Thinking of travelling to Asia? Today we're sharing 10 Asian destinations that we've visited and loved - from relaxed holiday islands to exciting cities.
Table of contents
Travelling to Asia
Travelling to Asia is something special. This eastern part of the world offers everything from wonderful destinations for those seeking sun and sea, to city life and exciting historical and cultural sights.
For some time, we often made one trip to Asia per year. Recently, this has become less frequent, but we are now attracted to Asia again and are planning a trip later this year. In the meantime, here are ten exciting destinations that we can recommend.
1. Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay in Vietnam is an amazing place on earth, which we would love to see again at some point. We went here when we were newly married, and travelled around on a beautiful wooden boat among the sugarloaf mountains. Sometimes we stopped to swim or visit a cave. Absolutely magical!
2. Hoi An, Vietnam
Another place in Vietnam that we loved was Hoi An. This lovely little town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South Asian trading harbour from the period between the 15th and 18th centuries. Here you can enjoy the environment, sew clothes, sunbathe, swim and eat good Vietnamese food.
3. Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is a group of islands off the north-west coast of Malaysia, close to the border with Thailand. It is primarily a place for sunbathing and swimming, but also for a variety of excursions. For example, you can go on sailing trips, travel around by hired mopeds or experience the mangrove swamp with all its wildlife.
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you like big cities, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is also an exciting place to visit. Here you can check out the Petronas Twin Towers, shop in all the major shopping centres or perhaps experience the lovely China Town. And don't miss out on the great Asian food!
5. Koh Samui, Thailand
Many people love Thailand, and perhaps it's not surprising given all that Thailand has to offer. When we were here, we stayed on the island of Koh Samui, where you can sunbathe and swim, hang out in restaurants, kayak and see temples.
6. Boracay, Philippines
Boracay is a tropical island in the Philippines with beautiful beaches. The island is popular with tourists and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, hotels and excursion options. For example, you can go on various boat excursions.
7. Mindoro, Philippines
The Philippines consists of over 7000 islands, so there are many destinations to choose from. Mindoro is a slightly larger island, which is part of the Luzon archipelago. We got here by boat from Batangas, where we travelled by bus from Manila. The island offers lovely sandy beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and the possibility of excursions by boat or moped.
8. Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle is an amazing and special city in Sri Lanka. The city is best known for Galle Fort, the fortified city built by the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today it is a beautiful colonial-style town, filled with nice restaurants and cosy hotels.
9. Beijing, China
With over 20 million inhabitants, Beijing, the capital of China, is a giant city. It is also full of history and interesting sights such as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, Wangfujing Avenue and Tiananmen Square. From Beijing, you can also take a trip to the Great Wall of China.
10. Jerusalem, Israel
If you want to experience something completely different during your trip to Asia, visit Jerusalem. This historic city is a holy place for Christians, Jews and Muslims, and here you can experience places you've read about in the holy stories. For example, you can start from Tel Aviv, located on the Mediterranean coast.
More tips for travelling to Asia?
Are you interested in travelling to Asia yourself, or have you travelled there before? Do you have any other tips for travelling to the East?
4000mil says:
Yes, there are a lot of nice things in Asia. I also like to mention Japan and South Korea. Favourites for us! 🙂
22 October 2022 - 11:38
Helena says:
Thanks for the tips! Both Japan and South Korea sound fantastically exciting! We have not been there, but the destinations are on the "list" 🙂
22 October 2022 - 17:51
Ditte says:
Asia has so much! And there are a lot of places where not all "others" go. I have travelled a lot in Asia and I think it is good to have plenty of time and combine history, nature, bathing and getting a little off the more usual tourist routes.
Tibet is fantastic, but not a sea with so much else. We have enjoyed South Korea and Cambodia.
Sri Lanka is another favourite. I visited the Maldives in the 80s and it was pretty much untouched then.
Borneo is also very nice with amazing nature.
Vietnam and getting around there is a favourite and also parts of Thailand. Not least northern Thailand in e.g. Chang Rai.
Excited about your upcoming trip.
And yes, the Philippines has a lot to offer and Boracay is perfect for relaxation.
22 October 2022 - 12:34
Helena says:
Exciting to hear your experiences and tips!!! Tibet seems to be an amazing, and different, experience! South Korea and Cambodia also sound interesting, as well as Borneo! There are certainly many - and different - destinations in Asia to be attracted to!!!
22 October 2022 - 17:58
bmlarstravellingblog says:
Of course there are many cool countries in Asia and some we would like to visit. My very first long trip was a month in Vietnam almost 25 years ago and now I don't want to go back because I'm afraid that the shimmer of a wonderful country has disappeared. Borneo and India are two favourites while I have never been to Thailand. Cambodia and Laos are on the wish list ...
22 October 2022 - 20:52
Helena says:
Yes, who knows how it feels when you travel back to a country you liked :...? Both Borneo and India sound very exciting, as well as Cambodia and Laos!
23 October 2022 - 16:02
Yossu says:
I am extremely keen to see more of Asia. Big and small cities, sun and sea, nature... I want to experience more of everything.
Jerusalem has attracted me for a long time. Halong Bay as well. I considered going there a few years ago but finally decided on Ho Chi Minh City.
I have not seen much of Asia but I really loved the island of Penang, not far from Langkawi as you suggested, as I think the island has so much to offer. Beaches, nature experiences, temples and finally Georgetown with its colonial buildings and street-art.
23 October 2022 - 12:01
Helena says:
Jerusalem was a very special experience! It was great to get there, so different, interesting and full of emotions somehow (even if we are not religious). We never got to Ho Chi Minh City when we were in Vietnam, but it sounds like an interesting visit too!
23 October 2022 - 16:04