If you’re planning a trip to Asia, congratulations! You’re about to see exactly why so many people love to travel to Asia again and again, and why it continues to be such a popular destination.
But with so many places to see, how do you narrow these many great destinations down so you can have a workable itinerary? We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to, and these are the best places to go in Asia:
Bangkok
The big Mango was the most Instagrammed destination in the world last year, and for good reason. There’s so much to do here, from hanging out with the backpacker on Khao San road, to exploring the many incredible malls, and making the most of the nightlife.
Chiang Mai
Yes, also in Thailand, but Chiang Mai is a must-visit and for good reason. If you love culture, history, and nature, Northern Thailand is the place to go, and Chiang Mai has been a favourite among tourists and digital nomads for years now. Be sure to visit Elephant Nature Park to see elephants that have been rescued from the circus, tourist shows and even logging in Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, and spend some time speaking to monks at Monk Chat- they practise their English, and you get to learn about their culture.
Bagan
Myanmar has recently become a massively popular destination and it has only been open to tourists for a few years. While there are a few places worth visiting here, Bagan is not to be missed- you can explore the beautiful ancient pagodas by electric scooter, or even take a hot air balloon ride over them at sunrise for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While the wifi isn’t the greatest here, if you get some downtime you can check out M88Asia, to see if you can win some money while you’re visiting.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is one of those places you can visit again and again. Here, you’ll find Angkor Wat, one of the most stunning examples of ancient architecture in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll need at least three days here, and can hire a tuk tuk driver to take you from temple to temple, or a local guide to give you a lowdown on which temple is which. While many people are in awe of Angkor Wat, the other temples are also incredible. The town of Siem Reap has a great vibe, with excellent bars, restaurants, and spas, and this is a destination where you’ll get great bang for your buck.
Beijing
Beijing can be a tricky place to travel. With approximately 23 million people, and only a small number of them speaking English, you’re going to be uncomfortable while you visit, but it’s well worth getting outside your comfort zone. Along with the Great Wall and other attractions, the subway system is excellent, the restaurants are surprisingly good, and you’ll get a good insight into Chinese culture. Just don’t be surprised if people are taking photos of you while you’re walking down the street. The Chinese are fun to hang out with, and if you’re looking to meet new friends you can check out Top10 Sports Betting in Asia to bet on some of the local games.