Things to Do in Asia
Temples, markets, gardens and skylines in six of the continent's most rewarding places.
See things to do »Six Places to Start in Asia
The things to do in Asia could fill a lifetime, so this guide sticks to six places that reward a first or second trip and connect easily to each other by air: Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, Bangkok in Thailand, the city-state of Singapore, the Indonesian island of Bali and Hong Kong. Each has its own page with the sights that define it, followed by live, bookable tours and tickets from Viator and Tiqets ranked by traveler reviews.
Japan pairs the two best. Tokyo is a vast, safe, spotless city of neighborhoods, each with its own character, from the old temple streets of Asakusa to the crowds and screens of Shibuya and Shinjuku. Kyoto, a little over two hours away by bullet train, was the imperial capital for more than a thousand years and still has some 1,600 temples, along with gardens, wooden townhouses and the geisha district of Gion.
Southeast Asia is warmer, louder and less expensive. Bangkok's gilded temples and royal palace sit beside the Chao Phraya River, with some of the world's best street food a few steps away. Singapore is the easy introduction to the region, an orderly, English-speaking city of futuristic gardens, hawker centres and neighborhoods shaped by Chinese, Malay and Indian communities. Bali offers something different again: Hindu temples, rice terraces, volcanoes and surf, with Ubud in the hills and beach towns along the south coast.
Hong Kong completes the list, a dense harbor city where green mountains rise behind the towers, with a century-old ferry, dim sum halls and hiking trails within easy reach of downtown. Getting around all six is straightforward: Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong have excellent rail systems paid for with tap cards, Bangkok has the Skytrain and river boats, and Bali is best explored with a hired driver.
For a multi-country route designed around your dates, our sister site Plan It Asia works with travel specialists, and you can request free trip quotes at any time. Arriving by cruise ship instead? Asia Shore Excursions covers port days in Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong and more.
Combining the six is easier than it looks on a map. Tokyo and Kyoto are linked by bullet train, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore are short flights apart, and Bali connects most easily through Singapore. A classic two-week trip might pair Japan with Hong Kong, or Bangkok with Singapore and Bali. Respect for local customs goes a long way everywhere: remove your shoes where asked, dress modestly at temples, keep your voice down on Japanese trains, and never point your feet at a Buddha image in Thailand. If arranging trips like this appeals to you as a career, Be a Travel Agent explains how to start, and our free newsletter brings travel offers and ideas.
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Top-Rated Things to Do in Asia
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. See & Do Asia may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Where to Eat in Asia
A soba shop in Kyoto that has been in business for centuries, the pad thai institution of Bangkok, chili crab by the water in Singapore, slow-roasted pork in Ubud and dim sum in a Hong Kong teahouse: our dining guide covers all six places.
Festivals and Events in Asia
Lunar New Year fills Singapore and Hong Kong in winter, cherry blossoms cover Tokyo and Kyoto in spring, Bangkok throws a three-day water fight for Songkran in April, Kyoto parades its floats through July for Gion Matsuri and lanterns float on Thailand's rivers for Loy Krathong.
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Asia — FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Asia for a first trip?
Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto) and Singapore are the easiest, with excellent transport and safety. Bangkok and Bali add more adventure and value, and Hong Kong combines city and nature in a compact area.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on the place. Japan is best in spring and fall, Bangkok from November to February, Bali in the dry season from about April to October, and Hong Kong from October to December. Singapore is hot and humid year-round.
Do I need a visa?
US citizens can visit Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong visa-free for short tourist stays under current rules. Indonesia requires a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Bali, and Bali also charges a tourist levy. Rules change, so check official government sites before you go.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least four days in Tokyo, three in Kyoto, three or four in Bangkok, three in Singapore, five or more in Bali and three in Hong Kong. Two or three places make a comfortable two-week trip.
Does this site cover cruise port days?
No. It is for land trips. For port days and shore excursions, see our sister site Asia Shore Excursions.