferries and Boats
Stay Safe
Safety Overview
Eat Like a Local
Food Overview
Asian cuisine is fiercely regional, built on complex spice pastes, fresh herbs and wok-hei.
Celebrate
Festivals & Events
Plan your dates carefully, as major festivals can shut down transport networks or book out hotels.
01
January / February
Lunar New Year (China, Vietnam, Korea)
The biggest holiday in East Asia features dragon dances, family feasts and red envelopes, though many businesses close for days.
02
March
Holi (India)
The Hindu festival of colours welcomes spring. Crowds gather in the streets to throw vibrant coloured powders and water at each other.
03
March / April
Cherry Blossom Season (Japan, Korea)
Hanami (flower viewing) sees locals flock to parks in Kyoto and Seoul for picnics under fleeting, pale pink sakura blooms.
04
April
Songkran (Thailand)
The Thai New Year turns the streets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai into a massive, joyful three-day water fight.
05
June
Dragon Boat Festival (China, Malaysia)
Teams row long, ornate wooden boats to the beat of heavy drums, while spectators eat sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
06
August
Independence Day (Indonesia)
Neighbourhoods across the archipelago host street parades, flag-raising ceremonies and traditional games like climbing greased poles to win prizes.
07
October / November
Diwali (India, Malaysia, Singapore)
The Hindu festival of lights illuminates streets with oil lamps, intricate rangoli designs, and spectacular fireworks displays over several days.
09
November
Yi Peng (Thailand)
Thousands of illuminated paper lanterns are released into the night sky in Chiang Mai, creating a mesmerising display to honour Buddha.
Plan Your Route
Multi-Country Itineraries
These classic overland routes link major hubs with regional transit.
3 Weeks
The Classic Backpacking Trail
The quintessential Southeast Asia loop, combining ancient temples, bustling street markets, colonial history and tropical islands.
Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Hanoi → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Penang → Kuala Lumpur → Singapore
2 Weeks
East Asia High-Speed Triangle
A fast-paced tour of Asia's most futuristic megacities, linked by short flights and hyper-efficient bullet trains.
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Seoul → Beijing → Shanghai
4 Weeks
The Indian Subcontinent Traverse
A sprawling journey across India’s diverse landscapes, from the chaotic north to the tropical backwaters of the south.
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Mumbai → Goa → Hampi → Kerala
2 Weeks
Malay Peninsula to Singapore
An easy overland route down the peninsula, mixing colonial history, tea plantations and world-class hawker food.
Penang → Cameron Highlands → Kuala Lumpur → Malacca → Johor Bahru → Singapore
3 Weeks
The Indonesian Island Chain
Hop across the volcanic spine of Indonesia, from dense jungles and ancient stupas to world-class surf breaks.
Sumatra → Jakarta → Yogyakarta → Mount Bromo → Bali → Nusa Penida → Gili Islands
2 Weeks
UAE and the Arabian Gulf
A contrast of ultra-modern luxury and stark desert landscapes, perfect for a winter sun road trip.
Dubai → Sharjah → Ras Al Khaimah → Hatta → Al Ain → Abu Dhabi
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Other Continents
Common Questions
