Asia picks
The best places to visit in Asia
Our picks for the best Asia destinations - the 11 cities and regions worth booking this year, with climate windows, cost notes, and the specific reason is the year to go.
Asia spans the cherry-blossom valleys of Japan, the post-pandemic re-emergence of Southeast Asia, and the cultural depth of the Indian subcontinent. Visa rules have loosened across the region - Vietnam's 90-day visa-free, Japan's new JESTA, Thailand's TDAC.
Tokyo
March-April for sakura, mid-November for autumn foliage. New JESTA visa-free system now active; yen still favorable for travelers.
Kyoto
Pair with Tokyo. Cherry blossom in early April; quiet temples in winter. The most concentrated cultural week in Asia.
Bali
Dry season May-October. New tourist tax (150,000 IDR) added but trip costs remain among Asia's best value.
Bangkok
November-February for the cool dry season. Visa-free entries extended; new airport rail link cuts city transfer to 26 minutes.
Vietnam
October-April for north + south together. New 90-day visa-free for many nationalities makes longer trips easier.
Sri Lanka
December-March for the southwest coast and cultural triangle. Post-economic recovery makes this exceptional value.
India
October-March in most regions. Multi-week trips compound the rewards; pick one region to start.