Top Destinations to Visit in Asia
Asia is the biggest continent on Earth and covers around 30% of the total land area on the planet. Sprawling more than 17 million square miles, encompassing 48 countries, home to 60% of the total world population, and with more than 2,300 languages spoken across it, Asia is one of if not the most diverse place on Earth.
There are megacities that thrive economically in some areas of the continent, but in other areas, life is hard. From the glistening streets of Tokyo to the vital work carried out by international and UK charities in Bangladesh, Asia portrays all aspects of human life on Earth.
Stretching from Turkey to Japan width-wise and Russia to Indonesia length-wise, there’s no shortage of places to visit whilst on vacation in Japan. There’s Mount Everest and the Himalayas to the east, and the golden sands of Turkey and Dubai to the west. With so much to choose from, it can be hard to know what the must-see destinations of Asia are.
If you’re thinking about going to Asia and want to get a better idea of where to go, we’ve put together a diverse list of the top destinations to visit in Asia, with something for everyone and every kind of traveler.
- The Dead Sea, Israel
Despite its name, the Dead Sea in Israel is one of the most beautiful and unique places on Earth. It borders Israel and Jordan and has a salt concentration 10% higher than the sea, making life unattainable for marine species, but particularly enjoyable for humans. If you’re not too good at floating or swimming, you can still enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea because the high salt content makes the water buoyant.
On top of this, if you have any skin issues or joint problems, a trip to the lowest point in the world could help you massively. The perfect balance of minerals and salt in the turquoise water are great for treating issues like psoriasis and arthritis. So, whether you simply want to float under the sun in a natural wonder or heal your aches and pains, the Dead Sea is a must-see location in Asia.
- Phuket, Thailand
The Thai island of Phuket is a hub of activity, with something to cater to everyone. The island has been carved over millennia by the beautiful turquoise sea that surrounds it. It is known for its rugged terrain and mountain ranges, giving way to some of the most beautiful national parks and waterfalls. In stark contrast to the sharp mountains are the various sandy beaches, including the infamous Karon and Freedom beaches.
If you want to explore more of the culture, visit Big Buddha and the Chaithararam Temple. Overall, if relaxation is what you’re after, Phuket needs to be on your list.
- Hong Kong
On the opposite end of the spectrum to Phucket is Hong Kong, the skyline of which is defined by the iconic skyscrapers. In fact, Hong Kong has more skyscrapers than any other place on Earth, and that includes NYC! It’s more than just a concrete jungle, though. After the sun goes down, the Temple Street Night Market comes to life, offering the best seafood for miles.
Hong Kong is also home to the Man Mo temple which dates back to 1847, as well as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery which is lined with 10,000 individual Buddhas, each one different to the last. Whether you’re into vibrant nightlife, local cuisine or historical culture, there’s something for everyone in Hong Kong.
Summary
There are many more impressive sites in Asia, including Bhutan and Seoul, as well as the Maldives and Laos. Which destinations will you be visiting?