Asia is a continent filled with diversity and beauty. With stunning landscapes, beautiful cities, and friendly people, Asia is a place that every traveler should visit. The fact that it's one of the cheapest continents to travel to makes it even better since the travelers on a budget won't be held back from crossing off some of these exciting places from their bucket list. You won't run out of things to do in this slice of heaven of a continent.
Perhaps mainly known for its breathtaking nature, Bali won't leave you dissatisfied. You can relax at long and beautiful beaches, hike in the forested mountains, practice yoga in cathedral-like temples, go island hopping, relax in the cozy hot springs, or visit the world-known waterfalls. When you're done with this, immerse yourself in the Bali culture by trying delicious foods, like Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck) or Nasi Campur (mixed rice).
Tokyo usually comes to mind when you're trying to picture a city with a fabulous skyline, dazzling city lights, a diverse culture, and a unique culinary selection. From strolling around monumental skyscrapers to world-class shopping in Asakusa Area, Tokyo will never run out of exciting things to do. Likewise, the metropolis will make a foodie's mouth water because of its infinite supply of delectable foods, ranging from Kobe steak to sushi. So rest assured, Tokyo has something for everyone.
The Maldives are known for their picturesque white sand beaches with sparkling turquoise water. It's also the home to the Whale Shark, the largest fish on earth. They can reach up to 40 feet in length, and here you'll be able to swim alongside them. You might be frightened at first, but keep in mind that they are harmless. When you're tired of sunbathing at the beach, you should try out some of the many exciting water sports like scuba diving and surfing.
In western Kyoto, you'll find this extraordinary wonderland of bamboo trees. Perfect as a getaway from the large Japanese cities, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most magnificent and relaxing places on earth. As a plus, it's also home to the most popular species of monkey in Japan, macaques. These adorable creatures are found in the protective sanctuary of the park, where visitors are encouraged to observe them eat and play. Walking through the bamboo forest will make you feel like you're dreaming.
With maybe the most impressive skyline in the world, a visit to Singapore will make you feel like you're fifty years in the future. The modern skyscrapers are architectural wonders and attract architecture fans all over the world. But, perhaps the best part is the culinary experience, with delights ranging from gastronomical masterpieces from classy restaurants to delicious treats of hawker stalls. At Jurong Bird Park, you'll find flamingos, and at Clarke Quay, you'll find some of the world's most exciting clubs. Don't miss out on Singapore.
Located in Indonesia, Komodo Island is well known for being the home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on earth. Just make sure to keep a safe distance, as they have razor-sharp claws and a very venomous bite. The beautiful island is also home to monkeys, water buffalos, and deer. Spend your day here snorkeling or diving among the staggering coral reefs and relaxing on the famous pink sand beach.
Maybe more for the ambitious traveler, climbing Mount Fuji will definitely be a memorable experience. The 12,389 feet mountain is only a two-hour drive from Tokyo and will make for a great escape from the city. While you can view it from afar, its beauty is best viewed up close. If you're in for the challenge, it's best climbed between July and September when conditions are optimal. Although climbing the mountain will be a challenge, you'll have breathtaking views that'll last you a lifetime once you reach the summit.
Not only is Bangkok the capital of Thailand, one of the most beautiful and exciting places in the world, but it's also a traveler's dream. Bangkok has many times been renowned as one of the best cities for foodies in the world because of its funky street food scene. Bangkok also has many architectural masterpieces, including the 2,351,000 square feet Grand Palace. A shopper looking for a bargain should also visit the Chatuchak market, with over 8000 stalls selling everything you can imagine.
Found in northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai has over 300 temples in a small radius. You should visit the top temples like Wat Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Sri Suphan. If you've already seen these, you can hike the Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat and many other spectacular temples located in the middle of the forest. Chiang Mai doesn't only contain temples but also a memorable food scene. The food here is slightly different from regular Thai, so make sure to arrive on an empty stomach.
Kayaking through the 1600 islands of Halong Bay while eating fresh seafood is a worthwhile experience. Halong Bay might be one of the most picturesque places in the world, with emerald water and striking views. Here you'll find impressive cliffs and caves filled with fascinating animals and many different cruising options to experience them.
On the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, you'll find the best place in the world to spot Orangutans. Here you can cruise through the river and enjoy the beautiful nature on a klotok (a multistory liveaboard) while encountering many cute Orangutans. On the way, the boat makes many stops, including at an orangutan feeding station. There are also many other interesting animals easily spotted, such as crocodiles and a few different monkeys.
Maybe the most iconic building in Asia, the Taj Mahal is unquestionably a must-visit. Completed in 1643, the white marble mausoleum was built by the emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. It's considered one of the world's true wonders, and we're not likely to see something like it be built ever again.
Stretching more than 4000 miles, the Great Wall of China is another wonder of the world. The 2300 years old wall is the largest man-made structure ever built. Visiting the Great Wall of China will be an experience that you won't soon forget, as the sheer size is only perceptible in person.
If you're looking for a large city that pulsates with energy, has a fantastic food scene and nightlife, great shopping, and beautiful getaways, you should visit Hong Kong. The metropolis boasts the most restaurants per capita in Asia and therefore has a rich gastronomic landscape. They have the cheapest Michelin-star meal in the world at Tim Ho Wan, something you definitely should try.
The biggest island in Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world, with soft sand and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. When you're no longer enjoying sunbathing you can snorkel and dive in the beautiful coral reefs up the coastline. If you rather stay out of the water, you can go kayaking or island hopping. It's hard to describe the feeling of laying in the warm sand listening to the ocean breeze, so you'll simply have to try it yourself.