East Asia Map Countries
Explore the Best of East Asia
East Asia boasts a wealth of cultural treasures, natural wonders, and vibrant cities waiting to be explored. This comprehensive travel guide is designed to help you make the most of your trip to the region, covering everything from top attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Top Attractions
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. From the Great Wall of China to the temples of Kyoto, there’s no shortage of must-see sights. Other popular attractions include the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, East Asia has plenty of hidden gems to discover. Visit the remote island of Jeju in South Korea for breathtaking landscapes and world-class seafood, or head to the small town of Luang Prabang in Laos for a glimpse into traditional Southeast Asian life.
Food Scene
East Asia is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines and flavors to try. Sample the street food in Taipei’s night markets, indulge in dim sum in Hong Kong, or feast on spicy Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling in East Asia doesn’t have to break the bank. Stick to local street food and accommodations, take advantage of public transportation, and look for free activities like visiting temples or hiking in national parks.
Outdoor Adventures
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes, from the Himalayan mountains to the beaches of Bali. Go trekking in Nepal, kayaking in Halong Bay, or surfing in Bali.
Historical Landmarks
From ancient temples to colonial architecture, East Asia has a rich history waiting to be explored. Visit the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, the Forbidden City in Beijing, or the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? East Asia has plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Take a ride on the cable car to the Big Buddha in Hong Kong, visit the pandas in Chengdu, or explore the Universal Studios theme park in Osaka.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for unique experiences, East Asia won’t disappoint. Visit the abandoned Hashima Island in Japan, take a hot air balloon ride over Bagan in Myanmar, or go caving in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam.
Natural Wonders
East Asia is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Marvel at the rice terraces in Sapa, Vietnam, hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, or explore the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China.
Vibrant Nightlife
East Asia’s cities come alive after dark, with a range of nightlife options to suit every taste. Party the night away in Seoul’s Gangnam district, sip cocktails with a view in Shanghai’s rooftop bars, or enjoy live music in Tokyo’s vibrant music scene.
Local Markets
For a glimpse into local life, head to one of East Asia’s bustling markets. Shop for souvenirs at the night markets of Taipei, sample exotic fruits at the floating markets of Bangkok, or browse the antiques at the Dongtai Road Antique Market in Shanghai.
Beaches and Mountains
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a challenging mountain trek, East Asia has something for everyone. Relax on the beaches of Bali, hike to the summit of Mount Fuji in Japan, or go skiing in the Korean Alps.
Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in East Asia’s rich cultural heritage. Learn the art of calligraphy in Beijing, take a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, or try your hand at batik painting in Yogyakarta.
Art and Music Scene
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most vibrant art and music scenes. Visit the contemporary art galleries in Tokyo, catch a performance at the Seoul Arts Center, or explore the indie music scene in Taipei.
Walking Tours
Take a walking tour to explore the history and culture of East Asia’s cities. Walk along the Bund in Shanghai, explore the old town of Hanoi, or discover the hidden alleys of Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village.
Architectural Marvels
East Asia is home to some of the world’s most iconic architectural marvels. Visit the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan, the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, or the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Historical Sites
East Asia’s history is rich and varied, with a range of sites to explore. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan, the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam, or the ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar.
Biking Routes
Explore East Asia’s scenic landscapes on two wheels. Bike along the Han River in Seoul, cycle through the rice paddies of Bali, or take a leisurely ride along the canals of Suzhou in China.
Wellness Retreats
Looking to unwind and recharge? East Asia has a range of wellness retreats and spas to choose from. Relax in a hot spring in Hakone, Japan, practice yoga in Bali, or indulge in a traditional Thai massage in Bangkok.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, East Asia has plenty of adventure sports to try. Go bungee jumping in Macau, white-water rafting in Chiang Mai, or paragliding in Pokhara, Nepal.
With so much to see and do, East Asia is a traveler’s paradise. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in the region.