The largest continent on Earth, Asia stretches
all the way from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Its vast landmass encompasses everything from
epic mountain ranges such as the Himalayas to the dry and desolate Arabian and Gobi deserts. Steamy jungle can also be found in Southeast
Asia, as well as paradise islands and beautiful beaches. In addition to its colossal size, Asia is
remarkably home to more than half of the world’s population. With so many different cultures and languages,
the continent’s dazzling diversity defies definition. As each country has its own unique history
and heritage, Asia’s many hidden treasures could take a lifetime to unravel. Number 15. The Maldives. Made up of 1,200 or so islands and atolls,
the Maldives boasts some of the best and most breathtaking beaches in the world. Nestled away in the Indian Ocean, the glamorous
getaway is renowned for its luxurious resorts, many of them with their own private island. While each idyllic island in the archipelago
appears more stunning than the last, the Maldives is also noted for its underwater riches. As such, it is a fantastic place to go scuba
diving or snorkeling, with lots of colorful coral reefs and shimmering shoals of fish
to discover. Number 14. Malaysia. Consisting of Peninsular Malaysia and East
Malaysia, this incredible country is home to some of the oldest rainforest on Earth. Its national parks boast lots of fantastic
trekking and wildlife in addition to the marvelous nature and scenery on show. Very multicultural and diverse, Malaysia’s
thriving cities and capital Kuala Lumpur are home to Chinese, Indians, and ethnic Malays. Amongst the modern skyscrapers, impressive
historical landmarks can be found, and its restaurants serve up lots of delicious local
cuisine. With you can find idyllic islands and pristine
beaches in Malaysia, seeing an orangutan up close in their natural habitat is probably
the highlight of any visit. Number 13. Cambodia. Tucked away in between Thailand, Laos, and
Vietnam, Cambodia is awash with astounding historical ruins and archaeological sites. This is because the mighty Khmer Empire built
lots of amazing temples, monuments, and palaces around the country between the 9th and 15th
centuries. Of these structures, the undoubted highlight
is the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. Besides the vibrant cities of Siem Reap and
the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia also boasts plenty of delightful nature. With picturesque paddy fields, jungle-clad
mountains, and fabulous tropical islands for you to explore, Cambodia has something for
everyone to enjoy. Number 12. Sri Lanka. An increasingly popular tourist destination,
Sri Lanka is set in the Indian Ocean just off the south of India. While its fabulous beaches are one of its
main attractions, the island has a rich history and culture for you to delve into. As its history dates back around 2,500 years,
Sri Lanka has lots of impressive archaeological sites and historic landmarks to check out. Ranging from ancient temples to colonial-era
forts, many of these can be found in the enthralling cities of Galle and Kandy. In addition to this, Sri Lanka also has some
spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife for you to enjoy. Number 11. Oman. The Sultanate of Oman’s unique culture is
visible wherever you go and the proud identity of its people and their welcoming nature is
in part what makes the country so charming. Unlike many of its neighbors, Oman hasn’t
erected any skyscrapers or modernized dramatically. This means its desert oasis towns still exhibit
lots of lovely old architecture, and their skyline has remained unchanged for centuries. While its souks and medinas are captivating
in their beauty, the country’s desolate landscapes are no less alluring. Home to spectacular mountains, a gorgeous
coastline, and lots of scenic sand dunes, Oman is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Number 10. The Philippines. As the Philippines are made up of over 7,000
different islands, it should come as no surprise to learn that it is a very popular beach holiday
destination. Its inviting waters make for some fantastic
surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, with Boracay and North Palawan particularly great
places to enjoy watersports. While some islands are coated in lush rice
fields or tropical rainforest, others are home to hidden lagoons and smoking volcanoes. Dotted about its varied landscapes, you can
find chaotic yet colorful cities, such as the capital Manila. The cultural make-up of the country is varied;
while traveling around, you’ll notice Spanish, American, and traditional influences, amongst
others. Number 9. South Korea. The home of K-Pop and Kimchi, South Korean
culture is currently very much in vogue around the world. This represents a marked change, as for much
of its history, it has been overlooked and outshone by its larger and more powerful neighbors
China and Japan. What makes traveling around the peninsula
so fascinating is that the nation boasts a rich and unique history and culture. It has, however, modernized rapidly. You’ll find centuries-old palaces and temples
alongside skyscrapers and gigantic shopping malls. Deceptively mountainous, South Korea also
has lots of marvelous national parks for you to explore, with beautiful islands and beaches
hugging the shore. Number 8. Vietnam. With so much history and nature, Vietnam is
one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations. The country encompasses lots of different
landscapes, and its idyllic coastline hugs the South China Sea. Many visitors rent a motorbike and explore
the Ho Chi Minh trail. This takes you from the colorful yet chaotic
capital Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city, guiding you past the ancient capital of Hue on the
way. Ha Long Bay is another must-see sight due
to its stunning seascape and breathtaking limestone islands. The picturesque coastal town of Hoi An is
also well worth checking out, while the hill tribes around Sa Pa showcase some of the nation’s
cultural and ethnic diversity. Number 7. Jordan. Due to its strategic location between Africa,
Europe, and Asia, Jordan in the Middle East has long welcomed travelers and traders to
its lands. Armies also passed through, and over the millennia,
rulers and empires left behind crusader castles, Roman amphitheaters, and of course, Petra. Majestic to behold, this ancient city is sure
to be unlike anything you’ve seen before. Set amid the desert and carved out of rock,
it is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to the country. While Petra is justifiably the main attraction,
the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes are also well worth exploring. Number 6. Nepal. One of the best places in the world to go
trekking and mountaineering, Nepal is a breathtakingly beautiful country full of amazing scenery. Dominated and defined by the Himalayas, the
mountain nation is home to many of the tallest peaks on Earth. Of these, Mount Everest stands head and shoulders
above them all. While many people come to hike the Annapurna
Circuit, Nepal also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Centuries-old temples, shrines, monasteries,
and palaces dot the country. It is here that the Buddha was born some 2,500
years ago. Known as the ‘City of Temples’ due to
its many religious sites, the capital Kathmandu is not to be missed out on. Number 5. Indonesia. Made up of more than 18,000 islands that span
some 4,700 kilometers from east to west, Indonesia covers a huge area. In many ways, the archipelago defies definition. For instance, its small, secluded sleepy settlements
are in stark contrast to the teeming and chaotic capital of Jakarta. One of the most populous nations in the world,
its customs, traditions, and cuisines also vary dramatically depending on where you go. Lying between the Indian and Pacific Oceans,
its islands’ habitats are just as diverse. While in Bali you can find beautiful beaches,
Borneo has wonderful wildlife and awe-inspiring orangutans. With so much to see and do, the ‘Emerald
of the Equator’ definitely warrants a visit. Number 4. India. Home to one of the world’s richest and oldest
civilizations, India is awash with different cultures, religions, peoples, and traditions. It is this diversity that makes it so mesmerizing
to explore. While the Himalayas dominate the north, steamy
jungle, picturesque tea plantations, and gorgeous beaches can be found in the rest of the country. Tucked away among these varied landscapes
are ancient sites and colorful yet chaotic cities such as Mumbai and New Delhi. From temples to cuisine and history to wildlife,
the world’s second-most populous country has something for everyone. The only question is where to begin. Number 3. Japan. Although it consists of almost 7,000 islands,
most of Japan’s main sights and tourist attractions can be found on the four largest
of them. Lying to the east of mainland Asia, the island
nation is a fascinating place as old and new collide wherever you go. While the futuristic metropolises of Tokyo
and Yokohama are full of skyscrapers and neon lights, Kyoto and Nara instead boast traditional
palaces and age-old temples. Covered in mountains and forests, the country
is also home to some delightful nature and scenery. This explains why the vast majority of its
large population is found in the densely populated cities that hug its long and indented coastline. Number 2. China. Dominating Asia in terms of both its size
and population, China boasts one of the world’s oldest civilizations. As such, incredible historical and cultural
landmarks are on show wherever you go. While the Great Wall of China is obviously
its main attraction, the Terracotta Army in Xi-an and the Forbidden City in Beijing attract
just as many people. Others come to enjoy China’s beautiful scenery
that includes towering mountains, endless rice terraces, and the desolate Gobi Desert. The most populous nation on Earth, China is
home to many rapidly modernizing cities that are enthralling to visit. A continent of a country, China and its cities,
and cultures could take a lifetime to explore. Number 1. Thailand. Thanks to its breathtaking beaches, glittering
temples, and welcoming population, Thailand is a very popular tourist destination. Fittingly enough, it is often called ‘the
Land of Smiles.’ While Bangkok has lots of fantastic cuisine
and nightlife on offer, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are home to some of the nation’s most
famous temples. Further afield, you can find wild jungle,
picturesque paddy fields, and quiet and secluded towns and villages. Lying in between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf
of Thailand, its golden sands and underwater marvels attract hordes of people every year. Many also come to party in its beachside towns,
visit idyllic islands such as Ko Tao, or enjoy the stunning scenery at Krabi.
