Posted on Tuesday, 21 November 2023

For many Brits, Asia holds incredible allure. With its sun-kissed beaches, steamy jungle vistas, chaotic cities and hedonistic nightlife, the region offers something for every taste.

But it’s also a very big place.

To help you whittle down your Asia bucket list, we've compiled a guide to 5 of the top destinations in this awe-inspiring part of the world.

Thailand

Despite a big dip in tourism after the pandemic, The Land of Smiles still attracted 10 million visitors in 2022, making it one of Asia's most popular destinations.

The big draws here are well-developed resort islands such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Pan Ngan, where accommodation and food is extremely affordable by UK standards - and of course, where a stunning beach is never far away.

Thai cuisine, friendly locals, and beautiful jungle areas are among other big reasons to go. 

Bangkok, the most-visited city in the world, offers a unique blend of high-rise modernity, temples and street food, where you can spend as much or as little as you want. And it is rightly known as having one of the best nightlife scenes on the planet. 

The only minor downside of "BKK'' and other parts of Thailand is the cost of a night on the tiles: beer and cocktails are surprisingly costly. While a local Chang beer will cost you 80 baht (2GBP) in a restaurant or regular bar, this can rise significantly if you opt for a trendier establishment, or visit a tourist trap.

But what sets Thailand apart from many other destinations is the general laid back vibe: almost everyone you meet is friendly and polite, and there's a civilised, peaceful atmosphere in most places - even in big cities like Bangkok. 

It may seem a little 'old hat' as far as Southeast Asian holidays go, but Thailand is still one of the best places you'll ever visit.

Bali

Another classic Asian destination, sun-drenched Bali is famed for its many yoga-and-meditation centres, great beaches and buzzing nightlife.

Indeed, a Bali holiday can take many different forms.

For those seeking a more mindful, alternative getaway, jungle bound Ubud, in the heart of the island, offers yoga and meditation retreats, stunning rice paddies, and a general bohemian vibe (although the latter can feel a little manufactured at times).

Then there are the surfers, who come for the amazing waves off the southern coasts around the Bukit peninsula. Be warned though, these are best left to the most experienced!

Those seeking a great beach holiday will also be rewarded: Bali has some of the finest beaches in Indonesia. Combine this with well-developed resorts, and you have a beach lover's paradise.

Looking for a vibrant nightlife?

Despite being a very traditional Indonesian island, Bali has a boisterous night-time scene - driven by years of tourism. Key hotspots include Seminyak, Kuta and Legian, all areas in urbanised Denpasar on the southern tip.

Expect excellent beach clubs, street bars and dance spots - along with plenty of Australians (it's a six-hour flight from Sydney).

Bali is also incredibly cheap compared to the UK.

Beer can be found for 1GBP, traditional massages start at 2 GBP (but more in classier establishments), and comfortable hotel rooms can be bagged for around 20 GBP. Taxis are also very affordable.

India

For the more adventurous traveller, Thailand or Bali may seem a little 'entry level'. So if you're seeking a little more challenge and immersion, India could be for you.

Here, tradition isn't amped up for the tourists - it's the real deal.

The safe - and extremely enjoyable - option is Goa, with its world-famous beaches, hinterland villages enveloped in jungle, and hedonistic nightlife.

More beaches, abundant wildlife and mouthwatering cuisine are to be enjoyed in Kerala - particularly the Malabar Coast.

Rajasthan, meanwhile, is home to numerous palaces and hill forts. Among several kingdoms to rule this part of India, the Rajputs, the Mughals and the Jats are most famous. Camel treks in the Thar Desert are a popular activity.

Other high-profile attractions include Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges, the key pilgrimage spot for Hindus; the Taj Mahal, with its famous marble dome; and the erotic temples of Khajuraho. But to see all the key sites in India, you would have to return several times - unless you plan a six-month odyssey.

Exploring India by train is also an unforgettable experience. The extensive network features night trains, which are a great way to save on a night's accommodation.

India's climate is generally hot and sunny, but it can get surprisingly cold in the north during winter (December to February). 

It's extremely cheap, too, with basic guest house rooms starting at just a few pounds, and street food costing pennies. However, it's possible to spend a lot more than this - particularly in big cities like Mumbai.

But there are some downsides: tourists can be targeted by scammers, and taxi drivers may inflate prices when they encounter a foreigner. The summer heat can be stifling, and the roads dangerous.

However for many who love India, this chaos and unpredictability is part of its charm.

Nepal

Home to 10 of the planet's highest mountains, Nepal is a mecca for trekkers.

There are the big-ticket adventures - such as Mount Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres (17,598 ft), as well as easier trails such as Poon Hill 3,210 m (10,530 ft).

Everest Base Camp can involve a lot of organising - from permits to accommodation to transport - but many trekking firms can help with this. And for many, the effort is worth the incredible views and the sense of achievement.

Lower-level treks can be arranged much more easily - and at a much lower price. 

Note that travel insurance is critical if you plan to undertake a trek of any kind - and is a wise investment for any trip.

The city of Pokhara will be your main jumping off point for any trekking. And it’s a great destination in itself, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, and a fun, bohemian vibe with lots of offbeat guest houses and drinking spots.

The capital, Kathmandu, is also worth a few days of your time. It's colourful, chaotic, and filled with temples. 

Aside from the cost of multi-day treks, Nepal is very cheap, with prices comparable to those of India. 

Nepal is often considered an 'easier' place to travel than India, with lower levels of petty crime and scams - although those still exist.

Cambodia

The sprawling temple complex of Angkor Wat is the main reason people visit Cambodia.

Located next to the town of Siem Reap, you can book your own tuk tuk around the temples for as little as 20 dollars a day. Currently, a 1-day pass for the teples of Angkor Wat costs US$37; a 3-day pass US$62; and 7-day pass US$72.

Siem Reap is known for its buzzing nightlife, and its wide range of local and international food. Its accommodation options cover the full gamut, from sumptuous 5-stars to modest mid-rangers - to 3-dollar dorm beds. 

But Angkor Wat and Siem Reap are not the only shows in town.

Head south to the vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, to experience an even more eye-catching nightlife scene, visit the impressive Royal Temple, and bag a fabulous hotel (often with pool) for a bargain.

Phnom Penh - or "PP '' - is also where you'll get an understanding of Cambodia's darker past - when Pol Pot's agrarian socialist nightmare took hold and led to 2 million deaths.

The nearby Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng jail are sobering but essential places to visit.

Sleepy Kampot, down on the country's coast, should also figure in your schedule.

This backpacker favourite offers access to Bokor Mountain, pepper farms, kayaking and cave adventures. It also has an exciting bar scene, home to some great riverside drinking holes.

Further down the coast lies Sihanoukville, recently rebuilt with the help of Chinese investment. While there's not much for western tourists, from here you take a ferry to islands like Koh Rong for a few days' snorkelling and beach-focussed relaxation.

And as mentioned, prices are extremely affordable, depending on how much comfort and western cuisine you need.

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