Asia is the largest continent on Earth. It stretches all the way from the Mediterranean Sea to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
It occupies an incredibly vast landmass that extends from the Taurus Mountains in Turkey to the Gobi Desert in China to the steamy jungles and vast island paradises of Southeast Asia.
In addition to its enormous size, Asia is also home to over half of the world’s population. As a result, there are many different cultures and languages for travelers to explore.
Because Asia truly is a dazzling array of diversity that is almost too much to comprehend!
Especially since every country here has its own unique history and culture – with many natural wonders and hidden treasures that would take a lifetime to explore.
Therefore, it is crucial that you slowly make your way through Asia. Take your time and plan your trips carefully so that you can see as much of this amazing continent as possible – discovering each of Asia’s fascinating countries, one by one.
Because in total, the continent of Asia consists of more than 40 different countries. So, do your research and visit the ones that seem the most exciting to you.
And if you’re not sure where to go first, then read on to discover the five best countries to visit in Asia.
Asia Visa Requirements
It’s crucial to understand the different national visa and passport requirements when planning a trip to various countries in Asia. In general, most Asian nations require foreign travelers to have some sort of e-Visa prior to entry.
This entry permit is typically easy to obtain online after completing a simple, 3-step process (of course visa applications do vary based on your country of birth and your chosen destination).
So, use your phone, laptop, PC, or tablet to quickly and easily submit your application form within minutes and from the comfort of your own home!
Do you remember though that most of the time, the e-Visa application must be submitted at least 3 days prior to the start of your trip. Please also remember that most Asian countries do require you to obtain a visa even if you’re just transiting through a country.
Thankfully though, you can obtain electronic visas from Evisa.Express for countries like Bangladesh, India, Japan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and more!
Plus, once you submit your application, your e-Visa will then be sent directly to your inbox as a PDF that you can then print out and use at the airport.
Also, before you apply for your visa, do remember that in order to enter most Asian countries, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of entry.
Top Asian Countries for First-Time Travelers
Now that you have your visa, here are five Asian countries that you might want to visit – especially if it’s your first time on the continent.
1. China
It dominates Asia in terms of its size and population. Moreover, China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. As a result, this nation has many incredible historical and cultural landmarks for you to explore.
And while the Great Wall of China is probably the nation’s single most iconic attraction, the Forbidden City in Beijing is pretty fantastic too.
Others might come to China to enjoy the tremendous natural beauty of the country’s towering mountains, endless rice terraces, and the desolate sand dunes of the Gobi Desert.
Still others might be enticed by the vibrant and rapidly modernizing cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing – all of which have rapidly developed in the most populated nation on Earth.
However, another attraction that first-time visitors to China must-see is the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Learn all about the historical significance of these five thousand-year-old Terracotta warriors and th horses that they were buried with.
2. Thailand
This nation is known for its breathtaking beaches, exquisite temples, and friendly people – making it a trendy tourist destination that has become fondly known as the Land of the Smiles.
So, visit Bangkok to sample some delicious local cuisine and then head to Chiang Rai to see some of the nation’s most famous, and unique, temples.
Venture a little further into the country and you’ll discover the wild jungles and secluded villages of places like Chaing Mai.
And between the Andaman-Sea and the Gulf of Thailand? Well, you’ll find golden sand beaches that will blow your mind. As a result, this area attracts many people who are looking to party in the region’s many vibrant beachside towns.
3. Japan
This country comprises over 6,500 different islands, many of which are home to some of Japan’s most famous cities – making it an excellent destination for travelers since there is always something new to discover.
However, Japan’s four most significant islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
And one of the country’s most famous attractions is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial – a monument that commemorates all those who lost their lives when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan in 1945. Yes, it is a touching site that cannot be missed by anyone in Japan.
However, for some slightly more light-hearted attractions, visit the bright lights and giant skyscrapers of exciting cities like Tokyo.
If you want, you can even plan your visit for the spring so that you can experience the stunning beauty of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms.
Yes, it will be crowded. But, the gorgeousness of these amazing blossoms will more than make up for that fact.
4. India
India, also more formally referred to as the Republic of India, is a large country located in South Asia. It is the second most populous country in the world and is the seventh-largest country by landmass. .
As a result, India is a fascinating country that makes for an exciting destination for millions of tourists from all over the world..
Some of the most exciting Indian attractions include the following:
- The Mysore Palace – This structure was created by the Wodeyars, who ruled the area between 1399 and 1950! This site is the perfect place for visitors to uncover the region’s unique history and culture.
- Numerous national parks – The Jim Corbett, the Bandhavgarh, and the Kanha National Park are all great places for nature lovers to explore. Wildlife enthusiasts will also love that you can see an amazing array of animals in these parks, including the endangered Bengal tiger, elephants, leopards, and even Himalayan black bears!
- Breathtaking temples – India is home to many beautiful, ancient temples that introduce visitors to the vast and varied history of this dynamic country. Highlights include the Ranakpur Temple, the Thikse Monastery, and the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
- Indian Food – Try some of the delicious, colorful, spicy, and incredibly diverse foods of this amazing country.!
5. Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast country that encompasses more than 18,000 islands – islands that occupy an area of more than 4,700 kilometers from east to west.
Because of the number of islands present in this nation, it has a variety of different habitats for unique species of wildlife to enjoy.
It is also a very distinct place in terms of its inhabitants since local people here have many different cultures and speak a variety of unique languages.
As a result, the island’s small, secluded villages sit in stark contrast to the frenetic pace of life in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.
Like India and China, it’s also one of the most populous nations globally – home to a wealth of customs, traditions, and cuisines that vary dramatically depending on where you go.
So, visit Bali for splendid beaches and stunning temples that make for the ultimate island getaway! Otherwise, you can try Borneo, which is home to a lovely array of awe-inspiring wildlife, like Orangutans.
Yes, there are so many things to see that the so-called, ‘Emerald of the Equator’ definitely warrants a visit.
Final words
Asia is home to a wealth of regional delights that include the Buddhist monasteries of Bangkok, the vast shopping malls of Singapore, the incredible beaches and backwaters of Malaysia, and the fragrant scent of rice fields of the Philippines.
So, when planning your trip to Asia, choose a destination that will intrigue you and that is home to a variety of exciting attractions.
Because If you are looking for some of the most exctiing destinations in the world, then Asia is your best bet!
Therefore, plan a trip to any of the above-described countries, once it is safe to do so, and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.