Five top backpacker destinations in Asia
It’s hard to make any generalisations about Asia as it’s such a vast and diverse continent. Some Asian nations have little in the way of tourism whereas others have become a hotspots for backpackers looking for a new and exciting experiences.
In fact, there are many places in the continent that can provide you with a once in a lifetime backpacking experience you will never forget. Seeing them all is impossible feat for many though so here’s our list of the top five places you should visit in Asia if you are seeking a backpacking experience to remember.
1) Vietnam
Friendly locals, cheap prices and stunning scenery makes Vietnam an incredibly popular backpacker destination and for good reason. Whether you fancy riding a moped through the bustling streets, exploring the stunning Ha Long Bay, cruising down the Mekong Delta or crouching through underground tunnels used by the Viet-Cong, there is so much to do here.
Cities such as Hanoi and are bursting with life throughout the day, food stalls on almost every road, but you are never too far from quiet villages and dazzling countryside.
2) Thailand
Thailand is a place like no other and many of you will not be surprised to see it featured here. It’s Bangkok which is an absolute must for any stay in the country and the lively capital will never provide you with a dull moment. A ride in a Tuk Tuk Is an absolute must and be ready to haggle for the price, it’s something that will come in handy during your time here.
The Grand Palace is simply unmissable but there’s a whole host of other grand, glistening architecture in the city. Further south and the beautiful Phi Phi Islands will take your breath away. Be sure to give snorkelling a go when there too in order to explore its beauty in full.
3) Cambodia
Sandwiched between Vietnam and Thailand you’ll find the fascinating country that is Cambodia. You’ll need a visa, costing $30, to enter the country but it’s a small price to pay for what is on offer. Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, is truly breath-taking and it’s worth travelling to the country to see this alone.
It’s so vast that some people choose to spend several days at the site as they try and see as much as possible of its 162.6 hectares. While a rather underdeveloped nation by today’s standards, it has the benefit of having many areas largely untouched by tourists allowing for a truly authentic Asian experience.
4) India
Food is what India is known for and if it’s a type of cuisine you are keen on then you’ll no doubt love what’s on offer here. It’s particularly well catered for vegetarians too with such a large portion of the population being non-meat eaters. Many say that India should be seen as a continent in itself due to the radically different scenery on offer.
From the snowy Himalayas in the north to the lush greenery of Kerala, there is no shortage of changing landscapes in this incredible country. There is of course no forgetting the Taj Mahal, one of the most celebrated pieces of architecture in the world.
5) South Korea
Unlike the other four options on the list, South Korea is far from an inexpensive option but it’s worth mentioning for any backpacker with a larger budget. You’ll be taken aback by how incredibly developed this nation is it its urban centres such as Seoul and Busan.
Bright lights illuminate the pristine streets and almost every gadget and gizmo you can think of will feature at some point. There is another side to the country through, the tranquil countryside is never far away and places such as the mountainous Gwangdeoksan or popular honeymoon destination, Jeju Island.