Back to grid

Best destinations for first-time travelers in Asia

Back to grid
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
The island is smaller than New York City, so sights are a short ride apart. English is an official language and signs are easy to read. Hawker centres serve full meals like chicken rice for a few dollars. Gardens by the Bay has giant Supertrees that light up each night.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
Edo was a modest castle town until Tokugawa Ieyasu made it his base in 1603. It was renamed Tokyo in 1868 when the emperor moved in. Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa dates to 645 and is free to enter. Trains are punctual and a prepaid Suica card works on most lines.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savour sushi at a local eatery
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Japan's emperors lived in this city from 794 until 1868. Seventeen sites, including Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle, share a UNESCO listing. Fushimi Inari has thousands of red torii gates on a free hillside path. Trains and buses link the main sights, so no car is needed.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Osaka
Castle, neon canals and street food
8.5
The city lies on Osaka Bay, about 15 minutes from Kyoto by bullet train. That makes it an easy base for day trips to Kyoto and Nara. Street stalls along the Dotonbori canal sell takoyaki, balls of batter with octopus. Osaka Castle was first built in 1583 and has a museum inside.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest
  • 🍢 Feast on street food at Dotonbori and see the neon lights
  • 🏯 Explore Osaka Castle and wander through its scenic park
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
8.6
Diners grill pork belly at the table and wrap it in lettuce, a custom called ssam. Many jjimjilbang spas have hot pools, saunas and sleeping rooms open all night. The subway is cheap and a T-money card pays for buses too. Gyeongbokgung Palace dates to 1395 and holds a royal guard ceremony.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Admire Seoul’s skyline from N Seoul Tower at sunset
  • 🛍️ Shop and eat street food in bustling Myeongdong
  • 🏯 Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the royal guard ceremony
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
Tirta Empul is a Hindu water temple near Ubud where worshippers bathe under spouts for ritual cleansing. Rice terraces, beaches and surf breaks are all within about two hours of Ubud by car. Hiring a driver for the day is common and easy to arrange. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
9.0
A 508-metre tower called Taipei 101 has an indoor deck on the 89th floor. It held the title of world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010. Night markets like Shilin sell fried chicken, bubble tea and oyster omelets. The MRT is clean and simple, with English signs and an EasyCard for fares.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax and soak in the Beitou hot springs
  • 🍢 Wander through the bustling Shilin Night Market and try local snacks
  • 🏙️ Take in the skyline views from the Taipei 101 observatory
Phuket
Beaches, Culture and Nightlife
8.1
November to April is dry season, with calm seas and sunny days. Seas get rough from May to October and red flags warn swimmers away from some beaches. Patong Beach is the party hub while Kata and Karon are quieter. Boats leave daily for the Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore colorful streets of Phuket Old Town
  • 🗿 Climb to the serene Big Buddha viewpoint
  • 🏖️ Relax on Patong Beach and enjoy vibrant nightlife
Oman
Ancient heritage meets natural wonders
7.5
Frankincense smoke drifts through Mutrah Souq in Muscat. Oman has a reputation for friendly locals and low crime. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors on most mornings. Wadi Shab has turquoise swimming pools reached by a short boat ride and hike. Roads are well kept and car hire are easy to find.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Camp under the stars in Wahiba Sands desert
  • 🏞️ Marvel at the turquoise waters of Wadi Shab
  • 🏰 Explore the ancient Nizwa Fort and its bustling souq
Feedback