Travel Guide & Resources

🧭 Regions & Top Destinations

🌸 East Asia

  • Japan – Tradition meets tech in Tokyo, Kyoto's temples, cherry blossoms, bullet trains, and sushi culture.
  • South Korea – K-pop, street fashion, Korean BBQ, Jeju Island, and vibrant Seoul nightlife.
  • China – The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Yangtze River cruises, and rich historical depth.
  • Taiwan – Night markets, bubble tea, Taroko Gorge, and a unique blend of Chinese and indigenous culture.

πŸ•Œ Southeast Asia

  • Thailand – Beaches in Phuket, Bangkok street food, Chiang Mai temples, and full moon parties.
  • Vietnam – Ha Long Bay, Hanoi’s old quarter, Hoi An lanterns, and epic motorbike journeys.
  • Indonesia – Bali’s beaches and rice terraces, Komodo dragons, and Java’s volcanoes.
  • Malaysia – Multicultural vibes in Kuala Lumpur, Borneo rainforests, and Penang's food scene.
  • Philippines – Over 7,000 islands, white sands in Palawan, diving in Cebu, and friendly locals.
  • Cambodia – The ancient city of Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and Khmer hospitality.
  • Singapore – Ultra-modern, squeaky clean, great food, and a perfect layover hub.

πŸ•Œ South Asia

  • India – The Taj Mahal, Himalayan treks, Rajasthan palaces, yoga retreats, and a sensory overload of colors and flavors.
  • Nepal – Trekking the Himalayas, spiritual retreats, and Kathmandu culture.
  • Sri Lanka – Surfing, tea plantations, elephants, and ancient cities like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura.
  • Bhutan – A peaceful Himalayan kingdom, known for Gross National Happiness, monasteries, and preserved traditions.

🐫 Central Asia

  • Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan – Off-the-beaten-path Silk Road destinations with stunning mountain scenery, yurts, and friendly locals.

✈️ Travel Tips for Asia

  • Visas & Entry Requirements: Always check the visa requirementsβ€”some countries offer visa on arrival, e-visa, or require advance applications.
  • Best Time to Visit: Avoid monsoon season (varies by country); October to March is generally great for most of Asia.
  • Money: Many places are cash-heavy, especially in markets. Carry local currency, and inform your bank of international travel.
  • Language: English is widely spoken in touristy areas, but learning basic local phrases goes a long way.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples. Always take your shoes off in homes or sacred places. Respect local customs.

🍜 Must-Try Foods

  • Japan: Ramen, sushi, tempura
  • Thailand: Pad Thai, green curry, mango sticky rice
  • India: Butter chicken, biryani, samosas
  • Vietnam: Pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls
  • Malaysia: Laksa, nasi lemak
  • China: Dim sum, hot pot
  • South Korea: Kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap
  • Indonesia: Nasi goreng, satay

🧳 Packing Essentials

  • Lightweight clothing (plus a shawl or scarf for modesty)
  • Universal power adapter
  • Travel insurance
  • Reusable water bottle with filter
  • Copies of important documents
  • Sunscreen & mosquito repellent

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips

  • Local SIM or eSIM: Cheap and helpful for maps and translations.
  • Transportation: Use ride-sharing apps (like Grab or Gojek), tuk-tuks, trains, and local buses.
  • Stay Connected: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me).
  • Respect Nature & Culture: Leave no trace, avoid unethical animal tourism, and ask before taking photos of people.