Asia Travel Guide
Ancient temples at sunrise, neon-lit megacities, and island paradises where the sea is the color of jade. Asia is the continent that rewrites your idea of a trip.
By the BicoTravels team · Updated October 2026Start exploringThree journeys that define Asia
Start with these, then build outward. Each pairs a landmark with the mood that makes it unforgettable.
Kyoto’s temples & Mount Fuji
Wander lantern-lit lanes past centuries-old temples and moss gardens in Kyoto, then catch Mount Fuji glowing pink at dawn from a bullet-train window. Japan is precision and poetry at once: spotless stations, hushed shrines and steaming bowls of noodles after dark.
Stay: Aman Tokyo for serene luxury above the city.
Compare flights to Japan →Angkor Wat
Rise before dawn and watch five lotus-bud towers emerge from the dark as the sky turns gold. Angkor Wat is the centerpiece, but the surrounding temple complex, with its carved faces and roots wrapped around old stone, rewards days of exploring.
Stay: Base yourself in nearby Siem Reap for easy dawn starts.
Compare hotels in Cambodia →Bangkok & beyond
Bangkok is Southeast Asia at full volume: gilded temples beside glass towers, longtail boats on the river, and street food that could keep you eating for a week. From here, islands and northern hill towns are a short flight away.
Stay: Rambuttri Village in Bangkok’s old town for a lively, budget-friendly base.
Compare hotels in Bangkok →More of Asia’s great icons
Bali’s beaches & rice terraces
IndonesiaEmerald terraces stepping down hillsides, surf-lashed beaches and offerings smoking on every doorstep. Bali balances yoga-and-smoothie calm with sunset beach clubs.Stay: Ozo Bali, SeminyakHa Long Bay
VietnamLimestone islands rise from jade-green water like a dragon’s spine. Drift between them on an overnight cruise, kayak into hidden lagoons and watch the sunset paint the cliffs.The Great Wall
ChinaHike a section of wall as it snakes across misty ridgelines, towers dotted along the crest. Go early for quiet, then pair it with Beijing’s imperial palaces and hutong lanes.Gardens by the Bay & the skyline
SingaporeGlowing supertrees, waterfront light shows and one of the most striking skylines on Earth. Singapore is clean, compact and packed with hawker-centre feasts.Stay: Marina Bay SandsThe Taj Mahal
IndiaFew sights match the Taj Mahal at sunrise as its marble shifts from pearl to rose. Combine Agra with Delhi and the palaces of Rajasthan for color, spice and spectacle.Asia by region
Find the Asia that fits you
Flavors worth the flight
Four ways Asia gets under your skin
Choose your season
Three ways to build your trip
Practical planning for Asia
Getting around
Domestic flights and high-speed rail (notably in Japan and China) make long distances manageable; tuk-tuks and metros cover cities.Safety tips
Generally safe for travelers; stay alert to traffic in cities with heavy scooter and motorbike use and follow local customs at religious sites.Budget advice
Southeast Asia is very budget-friendly; Japan and Singapore run notably higher, so plan accordingly if combining both.Visa requirements
Asia does not have a single visa policy. Requirements range from visa-free entry (Japan, South Korea, for many nationalities) to e-visas (Vietnam, Cambodia) to visa-on-arrival (Indonesia, Thailand, for many nationalities). Check each destination individually before booking.Currency & payments
There is no shared currency across the region: Japan uses yen, Thailand uses baht, and so on. ATMs are widely available in cities; carry local cash for markets and smaller vendors.Best time to visit
November to March avoids monsoon season in most of Southeast Asia; spring and autumn suit Japan and China.Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Asia?
It varies significantly by country. Some destinations offer visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, while others require an e-visa or advance application. Check each country you are visiting individually.
What currency should I carry?
Each country uses its own currency, so plan to withdraw or exchange money after arrival in each destination. Cards are common in cities, but cash is often needed in rural areas and local markets.
Is Southeast Asia budget-friendly?
Yes, generally. Southeast Asia tends to be very budget-friendly, while Japan and Singapore run notably higher, so plan accordingly if combining destinations.
When should I visit to avoid monsoon season?
November to March avoids monsoon season in most of Southeast Asia; spring and autumn suit Japan and China best.
Is Asia safe for solo travelers?
Asia is generally safe for travelers, and many countries are popular with solo visitors. Use normal precautions in crowded areas, stay alert around heavy traffic and follow local customs at religious sites.
Do I need vaccinations or health insurance?
Requirements vary by country and by where you plan to travel within it. Check current guidance with a travel health provider before you go, and consider travel insurance for medical cover.
How do I travel between countries?
Budget airlines connect most major cities, while Japan and China also have excellent high-speed rail. In Southeast Asia, buses, trains and ferries are affordable options for shorter hops.