Asia is huge, and a first trip works best when it focuses on one region. Below are destinations that consistently stand out, grouped by region, followed by sample itineraries.
East Asia
Japan
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima make a classic circuit. Add Nara (friendly deer, giant Buddha), Kanazawa or Hakone. Japan is safe, clean and efficient, and the rail network is exceptional.
South Korea
Seoul for palaces, food and nightlife. Busan for coast and seafood. Jeju Island for volcanic landscapes and hiking.
China
Beijing (Forbidden City, the Great Wall at Mubutianyu or Jinshanling), Xi’an (Terracotta Army), Chengdu (pandas, spicy food) and Shanghai. Payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are now essential, and foreign cards can be linked, so set them up before arrival.
Taiwan
Taipei’s night markets, Taroko Gorge and the Alishan railway. It’s compact and a good introduction to Asia.
Southeast Asia
Thailand
Bangkok’s temples and street food, Chiang Mai’s old city and elephant sanctuaries (choose ethical ones that do not offer riding), and islands such as Koh Lanta or Koh Samui.
Vietnam
Hanoi’s old quarter, Ha Long Bay or the quieter Lan Ha Bay, Hoi An’s lantern-lit old town, and Ho Chi Minh City. A north–south train or flight route works well.
Cambodia and Laos
Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, plus Luang Prabang in Laos for monasteries, waterfalls and slow-paced days.
Indonesia
Bali for beaches, rice terraces and culture. Java for Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Komodo for dragons and snorkeling.
South Asia
India
The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) is the usual first trip. Rajasthan, Kerala’s backwaters and Varanasi are good additions. India rewards patience, and a driver or well-planned trains help a lot.
Nepal and Sri Lanka
Nepal for Himalayan trekking (Annapurna, Everest Base Camp) and Kathmandu’s temples. Sri Lanka packs beaches, tea country, ancient cities and safaris into a small island.
Central Asia and the Middle East
Uzbekistan
Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are Silk Road cities with blue-tiled monuments. Increasingly easy to visit, with a modern high-speed train between the main cities.
Jordan
Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea in a compact country. Allow at least five days.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Route | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Japan classic | Tokyo – Hakone – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka | 10–12 days |
| Southeast Asia sampler | Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Siem Reap – Hanoi | 14 days |
| Vietnam north to south | Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City | 10–12 days |
| India Golden Triangle | Delhi – Agra – Jaipur | 7–8 days |
| Silk Road | Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva | 8–10 days |
How to choose
- First time in Asia and want comfort: Japan, South Korea or Taiwan.
- Budget and variety: Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia.
- Culture and intensity: India, Nepal or Uzbekistan.
- Beaches: Thai islands, Bali, Sri Lanka.
Practical tips
- Pick the right season for your region. See our best time to visit guide.
- Keep a modest pace: two or three nights per base is better than daily moves.
- Book popular things in advance, such as Ghibli Museum tickets, Angkor temple passes, Taj Mahal entry and popular trekking permits.
- Use eSIMs or local SIM cards. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are useful across Southeast Asia.
- Take out travel insurance, and carry copies of key documents.
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