Share the article
Europe has the medieval charm, Latin America wins hands down when it comes to gastronomy and nature, and there’s no denying that Africa’s maze-like medinas and epic safaris are breathtaking, but let’s be real for a moment.
When you think of all those beautiful temples under a blossoming canopy of cherry trees, sprawling metropolises that look like they could belong in a science fiction future, and the warm, welcoming hospitality of the locals, no continent can touch Asia.
The only problem is the sheer size of Asia, and planning a trip there can be intimidating, especially if you’re staring at a blank map, unsure of what to dive into, or even which experiences are at the top of your list.
Do you like lively city trips where you’re bursting with energy, craving seconds on street food and a view of the skyline? Or perhaps escape to a relaxing mountain town, cradled by misty peaks, serene lakes and ancient temples, free from the usual hordes of tourists?
Maybe it’s the untamed wilderness and heart-pounding adventure that gets your heart pumping.
Whatever sparks your wanderlust, here they are 5 bucket list Asian destinations That everyone should visit at least once (and that hit all those notes and more):
Hoi An, Vietnam
Located on the central coast of Vietnam, Hội An is without a doubt one of the most picturesque and romantic destinations in Asia:
A cultural melting pot that was under Japanese, Chinese and French rule in different historical periods, it has an eclectic cityscape of ornate Chinese Buddhist temples, historic wooden shophouses and yellow-washed colonial buildings that you won’t find anywhere else.
Beautiful French city buildings glow inwards around the old town powerful mustard noteswhile winding canals cut through the colonial core, navigated for centuries by fishermen and merchants in traditional rowing boats.
It’s no wonder they Hội An de Vietnamese Venicebut instead of gondola rides with views of Gothic palaces, the coolest thing to do here is book a thúng chai (bamboo basket boat) tour at neighboring Cam Thanh Coconut Village.
Hold on tight and save that craving for phở for later. You’re in the mood for something intense turn.
The atmosphere: Vietnamese Venice with a French colonial flair
Perfect for: sightseeing along cute canals and browsing lantern shops
The ‘not to be missed’ experiences:
- The Japanese Covered Bridge: a richly decorated footpath that spans a serene moat topped by a temple
- Bamboo basket boat tour: Make your way through the navigable waterways and coconut groves of Cam Thanh
Chiangmai, Thailand
Although it is Thailand’s second largest city after Bangkok, Chiang Mai exists in a very different microcosm than the country’s bustling capital.
Revolving around a UNESCO-protected, moated old town dotted with ancient buddhist temples and criss-crossed by narrow streets lined with quaint cafes and lively markets, it’s a laid-back, more relaxed side of Thailand that you certainly won’t find in the island-studded south.
Chiang Mai is incredibly rich in temples, with more than 300 scattered throughout the historic city and surrounding area. You could spend weeks visiting ornate golden stupas and shrines without feeling like you’re in the temple
A must-see is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a gold-clad temple chedi located on a mountain. This is likely Chiang Mai’s most iconic templeand an important part of social media, especially magical at sunset.
Wat Chedi Luang, the heart of the old city: partially destroyed but majestic, a 14th-century building that once housed the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok).
Covered in silver panels in the silversmith district, Wat Sri Suphan features hand-carved Buddhist motifs, mirrored walls and glittering reliefs.
The atmosphere: Northern Thai charm with temples galore
Perfect for: wandering through ancient temples, drinking coffee in riverside cafes, strolling through night markets
The ‘not to be missed’ experiences:
Wat Phra Singh: a 14th-century temple with intricate Lanna-style carvings and a golden interior
Elephants Natural Park: visit rescued elephants in an ethical reserve just 1h12 drive from Chiang Mai
Siem Reap, Cambodia
A charming seaside town tucked away in the largely rural northwestern edge of Cambodia, Siem Reap is the base that many tourists use for visiting the ancient ruins of Angkorone of the most impressive in Southeast Asia, and the seat of a centuries-old dynasty.
Reaching its peak between the 9th and 15th centuries, Angkor was once the capital of the mighty Khmer Empire, and a thriving city that is now largely in ruins.
The complex features intricate stone structures, most notably Angkor Wat, a three-domed temple so iconic that it dominates the flag of Cambodia. Highlights in the area include Ta Prohm (the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple) and Bayon, the star of moated Angkor Thom.
The archaeological site is incredibly vast and without a doubt the biggest draw here, but if you go out of your way to visit Siem Reap, you might as well visit some of the nearby nature reserves.
For traditional Cambodian aquatic life, head to Kampong Phluk or Kompong Khleang, two sleepy floating villages known for their stilt houses and floating markets.
Longing for a jungle escape with waterfalls, hiking trails and sacred mountain sites? Phnom Kulen National Park the perfect day trip.
The atmosphere: overgrown Tomb Raider temples and epic riverside sunsets
Perfect for: exploring grand temples and lush natural landscapes
The ‘not to be missed’ experiences:
- Angkor Wat at sunrise: the ultimate temple photo (incredibly beautiful at sunset)
- Phnom Kulen National Park: walking through green landscapes and cooling off under waterfalls
Chongqing, China
It’s impossible to narrow down the five bucket list spots in Asia and leave out the Chinese dragon. And listen, there’s plenty to choose from, from Shanghai’s neon streets and futuristic skyscrapers to Beijing’s timeless citadels and hutongs, and even Hong Kong’s unique blend of East and West.
However, if there is one Chinese hub that better represents China’s insane creativity and innovative spirit, and that literally warps and pushes the boundaries of how you imagine a cityscape, It has to be Chongqing.
Famous for its stacked buildings and elevated walkways, you’ll have a hard time figuring out where the ground floor is located.
We are talking elevated roads that wind 20 stories highapartment buildings built just beneath tall overpasses, pedestrian walkways spanning busy thoroughfares beneath your feet, and 8D layers of urban chaos that fall just short of sci-fi surrealism.
Oh, did we mention high-speed monorails run through tunnels bored directly into residential buildings? Yes, That kind of mind-boggling urban wizardry.
Chongqing is quite a big city, mind you…more than 32 million people call it home– so it can be difficult to get your bearings at first, but once you know where the street ends and the building begins, you’ll be cruising in no time.
The atmosphere: crazy multi-layer futuristic 8D city
Perfect for: wander through neo-lit alleys and sample spicy street food
The ‘not to be missed’ experiences:
Hongya Cave: a maze on the riverbank, full of bars and shops
Liziba station: the iconic subway that goes through the middle of a building
Kanazawa, Japan
Called the ‘Little Kyoto‘ Besides not having any tourist crowds, Kanazawa is the laid-back capital of Ishikawa, a prefecture on the central Japanese island of Honshu.
It is something of a hidden gem and is best known for its well-preserved Edo-era neighborhoods, with traditional Machiya along stone-paved roads: traditional Japanese houses behind a family shop on the street side and elegant water castles with inner citadels and several enclosures.
Kanazawa Castle is an example of Edo period architecture that largely survived World War II:
Built in 1580, it is a complex fortified with stone wallsgates and impressive turrets.
It’s next to it Kenrokuen Gardenone of the best landscaped gardens in Japan. It ranks together with Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama as one of the Three Great Gardens.
Imagine hidden paths to tea houses and picnic areas, mirror-like ponds surrounded by cherry blossom trees and romantic arch bridges.
Peaceful, timeless and serene, just like Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion before the Instagram hordes ruined it.
The atmosphere: Little Kyoto without the crowds
Perfect for: enjoy Edo-era Japanese charm and escape into secret gardens
The ‘not to be missed’ experiences:
Kanazawa Castle: a well-preserved moated castle from the 16th century
Kenrokuen Garden: one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, known for its peaceful ponds, stone bridges and devastating seasonal beauty
Now for the fun part: take this quiz and find your perfect match!
