Asia Travel Destinations
Explore Asia through real travel experiences, photography, and destination guides from across the continent
I traveled through Asia for a half-year. Amazing backpacking trip! It’s one of the most diverse and fascinating travel regions in the world.
From ancient temples and spiritual landmarks to wildlife in the jungle and some of the best diving in the world. From modern megacities to tropical islands, and mountain landscapes, Asia offers some of the most memorable travel experiences on the planet.
Asia is a paradise for photographers. I took thousands of photos! When else will you see orangutans, elephants, and unique monkeys in the wild? I photographed all of those in Malaysian Borneo. Asia is where I got SCUBA certified (in Bali) and went diving with so many types of sharks. Looking back, I’m still surprised I went snorkeling with whale sharks the size of a school bus. I never thought I’d spend a week in the jungle. I never thought I’d hike a volcano until I went to Java Indonesia. You can do a live-aboard diving trip like I did in Thailand – dives 3-4 times per day with some of the most incredible looking fish and colorful coral.
There are so many special countries that I’d go back to. I fell in love with Malaysian Borneo, and nearly overstayed my visa in the Philippines. I’ve been to Thailand three times already and would love to get back. There’s so many amazing beaches. I just visited Hong Kong again – the architecture is perfect for some night photography.
And oh my the food. Loved it so much! There’s so many interesting cuisines to explore.
You’ll love Backpacking Asia
On Visit50, Asia is explored through real travel experiences from countries across Southeast Asia and beyond. This includes cultural sites, wildlife encounters, street food experiences, and adventure travel moments.
This page brings together all Asia-related destination guides in one place. That enables you to easily explore countries, stories, and travel tips from across the region.
Featured Asia Destinations
🇰🇭 Cambodia • 🇲🇾 Malaysia • 🇵🇭 Philippines • 🇮🇩 Indonesia • 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Cambodia
Ancient temples and Khmer history
Malaysia
Wildlife, orangutans, and world-class diving
Philippines
Whale sharks, island adventures, and marine life
Indonesia
Volcanoes, sharks, and cultural discoveries
Hong Kong
Skylines, architecture, and urban exploration
Asia content on Visit50 focuses on countries and experiences I’ve personally experienced across Southeast Asia and East Asia.
FEATURED ASIA ADVENTURES & EXPERIENCES
Top 10 Asia Adventures
- Go swimming with whale sharks the size of a mini school bus in the Philippines. Amazing snorkeling experience
- Diving with Thresher Sharks — My early-morning dive off Malapascua Island in the Philippines to see one of the ocean’s most unusual shark species.
- Bayon temples in Cambodia – the crown jewel of the Angkor Wat complex. 216 faces carved into the rock.
- Swimming with sharks! Diving in shark-infested waters, without a cage, on purpose.
- Malaysian Borneo – you can reliably see Orangutans in Borneo, including baby orangutans. Incredible experience!
- Asian Elephants on the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, including baby elephants.
- Halong Bay in Vietnam is officially one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Limestone pillars in emerald waters
- Hike up a volcano to experience sulfur mining at Kawah Ijen mountain in Java, Indonesia.
- Experience the Kuta nightlife in Bali Indonesia. Party with backpackers from around the world.
- See the rare proboscis monkeys in Borneo. They’re huge and look a little like apes with huge noses.
Asia Countries Explored
Here is a directory of my Asia posts:
Cambodia
Home to the legendary Angkor Wat and the enigmatic stone faces of Bayon Temple, Cambodia offers some of Southeast Asia’s most extraordinary ancient wonders. My travels here combined world-famous archaeology with unforgettable moments exploring the heart of the Khmer Empire..
Angkor Wat: Cambodia’s Greatest Wonder
Explore Cambodia’s most iconic wonder, from sunrise over the temples to the history and scale of one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.
Bayon Temples: Cambodia’s Mysterious Stone Faces
Discover the mysterious stone faces of Bayon Temple and why this lesser-known Angkor treasure became one of my favorite sites.
Malaysia
From wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys to sharks, sea turtles, and pristine rainforests, Malaysia delivered some of my most memorable wildlife encounters. Borneo’s incredible biodiversity and world-class diving made it one of the highlights of my travels through Asia.
Orangutans in Borneo
A rare opportunity to see wild orangutans in their natural habitat while exploring the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo.
Proboscis Monkeys in Borneo
Meet one of the world’s strangest-looking primates and learn where to spot proboscis monkeys in the wild.
Asian Elephants in the Wild
Tracking wild pygmy elephants through the jungle forests of Borneo and experiencing one of Southeast Asia’s most memorable wildlife encounters.
Swimming with Sharks
Overcoming fear while swimming alongside reef sharks in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Sipadan.
Sipadan Diving: One of the World’s Best Dive Sites
Why Sipadan is considered one of the world’s greatest dive sites, with sharks, turtles, barracudas, and incredible marine life.
My First Haircut While Traveling
A small travel experience that became a memorable cultural exchange in Malaysia.
Bako National Park
Wildlife, rainforest trails, and dramatic coastline combine to make Bako one of Borneo’s best national parks.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
An inside look at one of the world’s most important orangutan conservation and rehabilitation programs.
Chinese New Year in Asia – a travel fail story
Trying one of Malaysia’s most unique traditional sports and discovering a cultural experience few travelers encounter.
Eat With Your Hands in Asia
A cultural food experience that challenged habits and offered insight into local dining traditions.
Mabul Island diving and culture guide
Life on a small island near Sipadan, known for diving, local culture, and access to spectacular marine ecosystems.
Niah Caves – a Travel Fail
A travel misadventure that proves not every expedition goes according to plan.
Malaysian Street Food Dishes
Sampling local favorites and discovering why Malaysian cuisine is among Southeast Asia’s most underrated food experiences.
Monkeys in Asia – Meet Asia’s most popular monkey
The surprising behavior, intelligence, and occasional troublemaking of macaques across Southeast Asia.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Asia
Experiencing one of Asia’s biggest celebrations through food, traditions, and local festivities.
Impressive Borneo Sunsets
A collection of memorable sunset photographs captured during travels across Malaysian Borneo.
Indonesia
Indonesia challenged me with active volcanoes, shark dives, mischievous monkeys, and unforgettable cultural experiences. From Bali’s beaches to the sulfur mines of Kawah Ijen, every island offered a completely different adventure.
Volcano Hiking & Sulfur Mining at Kawah Ijen
A powerful look at the difficult and dangerous work performed by sulfur miners inside an active volcanic crater.
My First Shark Dive
The dive that transformed fear into fascination while introducing me to the world beneath the ocean surface.
Becoming PADI Certified for SCUBA Diving
Learning to scuba dive and earning certification through one of travel’s most rewarding experiences.
Monkey Selfies
The story behind one of travel’s most famous wildlife photography moments.
Kuta Nightlife
Exploring Bali’s nightlife scene, from beach bars to late-night entertainment.
Monkey Sex in Bali
An amusing and unexpected wildlife encounter at one of Bali’s most famous monkey temples.
Indonesian BBQ
Sampling local grilled specialties and discovering regional flavors beyond typical tourist menus.
Learning Indonesian
The challenges and rewards of learning basic Bahasa Indonesia while traveling.
How Cheap is Luxury Travel in Southeast Asia? My $29 Bali Hotel
Southeast Asia can feel absurdly luxurious for very little money. Find surprising value and comfort at affordable hotels in Bali.
Road Trip to Kawah Ijen
The journey across East Java toward one of Indonesia’s most unique volcanic landscapes.
Philippines
The Philippines delivered some of the most exciting wildlife and marine experiences of my travels, from whale sharks and thresher sharks to tarsiers and tropical islands. Beyond the beaches, I discovered a welcoming culture, unique traditions, and countless unexpected adventures.
Whale Shark Snorkeling in the Philippines
Swimming beside the world’s largest fish in one of the Philippines’ most unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Diving with Thresher Sharks
A rare opportunity to dive with one of the ocean’s most distinctive shark species.
Filipino Time
Understanding the cultural concept of “Filipino Time” and how it shapes everyday life.
Malapascua Island
An island guide featuring diving, beaches, local life, and adventure.
Chocolate Hills in Bohol
Exploring one of the Philippines’ most unusual and recognizable natural landmarks.
Eating Balut
Trying the famous Filipino delicacy and confronting one of travel’s biggest food challenges.
Filipino Cuisine
An introduction to popular Filipino dishes including adobo, kare-kare, and halo-halo.
Is the Philippines Dangerous?
Examining common safety concerns and how reality compared to expectations.
Philippine Tarsiers
Meeting one of the world’s smallest primates and learning about conservation efforts.
Snorkeling in Malapascua
Discovering colorful reefs and marine life just offshore from Malapascua Island.
Rum Cheaper Than Coke
A humorous look at local prices and travel surprises in the Philippines.
Boracay Too Touristy?
An honest assessment of one of the country’s most famous beach destinations.
Being a Foreigner in Cebu
A memorable encounter that highlights local culture and hospitality.
My First Cockfight
Observing a controversial but deeply rooted cultural tradition.
Malling in the Philippines
Exploring the outsized role shopping malls play in Filipino social life.
Buying from Children
A travel dilemma that raised questions about ethics, poverty, and responsible tourism.
Boracay Sunset Silhouettes
A photo collection capturing Boracay’s famous sunsets.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. My journey to Halong Bay revealed why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the natural wonders of Asia.
Halong Bay: Vietnam’s Most Famous Natural Wonder
Cruising through Vietnam’s iconic seascape of limestone islands, emerald waters, and breathtaking scenery.
Thailand
Thailand is often the gateway to Southeast Asia, drawing travelers with its food, culture, beaches, and energy. Even simple experiences, like navigating Bangkok’s bustling markets, became memorable parts of the journey.
Backpack Shopping in Bangkok
Navigating Bangkok markets in search of the perfect backpack for long-term travel.
Brunei
One of Asia’s least-visited countries, Brunei offers impressive Islamic architecture, grand mosques, and a glimpse into a nation shaped by oil wealth and tradition. Its quiet atmosphere provided a fascinating contrast to many of its Southeast Asian neighbors.
Brunei Architecture
Exploring the mosques, palaces, and distinctive architecture of one of Southeast Asia’s least-visited countries.
Hong Kong
A city where futuristic skyscrapers rise above bustling streets and centuries-old traditions remain deeply rooted. Hong Kong impressed me with its dramatic skyline, striking architecture, and some of the best urban views in the world.
Bank of China Tower Photography
Exploring Hong Kong’s striking architecture through one of the city’s most recognizable skyscrapers.
Hong Kong New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Experiencing one of Asia’s most spectacular New Year’s celebrations above Victoria Harbour.
Victoria Peak Views of the Hong Kong Skyline
The classic Hong Kong skyline view and why it remains one of the city’s must-see attractions.
Macau
A fascinating blend of Portuguese heritage, Chinese culture, and modern entertainment, Macau offers far more than its famous casinos. Exploring its historic streets revealed a unique destination unlike anywhere else in Asia.
Macau Day Trip
A guide to exploring Macau’s blend of Portuguese heritage, casinos, and historic architecture in a single day.
Can You Take a Picture?
A travel story about human connection sparked by a simple photography request.
Mainland China
Standing atop the Great Wall of China was one of those travel moments that truly felt larger than life. China’s immense history, culture, and iconic landmarks make it one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.
Dancing on the Great Wall of China
A memorable moment atop one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
South Korea
Living and working in South Korea provides a deeper perspective than typical sightseeing ever could. Teaching English abroad offers firsthand insight into Korean culture, daily life, and the challenges and rewards of living overseas
Teaching English in South Korea
Lessons learned from my friend’s experience living and working abroad while teaching English in South Korea in the EPIK program.
Asia Wildlife Adventures
- Orangutans
- Elephants
- Whale Sharks
- Whitetip Reef Sharks
- Philippine Tarsiers
- Thresher Sharks
- Macaque Monkeys
Continue Exploring Visit50 – Related Regions
- Explore Europe
- Explore Americas
- Explore Africa
- Travel Tips
Why Travel Asia?
Asia is one of the most rewarding regions for travel due to its diversity, affordability, and depth of cultural experiences. I backpacked Asia for almost six months in a trip that changed my life.
Some of the most memorable moments in my travels have come from a week in a jungle, solo backpacking across Southeast Asia, exploring temples at sunrise, snorkeling in tropical waters with whale sharks, and experiencing daily life in cities that blend tradition and modern life.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for deeper exploration, Asia offers an incredible range of experiences for every type of traveler.