Asia is the continent that just keeps on giving. One moment you’re wandering through ancient temples, the next you’re in a neon-lit metropolis, then suddenly you’re hiking along epic mountain trails or sharing street food with new friends. If you’re deciding on the best places to go in Asia in 2026, we’ve rounded up the destinations that combine culture, adventure, great food, and that unmistakable sense of discovery. Expect iconic highlights, lesser-known gems, and plenty of cool places in Asia to visit that will do nothing short of firing up your soul.
1. South Korea
South Korea has stepped firmly into the spotlight as one of the best destinations in Asia for 2026. Seoul’s buzzing neighbourhoods make the perfect introduction, with its late-night street food alleys, sizzling K-BBQ spots, cool indie cafés and arts districts where something new is always happening. Get hands-on with Korean cooking classes, wander traditional hanok villages, and explore Hongdae’s music and street-art scene.
Head further afield and you’ll discover a completely different pace: temple stays that offer a glimpse into monastic life, coastal towns like Busan, with fresh seafood markets, and the volcanic trails, waterfalls and lava tubes that make Jeju Island so unforgettable.
Pair all this with the chance to visit the DMZ for an eye-opening look at the peninsula’s history, and South Korea becomes a destination that blends modern energy, bold flavours and deep cultural roots – easily one of the best places to travel in Asia
See: Klook Pass Seoul (up to 58% off!)
2. Japan
To put it simply, Japan never goes out of style – a seamless blend of captivating neon energy and timeless tradition that makes it one of the best places to visit in Asia for 2026. Tokyo delivers buzzing districts, inventive food scenes and late-night wanderings through glowing city streets, while Kyoto slows the pace with tranquil temples, tea houses and bamboo forests.
Whether you’re a foodie, culture enthusiast, or nature lover (or maybe all 3?!) – Japan truly offers something for everyone. Dive into izakaya culture, try hands-on sushi-making, explore historic geisha districts, or hop on a Shinkansen for day trips to Osaka, Hiroshima or mountain towns dotted with shrines and hot springs.
With its mix of culture, cuisine and beautifully varied landscapes, Japan more than earns its place as one of the best places to travel in Asia this year.
See: Tokyo City Pass & Tokyo City Pass Plus (1day / 2day / 3day) – up to 60% off! –
3. China
Few countries match China’s sheer diversity. Ancient wonders like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors anchor its deep history, while Chengdu’s giant pandas, Guilin’s karst peaks, and Hong Kong’s mountainous skyline offer an entirely different experience. It’s a country that keeps you on your toes, to say the least!
For those looking to go beyond the classic highlights, group tours to China with The Dragon Trip bring iconic spots to life in ways that feel genuinely unforgettable. One standout experience is camping on a secluded stretch of the Great Wall – hiking to a quiet section, settling in by a campfire, sleeping under the stars, and waking up to a sunrise across the mountains before heading to a local farm village for breakfast. It’s the kind of off-the-beaten-path moment that gives this iconic landmark a whole new meaning.
With its depth of culture, diversity and unforgettable sights, China remains one of the best places to go in Asia in 2026.
See: The Forbidden City Ticket (up to 25% off!)
4. Southeast Asia
For the wanderlust-filled adventurer, Southeast Asia is one of the best places to go in Asia in 2026. Lonely Planet named Chiang Mai and Laos as two of the best places to explore this year, and we couldn’t agree more! Trek through jungles in Chiang Mai, take a boat trip down the Mekong River in Vang Vieng, or cruise through Halong Bay’s bright green waters in Vietnam. If you’re into wildlife experiences, spend the day with elephants in an ethical sanctuary – and let’s not forget about the sandy beaches of Koh Rong Samloem Island, where you can swim with bioluminescent plankton when the sun sets. With its mix of nature, culture and unforgettable landscapes, Southeast Asia truly ranks among the best places to visit in Asia and one of the most exciting best places to travel in Asia right now.
See: Hanoi: Vietnamese Coffee Workshop with 6 Recipes & 9 Tastings (up to 30% off!)
5. Taiwan
Taiwan is a hidden gem that’s making waves as one of the best places to visit in Asia in 2026. Imagine hiking through Taroko National Park with its striking marble cliffs and turquoise-blue rivers, or kayaking at sunrise in the peaceful waters of Yilan. For city lovers, you can get a birds-eye view of Taipei’s skyline from the famous Taipei 101 observatory. For the culture-seekers, don’t miss a visit to the Leshui Indigenous Village, where you can connect with Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an outdoorsy adventurer or want to explore the local life, Taiwan has no scarcity of beautiful locations.
See: Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese (Buy 1 Get 1 Free!)
6. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of those places that grabs you instantly – golden beaches, ancient kingdoms, wildlife-rich national parks and some of the friendliest communities in Asia. Climbing Sigiriya at sunrise, exploring temple ruins, wandering tea plantations in the hill country and spotting elephants or leopards in the wild all make the island feel like a real-life adventure film set.
Travellers can dive deeper with hands-on experiences like learning about local cooking in rural homes, hopping on scenic train rides through Ella’s misty mountains, or joining responsible safaris in Yala and Udawalawe that focus on conservation as much as sightings. Coastal towns offer laid-back evenings, fresh seafood and perfect waves for anyone keen to try surfing.
With its mix of nature, culture, flavour and unforgettable scenery, Sri Lanka stands out as one of the best places to go in Asia in 2026.
7. India
India is one of the best places to visit in Asia if you’re after colour, culture and constant surprises. Every day feels completely different from the last, whether you’re weaving through Delhi’s chaotic bazaars, exploring Mughal monuments or standing before the shimmering beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Head west and Goa brings yet another shift in atmosphere – laid-back beaches, spice-filled cuisine, colourful Portuguese-influenced streets and sunset views that feel worlds away from India’s big cities.
Foodies can dive into hands-on cooking classes, outdoor-lovers can camp beneath the stars in the Thar Desert, and thrill-seekers can zip through old city streets by tuk-tuk.
With its incredible food, rich traditions and endless diversity, India continues to be one of the best places to go in Asia in 2026 – and one of the most rewarding best places to travel in Asia for curious travellers.
See: Jaipur 7 Popular Spots One-Day Private Sightseeing Tour (50% off!)
8. Nepal
Nepal has long been a dream destination for hikers and adventure lovers, and 2026 is the perfect time to tick it off your bucket list. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the world’s most iconic hikes, taking you through lush valleys and alpine meadows, with dramatic views of snow-capped mountains. We’ve got a combo tour that mixes culture and trekking, or you can choose the focused Annapurna Base Camp trek for a serious dose of adventure. The spectacular Himalayan views, peaceful tea houses, and spiritual encounters will make this an adventure to remember.
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