Asia Travel Guide
Asia is a mosaic of megacities and misty rice terraces, neon nights and thousand-year temples. From the sushi bars of Tokyo to the tea houses of Tbilisi, the continent rewards slow, curious travel: hop between hubs on world-class airlines, then dive into street markets, mountain trails, beach coves, and cultural festivals each with its own rhythm and rules.
When to Visit Asia
Because Asia spans the Arctic to the Equator, timing depends on region. Southeast Asia is best in the drier, cooler season (roughly November–March). East Asia shines in spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and in autumn (September–November) for crisp skies. South Asia’s cooler, post-monsoon months (October–March) are ideal, while Central and West Asia are most comfortable in spring and fall. For high-altitude treks (Nepal, Kyrgyzstan), aim for shoulder seasons with stable weather. Curious which month suits your route? Check our detailed When to Visit Asia guide for itineraries and weather hacks.
How to Get to Asia
Major gateways Tokyo (HND/NRT), Seoul (ICN), Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), Hong Kong (HKG), Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), and Istanbul (IST) connect with nonstop flights from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Within Asia, low-cost carriers (AirAsia, Scoot, Peach, IndiGo) and high-speed rail networks (Japan, China, South Korea) make hopping between countries efficient. Consider multi-city tickets (open-jaw) to avoid backtracking, and use rail passes where available. Want route ideas with sample flight chains? Dive into our How to Get to Asia guide for smart hub strategies.
What to Do in Asia
- Wander ancient quarters: Kyoto’s Gion, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Jaipur’s Pink City, Tbilisi’s sulfur-bath lanes.
- Hike and trek: Nepal’s Annapurna region, Taiwan’s Taroko Gorge, Japan’s Kumano Kodo, Kyrgyzstan’s alpine jailoos.
- Chase blossoms & foliage: Sakura in Japan/Korea (spring), ginkgo and maple in East Asia (autumn).
- Street-food safaris: Bangkok night markets, Penang hawker stalls, Chengdu hotpot lanes, Delhi chaat stands.
- Island time: Thai Andaman isles, Philippines’ Palawan and Siargao, Indonesia’s Nusa islands, the Maldives.
- Iconic rail rides: Japan’s shinkansen, India’s mountain railways, Taiwan’s round-island line.
- Spiritual circuits: Angkor temples, Bagan pagodas, Bhutan’s monasteries, Varanasi ghats.
- Wellness & baths: Japanese onsen, Korean jjimjilbang, Balinese spa rituals, Himalayan yoga retreats.
- Desert and steppe: Jordan’s Wadi Rum camps, Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities, Mongolia’s Gobi dunes.
- Urban culture: K-pop shows and PC bangs in Seoul, anime districts in Tokyo, art hubs in Singapore and Shanghai.
What to Eat in Asia
Taste the continent in chapters: sushi, yakitori, and ramen in Japan; kimchi stews and BBQ in Korea; dim sum and Cantonese roast meats in Hong Kong; pho and bun cha in Vietnam; laksa, satay, and chili crab in Singapore/Malaysia; pad thai to khao soi in Thailand; biryani, dosa, and chaats across India; kebabs and mezze in West Asia; plov and samsa in Central Asia; khinkali and khachapuri in the Caucasus. Track down mom-and-pop spots, join a cooking class, and always say yes to the local breakfast. Hungry for a deeper dive? See our What to Eat in Asia guide with city-by-city picks.
What to Buy from Asia
Pack light come home heavy. Seek single-origin teas (Japan, China, Sri Lanka), specialty coffees (Vietnam), spices (India, Iran), handmade textiles (Uzbek ikat, Indian block-print, Indonesian batik), ceramics (Japanese Arita, Chinese Jingdezhen), blades (Japanese santoku), incense and oils (Oman), and artisan crafts (Laotian paper, Filipino capiz). Tech and skincare deals are strong in East Asia; verify voltage and authenticity. Want a curated list with bargaining tips and best markets? Browse our What to Buy in Asia guide before you shop.
Asia Nightlife
Nightlife runs the spectrum: rooftop cocktails in Singapore, vinyl bars and speakeasies in Tokyo, beach clubs in Bali and Phuket, craft beer in Seoul and Taipei, and buzzy backpacker lanes in Hanoi and Siem Reap. Dress codes vary; public drinking rules differ by country. Prefer hidden jazz basements or mega-clubs? Our Asia Nightlife guide maps neighborhoods, late-night eats, and last-train times.
Asia Festivals and Fairs
| Festival / Event | Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lunar New Year (across East & SE Asia) | Jan–Feb | Lion dances, family feasts, temple fairs; travel crowds peak. |
| Harbin Ice & Snow Festival (China) | Jan | Giant illuminated ice sculptures; sub-zero spectacle. |
| Holi (India, Nepal) | Mar | Color-throwing celebration of spring; protect cameras/clothes. |
| Nowruz (Central & West Asia) | Mar | Persian New Year; picnics, bonfires, family gatherings. |
| Songkran (Thailand) | Apr | Countrywide water fights; book stays early. |
| Vesak (Buddhist regions) | Apr–May | Lanterns, temple ceremonies commemorating Buddha. |
| Obon (Japan) | Aug | Ancestral homecomings; Bon Odori dances. |
| Mid-Autumn Festival (East Asia) | Sep | Mooncakes, lantern parades, family reunions. |
| Diwali (India and beyond) | Oct–Nov | Lights, sweets, fireworks; many shops close early. |
Asia Key Dates & Public Holidays
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Variable (Jan–Feb) | Lunar New Year |
| March 21 | Nowruz |
| Variable (Mar) | Holi |
| Variable (Apr) | Songkran |
| Variable (Apr–May, lunar) | Vesak |
| Late Apr–Early May | Japan Golden Week |
| Variable (lunar) | Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr (Muslim-majority countries) |
| August (mid) | Obon (Japan) |
| September (lunar) | Mid-Autumn Festival |
| Variable (Oct–Nov) | Diwali |
| October 1 | China National Day |
| January 26 | India Republic Day |
Things to Know for Traveling in Asia
- Visas & entries: Rules vary widely; check e-visa eligibility, passport validity (6-month rule), and onward ticket requirements.
- Money: Cash is still king in markets; cards and mobile pay (Alipay/WeChat Pay, PayPay, GCash) dominate cities have both.
- Health: Carry basic meds; consider travel insurance; respect food hygiene (freshly cooked, busy stalls).
- Etiquette: Shoes off indoors (Japan, Korea, parts of SE Asia); modest dress at temples and mosques; right hand for giving in South Asia.
- Connectivity: eSIMs work well; pocket Wi-Fi is popular in Japan/Korea.
- Transport: Learn local ride-hail apps; mind last-train times; in monsoon regions, buffer for delays.
- Safety: Petty theft can occur in crowds; use hotel safes, avoid unmetered taxis, and agree prices upfront.
- Weather: Monsoons and typhoons affect schedules; check forecasts during wet seasons.
- Sustainability: Refill water where safe, support local artisans, and respect wildlife and reefs.
Asia isn’t one trip it’s a lifetime of routes. Whether you’re chasing temples and tea, surf and street food, or megacity culture, the continent delivers depth at every budget. Ready to sketch your first loop? Start with our Places to Visit in Asia guide for route ideas that match your style and season.
