As I stepped off the plane in Bangkok, Thailand, the warm tropical air enveloped me, carrying the sweet scent of frangipani and the cacophony of horns, chatter, and woks sizzling in the streets.
I had embarked on a three-month journey to explore the wonders of Asia, and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the region’s rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Essential Visitor Information
Before diving into the adventure, here are some essential tips to help you plan your trip:
When to Visit
Asia’s climate varies greatly depending on the region and time of year.
Generally, the best time to visit Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and drier.
For East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons.
Getting There
Most major airlines operate flights to Asian cities. You can find affordable flights if you book in advance or consider budget airlines.
I recommend using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Kayak to find the best deals.
Costs
Asia can be a very affordable continent to travel in, but costs vary greatly depending on the country and your lifestyle.
Here are some rough estimates of daily expenses:
- Thailand: $30-50 per day
- Vietnam: $25-40 per day
- Cambodia: $20-30 per day
- Laos: $25-40 per day
- China: $40-60 per day
- Japan: $60-100 per day
- Korea: $50-80 per day
Where to Stay
Asia offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts.
I recommend booking in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
You can use websites like (link unavailable), Hostelworld, or Airbnb to find the best deals.
Must-See Places
Here are some of the top destinations to include in your itinerary:
- Thailand:
- Bangkok: Explore the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun
- Chiang Mai: Visit the Doi Suthep temple and take a cooking class
- Phuket: Relax on the beautiful beaches and take a boat tour to Phi Phi Islands
- Vietnam:
- Hanoi: Explore the Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
- Hoi An: Wander through the ancient town, visit the Japanese Bridge, and take a cooking class
- Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the War Remnants Museum, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, and take a street food tour
- Cambodia:
- Siem Reap: Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex
- Phnom Penh: Visit the Royal Palace, explore the National Museum, and take a stroll along the Tonle Sap River
- Laos:
- Luang Prabang: Explore the ancient town, visit the Wat Xieng Thong temple, and take a boat ride along the Mekong River
- Vientiane: Visit the COPE Centre, explore the Patuxai monument, and take a stroll along the Mekong River
- China:
- Beijing: Explore the Forbidden City, visit the Temple of Heaven, and take a stroll along the Great Wall
- Shanghai: Visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, explore the French Concession, and take a stroll along the Bund
- Japan:
- Tokyo: Explore the Shibuya Crossing, visit the Meiji Shrine, and take a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden
- Kyoto: Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, explore the Kinkaku-ji temple, and take a stroll through the Arashiyama bamboo forest
- Korea:
- Seoul: Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, explore the Bukchon Hanok Village, and take a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream
Food Recommendations
Asian cuisine is incredibly diverse and delicious. Here are some must-try dishes:
- Thailand: Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, Green Curry, Mango Sticky Rice
- Vietnam: Pho, Banh Mi, Goi Cuon (spring rolls), Bun Cha
- Cambodia: Fish Amok, Nom Banh Chok (rice noodle soup), Bai Mon (grilled pork)
- Laos: Laap (meat salad), Tam Maak Hoong (spicy papaya salad), Khao Soi (curried noodle soup)
- China: Peking Duck, Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Hot Pot
- Japan: Sushi, Ramen, Udon, Tempura
- Korea: Bibimbap, Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), Bulgogi (grilled marinated beef), Kimchi (spicy fermented vegetables)
Local Tips
Here are some insider tips to help you navigate Asia like a pro:
- Learn a few key phrases: Hello (Sawatdee in Thai, Xin chào in Vietnamese, សួស្តី in Khmer), Thank you (Khop khun krap in Thai, Cảm ơn in Vietnamese, អរគុណ in Khmer)
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques, remove your shoes when entering homes or temples, and avoid public displays of affection
- Haggle politely: When shopping at markets or from street vendors, it’s expected to haggle over prices. Be respectful and fair, and don’t push too hard
- Stay safe: Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Avoid traveling alone at night, and use reputable taxi services
Getting Around
Asia has a well-developed transportation network, with many options for getting around:
- Flights: Affordable flights connect major cities across Asia. I recommend using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Kayak to find the best deals
- Trains: Trains are a convenient way to travel longer distances, especially in countries like Japan, China, and Thailand
- Buses: Buses are a budget-friendly option for shorter distances, and often connect rural areas to major cities
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available, but be sure to use reputable services and agree on prices before you start your journey
- Ride-hailing apps: Apps like Grab and Go-Van are popular in many Asian cities, and offer a convenient way to get around
Staying Connected
Staying connected with family and friends back home is easy in Asia:
- SIM cards: Purchase a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for data and phone access
- Wi-Fi: Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi
- Messaging apps: Use apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, or Facebook Messenger to stay in touch with loved ones
Staying Healthy
Asia can be a challenging destination for travelers, especially when it comes to health and hygiene:
- Vaccinations: Consult your doctor or a travel clinic to determine the necessary vaccinations for your destinations
- Food and water: Eat at reputable restaurants and stalls, and avoid drinking tap water. Opt for bottled or filtered water instead
- Sun protection: Asia’s sun can be intense, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
- Insect-borne illnesses: Take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and Zika virus by wearing insect repellent and covering exposed skin
Must-Try Experiences
Asia offers countless opportunities for unforgettable experiences:
- Take a cooking class: Learn the secrets of Asian cuisine with a cooking class in Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia
- Explore ancient temples: Visit the magnificent Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar, or the stunning Borobudur in Indonesia
- Relax on stunning beaches: Enjoy the picturesque beaches of Phuket, Koh Samui, or Krabi in Thailand, or the stunning coastline of Da Nang in Vietnam
- Attend a festival or celebration: Experience the vibrant festivals of Asia, such as the Songkran water festival in Thailand, the Tet New Year in Vietnam, or the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan
Nearby Places to Visit
If you have time to explore beyond the main destinations, here are some nearby places to consider:
- Thailand: Visit the ancient city of Chiang Rai, explore the hill tribes of northern Thailand, or relax on the stunning beaches of Koh Tao
- Vietnam: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, visit the ancient city of Hoi An, or trek through the scenic hills of Sapa
- Cambodia: Visit the ancient temple complex of Beng Mealea, explore the scenic countryside of Kampong Cham, or relax on the stunning beaches of Koh Rong Samloem
- Laos: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Vang Vieng, visit the ancient city of Luang Prabang, or trek through the scenic hills of Nong Khiaw
- China: Visit the stunning natural beauty of the Li River, explore the ancient city of Xi’an, or trek through the scenic hills of Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Japan: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Nikko, visit the ancient city of Kyoto, or relax on the stunning beaches of Okinawa
- Korea: Visit the stunning natural beauty of Jeju Island, explore the ancient city of Gyeongju, or trek through the scenic hills of Seoraksan National Park
Traveling through Asia for three months was an unforgettable adventure that left me with lifelong memories and a deeper appreciation for the region’s diverse cultures, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes.
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil temples of Luang Prabang, every moment was a discovery.
If you’re considering embarking on a similar journey, I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the continent.
Remember to stay curious, be respectful, and enjoy the ride!