Best Places to Travel in Asia in 2026
Use these insider tips to narrow down where to go in Asia.
June 22, 2026
12 minute read
For many travellers, deciding where to go in Asia can be the hardest part, so we turned to our Tour Designers for advice. These regional experts design Collette’s Asia tours, and they know all the best places to visit.
This list of the best places to travel in Asia will help you decide where to go and whether you want the convenience of a guided tour or plan to go it alone.
Quick Answer: Where Are the Best Places to Travel in Asia in 2026?
If you're thinking about visiting Asia in 2026, some of the best Asian countries to travel to are Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, India, Japan, and South Korea. According to Asia Tour Designers Sam K. and Iliyas M., these countries offer a mix of culture, food, scenery, and must-see attractions like the temples of Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal.
The Best Asian Countries to Travel To: Chosen by Travellers, for Travellers
Vietnam
Why go to Vietnam?
Vietnam is an ideal first step into Southeast Asia: a mix of lantern-lit streets, limestone islands, and cities that hum with energy. On Collette’s Kingdoms of Southeast Asia tour, travellers spend 10 days in Vietnam, travelling from historic Hanoi to an overnight cruise in a traditional junk boat on Ha Long Bay, the heritage town of Hoi An, and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City — with food, history, and local connections woven in at every turn.
“Anyone who wants to understand Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand… should come on this trip because this trip is designed to give you the food experience, the culture, the history, and a lot of people-to-people experiences,” says Iliyas.
What to do in Vietnam:
Walk the Old Quarter in Hanoi on a food tour led by local people who are mainly university students, stopping at neighbourhood favorites for beer and street food.
Sail and sleep aboard a traditional junk boat on Ha Long Bay.
Spend time in UNESCO-listed Hoi An, visiting rice fields by electric van, meeting farmers, then cooking a farm-to-table lunch.
Hear a Vietnam War veteran’s story over tea in Hanoi — a powerful people-to-people moment, especially meaningful for travellers with ties to that era.
Insider Tip
If long flights take a lot out of you, consider arriving in Hanoi a day early so you can walk the Old Quarter at your own pace, discover a new favourite café, and ease into the time zone before the tour begins.
Recommended Collette tour
Kingdoms of Southeast Asia – Spend 19 days exploring Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand on this small group tour of Asia.
Cambodia
Why go to Cambodia?
Cambodia is where many travellers’ Asia dreams take shape in real life — standing among the towers of Angkor Wat at sunrise and exploring Siem Reap’s lively streets. And on our tours, you don’t just see temples; you also learn about the country’s recent history and ongoing efforts to heal, including a visit to the APOPO Centre to meet the “HeroRATs” trained to detect landmines.
“These rats are trained to look for landmines… we show you how these rats are trained, how they identify these landmines, and how they’re saving lives. ... It’s a very unique experience.” - Illiyas
What to do in Cambodia:
Explore Angkor Wat and its surrounding temple complex, one of the great wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visit the APOPO Centre in Siem Reap to learn how HeroRATs help clear landmines — an eye-opening experience.
Enjoy evenings in Siem Reap, with time to browse markets or relax at your own pace after the day’s planned experiences.
Insider Tip
Travellers often find Cambodia more emotionally moving than they expect — build in a little downtime after your temple days so you can process everything you’ve seen and learned.
Recommended Collette tour:
Kingdoms of Southeast Asia – pairs Vietnam and Cambodia with Laos and Thailand, so you experience Angkor in the context of the wider region.
Laos
Why go to Laos?
If you like the idea of a quieter, slower-paced Asia, Laos — especially Luang Prabang — is a beautiful choice. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its temples, French-influenced architecture, and everyday rituals like the morning almsgiving.
“We go to Luang Prabang. The whole city is a UNESCO site, and everything is done walking in that city,” says Iliyas. “We do this almsgiving where we give food to the monks… It’s a very moving experience for a lot of people.”
What to do in Laos:
Participate in the morning almsgiving ceremony as monks walk through the streets in their orange robes.
Experience a traditional Baci ceremony and home-hosted dinner with blessings and a shared meal in a local home.
Join an evening game of pétanque with locals, breaking the ice over snacks and friendly competition.
Insider Tip
Bring an open mind and comfortable walking shoes — Luang Prabang is best enjoyed slowly, on foot, with time to pause at cafés and watch daily life unfold.
Thailand
Why go to Thailand?
Thailand is a natural finale to a Southeast Asia journey — a place where golden temples, bustling markets, and easy smiles meet modern skyscrapers and lively riverfronts. On Kingdoms of Southeast Asia, travellers end in Bangkok, with the option to add extra nights and dive deeper into the city’s neighborhoods and cultural sites.
What to do in Thailand:
Take in Bangkok’s highlights — temples, markets, and river life with a Tour Manager who helps you navigate the city smoothly.
Use a post-tour extension to explore at your own pace: try neighbourhood food stalls, rooftop views, or additional cultural visits.
Visit a flower market.
Insider Tip
Thailand, like its neighbors, can be hot and humid. Pack light, breathable clothing and take advantage of early-morning or evening hours for exploring.
India
Why go to India?
India is unforgettable — full stop. For travellers who are ready to push beyond their comfort zones, Mysteries of India offers what Iliyas calls “tigers, temples, and the Taj Mahal,” plus the chance to meet families, women’s cooperatives, and café owners whose stories bring the country’s complexity into focus. Every day is an adventure.
What to do in India:
Discover Old Delhi or Jaipur by rickshaw or enjoy a train ride chatting with locals.
Share a home-hosted dinner in Jaipur with a local family, cooking bread or a vegetable dish together and trading stories about daily life.
Visit Sheroe’s Café in Agra, run by acid-attack survivors, and hear about their journeys in a space filled with hope and resilience.
Look for tigers in Ranthambore National Park.
See the Taj Mahal, one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Insider Tip
India is best for travellers who come with an open mind and are ready to enjoy the adventure. Expect crowds, spicy food, some long days, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Recommended Collette tour:
Mysteries of India – a small-group tour built around cultural immersion, impact moments, and iconic sites like the Taj Mahal.
Japan
Why go to Japan?
Japan is a country of contrasts: ancient temples and Zen gardens on one day, neon streets and bullet trains the next. Collette’s Japan tours give you the chance to see the many sides of Japan: Tokyo’s Ginza district, Hakone’s views of Mount Fuji, the old town streets of Takayama, spiritual Kyoto, and a powerful day in Hiroshima.
What to do in Japan:
Walk Tokyo’s Ginza district, a shoppers’ paradise and city landmark that’s just as fun to stroll even if you’re not buying a thing.
Travel to Hakone to see Mount Fuji, staying at a ryokan-style hotel and soaking in onsen hot springs.
Step back in time in Takayama with its preserved Edo-era streets, sake tasting, and a dinner featuring renowned Hida beef.
Spend four nights in Kyoto, joining a private meditation and chanting session with a head monk followed by a tea ceremony, and meeting a maiko or geisha during a special dinner.
Take a bullet train to Hiroshima for a day visiting the Peace Memorial and Atomic Bomb Dome for a deeply impactful travel experience.
Immerse yourself in Japan’s festivals. Check out our guide to Japan’s festivals for tips on timing your Japan trip around the country’s many celebrations.
Insider Tip
Don’t overlook winter in Japan. Our Tour Designer notes that December through February can offer fewer crowds and those classic views of Mount Fuji with snow on the summit. Plus, fewer crowds mean more attention from hotels and restaurants.
Get more insider tips on Japan. Join us for a chat with Yoshiko Ono, Collette’s Regional Destination Manager for Japan. Available now on demand.
South Korea
Why go to South Korea?
South Korea, and Seoul in particular, may not be the first place that comes to mind for many travellers — but those who go discover a mix of history, modern culture, and powerful stories. “South Korea is one of those destinations that many people gloss over, but it has so much to offer and people will really come back energized by it,” says Sam.
Curious about visiting South Korea? Check out our post on five reasons to visit South Korea.
What to do in South Korea:
Travel to the DMZ to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s modern history.
Sit down with a North Korean defector, hearing firsthand about their journey and life in South Korea today — a conversation many travellers call unforgettable.
Enjoy a home-hosted lunch near Seoul complete with homemade kimchi and time to talk with the family hosting you.
Insider Tip
Build in time in Seoul to explore cafés, markets, and neighborhoods that reflect the pop-culture side of South Korea that younger generations know well.
Recommended Collette tour:
Japan and South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul – a small group tour combining Japan with a rich, four-night stay in Seoul, including a visit to the DMZ and chance to speak with a North Korean defector.
Looking for more things to do in Asia? Check out our post on tourist attractions, hidden gems, and cultural experiences.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Asia?
There’s no single “best month” to visit Asia — it depends on where you’re heading and what you hope to experience.
Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) Our Kingdoms of Southeast Asia tour runs from October through April, which is the best season for this tropical region. Expect generally hot and humid conditions, with especially pleasant weather around December and January in Hanoi. August and September can bring heavy rains and typhoons, so they’re usually avoided.
India Mysteries of India operates from October to March, with November through February offering comfortable winter weather for most travellers. April is hotter — often above 100°F — but can mean fewer crowds at major sites and a more “off-season” feel.
Japan Japan tours like Cultural Treasures of Japan and Journey Through the Heart of Japan run between September and May. Many travellers aim for spring (late March–May) or fall foliage season, but our travel experts point out that December–February can be an excellent choice: fewer crowds, more attention from hotels, and that iconic view of Mount Fuji capped with snow. June and July are typically typhoon season and are generally avoided.
South Korea Japan & South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul treats these as year-round destinations. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are peak times, whilst January and February are colder but can offer savings and fewer crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Asia
Which Asia itineraries are most popular with Collette travellers?
Whilst we don’t publish a “top seller” list here, the tours featured in this blog — Kingdoms of Southeast Asia, Journey Through Northern Vietnam, Mysteries of India, Cultural Treasures of Japan, Journey Through the Heart of Japan, and Japan & South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul, and Wonders of Thailand — reflect tours that designers built to meet strong traveller interest across the region. They’re designed around a mix of iconic landmarks and meaningful, one-on-one encounters with locals.
What’s the best way to explore Asia for a first-time visitor?
For first-time visitors, guided travel can take a lot of stress off your shoulders. In Southeast Asia, for example, crossing four countries requires multiple flights with different baggage rules, humid weather, and airport delays — all handled by your Tour Manager. In India, long drives, crowded train stations, stairs, and busy cities are much easier with someone leading the way. In Japan and South Korea, language barriers and complex train systems can be intimidating on your own, but our tours provide peace of mind with local Tour Managers, centrally located hotels, and structured free time so you can explore confidently.
Do I need a visa to visit Asia?
Visa and entry requirements vary depending on:
Your nationality
The specific countries you’re visiting
How long you’ll stay
Because those rules can change, it’s best to check official government resources for each country on your itinerary before you travel.
How can I get an authentic experience in Asia?
Look for tours that build in time with local people, not just photo stops. On Collette’s Asia tours, authenticity shows up in moments like:
Sharing meals with local families.
Taking part in almsgiving, a Baci ceremony, and other traditional rituals.
Meditating with a monk in Kyoto, listening to Buddhist chanting, and learning the story behind Japan’s tea ceremony.
Meeting retired sumo wrestlers, a geisha or maiko, or Ama pearl divers — people whose lives you’ve only ever seen in films or documentaries.
These are the kinds of experiences Collette’s Tour Designers deliberately include because they love sharing the local culture.
Are guided tours in Asia good for solo travellers or first-timers?
Yes! For solo travellers and first-timers, guided tours:
Provide a built-in group and Tour Manager, so you’re not navigating airports, stations, and city streets alone.
Take care of complex logistics, like multi-country flights in Southeast Asia or bullet trains and intercity transfers in Japan and South Korea.
Set realistic expectations about things like humidity, crowds, walking distances, and food, so there are fewer surprises on the road.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Trip to Asia
Asia rewards curious travellers at every turn. The key is knowing which places to see in Asia and how to put them together into a travel itinerary that makes the most of your visit.
That’s where Collette comes in, with expert Tour Designers who’ve spent years refining the pacing and flow of each itinerary (often with input from travellers like you).
If 2026 is the year you finally make it to Asia, our tours are designed to help you make the most of your trip and come home with stories you couldn’t have found on your own.
