Plan the Perfect Short Escape to the Top 10 Asian Countries
It feels good to be able to travel again, right?
Things are looking flexible on the work front, too, with most of us being able to afford 5 days off the desk about twice a year.
A lot can be done in these 5 days, especially around Asia. The topical climate, the sea breeze, the rich history and culture, the food and the amiable people – everything combines into a smashing vacation cocktail of memorable experiences (and a lot of stuff for your Instagram!)
Here are our top 10 best countries to visit in Asia with only 5 days in hand and with NO (or minimal) visa hassles:
- UAE
- Thailand
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Bhutan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Laos
10 Places to BE in Asia on Your Next Work Break:
Waste no time dilly-dallying. Pack your capsule wardrobe, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to be leaving on a jet plane! These top 10 Asian countries offer one of the most picturesque vacay-vibes you will get to experience on a 5-day hiatus from work.
1. UAE
UAE is more than just Dubai.
Sure, this city is a superlative of mankind’s achievements that showcases life in a verve otherwise unachievable in other places in the world. But towards the east lies a starkness otherwise unthinkable of existing in the UAE: the Hajar Mountains.
The landscape lends itself to the countless imaginations of Hollywood’s war-stricken barrenness, with its palm foliage dotting the sand, alongside the ground-hugging shrubbery.
Contradicting the glitzy malls and barren deserts, you will also find a cultural dynamism, unlike anything you’ve witnessed elsewhere in Sharjah with its art and heritage. More than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you will appreciate the kaleidoscope of human civilization thriving in the UAE’s lesser-known gems.
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- The Museum of Future in Dubai
- Hatta for the desert mountains
- Jebel Jais for the longest zipline in the world
Things to do:
- Kite Beach: White sands, adventure, water sports and more
- Dubai Miracle Garden: 2000m2 area of the largest natural flower garden in the world
- Desert Escapades: Daylong picnics into the Arabian deserts of Dubai
We suggest
- Day trip to Abu Dhabi: it takes only 90 minutes!
2. Thailand
Thailand, or The Land of Smiles, is one of the preferred Asian countries for holidayers because of its hospitable people, island vibes, and scrumptiously fresh food.
Especially known for its world-celebrated Full Moon Party, Thailand provides an immersive, disconnective experience on Ko Pha Ngan – the island where it all began in 1985. If you wish to experience a happening party scene, this is where you need to be.
Thailand is amongst the top-ranking food experiences in the world. It is a noodle haven for seafood fans, with people from around the world queueing up in the quaint streets of Old Bangkok to eat Michelin Chef Jay Fai’s Tom Yum noodle bowl.
For a more city-like shopping experience in Thailand, go for the Bangkok-Pattaya-Chiang Mai circuit.
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok
- Phuket beaches
- Chiang Mai Old City
Things to do:
- Island hopping: Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi
- Ruins exploration: Ayuthaya and Sukhothai
- Tropical mountain tours: Chiang Rai
We suggest:
- Phuket and Krabi for the beach experience
- Bangkok and Pattaya for the city experience
3. Nepal
Home to the majestically imposing Himalayas, Nepal is also known as the Land of Truth, and very rightly so. The naturally adventurous wonderment of the Chitwan National Park, the Everest Base Camp trek and touristy Pokhara’s raging white waters brings you face-to-face with your true self.
Combine that with the enlightening glimpses of Hindu culture and the Sherpa life, and you get the perfect recipe for a memorable vacation in the mountains.
Nepal is ideal for trekkers, with loads of Himalayan treks lined up via Langtang in Northern Nepal. However, for nature’s romantics, the Chitwan National Park in the southern belly of the country is the ideal choice.
- Ideal duration: 5 nights/6 days
Places to Visit:
- The Terai Lowlands and its national parks
- Bandipur for boutique aesthetics
- Pokhara for mountain adventures
Things to do:
- Go trekking in the Annapurna mountain ranges
- Go mountain biking across Pokhara
- Do a temple tour in Lumbini and Maya Devi Temple
We Suggest:
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan circuit
4. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, better known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is home to countless beaches with picturesque, blue-lush panoramas. Interestingly enough, you will also find Sri Lanka to be a reflection of the past, showcasing its ruins of Anuradhapura (and more) that are yet to bow to time.
The country offers everything within a day’s reach – you can reach Bentota within 2 hours of leaving Colombo and Sigiriya within 4 hours. The road trips here are stuff movies are made of, with elephant sightings instead of wild mustangs running free – but what a sight!
Experience Sri Lanka’s heart through Kandy and Nuwara Eliya for the city bustle and tranquil tea plantations. For a more coastal experience, Bentota is ideal.
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- Sigiriya rock fortress
- Wilpattu National Park for Leopards
- Dambana indigenous village for a culture tour
Things to do:
- Kitesurfing on Kalpitiya Peninsula
- Birdwatching in Bundala National Park
- The Mountainview train ride from Colombo
We Suggest:
- The Kandy – Sigiriya – Bentota circuit
5. Bhutan
The Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is a mysteriously quaint, proud little country nestled in its high perches of the Himalayan views. You can plan your visit to this country for one of the most spectacular rhododendron blooms you will ever see.
It is the home of Buddhist dzongs and fortresses and people fiercely loyal to their culture and proud of their delicious cuisines. Do keep in mind to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs fully when visiting their religious sites.
Bhutan allows you convenient exploration, so you can easily cover the natural beauty and iconic cultural landmarks within 5 days.
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- Thimphu
- Paro
- Punakha Dzong
Things to do:
- Mo Chhu river rafting
- Taktsang Palphug Monastery
- Nimalung Tsechu festival
We Suggest:
- Thimphu – Paro circuit
6. Malaysia
Meet the country that is home to the Petronas Towers – a world-famous architectural monument that remained the tallest twin-tower setup till 2019. Little known about Malaysia is its Kelantan International Wau Festival, an annual event where you will see the world’s most spectacular kites in every shape imaginable.
Many such cultural and heritage-rich nuances enrich Malaysia, adding more charm to the natural beauty that it is already home to.
Malaysia has also gifted the world one of the most famous white coffees – Ipoh and Oldtown’s signature brews, which are a must-try. The country offers stunning vistas of ageless rainforests and historical towns like Malacca.
The western flank of the country allows you to explore Langkawi islands, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh – a high-value trip planned over 4 days.
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- Cameron Highlands
- Batu Caves
- Mt. Kinabalu
Things to do:
- Changkat Bukit Bintang for the nightlife
- Royal Belum State Park hikes
- Skycab to Gunun Machinchang
We Suggest:
- Kuala Lumpur – Genting circuit
7. Singapore
Perhaps there isn’t a city-country-island that is as strategically located as Singapore. Everything from its location to food, from its architecture to its world-renowned gardens, its mixed peoples to its distinctive expat-vibe screams modernism in its epitome.
You will find one of the most celebrated structures of the world here – the Supertrees – which are a sight so magnificent to behold that your head spins. From its riverfronts to the botanical gardens, from its hidden coffee shops to hop-on/hop-off bus rides, Singapore is a compact bundle of endless experiences.
Try to plan a south-hugging trip into Singapore to get the best of Sentosa island, Chinatown, Little India, Colonial District, Orchard Road, Arab St. and more!
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- Sentosa Island
- Mandai Wildlife Reserve
- Nightlife in hidden speakeasy pubs
Things to do:
- Singapore Gardens tour
- Tour of Chinatown, Little India, and the Colonial District
- Orchard Road foodie day
We Suggest:
- Sentosa – Universal – City Tour – Gardens by The Bay – Zoo with Night Safari circuit
8. Vietnam
The Land of the Ascending Dragon – Vietnam – surprises travellers with its striking natural beauty despite its bloodied history.
Vietnam is a culturally complex amalgamation of tourists and locals, offering unique cultural and historical experiences to the curious traveller. This country is photogenic in every way: from its bays and quays to its lotus ponds, from its incense villages to its hill tribes – every picture is featured in some magazine.
A trip from northerly Hanoi to southerly Ho Chi Minh would allow you to see Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and a lot more in between – in just 5 days.
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- Son Tra Peninsula
- Indian Champa Ruins in My Son
- Ban Gioc waterfalls
Things to do:
- A cruise on Mekong Delta or Ha Long Bay
- Beach hopping from Quy Nhon to Ky Co Beach
- Day trip to Ho Chi Minh City
We Suggest:
- Hanoi – Halong – Danang
9. Cambodia
Cambodia is a striking confluence of the traditional and the modern. Its temple complexes do not let the populace forget the grandeur of the kingdom, while the country still embraces the modern social constructs wholeheartedly.
Everything from the spectacular beaches of Koh Rong and Sok Sang to the enrapturing sunrise experience at the Angkor Wat temples makes Cambodia the top destination on everyone’s bucket lists.
The capital river city of Phnom Penh offers a juxtaposed view of the modern highrises against the traditional temples and the Silver Pagoda – truly a magnificent sight to behold.
One possible loop to cover all the highlights would be to start at Siem Reap and check off Angkor Wat, Battambang, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville in the south.
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- Angkor Wat temples
- Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
- Preah Vihear temples
Things to do:
- The bamboo train ride in Battambang
- Spotting freshwater dolphins in Kratie
- Beachcombing in Koh Rong
We Suggest:
- Siem Reap – Phnom – Penh
10. Laos
Laos, known as the Land of a Million Elephants, is also known predominantly for French architecture, mountainous terra, tribes in the forests, and Buddhist monasteries everywhere. Laos is going to bamboozle you in every way possible.
Its famous coffee is what makes Laos a tourist favourite, besides the sweeping mountainscapes and a rich heritage in traditional arts. Every corner of the country is as beautiful as its optimistic people. Since Laos is landlocked, it makes sense to invest all four days in exploring its heart, starting at Vientiane and moving towards Luang Prabang towards its north.
- Ideal Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Places to Visit:
- Khon Phapeng Falls
- Pha That Luang
- Xieng Khuan
Things to do:
- Hike to Tat Kuang Si
- Visit the Nam Ha national protected area
- Visit the Lao textile museum
We suggest:
- Vientiane – Luang Prabang circuit
Ready to Explore?
The opportunity to travel in modern times is more generous than it ever has been. Asian countries have always been welcoming of tourists, and with the recent surge in the vacationing population of the world, they have quickly risen to the top rungs of short international vacations on everyone’s lists.
The cherry on the cake is that all these destinations are within a 5-hour flight from India – could you even ask for more? These are doubtlessly the best tourist places in Asia for Indian travellers in the context of convenient arrivals and departures.
GoTraveLab helps you piece together your perfect 5-day escapade into the lush laps of these top 10 Asian countries. Our travel advisors carefully handpick each destination depending on accessibility and affordability. The destination itineraries are mindfully designed to be comprehensive enough for a 5-day trip. Let’s plan your vacation together. Drop us a line at GoTraveLab!