From megacities to remote islands, Asia’s top travel spots offer a hearty dose of adventure, ancient history and culture. After considering local prices, accessibility and the variety of attractions in each destination, along with traveler feedback, U.S. News ranked the best places to visit in Asia. Contribute to next year’s list by casting your vote below. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)
Asia, the world’s largest and most diverse continent. It occupies the eastern four-fifths of the giant Eurasian landmass. Asia is more a geographic term than a homogeneous continent, and the use of the term to describe such a vast area always carries the potential of obscuring the enormous diversity among the regions it encompasses. Asia has both the highest and the lowest points on the surface of Earth, has the longest coastline of any continent, is subject overall to the world’s widest climatic extremes, and, consequently, produces the most varied forms of vegetation and animal life on Earth. In addition, the peoples of Asia have established the broadest variety of human adaptation found on any of the continents.
The name Asia is ancient, and its origin has been variously explained. The Greeks used it to designate the lands situated to the east of their homeland. It is believed that the name may be derived from the Assyrian word asu, meaning “east.” Another possible explanation is that it was originally a local name given to the plains of Ephesus, which ancient Greeks and Romans extended to refer first to Anatolia (contemporary Asia Minor, which is the western extreme of mainland Asia), and then to the known world east of the Mediterranean Sea. When Western explorers reached South and East Asia in early modern times, they extended that label to the whole of the immense landmass.
1. Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji
Although Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano, it hasn’t erupted since 1708. The stunning snowcapped mountain is one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains,” which are traditionally considered to hold a particular power–Mount Fuji has volcanic power.
If this doesn’t sound ominous enough, the base of the mountain is also home to Aokigahara. Also known as “The Suicide Forest,” this dense forest growing on hardened lava is home to ice caves, a combination that absorbs sound and creates an eerie feeling of solitude.
While many visitors come here to just photograph this World Heritage List Cultural Site and well-known symbol of Japan, others arrive for the climbing opportunities. Until the late 19th century, women were not allowed to make their way to the summit (which is still considered a sacred site), so visitors of all ethnicities, genders, and ages now arrive to make up for lost time.
There are four possible routes to reach the top of the mountain, and all offer a number of stops along the way in the form of shrines, historical monuments, and even teahouses.
You may also want to plan your visit to Japan around the spring cherry blossoms, another popular tourist attraction.
2. Dead Sea, Israel
Dead Sea in Israel
The dark blue waters of the Dead Sea touch the borders of both Jordan and Israel. Actually a lake despite its name, the Dead Sea sits at the lowest land elevation on Earth–over 430 meters below sea level. With a salt concentration of around 31 percent–almost 10 times saltier than the ocean –the Dead Sea is so thick, nothing can sink into it, and everyone who walks into it will naturally float.
While the coastline around the lake has become a flourishing spa and resort destination, there is also a large influx of religious tourism in the area. Jericho, the city where Jesus is said to have healed blind beggars, is located just minutes northwest of the Dead Sea–and a number of other cities, including the legendary Sodom and Gomorra, as well as Zoar and Admah, are also located in this area. The area boasts some of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
While the lake is too salty to support aquatic life, there are plenty of animals that call the surrounding desert home–and hikers will run into anything from hares to foxes and leopards when exploring the nature reserves around the Dead Sea.
3. Phuket, Thailand
Kamala Beach, Phuket
Thailand’s biggest island is also a magnet for visitors–and for good reason. Phuket boasts some of the best beaches in the country, with clean, soft, rolling sands and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see.
Kata, Hat Karon, and Kamala beaches see a lot of tourists during the high season (November to February) but remain sleepy little villages once the rains arrive. Beautiful coral reefs line up the coastline, offering amazing opportunities for snorkeling and diving but also sea kayaking and island hopping.
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