Asia is too varied for one list, but these four places combine easily into trips that feel rich and not rushed. Two are in Japan, one in Cambodia and one in South Korea, and each can be reached easily with good transport.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years, and it has more than 1,600 temples and 400 shrines. Famous sights get busy, so go early.
- Fushimi Inari: Thousands of red torii gates up a hillside. Go at sunrise or in the evening for fewer people.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji rock garden.
- Arashiyama: Bamboo grove, river and Tenryu-ji temple. Visit before 8 am.
- Gion: The old geisha district, best for a quiet evening walk.
Kyoto is best in late March–April and November, but also the most crowded then. Winter is quieter and beautiful.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo offers contrasts: Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, the Meiji Shrine’s forest, neon Shinjuku and futuristic Odaiba. It’s also one of the world’s best food cities.
- Ride the trains with a Suica or Pasmo card (also in Apple Wallet).
- Eat at standing sushi bars, ramen shops and department store basements (depachika).
- Take a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura, or view Mount Fuji from Hakone or Kawaguchiko.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap holds the remains of the Khmer Empire’s capital. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, but the park also has Bayon (with its stone faces), Ta Prohm (tree roots over ruins) and many smaller temples.
- A 1-day, 3-day or 7-day pass is sold. Three days is a good choice and avoids temple fatigue.
- Visit at sunrise and return midday to cool off.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples.
- November–February is the most comfortable season.
Seoul, South Korea
A fast, modern capital with palaces, markets and a strong food scene.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace, the changing of the guard, and the nearby Bukchon hanok village.
- Namdaemun and Gwangjang markets for street food such as bindaetteok and tteokbokki.
- Hongdae and Seongsu for nightlife and cafes.
- Take a half-day to the DMZ if you’re interested in recent history (book a tour in advance).
Compact routes
- Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka (8–10 days): The classic Japan route. Take the Shinkansen between cities, and consider a rail pass only if your route justifies it, because prices have risen.
- Seoul – Busan (5–7 days): Fast KTX train (about 2.5 hours). Busan adds beaches, seafood and Gamcheon Culture Village.
- Bangkok – Siem Reap (6–8 days): Fly or take a bus across the border. Bangkok’s temples and markets, then Angkor.
Planning notes
- Choose two clusters. For a ten-day trip, pick two bases and do day trips.
- Leave buffer days for jet lag, weather and spontaneous finds like local festivals and night markets.
- Learn a few phrases and use translation apps. English is limited outside major cities.
- Carry some cash. Japan and Cambodia still use cash widely, though cards are accepted in many places.
- Check visa rules. Many nationalities can enter Japan and Korea without a visa for short stays, while Cambodia offers an e-visa.
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