The best places in Asia to visit in 2023

I didn’t notice these things on my first trip to Cambodia, but on a second visit when I went a bit deeper these issues were far more obvious. I really like the Cambodian islands, which are still relatively less developed compared to those in Thailand or Vietnam. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem have a fun backpacker vibe and offer much more cheap accommodation than some of the Thai islands that by now have their own airports and large-scale resorts. The cities in Vietnam are truly on another level — among the most vibrant and chaotic in the entire region. In Hanoi and Saigon, snarls of scooters and small motorcycles will constantly pass you by, loaded with anything from construction materials to entire families. The local food markets are dizzying beehives of activity, enveloping you in a delightful sensory overload.

  • Its skyline is a dazzling union of towering modern skyscrapers and ornate Spanish Colonial architecture.
  • I’m Asian , and it’s incredibly frustrating to hear white people describe us in these patronizing or oversimplistic ways.
  • Visible from as far as 300 kilometers away on clear days, lucky visitors will take in a view of her usual cloudy backdrop swirling with mystery and intrigue.
  • For example, the Sea Stack is an interesting rock formation that looks like a cobra head.
  • Stay with the Captain at The Captain’s Longhouse and meet one of the coolest characters you’ll ever come across on your travels.

Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just one of the cheapest places to fly to in Asia. It also offers a glimpse into historic French culture thanks to the lingering influence of early French colonization. Looking for the cheapest places to fly to in Asia that have more of an equatorial flavor? Indonesia is home to the second largest tropical forests in the world after Brazil, and it enjoys a warm, sunny climate. It’s also home to the vibrant city of Jakarta, a diverse melting pot of cultures and attractions well worth visiting.

We are Jin & De Wet, the smiling faces behind the Museum of Wander. Join our adventures in culture, nature and food as we explore China, Southeast Asia and who knows where else. Most tourists arrive at Inle Lake by taking an overnight bus from Yangon, trekking from Kalaw or taking a bus from Mandalay or Bagan.

Kashgar, China

And, in my opinion, it’s one of the best places to travel solo in Asia. If you’re looking for safe places to travel alone in Asia, you’ll be happy to know this small island fits the bill. Plus, it’s really easy to meet people since everyone is usually congregating on the beach or wandering the shopping streets. The main island, Phi Phi Don, is known for its long-tail boats and beaches that are perfect for a solo beach vacation.

best places in asia

There is an international airport in Bali where you can fly from most locations in the world. The best places to stay in Bali are Ubud for a jungle oasis, Uluwatu for stunning beaches and Seminyak or Kuta for the party vibes. The easiest way to get to Sapa is taking an overnight train from Hanoi, which is an experience in itself.

What is the most tropical place in Asia?

What makes traveling around the peninsula so fascinating is that the nation boasts a rich and unique history, heritage, and culture. You’ll find centuries-old palaces and temples alongside skyscrapers and gigantic shopping malls. With you can find idyllic islands and pristine beaches in Malaysia, seeing an orangutan up gclub close in their natural habitat is probably the highlight of any visit. Consisting of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, this incredible country is home to some of the oldest rainforest on Earth. Its national parks boast lots of fantastic trekking and wildlife in addition to the marvelous nature and scenery on show.

Motorbikes (from 7 USD/day) can be rented at many guesthouses in New Sukhothai. Tuk-tuks are also available around here, costing about 20 USD for a trip to the Old City . If you come to Sukhothai to only see the ruins at the historical park, which is the most famous attractions here, one day is enough. There are about 100 restaurants on the island serving tasty and affordable Thai, American, Spanish, Italian cuisine, etc. The food here, especially seafood, is recognized by plenty of demanding diners. The peak season lasts from December to April, while the time between May and November witnesses the dim performance of tourism activity here.

This only helps to cement Pattaya’s place as one of the best places to travel solo in Southeast Asia. Spectacular as it is, there is so much more to Cambodia’s second-largest city beyond Angkor. Siem Reap also offers a huge range of interesting cultural experiences, vibrant local markets, and one of Southeast Asia’s best restaurant scenes.

The lake’s extra saltiness is caused by rock salt deposits in the lake bed and a high level of evaporation due to the arid climate of the region it’s located in. The Dead Sea is located in the Jordan Rift Valley which is a natural depression stretching between the countries of Jordan and Israel. Jordan borders the lake’s eastern shore and Israel its western one.