Asia Holidays

Asia holidays often include exciting animal encounters because the wildlife here is as vast and varied as the continent itself.

Orangutans roam the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, while China's Sichuan province is the place to see giant pandas. If you’re a fan of elephants, you’ll find a number of ethical sanctuaries in Northern Thailand where you can feed and bathe these gentle giants. India, meanwhile, is home to three quarters of the world’s tiger population so why not embark on an adventure to the incredible state of Rajasthan.

Monkeys of one kind or another can be found all over Asia. Japanese macaques – also known as snow monkeys – live further north than any other primate, while Ubud’s Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s most popular attractions. Also in Indonesia is Komodo National Park – the only place in the world to see Komodo dragons.

Then there are the aquatic wildlife experiences. If you fancy a beach holiday in Asia, Thailand and Vietnam offer incredible snorkelling and diving. Or if swimming with whale sharks is on your bucket list, head to Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. And if you visit Sri Lanka between February and March, you might well spot blue whales off the south coast.

The culinary delights of this continent are no secret – for many people, food is the highlight of an Asian holiday. Hungry travellers can enjoy an epicurean adventure in pretty much every country. Think piping-hot bowls of ramen and plates of impossibly-fresh sushi in Japan; juicy dumplings and crispy Peking duck in China; red-hot curries and soupy dahl in India; and mountains of pad thai in Thailand.

There are no shortage of fine-dining restaurants to choose from, but it’s street food that Asia does best. For an authentic culinary experience during your holiday in Asia, pull up a plastic stool on the side of the street and dig in to freshly-prepared local delicacies. This change of scene doesn’t mean compromising on quality, though. There are a number of Michelin-starred street food vendors across Asia – the first in the world was Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle in Singapore.

As the birthplace of all the world’s major religions and the cradle of human civilisation, Asia has a fascinating culture. But given its enormous size, it changes drastically from region to region. History buffs will be enthralled by the Imperial City of Hue in Central Vietnam; Cambodia’s Angkor Wat; and of course the 21,000-kilometre-long Great Wall of China.

Japan has one of the richest and best-preserved cultures. Traditional tea ceremonies continue to be held across the country, although those in Kyoto remain the most authentic. Bathing is also deeply rooted in Japan’s history, and comes with its own set of rules and customs. No visit to Japan would be complete without a dip in an onsen (hot spring) or sento (public bath).

For a truly immersive Asia holiday, time your trip to coincide with a major cultural festival. In India, Holi Festival marks the arrival of spring, while Diwali commemorates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Songkran – or Thai New Year – is Thailand’s most famous festival, taking place every April, it’s an important event in the Buddhist calendar. Many other Asian countries also welcome the New Year in spectacular fashion.

Beach holidays in Asia are incredibly popular – and for good reason. Beaches in Thailand, in particular, are renowned for their soft white sand and turquoise water. If you’re looking for a party island, check out Koh Phangan, Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi. Or for peace and quiet, Koh Lipe, Koh Muk and Koh Kradan are all far more tranquil.

It’s not all about Thailand, though. Other great beach destinations in Southeast Asia include Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia; Phu Quoc and Nha Trang in Vietnam; Koh Rong in Cambodia; and Boracay and Cebu in the Philippines. If you’re planning a holiday to India, Goa and Kerala both have palm-fringed beaches – or, for somewhere more off the beaten track, head to the Andaman Islands.

Of course it’s impossible to talk about the best beaches in Asia without mentioning Bali. This Indonesian island does have some undeniably beautiful stretches of sand – but there are other tropical paradises to be found elsewhere in this island nation. Venture further afield, to Lombok, Java or the Gili Islands, and you’ll be well-rewarded for your efforts. Flores is even home to an extraordinary pink sand beach.