Our Top Picks for a Long Vacation in Asia
Asia, the largest continent on Planet Earth, is a melting pot of some of the oldest cultures and civilizations to ever have existed. With Japan in the far east, the culturally diverse neighbours of Vietnam and Cambodia, and the vibrant history of India in the south, Asia has a lot to offer for travellers of all kinds.
Narrowing a trip in this continent down to one or two countries can be tricky because your heart will always want more once you’re here. Trust us when we say that you wouldn’t want to leave. However, not everyone has the time to explore every country in one long trip, so we’ve created a guide of the three best countries to visit in Asia if you want to plan a long vacation on this continent.
Top Destinations for a Long Vacation in Asia
1. Vietnam and Cambodia
Cambodia and Vietnam are two of the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They share a border and offer colourful experiences to anyone planning a trip to these countries. From stunning beaches to floating markets and spectacular sceneries to gorgeous temples, a trip to these two countries is bound to satisfy those with the highest standards.
Talk about diversity, and Vietnam and Cambodia are two countries that have it in leaps and bounds. Whether you’re planning an anniversary, a trip with friends, or one with your family, these neighbouring countries offer something for everyone.
The two countries witness three major seasons, the dry season (between November and February), the hot season (between March and May), and the rainy season (between June and October).
Ideal Duration: 10-11 days
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit these neighbours is between the months of November and February. This is when the weather is at its ideal and most comfortable.
Things to do/Places to Visit:
Hanoi – Hanoi is most famous for its stunning temples and pagodas. It represents the perfect blend of the Vietnam of old alongside its more modern aspects. For someone whose top priority is good food, Hanoi is bound to be a highlight. Hanoi also serves as a fantastic base for a day or overnight cruise to Halong Bay.
Da Nang – If you’re looking for the perfect blend of life in the city and the sandy, beachy countryside, Da Nang is a must-visit. This is the third-largest city in Vietnam, with a lot to offer to visitors of all kinds. Da Nang serves as a great starting point for a day trip to Hoi An, famous for its night market, with lots of unique experiences.
Ho Chi Minh City – If being in a place that marked some of the most crucial moments in history is your thing, Ho Chi Minh City is the place to be. Every street corner, monument, and museum is a reminder of Vietnam’s dynamic history, making it a place you must undoubtedly add to your itinerary.
The Temples of Angkor – The temples of Angkor easily rank among the most sought-after destination in the world. For those looking to explore the spiritual past of the region, this place is a must-visit. From the Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building, to the Bayon, which is possibly the world’s strangest temple, every corner of this area has some of the most spectacular sights.
Phnom Penh – The former epicentre of the destructive rule of the Khmer Rogue, Phnom Penh is a cultural and historical haven for those who are familiar with the region’s past. This is among the most underrated destinations in Cambodia, with bustling markets, delicious food, and the kindest people.
2. Japan
Japan is a bucket list destination for travellers from all across the world and one of the best countries in Asia for a long vacation. It’s one of the most futuristic countries in the world while also offering stunning insights into Japanese culture, both of which blend seamlessly to make for an unmissable experience.
From towering skyscrapers to peaceful gardens and beautiful temples, pop culture that has taken the world by storm, and bullet-like bullet trains, Japan is a country that gives you an idea of what the future of the rest of the world could look like.
What’s more is that while the dominant language is Japanese, getting around the country is extremely easy, whether you’re travelling in a group or have decided to turn it into a solo trip. Everything is well organised, and the people are some of the most helpful you’ll ever find.
Ideal Duration: 8 days
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Japan is between March to May and September to November. This is when the weather is warm and dry, making it comfortable to explore the country.
Things to Do/Places to Visit:
Tokyo – As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is the perfect representation of where the country stands today, a beautiful mix of futuristic architecture and technology and the country’s rich culture. From the sumo tournaments to the beautifully lit streets, the vibrant food scene, to the convenience of the subway, every experience is unique.
Kyushu – Japan has much more to offer than just food and futuristic architecture. One visit to Kyushu, the third largest of the five islands, and you’ll get to see some of the most stunning volcanic peaks, beautiful coastlines, and hot springs all over the island. These are just some of the many things that make Kyushu among the best tourist places in Asia.
Kyoto – If you’re looking for a taste of old Japan, Kyoto is the place to be. With its marvellous temples, sprawling and calm gardens, and art and culture, Kyoto offers visitors a true peek into Japan’s rich traditions. With over 2000 temples, there’s a lot to marvel at while soaking in the city’s culinary explosions.
Shikoku – Shikoku is Japan’s most famous pilgrimage, home to 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku. This ancient place of pilgrimage, which was closed off for the longest time, is now open to those looking to explore the island’s gorgeous coastline, free-flowing rivers, mountain ranges, and much more.
Mt. Fuji – If mountains fascinate you, Mt. Fuji is bound to take your breath away. The perfectly symmetrical cone of the peak, the highest in Japan, is breathtaking.
The volcano, which is also considered incredibly sacred, attracts hundreds of thousands every year who scale this mountain to witness the magic of the views from the top. If you’re planning on scaling Mt. Fuji on your trip to Japan, the official season to do so is between July to mid-September.
3. Philippines
When you think of the Philippines and what it has to offer, we won’t be surprised if beaches are all you can think of. However, this group of 7000 islands has so much more to offer. Beaches? Check. Limestone caves? Check. Active volcanos? Check. This is just the tip of the iceberg, making it one of the best countries to visit in Asia.
While the country features a vast array of some of the most spectacular natural wonders, each island in itself has something unique to offer. This also requires you to plan your trip out carefully so you ensure you have the best guides to take you around the numerous places you intend to visit.
If you’re someone who enjoys the beach more than anything, the Philippines will make you want to keep coming back because you won’t be able to visit them all, even if you spent a whole year in the country. Regardless, wherever you go, the beautiful and clean beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters are bound to leave you staring.
Ideal Duration: 9 days
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Philippines is between December and February when the weather is at its coolest without any rain whatsoever.
Things to Do/Places to Visit:
Manila – Manila is the capital of the Philippines and most likely the city you’ll land in when you arrive in the country. It offers everything from beautiful skyscrapers, and sumptuous food, to lots of history. You can even take a stroll through the walled city of Intramuros, a Spanish fortress spanning 64 hectares that were destroyed during World War II.
Barocay – Barocay is among the most beautiful Islands in the country and makes for a gorgeous pitstop for a few days. The white, sandy beaches surrounded by diving shops, restaurants, and hotels are some of the key highlights of this 7-kilometre-long island. You can strike the perfect balance of enjoying the warm coastal waters during the day to the evocative fire shows and live music in the evenings.
Cebu – The island of Cebu is an exciting playground for those who love spending their time outdoors. If snorkelling is your thing, imagine being able to do so with Whale Sharks! This is one of the key highlights of the island. Others include the gorgeous Kawasan Falls with its deep blue waters and the Tumalog waterfall at the southern tip of the island.
Palawan – The islands of Palawan are possibly the most stunning landmasses and Asian tourist places you’ll ever get to see. With crystal clear waters and a history that goes back tens of thousands of years, this place is a paradise for those who love the water. One of the highlights here is El Nido, where you can hire a boat to visit the world-famous Bacuit archipelago.
Whether you’re in search of the best food the world has to offer, active volcanoes that make you feel like you’re on another planet altogether, vibrant cultures that leave your heart wanting more, or turquoise waters alongside white sandy beaches, Asia has all this to offer and so much more.
This guide has listed four of the best places to visit in Asia, from Vietnam and Cambodia to Japan and the Philippines. Each of them has something truly unique to offer for travellers of all kinds, making them some of the best places in Asia.
A long vacation to any of the destinations mentioned above is sure to get your heart racing while making you want to come back for more. Even if you don’t have many days off, there’s still a lot you can do, like take a short trip to Asia or check out the many stunning islands just an 8-hour flight away.
With GoTraveLab, your first, or maybe third or fourth trip to this vibrant continent is bound to be a memorable one. So plan your holidays, hop on a plane, and let us take care of the rest.