Places to visit in Asia: country by country, what you actually need to see

Two things decide an Asia trip: flight time and season. A direct flight from Türkiye to Tokyo is around 11 hours, to Bangkok around 9. That means a plan of at least 8–10 days rather than a short break — and the time difference means the first day on arrival is largely lost.

Season, meanwhile, changes completely by country. In South-east Asia, November to March is the dry season and May to October is monsoon. In Japan, March–April is cherry blossom, October–November is autumn colour. Going in the wrong month turns the same route into a different trip. The list below takes those differences into account.

Japan

• Shibuya Crossing: the world's busiest pedestrian crossing — watching from the cafés above is the best way to see it.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: thousands of orange gates; go around 07:00, because by daytime you can barely walk.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: west of Kyoto, and again first thing in the morning is essential.
• Osaka Castle: the park around it is one of the best cherry-blossom spots in spring.

South Korea

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: entry is free if you're wearing hanbok; check the changing-of-the-guard times.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: a walk among traditional houses — remember people still live in this neighbourhood.
• N Seoul Tower: cable car up; sunset is the most sought-after slot.
• Haeundae Beach: in Busan, about two and a half hours from Seoul on the high-speed train.

Thailand

• Grand Palace: the dress code is strict — shoulders and knees covered; go in the morning.
• Wat Arun: on the opposite bank of the river, and the light is at its best at sunset.
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: on a mountain above Chiang Mai, a half-day trip.
• Phi Phi Islands: by boat from Krabi or Phuket; day tours can get very crowded.

Singapore

• Marina Bay Sands: the observation deck is a separate ticket; sunset is the most sought-after slot.
• Gardens by the Bay: the evening light show is free; the conservatories are a separate ticket.
• Chinatown: food, drink and temples together — go in the late afternoon.
• Jewel Changi: inside the airport, a stop in its own right on a long connection.

Taiwan

• Taipei 101: observation deck and city views; quieter on weekdays.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: the changing of the guard happens every hour.
• Jiufen Old Street: lantern-lit streets on a mountainside — go in the late afternoon.
• Taroko National Park: a marble canyon, a full-day trip from Taipei.

Georgia

The easiest Asian destination to reach from Türkiye. The flight is an hour and a half, there are direct services from many cities, and prices are low. If you're not ready for a long Asia flight, it's an ideal way into the region.

• Tiflis Old Town and Narikala: cable car up to the fortress, sunset views.
• Abanotubani Sulphur Baths: under the old town, a traditional bathhouse experience.
• Mtsheta & Svetitskhoveli: the old capital, a half-day trip from Tbilisi.
• Kazbegi & Gergeti Trinity Church: mountain views, a full day from Tbilisi.
• Batumi Boulevard: Black Sea coast, lively in summer.
• Uplistsikhe Cave City: an ancient settlement carved into the rock.
• Vardzia Cave City: a multi-storey cave monastery, and a long journey to reach it.
• Svaneti (Mestia): tower houses and high mountains; at least two nights.
• Kakheti Wine Region: one of the oldest wine traditions in the world.
• Borjomi National Park: mineral water and forest walks.

Five rules for planning Asia

1. Plan at least 8–10 days; flight time and the time difference make short trips inefficient.
2. Pick the season by country: November–March is the dry season in South-east Asia; March–April and October–November in Japan.
3. Dress codes at temples and palaces are strict; pack something that covers shoulders and knees.
4. Arrive at popular stops between 07:00 and 08:00 — Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama become almost unwalkable later in the day.
5. Check visa and entry rules separately for each country; an electronic permit is enough in some, not in others.