8 Bucket List Destinations to Visit in Asia
There is no better feeling than having a flight already booked and looking forward to a vacation! This post will inspire you and help you decide where to travel next, specifically in Asia! Asia has beautiful islands to relax at in the Philippines and incredible temples to explore in Japan. Below is a list of 8 bucket list destinations to visit in Asia!
#1: Japan-
Japan is a fascinating country with a unique culture and history. There are so many things to do, from trying the delicious sushi and Japanese cuisine to seeing the ancient temples and natural beauty.
When to Visit?
A popular time to visit Japan is during the Spring when the cherry blossoms have bloomed.
Places to Travel to in Japan:
Some great places to travel to in Japan include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Tsumago, and Okinawa.
What to Do?
We recommend relaxing in the hot springs, enjoying a traditional tea ceremony, touring the ancient temples, exploring the infamous bamboo forest, and capturing a beautiful photo or hiking Mount Fiji!
#2: China-
China is a fascinating country with a unique history, language, and culture.
Places to Visit in China:
Popular places to travel in China are the Li River, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou!
Things to Do in China:
The best things to do in China include seeing the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and the ancient city of Pingyao.
–The Great Wall: I would love to see the Great Wall of China one day! The Great Wall is one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World and stretches over 4,000 miles across China’s northern borders.
–The Forbidden City in Beijing is a palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
–The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
– The ancient city of Pingyao is a well-preserved Ming-era city in Shanxi Province, known for its narrow alleys, ancient walls, and traditional architecture.
#3: Thailand-
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, culture, temples, and limestone cliffs.
Places to Visit in Thailand:
Krabi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Bangkok are popular places to travel in Thailand!
–Phuket: Phuket is a popular beach destination known for its stunning beaches like Patong, Kata, and Karon.
–Krabi: Krabi offers breathtaking scenery, limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters.
–Bangkok: If you want to experience the culture, travel to the bustling capital city, Bangkok!
Things to Do:
–Snorkeling-You can take a boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands and go snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters from Phuket!
–Explore the Temples in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, etc.-
A. Bangkok Temples:
We recommend booking a tour to see the incredible temples in Thailand including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun in Bangkok.
B. Chiang Mai/ Chiang Rai Temples:
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a cultural and spiritual hub. Visit the ancient city walls and temples, like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang! You can even book a day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and see the White Temple, as shown in the photo above!
#4: Vietnam-
Vietnam has breathtaking landscapes and a unique history and culture.
Places to Visit:
-Ha Long Bay: Ha Long Bay is a stunning collection of over 1,600 limestone islands and islets in various shapes and sizes, rising dramatically out of the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. BOOK THE BOAT TOUR!
–Mekong Delta: A network of rivers and canals in southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is home to vibrant floating markets, lush rice paddies, and a rich cultural heritage. BOOK A BOAT TOUR
-Sapa Valley-Sapa Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful region known for its stunning mountain scenery, traditional hill tribes, and trekking opportunities.
For more details on where to travel in Vietnam and what to do, please read our 2-week Vietnam itinerary!
#5: Malaysia-
From bustling cities to ancient rainforests, Malaysia has something for every kind of traveler.
Things to Do:
Petronas Twin Towers are the iconic twin towers and are a must-visit attraction in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. BOOK A TICKET TO GO INSIDE THE TOWERS!
The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves and temples located just outside Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a popular Hindu shrine and pilgrimage site. BOOK A DAY TRIP
Taman Negara National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, Taman Negara is home to orangutans, elephants, and other wildlife. BOOK A DAY TOUR
Penang Hill is a scenic hilltop with stunning views of George Town, Penang Hill is a great spot for hiking and photography.
The Langkawi Archipelago is a group of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is known for its beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and cable car rides. BOOK JET SKIING AT THE LANGKAWI ARCHIPELAGO
#5: Singapore-
Singapore is comprised of a main island and 63 smaller islands. The main island has a stunning skyline and a world-renowned airport.
Things to Do:
- Changi Airport: You can witness the beautiful waterfall and gardens when you arrive in Singapore! Find a Flight:
- Sensota Island– Enjoy a day at this resort island with attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful garden is home to the famous Orchid Garden and offers a peaceful retreat in the city.
- Merlion Park: Visit the iconic Merlion statue and enjoy the views of Marina Bay. The park is a perfect location for photos, especially in the evening when the skyline lights up.
#6: Jordan-
Home to ancient cities like Petra and Jerash, Jordan offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved archaeological sites. From the majestic cliffs of Petra to the serene shores of the Dead Sea, Jordan boasts diverse and breathtaking scenery.
Things to Do:
- Petra: Explore the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Walk through the Siq to reach the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), and explore the many other tombs and structures carved into the rock. BOOK A DAY TOUR
- Wadi Rum: Experience the stunning desert landscape of Wadi Rum, known for its dramatic sandstone mountains and unique rock formations. Consider a jeep tour, camel ride, or even an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp.
- Dead Sea: Float in the highly saline waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Enjoy the therapeutic mud and relax in the mineral-rich waters.
- Ajloun Castle: Visit Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Islamic castle that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Aqaba: Relax in the coastal city of Aqaba, known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
#7: Philippines-
The Philippines is a stunning archipelago of over 7,000 islands, each offering unique experiences and attractions. With numerous domestic flights and ferries, it’s relatively easy to travel between islands and explore different regions of the country.
Things to Do:
- Beaches: The Philippines is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including White Beach in Boracay, El Nido and Coron in Palawan, and the pristine shores of Siargao.
- Snorkeling: The country is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine species, and famous dive sites like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Apo Reef.
Have you ever traveled to Asia? Does this list inspire you to BOOK THE FLIGHT to Asia? Please comment below about your experience!