15 Best Countries to Visit in Asia – Travel Video

The largest continent on Earth, Asia stretchesall the way from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Its vast landmass encompasses everything fromepic mountain ranges such as the Himalayas to the dry and desolate Arabian and Gobi deserts.

Steamy jungle can also be found in SoutheastAsia, as well as paradise islands and beautiful beaches.

In addition to its colossal size, Asia isremarkably home to more than half of the world’s population.

With so many different cultures and languages, the continent’s dazzling diversity defies definition.

As each country has its own unique historyand heritage, Asia’s many hidden treasures could take a lifetime to unravel.

Number 15.

The Maldives.

Made up of 1, 200 or so islands and atolls, the Maldives boasts some of the best and most breathtaking beaches in the world.

Nestled away in the Indian Ocean, the glamorousgetaway is renowned for its luxurious resorts, many of them with their own private island.

While each idyllic island in the archipelagoappears more stunning than the last, the Maldives is also noted for its underwater riches.

As such, it is a fantastic place to go scubadiving or snorkeling, with lots of colorful coral reefs and shimmering shoals of fishto discover.

Number 14.

Malaysia.

Consisting of Peninsular Malaysia and EastMalaysia, this incredible country is home to some of the oldest rainforest on Earth.

Its national parks boast lots of fantastictrekking and wildlife in addition to the marvelous nature and scenery on show.

Very multicultural and diverse, Malaysia’sthriving cities and capital Kuala Lumpur are home to Chinese, Indians, and ethnic Malays.

Amongst the modern skyscrapers, impressivehistorical landmarks can be found, and its restaurants serve up lots of delicious localcuisine.

With you can find idyllic islands and pristinebeaches in Malaysia, seeing an orangutan up close in their natural habitat is probablythe highlight of any visit.

Number 13.

Cambodia.

Tucked away in between Thailand, Laos, andVietnam, Cambodia is awash with astounding historical ruins and archaeological sites.

This is because the mighty Khmer Empire builtlots of amazing temples, monuments, and palaces around the country between the 9th and 15thcenturies.

Of these structures, the undoubted highlightis the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat.

Besides the vibrant cities of Siem Reap andthe capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia also boasts plenty of delightful nature.

With picturesque paddy fields, jungle-cladmountains, and fabulous tropical islands for you to explore, Cambodia has something foreveryone to enjoy.

Number 12.

Sri Lanka.

An increasingly popular tourist destination, Sri Lanka is set in the Indian Ocean just off the south of India.

While its fabulous beaches are one of itsmain attractions, the island has a rich history and culture for you to delve into.

As its history dates back around 2, 500 years, Sri Lanka has lots of impressive archaeological sites and historic landmarks to check out.

Ranging from ancient temples to colonial-eraforts, many of these can be found in the enthralling cities of Galle and Kandy.

In addition to this, Sri Lanka also has somespectacular scenery and incredible wildlife for you to enjoy.

Number 11.

Oman.

The Sultanate of Oman’s unique culture isvisible wherever you go and the proud identity of its people and their welcoming nature isin part what makes the country so charming.

Unlike many of its neighbors, Oman hasn’terected any skyscrapers or modernized dramatically.

This means its desert oasis towns still exhibitlots of lovely old architecture, and their skyline has remained unchanged for centuries.

While its souks and medinas are captivatingin their beauty, the country’s desolate landscapes are no less alluring.

Home to spectacular mountains, a gorgeouscoastline, and lots of scenic sand dunes, Oman is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

Number 10.

The Philippines.

As the Philippines are made up of over 7, 000different islands, it should come as no surprise to learn that it is a very popular beach holidaydestination.

Its inviting waters make for some fantasticsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, with Boracay and North Palawan particularly greatplaces to enjoy watersports.

While some islands are coated in lush ricefields or tropical rainforest, others are home to hidden lagoons and smoking volcanoes.

Dotted about its varied landscapes, you canfind chaotic yet colorful cities, such as the capital Manila.

The cultural make-up of the country is varied;while traveling around, you’ll notice Spanish, American, and traditional influences, amongstothers.

Number 9.

South Korea.

The home of K-Pop and Kimchi, South Koreanculture is currently very much in vogue around the world.

This represents a marked change, as for muchof its history, it has been overlooked and outshone by its larger and more powerful neighborsChina and Japan.

What makes traveling around the peninsulaso fascinating is that the nation boasts a rich and unique history and culture.

It has, however, modernized rapidly.

You’ll find centuries-old palaces and templesalongside skyscrapers and gigantic shopping malls.

Deceptively mountainous, South Korea alsohas lots of marvelous national parks for you to explore, with beautiful islands and beacheshugging the shore.

Number 8.

Vietnam.

With so much history and nature, Vietnam isone of Asia’s most rewarding destinations.

The country encompasses lots of differentlandscapes, and its idyllic coastline hugs the South China Sea.

Many visitors rent a motorbike and explorethe Ho Chi Minh trail.

This takes you from the colorful yet chaoticcapital Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city, guiding you past the ancient capital of Hue on theway.

Ha Long Bay is another must-see sight dueto its stunning seascape and breathtaking limestone islands.

The picturesque coastal town of Hoi An isalso well worth checking out, while the hill tribes around Sa Pa showcase some of the nation’scultural and ethnic diversity.

Number 7.

Jordan.

Due to its strategic location between Africa, Europe, and Asia, Jordan in the Middle East has long welcomed travelers and traders toits lands.

Armies also passed through, and over the millennia, rulers and empires left behind crusader castles, Roman amphitheaters, and of course, Petra.

Majestic to behold, this ancient city is sureto be unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Set amid the desert and carved out of rock, it is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to the country.

While Petra is justifiably the main attraction, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes are also well worth exploring.

Number 6.

Nepal.

One of the best places in the world to gotrekking and mountaineering, Nepal is a breathtakingly beautiful country full of amazing scenery.

Dominated and defined by the Himalayas, themountain nation is home to many of the tallest peaks on Earth.

Of these, Mount Everest stands head and shouldersabove them all.

While many people come to hike the AnnapurnaCircuit, Nepal also boasts a rich cultural heritage.

Centuries-old temples, shrines, monasteries, and palaces dot the country.

It is here that the Buddha was born some 2, 500years ago.

Known as the ‘City of Temples’ due toits many religious sites, the capital Kathmandu is not to be missed out on.

Number 5.

Indonesia.

Made up of more than 18, 000 islands that spansome 4, 700 kilometers from east to west, Indonesia covers a huge area.

In many ways, the archipelago defies definition.

For instance, its small, secluded sleepy settlementsare in stark contrast to the teeming and chaotic capital of Jakarta.

One of the most populous nations in the world, its customs, traditions, and cuisines also vary dramatically depending on where you go.

Lying between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, its islands’ habitats are just as diverse.

While in Bali you can find beautiful beaches, Borneo has wonderful wildlife and awe-inspiring orangutans.

With so much to see and do, the ‘Emeraldof the Equator’ definitely warrants a visit.

Number 4.

India.

Home to one of the world’s richest and oldestcivilizations, India is awash with different cultures, religions, peoples, and traditions.

It is this diversity that makes it so mesmerizingto explore.

While the Himalayas dominate the north, steamyjungle, picturesque tea plantations, and gorgeous beaches can be found in the rest of the country.

Tucked away among these varied landscapesare ancient sites and colorful yet chaotic cities such as Mumbai and New Delhi.

From temples to cuisine and history to wildlife, the world’s second-most populous country has something for everyone.

The only question is where to begin.

Number 3.

Japan.

Although it consists of almost 7, 000 islands, most of Japan’s main sights and tourist attractions can be found on the four largestof them.

Lying to the east of mainland Asia, the islandnation is a fascinating place as old and new collide wherever you go.

While the futuristic metropolises of Tokyoand Yokohama are full of skyscrapers and neon lights, Kyoto and Nara instead boast traditionalpalaces and age-old temples.

Covered in mountains and forests, the countryis also home to some delightful nature and scenery.

This explains why the vast majority of itslarge population is found in the densely populated cities that hug its long and indented coastline.

Number 2.

China.

Dominating Asia in terms of both its sizeand population, China boasts one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

As such, incredible historical and culturallandmarks are on show wherever you go.

While the Great Wall of China is obviouslyits main attraction, the Terracotta Army in Xi-an and the Forbidden City in Beijing attractjust as many people.

Others come to enjoy China’s beautiful scenerythat includes towering mountains, endless rice terraces, and the desolate Gobi Desert.

The most populous nation on Earth, China ishome to many rapidly modernizing cities that are enthralling to visit.

A continent of a country, China and its cities, and cultures could take a lifetime to explore.

Number 1.

Thailand.

Thanks to its breathtaking beaches, glitteringtemples, and welcoming population, Thailand is a very popular tourist destination.

Fittingly enough, it is often called ‘theLand of Smiles.

’ While Bangkok has lots of fantastic cuisineand nightlife on offer, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are home to some of the nation’s mostfamous temples.

Further afield, you can find wild jungle, picturesque paddy fields, and quiet and secluded towns and villages.

Lying in between the Andaman Sea and the Gulfof Thailand, its golden sands and underwater marvels attract hordes of people every year.

Many also come to party in its beachside towns, visit idyllic islands such as Ko Tao, or enjoy the stunning scenery at Krabi.

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