Wondering the best Asian countries to visit this year? Asia is the world’s largest continent, and that is why it is no surprise that people sometimes hesitate to venture in this part of the world. It can be overwhelming, yes, but Asia is a great place to enjoy, explore, and experience different cultures. It is home to beautiful and warm people, rich in culture, and abundant with natural resources. So, it is time to embark on a journey to the best Asian countries to visit in 2019.
1. Singapore
Whether you are traveling with kids, with friends, with your partner, or even when you are on your own, Singapore dubbed as The Lion City is an amazing place to be. Its unique location provides it with a tourism advantage among other Southeast Asian countries. Historically, it is a port city that became a strategic trading port in the region.
People visit Singapore for many reasons. One is it being a bastion of peace for its low crime rate. There is so much fun in Singapore and it is never boring. Amazing adventures and fun activities in this mega city-state awaits those who wander the borders of Universal Studios. Even though Singapore is relatively young, its culture with Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences is so diverse, offering visitors unique experiences.
2. Thailand
The land of amazing beaches and delicious street food that is Thailand is definitely among Asia’s tourism front runners. The country offers travelers from around the globe an amazing cultural experience, unique adventures, and an exquisite city vibe.
There is so much to see and too much to do in Thailand – from its bustling capital city of Bangkok, to the white sand beaches of Phuket and Krabi, to the heights and forests of Chiang Mai, and to the borders of Udonthani.
3. Hong Kong
Being one of the four Asian Dragons along with Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, Hong Kong is a major economic player in the area. This former British colony is one of Asia’s top cities, providing many people with opportunities and an amazing tourism experience. Like its neighbors, it has thrived to be one of the best without compromising its roots and culture.
It was able to manage and to some degree maintain its language, culture, and unique heritage. Although China now oversees Hong Kong, the city-state still has the command to govern its own people. Towering skyscrapers, food markets, and amusement parks such as Disneyland and Ocean await those who visit.
4. Japan
Although Japan is synonymous with Tokyo, there is definitely so much more to see than its capital city. Aside from being home to the world’s largest cities and world’s most populous city that is Tokyo, Japan is home to other more laid back tourism destinations. Hokkaido in the north is the country’s winter wonderland, where tourists and locals come together to ski.
The former capital city of Kyoto is known for its gardens and beautiful cheery blossoms. In terms of cultural experience, Japan is a place you should not miss on your bucket list. If you are running out of reasons to visit this country, then food has to be the deal breaker. The must-try dishes include Tonkatsu, Sushi, Tempura, Takoyaki, Onigiri, Okonomiyaki, Miso, and Gyoza. The abundance of gastronomical delights with a boundless variety of regional and seasonal dishes makes Japan a favorite destination for food lovers and one of the best Asian countries to visit this year.
5. Indonesia
If you think that Bali is the only island you can visit in Indonesia, well, I am sorry to disappoint you. There are, give or take, around 18,300 islands that comprise the entire country of Indonesia. This archipelagic country in Asia lands on the list of best Asian countries to visit this year because of its amazing beaches, lush rainforests, lovely rice paddies, and a lot more.
A trip to Bali is always worth it, but a trip to Ubud is also a good idea. You can also visit Jakarta, the country’s capital, to feel the city vibe. In 2020, a new Cartoon Network amusement park will soon rise in Bali and will feature Ben 10, We Bare Bears, The Powerpuff Girls, and Adventure Time.
6. Maldives
This little country that is composed of islands is not only a “heaven on earth” but is also a romantic getaway destination for traveling honeymooners and a perfect summer destination for the entire family.
I need not convince you that the country’s amazing shorelines, white sand beaches, low key coastal towns, and a number of luxury resorts are among the reasons why visitors flock and fly to Maldives. It’s truly a bucketlist country. Because of its remote location, the country normally lands a spot on any traveler’s bucket list of places to visit. If you get lucky to tick this off on your personal bucket list this year, then, the unparalleled white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and coral reefs await you!
7. South Korea
When we talk about blending, South Korea is among the countries in Asia that does that excellently. It is amazing how the South Koreans are able to blend the past and the present, the ancient and the modern. The co-existence of ancient heritage sites, shrines, and temples with tall and towering skyscrapers in the mega cities of Seoul or Busan is a great feat for the people of South Korea.
The country offers an amazing view of its nature during Spring and Winter, but also does not limit your eyes to feast on the vibrant landscape during Summer. Aside from nature and culture, South Korea does not run out of other things you can splurge on to during your trip. You can opt to enjoy Samgyeopsal or walk into one of the stores that offer K-POP merchandise. It’s all up to you.
8. Taiwan
Every person who has been to Taiwan always has something good to say about the country. This should be enough reason why Taiwan is on the list of best Asian countries to visit this year. But of course, I’ll elaborate more. It is known to many that Taiwan, specifically its capital city of Taipei, is home to Taipei 101, a building that once held the distinction of being the tallest on earth. You can either climb to the top of the building and enjoy the sweeping view of the entire city or you can also climb up the nearby Elephant Mountain to have a bird’s eye-view not of the city but of the entire height of Taipei 101.
Traveling further south of the capital by train, bus, or plane will take you to the old capital city of Kaohsiung. Up to this day, the city is still a bustling part of Taiwan, and an important economic, cultural, and tourism component of the region. The country also provides visitors with amazing access to national parks, museums, gardens, and temples. Above all, the undoubtedly amazing feat of nature that the country is proud of, Taiwan is also a great place to enjoy food. The delectable night markets are home to the best street foods in Asia.
9. China
China is big and wide. It is considered not only one of the biggest countries in the world in terms of population but also in terms of land area. With the stretch of land and territories it has, China is a traveler’s wonderland as well.
It has the world’s most highly urbanized cities,such as its capital city of Beijing and Shanghai. Skyscrapers sprout like mushrooms in these mega cities. On the other hand, a more subdued environment is what the countryside offers. Places such as Guilin and Lijiang River National Park are among the top choices for nature adventurers.
10. Vietnam
If you are on the road to conquering the Indochina region, then, Vietnam is one of the places you will have to visit. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh cities are among the top choices for first timers in the country.
They offer visitors an amazing view of the old and new. There is so much history and culture depicted on the streets of Ho Chi Minh city. A trip to the Mekong Delta will take you to the less urbanized region of Vietnam and to the heart of the day-to-day life of its people. Vietnam is should be on your list of one of the best Asian countries to visit this year.
11. Philippines
From Apari to Manila to Sulu to Cebu, the country of roughly 7,100 islands that is the Philippines is one of the top tourism destinations in Asia. Travelers from around the globe visit the country for its varied offerings. The northern part of the country is where you can cool off during summer. Baguio is a city that rests at the edges of the Mountain Province, providing a breathtaking view of the land surrounding it.
Boracay is a favorite place of those who want to enjoy powdery white sand beaches, while El Nido and Coron in the province of Palawan have become bucket list items of those who want to enjoy diving and snorkeling. To the south of the country is a surfer haven – Siargao. Travelers who love the beach, the sun, and the waves flock to the island every monsoon season to enjoy surfing. All these and more make the Philippines one of the best Asian countries to visit in 2019.
