16 Bucket List Countries to Visit in Asia
Asia is home to 49 countries. Each country has its own unique culture, history, and language. I LOVE traveling to Asia. Every time I travel to Asia, I have the best time, from visiting family in Israel to hanging out at the monkey sanctuary in Bali and swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines. I want to go back and see more of Asia, so this post is based on personal experience and research for my upcoming trips to ASIA! Here’s a list of 16 bucket list countries to visit in Asia, along with some things to do in each country:
1. Japan–
Japan! A country with a fascinating history, culture, and beautiful natural landscapes. Japan is home to many active volcanoes, including Mount Fuji. You can see beautiful temples in Kyoto and experience an infamous tea ceremony, an important part of the culture for over 400 years. Don’t forget to visit the stunning Arashiyama bamboo forest, relax in an Onsen or hot springs, and try delicious sushi and ramen at a local restaurant!
Things to Do:
- Visit the famous Tokyo Tower
- Mount Fiji Day Trip from Tokyo
- Relax in an Onsen or Hot Springs in the Japanese Alps
- Try sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market or a local restaurant
- Temple Tour in Kyoto- Visit the famous Fushimi Inari shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates
- Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Explore the vibrant city of Osaka and its food scene
- Take a bullet train ride to experience Japan’s high-speed transportation
- Great Buddha of Kamakura
Tours to Book:
Similar Posts:
-20 Reasons to Travel to Japan
2. Thailand–
Thailand has the most beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, white sand, and stunning limestone cliffs. Phuket is one of the best places to experience the fabulous beaches in Thailand. Don’t forget to visit the bustling city of Bangkok and tour the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The fascinating temples of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai will be the highlight of your trip.
Things to Do:
- Chiang Rai Temple Tour
- Visit the bustling streets of Bangkok and try street food
- Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui
- Explore the ancient city of Chiang Mai and its temples
- Ayutthaya Boat Trip
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Thai dishes like pad thai
- Take a boat ride through the stunning limestone karsts of Krabi
Tours to Book:
Similar Posts:
–How to Spend 10 Days in Thailand
–6 Best Tours to Book in Thailand
3. China–
China is one of the most unique destinations, home to one of the seven wonders of the world, The Great Wall, and the most beautiful wild animals, including pandas! You have to add Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to your China bucket list! Booking a cruise through the Li River will take your breath away thanks to the beautiful karst mountains.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City in Beijing
- Explore the vibrant city of Shanghai and its Bund waterfront
- Try traditional Chinese cuisine, such as Peking duck and dumplings
- Take a cruise trip through the Li River and see the karst mountains
- Visit the ancient city of Xi’an and its Terracotta Warriors
- Visit the stunning scenery of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province
Tours to Book:
Similar Post:
-25 Best Things to Do in China
4. Indonesia–
Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands in Southeast Asia. Bali is the most beautiful place to visit in Indonesia, home to unique temples made from volcanic rock. Bali has so many things to do, from relaxing at the incredible beaches to enjoying coconut water out of a coconut. Don’t forget to visit the Monkey Sanctuary to the infamous rice terraces.
Things to Do:
- Visit the beautiful temples in Bali
- Explore Ubud ( Rice Terraces, Monkey Sanctuary)
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Bali, including Padang Padang Beach
- Hike up Mount Bromo in East Java at Sunrise
- Explore the ancient city of Yogyakarta and its temples at Borobudur
- Take a boat trip through the Komodo National Park and see Komodo dragons
- Visit the vibrant city of Jakarta and its old town
- Visit the stunning natural beauty of Lake Toba, the largest lake in Southeast Asia
Tours to Book:
Similar Post:
5. Vietnam
The beautiful landscapes in Vietnam are one of many reasons to visit. Who does not want to visit Ha Long Bay, featuring over 1,600 limestone islands and islets in various shapes and sizes?
Things to Do:
- Visit the ancient city of Hoi An and its ancient architecture
- Explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and try street food
- Take a boat trip through Ha Long Bay and see limestone karsts
- Visit the ancient city of Hue and its imperial palace
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang
- Take a motorbike trip through the scenic countryside of central Vietnam
Tours to Book:
6. South Korea
South Korea has a thriving democracy on the Korean Peninsula with a vibrant economy. Seoul is a beautiful city home to the infamous Gyeongbokgung Palace, as shown in the photo above, and ancient temples. If you are a history buff, you can visit the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. North Korea is a secretive communist state. North Korea is known for its militarized society and isolated economy.
Things to Do:
- Visit the vibrant city of Seoul and its K-pop culture
- Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul
- Explore the historic city of Gyeongju and its ancient temples
- Try traditional Korean cuisine, such as kimchi and bibimbap
- Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea
- Visit the Cheonjiyeon Falls at Jeju Island and see its stunning natural beauty
- Relax at one of the many beautiful beaches on Jeju Island
Tours to Book:
Similar Post:
20 Reasons to Visit Seoul, South Korea
7. Malaysia
Malaysia is home to the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, where you can visit the infamous Petronas Twin Towers and the Batu Caves. Don’t forget to try traditional Malaysian cuisine and relax at the beautiful beaches and go jet skiing at Langkawi Island.
Things to Do:
- Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur
- Visit the Rainbow Color Stairs at the Batu Caves
- Explore the ancient city of Malacca and its colonial architecture
- Try traditional Malaysian cuisine, such as nasi lemak and roti canai
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Langkawi Island, including Pantai Cenang Beach and Tanjong Rhu Beach
- Visit the Taman Negara National Park and see its jungle wildlife
Tours to Book:
Similar Post:
21 Best Things to Do in Malaysia
8. Singapore–
Singapore is known for its beautiful gardens. The Gardens by the Bay is a popular tourist destination, featuring stunning floral displays and iconic structures like the Supertree Grove. The photo above is from Singapore Changi Airport, one of the best airports in the world.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Explore the historic city center, including Chinatown and Little India
- Try traditional Singaporean cuisine, such as chili crab and laksa
- Take a boat trip to Sentosa Island and relax on its beaches
- Visit the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo
9. Philippines–
The Philippines has the most incredible islands in the world, where you can go snorkeling with whale sharks, enjoy canyoneering, relax at the beaches in Boracay, and explore the Chocolate hills of Bohol Island! Don’t forget to take a boat trip to Palawan Island for the most spectacular views of limestone cliffs and turquoise blue oceans.
Things to Do:
- Visit the beautiful beaches of Boracay Island
- Explore the historic city of Manila
- Try traditional Filipino cuisine
- Take a boat trip to Palawan Island and see its stunning natural beauty
- Visit the Chocolate Hills in Bohol Island, which are known for their unique shape
- Take a boat trip to see whale sharks
- Visit Taal Volcano on Luzon Island, which is known for its stunning natural beauty
Tours to Book:
10. India–
India is home to the infamous Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in Agra, India, for two people, Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The marble building and precious stones represent romance.
Things to Do:
- Visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra
- Explore the vibrant city of Delhi and its Red Fort
- Try traditional Indian cuisine, such as curry and naan bread
- Take a boat trip through the Ganges River in Varanasi
- Visit the spiritual city of Rishikesh and take a yoga class
Tours to Book:
11. Cambodia–
Angkor Wat temple complex is a MUST-SEE if you are ever in Cambodia. The Khmer people have a rich history and culture. You can learn more about the locals while exploring the ancient ruins on a tour!
Things to Do:
- Visit the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, with its intricate carvings and towering temples
- Explore the bustling streets of Phnom Penh and visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Take a boat trip through Tonle Sap Lake and see floating villages
- Visit the Killing Fields Museum in Phnom Penh to learn about Cambodian history
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville, including Otres Beach and Serendipity Beach
- Take a boat trip to see floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake
Tours to Book:
12. Sri Lanka–
Sri Lanka, a tropical island nation in South Asia, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.
Things to Do:
- Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura and its Buddhist temples
- Explore the vibrant city of Colombo and its markets
- Try traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, such as rice and curry
- Take a boat trip to Mirissa Beach and see whales or dolphins
- Visit the scenic hill station of Nuwara Eliya
Tours to Book:
13. Laos–
Laos is home to the ancient city of Luang Prabang, stunning waterfalls and caves in the countryside, and the Mekong River. Be sure to visit the vibrant night markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Things to Do:
- Visit the ancient city of Luang Prabang and its temples
- Explore the slow-paced city of Vientiane and try street food
- Take a boat trip through Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) on the Mekong River
- Visit the mysterious Plain of Jars near Xieng Khouang town
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Don Det Island
Tours to Book:
14. Myanmar-
Myanmar has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong Buddhist influence. The country has many ancient temples and pagodas, including the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. You have to visit the ancient city of Bagan!
Things to Do:
- Visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, one of Myanmar’s most sacred sites
- Visit the ancient city of Bagan with over 2,000 pagodas
- Explore the bustling streets of Yangon and try street food
- Try traditional Burmese cuisine, such as laphet (tea leaf salad) and mohinga (fish soup)
- Take a boat trip to Inle Lake and see floating gardens and villages
Tours to Book:
15. Taiwan–
Taiwan is a popular destination with many attractions such as the National Palace Museum, Sun Moon Lake, and Taroko Gorge. The country has a strong Buddhist and Taoist influence, and many temples can be found throughout the island.
Things to Do:
- Visit Taipei 101 Tower in Taipei City’s Xinyi District
- Explore night markets like Shilin Night Market in Taipei City
- Try traditional Taiwanese cuisine, such as beef noodle soup and stinky tofu
- Take a bus trip to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest freshwater lake in central Taiwan.
- Visit Taroko National Park, known for its stunning marble-walled cliffs.
Tours to Book:
16. Hong Kong–
Hong Kong is a popular tourist destination due to its iconic skyline, Victoria Harbour, and world-class attractions such as Disneyland and Ocean Park. The city has a well-developed public transportation system and easy access to neighboring China.
Things to Do:
- Visit Victoria Peak for panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline.
- Explore Wong Tai Sin Temple, one of Hong Kong’s most famous Taoist temples.
- Enjoy traditional Cantonese cuisine like dim sum.
- Visit Ocean Park theme park
- Explore Hong Kong’s Central District, including Lan Kwai Fong night market.
Tours to Book:
49 Countries in Asia:
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Cyprus
- East Timor
- Georgia
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- North Korea
- South Korea
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Nepal
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia (partially in Europe)
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkey (partially in Europe)
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Note: The list includes 49 countries that are recognized by the United Nations.
Countries by Region:
- Central Asia: 8 countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and China)
- East Asia: 6 countries (China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, and Mongolia)
- Southeast Asia: 11 countries (Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam)
- South Asia: 8 countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka)
- West Asia: 12 countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates)
- Middle East: 5 countries (Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon)
We shared 16 bucket list countries to visit in Asia! Have you been to any of these countries? Please comment below about your experience.
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16 Bucket List Countries to Visit in Asia
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