Asia represents an absolutely enormous chunk of the globe. You could spend several lifetimes travelling there and still not see all that it has to offer. Holidaymakers in this part of the world, therefore, will want to be a bit selective about where they decide to visit. With the ongoing political crisis in Hong Kong, you’ll need to be more selective still!
If you’re making the trip for the first time, it’s worth prioritising the best bang-for-buck destinations in Asia. Let’s take a look at five of them.
Bangkok
Thailand sits near the top of the list for many western tourists (and expats). There’s a vibrant scene for rooftop bars, restaurants and street food here. The city is extremely affordable, too, once the cost of the flights is discounted. You can minimise this one-off cost if you’re savvy and book your Bangkok airport transfers well in advance.
Bali
If you’re looking for beaches, then this Indonesian island is an obvious choice. But there’s more to Bali than lounging around all day: there’s a tremendous amount of natural beauty to get lost in, as well as ancient temples and some of the world’s premier coffee farms. Of the destinations we’re listing here, Bali probably has the most favourable, tropical climate – just make sure that you aren’t visiting during monsoon season, unless you don’t mind getting wet!
Kyoto
Up until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan – and with more than a thousand years spent at the top spot, many of the locals still feel that their city is the capital in everything but name. There are bamboo forests, shrines, and a raft of high-quality restaurants to discover – consequently, this is a great alternative for those considering a city break in Japan.
Seoul
Seoul is best known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling street-food culture. And while there’s a lot of truth in this impression, the city also boasts more than its share of historical buildings to look at, too. The best way to see the city’s attractions is on a walking tour – there are multilingual guides who’ll take you through the city and explain its history and culture.
Agra
If you’re looking to visit some of South-Asia’s most famous landmarks, then you’ll find few more impressive than the Taj Mahal, in Agra. But there’s more to this part of the world than the famous white tomb; there are other Mughal structures, too, including Agra Fort, the Itmad-ud-Daula, and the Tomb of Akbar the Great. If you’ve got a passion for beautifully-preserved historical buildings, and Mughal history in particular, then this part of the world is a must-visit. But even if you don’t, there’s plenty to capture your interest here.