Asia, the largest as well as the most populated continent (well, it’s home to 6 out of the top 10 most populous countries in the world) on earth sure is a treasure trove for travel lovers. A continent where you can witness the highest peak in the world (Mount Everest), experience one of the oldest civilizations in the world (Indus Valley Civilization), and climb the tallest building the world, Asia is special, in every way.

With 48 countries that offer diverse cultures, traditions, and religions, intriguing history, unique landscapes, and delicious food, there are literally uncountable things to see, do, and eat in Asia.

We know how tough it can be to decide where to start so, we asked the seasoned travel bloggers to share their expertise and recommend their favorite Asian destinations to make things easy-peasy for our readers.

Kick-off your Asia adventure right with our ultimate Asia bucket list that includes all the best places to visit in Asia.

Best Places to Visit in Asia

#1 Maldives

One of the most beautiful Island nations in the world, Maldives, undoubtedly tops the list of best places to visit in Asia. From the inviting white-sand beaches, deep blue sea, swaying palm trees, to the gorgeous island resorts – the Maldives is pure luxury!

With about 1200 islands and over 150 island resorts, Maldives has so much to do and experience unless you just want to unwind and do nothing because doing nothing is one of the best things to do in the Maldives. The island hopping and beach hopping are essential experiences to have when in the Maldives.

If you’re fond of water sports, Maldives is your go-to destination. It’s a world-class destination for scuba diving, underwater adventures, snorkeling, dolphin watching, surfing, paddleboarding, and swimming.

After you’re done with heart-pumping water adventures, go watch the sunset over the azure ocean with a glass of wine.

The tropical island nation is hot, humid, and sunny all year round. The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April with December and March being the peak months.

Male International Airport (MLE) aka Velana International Airport is the main airport, which connects the Maldives to all major countries and cities in the world including Asian countries like India, China, and Sri Lanka. There are many direct flights as well as chartered flights coming in from Dubai, Europe, and Singapore.

#2 Tokyo, Japan

Recommended by Sydney Richardson of A World in Reach

Tokyo, the exciting capital of Japan, is full of culture, delicious food, and excitement, making it one of the best cities to visit in Asia.

There are tons of wonderful things to add to your Tokyo bucket list and a visit to the city isn’t complete without a visit to one of the city’s many temples and shrines.

Senso-Ji Temple is the oldest and most famous Buddhist temple in the city. For a serene experience in the middle of the metropolis, head to Meiji Jingu Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine located in the middle of a lush forest.

More top things to do in Tokyo include getting a bird’s eye view from the Tokyo Skytree, experiencing the busiest pedestrian scramble in the world at Shibuya Crossing, and immersing yourself in a world of digital art at teamLab Borderless.

There is no bad time to visit Tokyo, but cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is a popular time to visit – be prepared for crowds! 

If you’re arriving in Tokyo by air, you’ll either fly into Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. Haneda is closer to the city and Narita is connected to the city by the Narita Express. If you’re taking the shinkansen to Tokyo from another Japanese city, you’ll arrive at either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.

When planning where to stay in Tokyo, choose your accommodation to be near a subway station so that you’ll be able to easily reach other areas of the large city. Recommended areas to stay in include Asakusa, Shinjuku, Ginza, and Akihabara.

Before your first visit to Tokyo, research the train system, and buy an IC card (either Suica or Pasmo) when you arrive – this will make traveling across Tokyo much easier! Additionally, if you’ll be visiting other cities in Japan, look into a JR pass to see if it would be more cost-effective than buying individual shinkansen tickets.

#3 Osaka, Japan

Recommended by Nicole from Nicole LaBarge Travel Blog

Osaka is a very special place in Japan. There are so many things to do there. 

Osaka Bay is a great area to explore. You can visit the Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan, which is one of the largest aquariums in Japan and the premier attraction in Osaka.

I also recommend visiting Osaka Castle. The Castle is completely surrounded by stone walls and a moat and gate.  The Nishinomaru Garden has 600 cherry trees that are stunning when they are in full bloom.

I do recommend visiting Osaka in the spring so you can experience the cherry blossoms.  

There are two airports in Osaka so make sure you know which one your flight is leaving from. Kansai International Airport is located 37 miles from town but you can easily take a train into town. The Osaka International Airport is a domestic airport.

Wondering where to stay in Osaka?  I recommend the Miyako Osaka Marriott Hotel for its great location.

#4 Kyoto, Japan

Recommended by Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan

There’s no better place to soak up the history and ancient cultural traditions of Japan than in Kyoto.

In a city filled with hundreds of temples and shrines, it’s best to do some advance planning and decide which ones you really don’t want to miss. Some of the most popular Buddhist temples include the Golden Pavilion, the Silver Pavilion, and the Kiyomizu-dera, which has stunning views from its hilltop position.

As for Shinto shrines, the best one is undoubtedly the Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its long pathways lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates. It’s open 24 hours, so come here first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.

Eating and drinking is also a definite highlight in Kyoto, so be sure to try some of the local specialties. There are a number of Kyoto restaurants that offer vegan and vegetarian versions of local dishes, so veggie visitors need not miss out. Participating in a tea ceremony also offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese culture.

The best time to visit in Kyoto is in spring for the cherry blossom season and in autumn for the fall foliage season. Exact dates of these natural phenomena will vary each year, so there’s a bit of luck involved.

Kyoto can easily be reached from many places in Japan on the country’s efficient rail network. If flying, the nearest airport is in Osaka, a short train ride away.

As for where to stay, Minshuku Sanbiki Neko is a fabulous traditional guesthouse that offers comfortable tatami mat rooms and a hearty plant-based breakfast.

#5 Bali, Indonesia

Recommended by Becki from Meet Me In Departures

If you love tropical beaches, beautiful jungles, stunning temples, and delicious food Bali is a must-go-to destination. It’s one of the top destinations in Indonesia.

Some of the best things to see and do in Bali are watching the sunset at the beautiful cliff-side temples of Tanah Lott or Uluwatu temple. If you’re after that Insta-famous photo of the paddy fields, then you’ll love the Tegalalang Rice Terraces near Ubud. For the more adventurous traveler, there are tons of waterfalls to chase, white waters to raft, you could even climb Mount Batur to watch the sunrise. If you want to see the gigantic and gentle Manta Rays, then you’ll love snorkeling with them at Manta Point off the south coast.

Bali has good weather all year round, however, because it’s a tropical destination it’s also humid. There are two main seasons, the dry season which is between May and September, and wet season which is from October to April although there can be sporadic downpours all year round. If you want to avoid the crowds, then head to Bali between April and June or early September to October, it’s a little bit cheaper and less crowded. If you’re thinking of spending Christmas in Bali, you’ll pay hiked up prices.

Most people arrive in Bali by airplane, unless you’re doing a tour of the Indonesian islands, then you
could arrive by boat! There is only one airport on the island, located in the south-east of the island, which is Denpasar Airport. From Denpasar, it’s easy to get to a variety of towns, two of the best places to stay on a short trip to Bali are either Ubud (surrounded by waterfalls, temples, and the pretty paddy fields) or Canggu (to take in the laid back beach vibe and yoga scene).

If you want to find out more about things to see and do in Bali, check out this full Bali itinerary here.

#6 Flores Island, Indonesia

Recommended by Umiko from Two Worlds Treasures

To the east of Bali is another gem in Indonesia, Flores Island. Situated in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Flores Island is surrounded by hundreds of small islands and most of them are uninhabited. Therefore, unspoiled beaches and stunning views from the hills are awaiting you in the islands.

Underwater life in Flores is also amazing, a haven for both divers and snorkelers. And let’s not forget that Flores is the only island in the world where you can see the Komodo dragons roam freely in their natural habitat. On land, you can visit traditional villages – even experience a night in the traditional house – and climb to Mt. Kelimutu for the sunrise. It’s famous for its three colored crater lakes.

When you visit, it’s better to start from the eastern part of the island, which is where Mt. Kelimutu is located. Then take a road trip to the west through the traditional villages, beaches, mountains, and ancient sites before you get to Labuan Bajo in the west, the gateway to the Komodo Islands. Once in Labuan Bajo, liveaboard for at least a couple of nights is the best way to experience the Komodo Islands.

The best time to visit Flores Island is between April and June where the weather is comfortable, vegetation is greener, and the water is calm. It is also before peak season. Or, after peak season has passed, between September and November, when the weather is perfect for trekking.

There are daily flights from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, to Labuan Bajo or Ende in the east of Flores. When you are already in Bali or Lombok, you have more choices of airlines and times to get to these two cities. For a budget traveler, you can take a combination of ferry and bus from Bali to Labuan Bajo for a couple of days’ journey. No matter what transportation you choose, you will have a great time in Flores Island Indonesia!

#7 Bagan, Myanmar

Recommended by Lee from The Travel Scribes

Hot air balloons start to float high in the orange-streaked sky as you bump along the sandy roads on your trusty e-bike, your helmet down low over your sleep-filled eyes. It’s sunrise in Bagan, one of the most breath-taking places to visit in Asia.

Once home to over 10,000 temples, the town of Bagan in Myanmar (formerly Burma), was founded in the 9^th century and later became the capital of the Pagan kingdom where it was a center for religion, attracting monks and visitors from across South East Asia and seeing these thousands of temples constructed.

With many falling into disrepair over time due to inadequate maintenance and a slew of earthquakes, Bagan’s beauty began to fade as fewer people visited and centers like Yangon and Mandalay fell into favor.

Nowadays the town has undergone a revival as the remaining 2,000 temples attract avid travelers looking to climb them for the perfect sunrise view. Couple that with a roaring hot air balloon trade, this dreamy experience has many a tourist itching to brush off their passport and get themselves to Bagan for temple-hopping and ballooning each day.

While it isn’t that comfortable to get to Bagan – most trips will see you on a slightly dodgy bus out of major centers like Yangon – it’s well worth the effort.

While the Bagan temples can no longer be climbed legally, the town is still a hotspot for temple viewing and offers some of the best sunrises (and sunsets) in Asia. And even if you can’t get there in hot air balloon season (October to April) for those picture-perfect snaps, you can still visit in May or June, making this a spectacular (although a little hot and steamy) place to visit nearly all year round.

#8 Bangkok, Thailand

Recommended by Allan from Live Less Ordinary

Consistently ranked as the most visited city in the world, Bangkok really doesn’t need much of an introduction, as a city renowned for dazzling temples, floating markets, and unbeatable street food. But there is more to modern-day Bangkok than these traditional cliches as it has emerged as a vibrant, contrasting, and diverse city, with pretty much something to excite everybody.

For those seeking temples and the charm of the old city, it would be Rattanakosin Island. For the renowned shopping and megamalls, it would be Siam. Then for nightlife and entertainment, it would be either Sukhumvit or Silom. And there’s always the serenity and charm surrounding Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. And these are all like mini-cities within the city.

It is also simple enough to explore by public transport with convenient Skytrain lines (BTS) and an underground metro (MRT) then its great fun to nip between attractions on tuk-tuks or on the back of motorbikes to speed through the never-ending bustle of the city.

As Bangkok is always busy with both local life and tourism, and while the weather is non-stop sweltering year-round, the winter months are normally more amiable with less rain and cooler heats, although the torrential downpours of the rainy season are hard to forget.

When staying in Bangkok it is recommended to stay near the train lines (MRT or BTS) simply to make travel easier. Although a favorite amongst backpackers and younger crowds would be Khaosarn Road which is a convenient travel hub for the old city and for onward travel in the rest of Thailand. But again this will depend on interests and where you plan to explore. Accommodation is generally cheap everywhere so it’s easy to pick up and move on to hotels in different areas instead of being pinned down in a single part of this rather huge city.

#9 Phuket, Thailand

Recommended by Jenifer from The Evolista

Phuket is one of those places you’ve probably always wanted to visit. It’s famous palm-lined, white sand beaches and turquoise blue water of the Andaman Sea beckons visitors to this exotic paradise. While beaches and luxurious resorts may be the first draw, there are so many things to do in Phuket. 

A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands is a must-do activity. Getting there is half the fun stopping at Maya Bay, featured in the movie The Beach. The Phi Phi Islands are framed by incredible Karst limestone cliffs that make this area so distinctive. Another spot with these gorgeous rock formations is Phang Na Bay. Explore the area on a kayak tour or rent a Thai longtail boat. Phuket is also a bucket list destination for divers too. Some will head out daily to different dive spots while others will take a trip on a liveaboard boat. 

The night markets with delicious Thai food and party scene make evenings entertaining. You can see everything from Muay Thai boxing to Cabaret shows with ladyboys. Or dance the night away at one of the latest Patong hot spots. Follow our 2 days in Phuket itinerary to enjoy this Southeast Asia paradise!

The best time to go to Phuket is from November to March.

Phuket Airport has domestic and international flights from many countries.

The one mistake first-timers often make is choosing the wrong hotel. Phuket is surprisingly large and it has multiple beach areas that are suited to different types of travelers. If you want to party, definitely stay in Patong or Kata Beach. For a romantic trip, stay in Nai Thon or the upscale area of Bang Thao. Families find that they are often happiest in Kamala Beach that is close to many kid activities.

#10 Krabi, Thaliand

Recommended by Kerrie & Woody from Just go Travelling

The Krabi province is probably the most sort after destination in Thailand. It is located on southern Thailand’s west coast and has some of the most beautiful destinations Thailand has to offer.

The best place to visit in Krabi province is the town of Krabi which is less touristy than the rest of the destinations. It has a famous night market that runs from Friday-Sunday where you can buy delicious local cuisine and watch locals sing karaoke.

If you are more interested in the beach life, Krabi does not disappoint. The Krabi province hosts pristine beaches located in areas such as Phi Phi Island, Ao Nang Beach, and Railay Beach.

The best time to visit would be between November – March, as the temperature is more pleasant and it is less humid. Visiting just outside the peak season, November – February, it would be wise to save on costs regarding accommodation and tours.

Krabi has its own airport so it is easy to connect with. Alternatively, if you arrive in Phuket or any other nearby Islands, it is possible to get a ferry across to Krabi. This would also involve transportation to the pier via taxi.

Booking accommodation around Ao Nang Beach would be the best point to visit nearby Islands; there are many options to travel whether it is by speed boat, traditional long-tail boat, or ferry.

There are many tours not to be missed which can be done from Krabi, including the ‘4 Island tour’ and the ‘James bond Island tour’ (The Island featured in the famous James Bond Movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’).

#11 Koh Tao, Thailand

Recommended by Adriana from Czech the World

Koh Tao is a picturesque Thai island in the Andaman sea. It’s quite a small island with only 21 square kilometers but you can find there a true underwater treasure. People from all over the world come to Koh Tao to get their diving certification. It is simply a diver’s paradise!

The underwater life of Koh Tao island is incredibly varied, and you can see even sharks! Koh Tao is also a great place for snorkeling!

Among the best things to do in Koh Tao is the visit of a very popular viewpoint in Koh Nang Yuan – a tiny island only half a kilometer from the main island. Koh Tao is a perfect destination for a beach holiday as well as for activities like rock climbing, cliff jumping, paddle boarding, and other water sports.

The best time to visit Koh Tao is from late December until mid-April. The average temperature is around 28 to 32 °C. The weather from May to September is not completely bad, but you have to count on rain showers from time to time.

You will need to go by ferry to get to Koh Tao. There are ferries from the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui as well as from mainland – from Chumphon or Surat Thani. The easiest way to get to those harbors from Bangkok is by overnight train.

A nice place to stay is, the Coral Grand Resort at the northern end of Sairee. If you are looking for more basic and cheap accommodation, choose Jom Jam House.

#12 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Recommended by Erin Tracy from Traveling Thru History

Kuala Lumpur is one of the most well-known cities in Asia and is fondly known as KL. Established in 1857 at the confluence of Gombak River and Klang River, this city has grown from a small mining town to the thriving metropolis that it is today and has achieved the rank of the 6th most visited city in the world.

Visitors to KL will love the wide range of activities within the city. Historic sites, shopping districts, museums, monuments, festivals, sporting events, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and religious sites provide plenty of opportunities for everyone to find an activity that suits their preference. When visiting KL, everyone should take the time to visit the National Mosque, Batu Caves, the Petronas Twin Towers, the Islamic Arts Center, and one of the many blind massage centers that dot the city. 

Malaysia is located in a tropical zone and is therefore subject to seasonal monsoons and tropical heat. To avoid the heaviest rains and the highest heat, the best time to visit is June and July. The heaviest rains occur during March or April and October or November and the highest temperatures are in January, May, and August.

When flying into Malaysia, visitors will land at KL International Airport at either KLIA1 or KLIA2. To get from KLIA2 to KLIA1, visitors can take either a shuttle bus or KLIA Ekspres, the train which takes visitors straight to KL Sentral. Be sure to hold onto train tickets as those are needed to get outside the terminal.

There are many places to stay within KL, but the best area would be in Bricktown near the city’s main transport hub: KL Sentral. Trains, buses, and taxis all pass through KL Sentral, making this the most convenient starting point to any destination within the city. 

#13 Penang, Malaysia

Recommended by Marco Ferrarese from Penang Insider

Tucked in the northwestern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, not far away from the southern reaches of Thailand, Penang is a UNESCO Heritage Site and real multicultural melting pot. A trading post and colonial port on the Straits Sea, Penang today has transformed into an exciting destination for art lovers and foodies.

Start by taking a day to explore George Town and its dozens of historical buildings, mosques, churches, and temples on foot. You’ll see a bunch of street art as you do, but don’t concentrate too much on that, for Penang’s history is much more multi-faceted.

The Top at KOMTAR, Penang’s highest tower, offers panoramic views over the island, so much as Penang Hill, a former British hill station turned into a sorta-theme park — but the Habitat, a conservation park equipped with a jungle zipline and the highest observatory deck on Penang, is definitely worth a look.

For nature lovers, hiking one of Penang Hill’s many trails is a must, as it is visiting the Penang National Park, with its beaches and turtle conservation center, in Teluk Bahang.

The best time to visit Penang is hard to say, because the island always enjoys hot, tropical weather, and has many different festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The rainy season is not as marked anymore, so as long as you pack an umbrella, you’ll always be fine.

For art and book lovers, the George Town Festival, held in July, and the George Town Literary Festival, at the end of November, are two very interesting events.

Penang is well-connected by plane to most major Southeast Asian hubs. There is also a fast ETS train service available up to Butterworth, from where visitors can take the iconic Penang ferry to reach the island. Buses leave and depart from the Penang Sentral terminal in Butterworth or the Sungai Nibong Bus Station on the island.

Penang has a lot of different types of accommodation. George Town is best for heritage, people-watching, and events. Try Ren-I-Tang for a stylish heritage stay, or Drippin’ Dragon Hostel for a social hang-out backpacker pad with a swimming pool.

Batu Ferringhi, on the northeastern coast, is better suited for families and those who have the cash to splash. Rasa Sayang Resort is always a good choice, and the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel has good deals for families with kids, including a large free-form swimming pool.

#14 Melaka, Malaysia

Recommended by Caroline Keyzor from CKtravels

Melaka is a riverside town located south of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and is rich in British, Dutch, and Portuguese colonial history with a UNESCO world heritage status. The town is very compact so it can easily be explored by foot and is filled with wonderful colorful heritage buildings, ancient landmarks, and quirky street art.

There are many fun things to do in Melaka but one of the main highlights is the open-air Jonker Street Weekend Night Market. This is one of the best markets in South East Asia and runs every Friday to Sunday, starting from the river and ending at the far end of Jonker Street. You’ll find a wide variety of stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and amazing street food, plus there is a large stage offering fun entertainment by the locals.

Make sure you try Nyonya Laksa – a rich and creamy coconut-based noodle soup that is a Melaka specialty and a mix of Malay and Chinese influences. Another fun thing to do is to take a scenic river cruise and view the many beautiful historical buildings and interesting sights around Melaka’s old town, including Kampung Morten – one of the few remaining traditional villages in the area.

The best way to reach Melaka is either by private car transfer or by taking the bus. There are several bus departures a day from Kuala Lumpur and the journey takes 2.5 hours, costing around RM15 for a one-way ticket.

There are lots of great accommodation options for all budgets around the Jonker Street area, and if you have the cash to splash then there are some luxury hotels with swimming pools set along the banks of Melaka’s River.