ASIA DESTINATIONS

ASIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Asia has so much to offer from it’s delicious food, varied landscapes, spiritual escapes and modern new cities. South East Asia is particularly popular with first time backpackers combining lush jungles and gorgeous beaches, it’s easily navigated, offering cheap accommodation, transport and food.

The big cities like Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong and Seoul are the hub of modern technology and offer exciting city breaks. The proximity to nearby mountains or rural landscapes gives visitors a chance to experience both city and country and to get a real taste of Asia.

Speaking of tastes- Asia is renowned for some of the tastiest food going- from juicy noodle soups, tangy pad thai, spicy curries and barbecued street food. If you’re brave enough you can also try some other culinary delights such as cricket and snake- yum.

There are so many cultures and landscapes in Asia from the bustling streets of India to the relaxing beaches of Thailand. One thing you will find in most places are temples. Asia is a very spiritual place and visiting some of the many temples and other religious or historical monuments can give you a great insight into way of life and past history.

So where do you start?! I would suggest South East Asia for first time backpackers, especially if travelling solo, as its so easy to get around and to make friends in the hostels. For those wanting to throw themselves in the deep end, so to speak, then head to India or China and immerse yourself in a whole new and diverse culture.

Due to Asia’s varied climates, each country differs in terms of seasons so it’s a country that can be visited any time of the year. However, if you do choose to visit in monsoon season this can be much cheaper, quieter and the jungles a lush green colour. I visited in this time and still had good weather in between showers.

South East Asia

Dry season: November to February is dry and cool and the peak time to visit, so can be busier. March to June can be very hot.

Wet season: June to October is the wet season, however in Indonesia and Malaysia the best time is April to October.

India

Dry season: Cool and dry weather from October to February. March to May is dry but very hot.

Wet season: Starting in the South, monsoon rains start from July to September.

China

Dry season: April to May and September to October are two of the best times to visit China.

Wet season: June to August is hot and wet but can also be busy due to the Chinese holidays. Winter is from November to mid-March. If you like the cold, then areas can be covered in snow during this time of year and accommodation tends to be cheaper.