Top Tourist Destinations in Asia

Asia’s top tourist destinations offer a healthy dose of adventure, from megacities to rural areas.

As the biggest and most diverse continent, it is also one of the most mysterious ones. It has so much to see and do that it’s difficult to limit it down to a shortlist.

It has a bit of everything – from the pristine beaches in Phuket, Thailand to the skyscrapers in Singapore and the ancient religious sites in Myanmar.

This part of the world has long been a favourite corner for globe-tramping backpackers, known for its endless attractions, perfect coasts, and low prices.

Whatever you want to see and do in Asia, you’ll find it. Some people are looking for historical places with ancient architecture, while others prefer calm, close-to-nature hamlets with exotic cuisine.

We tried to narrow things down and compiled a collection with our top tourist destinations in Asia.

Taj Mahal, a mausoleum in Agra, India

Taj Mahal is a massive white marble mausoleum dedicated to love, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most visited monuments in India (seen by 4.4 million tourists in 2020).

It was built between 1631 – 1648 in Agra by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife.

The entrance has fountains and channels which makes it even more magnificent and poetic in its excellence.

Taj Mahal is India’s crown jewel of Muslim art and of the 7 world’s most admired wonders.

Visa First assists with obtaining tourist and business visas for India.

Our visa specialists can take care of the complicated procedures and documentation, make sure you don’t have to wait in an embassy line, and save you time and hassle.

The process is simple and you can apply online.

Indian Tourist Visa

The Indian Tourist Visa is a multi-entry visa for those travelling to India for tourism, sightseeing, meeting friends, or participating in a short-term yoga program.

This visa is valid for up to 12 months, however, the length of time you can stay in the country on each visit is determined by your specific circumstances, such as which is your country of origin.

If you have a passport from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Japan, you can stay in India for up to 180 days with this visa. Other nationals are allowed to stay for up to 90 days.

Indian eVisa

If you’re planning a trip to India for vacation, business, or medical purposes, the Indian eVisa is the best option for you.

From the date of approval, this multiple entry visa is valid for up to one year.

Holders of an India eVisa for business or tourism may stay in India for up to 90 days for tourism, and up to 180 days for business.

For tourist visits, some nationalities may be eligible to stay for up to 180 days.

With Visa First, you may get your Indian eVisa online and avoid standing in line at the embassy.

Indian Business Visa

The Indian Business visa is designed for visitors to India who are attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or other business activities.

This is a one-year visa that allows for multiple entries.

During the year of validity, you can stay for up to 180 days.

You can choose to be there for 180 days in a row, or spread your visits out over the year.

Visa First can help you obtain an India business visa online, and this will save you time and hassle.

Our specialists will get visas for you and your group, and take care of all the paperwork so you don’t have to.

Here is also why we think India should be your next holiday destination.

Hong Kong, city in China

Hong Kong is undoubtedly one of the most captivating cities in the world.

After more than a century of British occupation, this territory, which consists of numerous islands, was returned to China in 1997.

At its core, this spectacular megapolis is Eastern, although its roots are heavily affected by the West.

Hong Kong is now an enthralling contemporary Asian metropolis, with one of the most eye-catching skylines because it has the largest number of skyscrapers in the world.

It combines history, multifaceted culture, entertainment with mountains covered with forests, stunning beaches, and even traditional fishing villages.

Hong Kong truly has it all, with so much to see and do.

Every year, China attracts thousands of tourists and professionals. If you desire to visit it, Visa First can assist you in obtaining a Chinese tourist or business visa.

Chinese Tourist Visa

You can visit China on vacation for up to 90 days across three or six months with a Chinese tourist visa.

The Visa First team will handle all aspects of your visa application with the Chinese Embassy, saving you time and the stress of standing in line.

Once you apply, your visa will be completed in 2-5 working days!

Chinese Business Visa

If you’ve been invited to visit China for business or trade purposes by a Chinese company, you’ll need to apply for a China Business Visa (M visa).

It is excellent for those who visit the country on a regular basis for short business trips but do not stay there for more than six months each year.

The Chinese M visa is valid for three, six, or twelve months, with one, two, or multiple entries and stays of 30, 60, or 90 days.

Without having to queue at the embassy, the M visa can be obtained quickly and easily online with Visa First.

Bangkok, capital of Thailand

Vibrant and hectic, Bangkok has attracted millions of visitors every year for decades, providing travellers with an unforgettable experience, and that’s why we think it is one of the top attractions in Asia.

A melting pot of contrasts, it blends modernity with tradition, seemingly anarchic traffic on the highways, with the leisurely long-tail boats gliding down the river.

Through its hustle and bustle, massive skyscrapers, majestic palaces, ancient temples, and a world-renowned floating market, Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world.

The capital of Thailand is a unique place full of beauty and character, and the best place to get an insight into Thai culture.

The Thailand Tourist Visa

The Thai Tourist Visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days to see the country’s true beauty and colourful culture.

If you intend to spend more than 30 days there, you will need a visa.

It is meant for visitors who want to visit the country for a short period of time.

Fortunately, the Thai tourist visa may be obtained online through Visa First for as little as €285.

Say goodbye to the bustle of embassies and hello to beautiful Thailand, our visa specialists will handle the rest.

Check out our detailed guide on the Thai Tourist Visa.

Kyoto

Kyoto is Japan’s historical and cultural heart.

It has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city in the Middle East. This is why we believe it should be among the top 5 tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

It is the best place in Japan to enjoy traditional shrines, Buddhist temples, historic samurai castles, vivid gardens, colourful festivals, and geisha culture.

Singapore city

With its blend of Asian and European cultures, Singapore is one of the world’s greatest cities. It’s also the third most visited city in Asia according to Seterra.

To step into Singapore is to step into a world of architectural marvels and culinary wonders, where lush greenery and eco-friendly malls coexist peacefully alongside.

In this mega-city, you may admire both natural and urban attractions. A little expensive, but it’s a modern, ultra-clean metropolis with world-class restaurants and hotels.

Since its independence in 1819 as a British commercial colony, it has grown into one of the world’s most prosperous cities, with one of the world’s busiest ports.

Dubai

Can we make a list of the top tourist attractions in Asia without mentioning one of the most visited cities – Dubai?

It is the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates and has been a popular tourist destination since the early 2000s.

There’s a nearly never-ending list of things to see and do there.

This city is a traveller’s dream for those with an insatiable thirst for wanderlust. Historic sites, contemporary architecture, vibrant nightlife, and out-of-this-world attractions can all be found there.

Dubai has grown to become one of the world’s most prominent and popular tourist destinations, luring travellers to its shores to explore what the must-visit hotspot has to offer.

You should also visit Burj Khalifa for a breathtaking experience. It is the world’s tallest tower, standing at 2,716 feet.

Indonesia

More than 20 million tourists visit Indonesia each year, primarily to behold the country’s famous beaches, (active) volcanoes, and breathtaking scenery.

You will be captivated by the stunning views that the shores in Bali offer, the luxurious Nusa Dua, or the tranquil Gili Island.

When you explore beyond the population centres, Indonesia lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful destinations in Asia, if not the world.

The island country is also one of the world’s top destinations for surfing and yoga retreats.

If Egypt is known for its pyramids, Indonesia is famous for its huge Borobudur Temple, which is the largest Buddhist monument in the world.

You must see the spectacular Borobudur temple, located on the Indonesian island of Java, at least once in your life.

Kathmandu

The “City of Temples” is another name for Nepal’s capital and largest city.

With seven world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, it’s no surprise that it is one of the world’s most historically significant places.

The city famous for its Buddhist monasteries and historic temples is the birthplace of ancient civilizations deep within the mysterious land of Nepal.

There is a strong blend of tradition and modernization. Some of the world’s most spiritual and powerful Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites are located in the city.

Deities mix with mortals in Nepal, and spectacular temples, monasteries, and historical sites may be found practically anywhere.

For more information about the historical gems, see the official UNESCO World Heritage website.

Vietnam

It’s simple. Vietnam should be on the top of everyone’s travel bucket list. This outstanding country is exhilarating and calming at the same time.

It will electrify all of your perceptions with its scenic beauty, fascinating history, epic culinary, and pulsating energy.

Vietnam has something for every taste, from magnificent UNESCO historical sites to dynamic cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, where your senses will be overwhelmed.

The country has a rich and intriguing past, and if you’re a culture vulture, you’ll be delighted to discover that there are numerous museums and historic sites to visit, primarily in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi.

If you are looking for a more relaxed pace, you can find undeveloped beaches, lush jungles, and towering mist-covered mountains which are all waiting to be discovered.

In Da Nang, couples and families can enjoy a romantic holiday at one of the world-class beach resorts.

This traveller’s paradise has so much to offer that you’ll have trouble fitting it all in!

If you want to visit this peaceful and beautiful country, you must first obtain a visa and this is where Visa First can help you.

For those planning a vacation in Vietnam, the Vietnam Loose Leaf visa is an excellent pick.

It is valid for a period of 30 days. The duration of stay starts on the date specified on the application form as the arrival date.

The Vietnam Loose Leaf visa differs from the Vietnam eVisa in that it will be issued independently from your passport.

It’s frequently used by travellers who have run out of blank pages in their passports.

The Vietnam eVisa is a single entry visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days from the date of entry.

Fortunately, with Visa First, you can get a Vietnam eVisa easily online.

Our visa specialists will complete the difficult application paperwork, make sure you don’t have to wait in line at the embassy, so you can save time and stress and start arranging your trip.

Lahore

Last year, the New York Times published a list of ’52 Places to Love in 2021.’ One of them was the city of Lahore, which offered a wonderful blend of adventures, experiences, and sights.

It’s Pakistan’s wealthiest city and the historic cultural center of the Punjab region. It is also one of Pakistan’s most cosmopolitan, socially liberal, and progressive municipalities.

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time when you visit Lahore. The city has a rich history as it was the seat of numerous ancient emperors who governed the region.

The renowned Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore Fort, and the Fakir Khana museum are among the must-see historic landmarks.

Who needs to apply for a Pakistan eVisa?

If you want to visit Pakistan for business or tourist purposes and see its stunning mountain beauty and intriguing attractions, you may apply for a Pakistan eVisa.

It can be a single-entry or multiple-entry visa with a three-month, one-year, or more-than-one-year validity period.

You can apply for it online with Visa First. Our affordable and easy service eliminates the need to wait in line at the embassy for your visa.

Visa First’s specialists will handle your application from beginning to end, including the dreaded visa papers.

Simply apply online for a Pakistan eVisa now to continue your exciting adventures!

Check out also our Pakistan eVisa application guide for more information.

Saudi Arabia

Probably you did not expect Saudi Arabia in this list but we believe it deserves an honourable mention.

Travelling to Saudi Arabia is a rare opportunity that only a few people will have the chance to try.

Why? The reason is simple: it was the world’s only country that refused to issue tourist visas. Well, this changed.

There’s never been a better opportunity to visit this interesting country in Western Asia because they are opening up now to tourists.

Travelling abroad is fascinating, but the real adventure comes when you visit cultures that are entirely different from yours.

Besides, Saudi Arabia is home to a myriad of sacred Islamic religious sites.

The country is now a thriving tourist hotspot with apparently infinite sand dunes, majestic mountain peaks, palm-fringed oases, and an abundance of marine reserves and wildlife reserves.

When you think of any Arabian country, you might wonder whether it is safe to travel to Saudi Arabia.

Yes, it is because it’s undoubtedly one of the most peaceful countries in the Middle East!

Visa First can help you get a Saudi Arabian business visa fast and easily. We understand the value of time in the business sector, and that’s why our visa experts can handle the entire process.

You won’t have to waste time filling out tedious application paperwork and you won’t have to wait in an embassy line.

What Do I Need To Know About The Saudi Arabia Business Visa?

The Saudi Arabia Business visa is suitable for people considering a trip to Saudi Arabia for business meetings, conferences, or any other business purposes.

It can be used for single or multiple-entry to Saudi Arabia.

Read Also:
Here Is What You Should Know About Your Saudi Arabia Business Visa

You can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days if your Saudi Arabia Business visa is a single entry. You can stay for 180 days if it is a multiple-entry visa.

Visa First is an online service that may help you get a Saudi Arabia business visa for as little as €485.

Saudi Arabia eVisa

If you’re planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabia eVisa is ideal.

The eVisa permits citizens of eligible countries to visit Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days for tourist purposes. It allows for numerous entries and is good for a year.

With Visa First, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa online. Our visa specialists will take care of the boring paperwork and increase your chances of getting your visa approved.

Cambodia

Why should Cambodia be your top Southeast Asian travel destination?

Cambodia is a gorgeous, tropical country that has remained blissfully underdeveloped and preserves its unique, unspoiled identity.

Yes, Cambodia is not a big country, but it has it all – wealth of culture and history, and beautiful nature ranging from calm islands to beautiful national parks with untouched nature.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 1992, Angkor Wat is the world’s biggest religious monument and the icon of Cambodia, with two million tourists visiting each year.

It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site visited by Buddhists from all over the world.

Cambodia eVisa

If you want to travel around Cambodia and immerse yourself in its culture, you should apply for a Cambodia eVisa.

It is a single-entry visa that allows you to stay in Cambodia for one month once granted.

From the time it is approved, the visa will be valid for three months.

Simply apply for your Cambodia eVisa online today with Visa First and our visa specialists will take care of all the paperwork, saving you time and hassle.

Laos

Despite the fact that Laos is not as well-known as its nearby countries, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, it should be on the top of the list with the unique places to visit in Asia.

When you take a closer look, you’ll find that Laos has more than enough reasons to be a serious candidate for the top destinations in Southeast Asia.

Laos is known as the “Land of a Million Elephants” for its sheer beauty, ethnic hamlets, and untouched lush territories.

It is primarily famous for Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao, which are two of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful waterfalls.

It’s quiet and clean, and the service and food are excellent.

In recent years, the government has worked to attract eco-tourists while also building a solid tourism infrastructure in the capital, Vientiane, and the old city of Luang Prabang, which can accommodate an increasing number of tourists.

Although Laos is well-known as a budget holiday destination, it also has everything affluent guests might want in terms of accommodations, service, activities, and exclusivity.

Given the prevalence of Buddhism in the country, you might not expect Laos to have a communist government, yet it does.

In reality, it is one of the world’s only five remaining communist countries (the others are China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba).

Laos eVisa

If you want to see the stunning vistas that Laos has to offer, you’ll need to get this visa first.

Fortunately, you may apply for a Laos eVisa with Visa First online now.

Say farewell to the bustle of embassies and hello to Laos.

Оur visa experts will handle all the paperwork and will save you time.

The Laos eVisa is a single-entry visa that allows travelers to stay for up to 30 days in the country.

It’ll be valid for 60 days once it’s been authorized.

Oman

According to Travel Lemming, Oman has been the second-best destination in Asia for the last few years.

Winners were chosen by some of the world’s top travel influencers, according to the website which encourages visitors to think beyond the standard tourist hotspots.

Oman is a fantastic getaway for nature enthusiasts, whether they want to hike, go on adventures, or simply relax, and most people are unaware of the country’s hidden beauties.

If you’ve heard of Oman, it’s likely that it was about Muscat. It’s for a good reason.

With five-star hotels, white sand beaches, and warm waters, this desert oasis surrounded by mountains is a calm and uncrowded area.

With a 1700-kilometre coastline, it’s no surprise that Oman possesses some spectacular beaches.

Apart from nature, Oman boasts another type of spectacular beauty: Omani architecture.

In every part of the country, forts, villages, and ancient mansions are proof of the country’s rich history.

Tourists can also learn about Omani history at well-presented museums all around the country.

Whether a traveller seeks natural beauty or a rich history, Oman has it all, ensuring that their trip is one of a kind.

Throughout the country’s history, there have been numerous interactions with other nations around the world, as well as the birth of several civilizations.

Omani culture is one of the richest in the Arab world, not only because of their ancient past and the magnificent civilizations they created but also because of the outstanding traditions they developed and still maintain nowadays.

Here are 8 things you never knew about Oman.

Oman eVisa

Are you planning to travel to Oman? You’ll need to apply for an eVisa.

Visa First’s specialists will walk you through the whole Oman eVisa application procedure and increase your chances of approval.

Forget about standing in a long line at the embassy and the perplexing visa papers.

This single-entry eVisa allows you to enter Oman within 30 days of receiving it and allows you to stay in Oman for up to ten days.

Sri Lanka

Beautiful paradise, kissed by tropical waves with a rich history and culture. These are just a few of the reasons to love Sri Lanka.

The island country is remarkable and diverse and appears to offer everything a traveler could need – whether you’re looking for tranquility, a party, surfing, or snorkeling.

Outside of Africa, Sri Lanka is also one of the top safari destinations.

Beautiful hiking paths with sweeping views of tea plantations and waterfalls may be found in the country’s UNESCO-listed mountain ranges.

It is called “the pearl of the Indian ocean” because of its unsurpassed beauty, diverse biodiversity (the highest in Asia), and also because precious gemstones are one of its main exports.

Sri Lanka eVisa

You can travel to Sri Lanka on vacation or for business with the Sri Lanka eVisa.

This is a two-entry visa that will be valid for up to 180 days after the eVisa has been issued.

You can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days once you enter the country, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the country’s tropical weather and tasty native food!

Fortunately, you can apply easily for your visa online with Visa First.

Our specialists will deal with the complex documentation and save you time.

Check out also our detailed Sri Lanka eVisa Guide.

***BONUS DESTINATION***

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is rarely at the top of anyone’s list of places to visit, but we believe it should be and we like rooting for the underdog.

It’s an eclectic and beautiful melting pot of culture and class, a true jewel in Southeast Asia.

The city is rich in natural beauty and steeped in history. The sheer amount of attractions in Kuala Lumpur is astonishing, as is the enormous variety of activities.

Many tourists come to this great city because of its vibrant nightlife, fabulous shopping, world-class cuisine, gorgeous beaches, thriving economy, and vibrant lifestyle.

What’s more Kuala Lumpur offers a diverse cultural experience on a shoestring budget.

There you can find the perfect blend between Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Western influences.

Why Visa First?

Visa First is part of the wider Clune Tech ( formerly known as Taxback Group), employing over 1,500 people in more than 20 countries worldwide.

With over 17 years of experience, Visa First remains at the forefront of the visa services industry, and we organize over 9,000 visas each year.

Securing a visa can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. This is where we can help.

Our visa specialists can take care of the entire process from start to finish and a dedicated account manager will be ready to answer all of your questions.

Updated On: 07.03.2022

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