From Turkey’s ancient underground cities to Japan’s sakura-scented temples, an odyssey across all of the best places to visit in Asia would take more than a lifetime to complete.
Crossing Oman’s deserts by camelback, trekking through Tajikistan’s lofty peaks, and admiring the temples of Angkor Wat couldn’t be more different experiences, yet a continent keeps them loosely linked.
All of this is to say that narrowing down a list of the top Asian destinations is essentially impossible – it would be longer than the Great Wall of China. But if you’re seeking inspiration for your next trip to Asia, I promise you these incredible destinations and attractions won’t disappoint.
Oman’s Wadis and Sharqiya Sands
Although Oman flies criminally under the radar, it’s undoubtedly one of my favourite places in Asia. A land of ancient mudbrick settlements, cosmopolitan coastal cities, deep-rooted traditions and cinematic arid mountains, this Middle Eastern nation proudly clings to more culture and character than some of its neighbours.
But being the Arabian Peninsula, it’s perhaps unsurprising that I found its deserts and oases the most awe-inspiring of all its fetching landscapes. One of my favourite wild camping road trips was hiring a 4WD in Muscat, Oman’s capital, to drive through the vast, red Sharqiya Sands and camp under the stars. Camels lazily strolled by in the morning, bedouin women drove past and offered us tea, and we bathed in stunning Wadi Bani Khalid to wash away the desert dirt. Unforgettable.
Bali, Indonesia
While many would tell you that the Island of the Gods is ruined and that you can find “another Bali,” I’d argue it’s still one of the best places to visit in Asia. The fact is there simply isn’t another Bali. What makes this island so magical and alluring isn’t the beaches or landscapes but the Balinese Hindu culture, people and customs – something that simply can’t be recreated anywhere else, even if the backdrop is still the same.
Still, it’s fair to say that how you plan and where you stay in Bali will make or break your trip. By all means, enjoy a chic holiday at one of the luxe villas around Seminyak before spending a couple of nights in the cultural capital of Ubud – these are essential Bali holiday experiences. But it’s undeniable that these destinations have heavy traffic and lack some of the island’s soul. Balance it out with a few nights on the black sand Lovina coast or hiking through the rice fields of Sideman, seeing local temple life and traditions en route, and you’ll soon see why, after a dozen visits, Bali remains one of my favourite islands in the world.
Fann Mountains, Tajikistan
Wow. It’s a word I uttered out of breath constantly as I trekked through Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains. No photo had prepared me for just how life-affirming these lofty peaks and luminous lakes would be, and it’s fair to say this country is one of the most incredible destinations in Asia for hiking and wild camping.
You’ll need a bit of stamina to tackle the most challenging passes, but it’s doable – I’m certainly not the fittest or most active traveller you’ll meet. And once you do it, you’ll be so glad you did. Snow-capped peaks. Waking up under a radiant Milky Way. Roaming between lakes, shepherds and the occasional other rambler. Just wow.
Thailand’s Islands
Although it’s been nearly 15 years since my first of many visits to Asia, which happened to be Thailand, those beautiful islands still burn as bright in my mind as the azure waters that lap them. And even though Indonesia is my favourite country in Asia for an offbeat archipelago escape, I still think Thailand is the best Asian country to visit for a proper beach holiday.
Far from being just a backpacker trail of full-moon parties and overcrowded beaches, Thailand has undergone significant evolution in the last decade. Sure, you can still find magic and crowds on the blissful, film-famous Phi Phi Islands and party all night on Phuket – but there’s another side to these sensational shorelines, too. Enjoy a more conscious island connection at one of the islands’ rejuvenating fitness retreats, indulge in a luxurious escape on Koh Yao Yai, or discover supreme scuba diving (Thailand was my first dive and where I got hooked( in the Similan Islands. Hopefully, you’ll appreciate this paradise as much as I do.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE
One of the most impressive and perhaps unexpected tourist attractions in Asia is Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s neither old nor storied, but the magnificent and monumental mosque was enough to convince me on an Etihad rather than an Emirates stopover to see it with my own eyes. And it’s certainly worth the hype. Decked out in perfectly polished paper-white marble, embellished with gold flourishes, ornate lattice work, crystal-adorned chandeliers and the world’s largest carpet, the edifice is as much a testament to wealth as it is prayer.
Taiwan’s Tea-Clad Mountains
On each stop of my train tour circling Taiwan I fell even more in love with the country, and it’s arguably one of Asia’s top places to visit to experience a little bit of everything in one island. Yet the prettiest and most memorable part for me was venturing beyond the rails and climbing up the mountainous interior to reach lofty tea farms and stay in wholesome homestays. The area around Zhuqi Township is especially handsome, with misty trails meandering through row upon row of perfectly manicured tea plants, and, as an extra bonus when I visited in March, delicate cherry blossoms adding an extra splash of colour.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Cambodia’s world-famous temple complex is one of Asia’s most visited tourist attractions for good reason. Even if you’ve seen the photos a thousand times before, I promise you nothing can prepare you for witnessing the sunrise behind the main Angkor Wat temple (and the crowds) with your own eyes. But stay a little further from the two or three most famous and explore the rest of the 12th-century archaeological sites, and you’ll find serene pockets of spiritual reflection amongst temples being reclaimed by nature.
Bagan, Myanmar
When I think back to my first big backpacking trip around South East Asia, Myanmar is the country that left the biggest impression. Part of this was it being 2014 and not long after more democratic elections had been implemented, but the main reason was somewhere that had long been on my bucket list: Bagan.
This ancient city and former capital of the Pagan Kingdom is carpeted with thousands of temples constructed between the 9th and 11th centuries. Taking it all in from a top stupa or a Bagan hot air balloon left me speechless. Even after the devastating earthquake in March 2025, it remains one of the most magical Asian destinations, though as reconstruction efforts continue, it might be best visited later.
The Golden Triangle, India
If there’s one iconic landmark on nearly every India itinerary, it’s the Taj Mahal. This exquisite and expansive marble mausoleum is the jewel of the so-called “Golden Triangle”, which encompasses the three vastly different cities of New Delhi, Agra – home to the Taj Mahal – and Jaipur. Considered three of Asia’s best places to visit on a one-week trip, each city gives a considerably different insight into life, culture and history in India.
Alongside the Taj, you’ll feel the rush of daily life in New Delhi, India’s non-stop capital city, where you’ll witness modern life contrasting with historic sights like Humayun’s Tomb. Then, it’s time to be wowed by Jaipur’s russet-hued, architecturally magnificent Hawa Mahal and the hill-topping walls of Nahargarh Fort. My highlight? The small city of Fatehpur Sikri, the first city of the Mughal Empire, just outside Agra.
Singapore’s Islands
Singapore is one of the most futuristic, clean and contemporary island states in the world. But it’s much more than its over-the-top downtown. You’ve got the gorgeous green spaces around Gardens by the Bay, street food and culture galore in Little India or Singapore’s Chinatown, and theme parks strung together by cable cars. Singapore isn’t just a country on an island; it’s spread across more than 60 beautiful islands. Many of which retain their distinct personality.
Take Pulau Ubin, one of the best islands to get away from modern-day Singapore. Hop on a traditional Bumboat (not a typo) and head to this overgrown, jungle-like escape. Explore the mangroves, wooden boardwalks and craggy coastline by bike, and you might even stumble across the large lizards that still thrive on this protected island. Then there’s Sentosa, where gorgeous artificial beaches vie for attention with world-class entertainment. Out on Coney Island, forest walks to a handful of secluded beaches are a joy. Singapore’s islands can be as modern or laid-back as you like.
Cappadocia, Turkey
This rugged, rocky and semi-arid region in central Turkey has become one of Asia’s top tourist attractions thanks to the unique homes carved into caves, some of which you can even stay in, and the towering cone-like rock formations formed by a volcanic eruption. With a history dating back to the Bronze Age, it’s fair to say Cappadocia is far more impressive than its recent Instagram fame.
You’ll be left speechless in the subterranean cities, such as Derinkuyu, where air vents bring breathable air down underground. Above ground is equally enchanting, especially with the jaw-dropping views of Pigeon Valley, which are now popularly taken in on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. The village of Göreme is a bustling base from which to explore the region, while Ürgüp and the Ihlara Valley can be slightly calmer.
