4 Attractive Destinations to Travel in Far East Asia
Far East Asia – a myriad of different cultures and languages, warm and welcoming people, and a variety of stunning landscapes to discover. These are just some of the reasons why holidaymakers are swayed to look here for their holidays. So where to start? In this article, we attempt to narrow down Far East Asia into four ‘must-visit’ holiday destinations. It isn’t easy to make a choice! Okay, without further ado, here are four destinations that make the list.
But First, Where is Far East Asia?
As the word says, it’s the farthest region on the East of the Asian continent. Specifically, the Far East countries in Asia include:
| Region | Country | Capital |
| North Asia | Russia | Moscow |
| East Asia | China | Beijing |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong | |
| Macau | Macau | |
| Japan | Tokyo | |
| Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | |
| North Korea | Pyongyang | |
| South Korea | Seoul | |
| Taiwan | Taipei | |
| Southeast Asia | Brunei | Bandar Seri Begawan |
| Cambodia | Phnom Penh | |
| East Timor | Dili | |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | |
| Laos | Vientiane | |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Naypyidaw | |
| Philippines | Manila | |
| Singapore | Singapore | |
| Thailand | Bangkok | |
| Vietnam | Hanoi |
There are 20 countries in Far East Asia on the list. Traveling to all the 20 would definitely cost you a lot of time. However, you could start with the 4 beautiful countries picked in this post.
1. Malaysia
Malaysia is a country that is still a little off the main tourist trail, but it certainly warrants a visit. Particularly, it is one of the best examples of how different cultures can harmoniously coexist in one country, and the result is a vibrant mix of people, languages, and without a doubt – food! The capital Kuala Lumpur is a sweltering metropolis packed with intrigue and interest. Towering over the city are the two Petronas skyscrapers, which offer a simply stunning vista over the city. Then, there are the Batu Caves with majestic Hindu temples nestled into the limestone hill landscape. To partly enjoy the fascinating city, it would take you at least 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.
And how about Penang? Known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, this island off the coast is home to Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many gems remaining from its British colonial past. Here, there is an intoxicating mix of Chinese, Indian, and Malay culture, and that means scrumptious food from street-side tandoor ovens to bustling Chinese chicken eateries. Over on the mainland is the Cameron Highlands region where you can arrange a guided trek through the breathtaking trails; taking in the forests, valleys, peaks, and brilliant examples of wildlife. Ready for the beach? That’s no problem, as on the Malaysian island of Langkawi you can take in a spot of rest and relaxation on the Andaman Sea.
2. Japan
Japan is a country with many spellbinding landscapes, climates, and islands. It can be hard to create an itinerary that takes in all you want to see, but here are some of the highlights. To illustrate, Mount Fuji, on the island of Honshu, holds the status of being the highest volcano in the country. Ensure your tour takes in this genuinely remarkable natural landmark, which is one of the country’s three Holy Mountains. You can climb the mountain, and there are even opportunities for paragliding.
Looking for Japanese wildlife? Don’t forget to marvel at the snow monkeys, also known as Japanese macaque, which live on the islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Besides that, the cultural capital Kyoto‘s temples are another top attraction. Indeed, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also include shrines and a castle. They are worth devoting at least a day to as you savor the splendid scenery and timeless architecture.
When it comes to transport systems, you can find that Japan is revered all over the world for its efficiency. Yes, you can hop on a bullet train any time you like and experience speeds of up to 200mph. The trains encompass a large area of the country and are used by over a billion passengers a year.
Have you heard of the Japanese Alps? They are a group of mountain ranges on Honshu. Perfect for treks, skiing, and letting the breathtaking landscape embrace your senses. Additionally, don’t forget about Himeji Castle, the majestic hilltop fortification in Hyogo which was in use all the way from the 1300s to 1800s.
3. Thailand
Thailand, the ‘Land of Smiles’, has so much to offer to different types of tourists. Culture vultures have the Grand Palace and temples of Bangkok to explore, with the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya just a short journey away. Those in love with mountain vistas can head north to Chiang Mai; a cosmopolitan city with a large ex-pat community. Also, that place offers a plethora of nature-based activities.
Heading south and you have a choice of two seas, the Andaman and the Gulf of Thailand. They both have a huge lineup of water-based activities including surfing, kiteboarding, and wakeboarding, as well as detox and spa resorts. In particular, to those who love the sea and the islands, an itinerary to the South of Thailand is especially something you must do in the Far East Asia region. In addition, for those in search of the ‘real Thai’ experience, there is the vast northeastern region of Issan beckons with its notoriously spicy cuisine, or sex tourism is a real industry in some parts of Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.
4. Vietnam
Among the Far East Asia countries, Vietnam is recently a just-discovered gem that’s honing and exposing. From the North to the South, the country has different parts with its own beauties. Definitely, you will enjoy riding a motorbike over the hills and watching beautiful flowers and rice terraces in the Northern mountain area. Or, you can spend time relaxing at the top-notch resorts in the coastal areas in the Middle. Furthermore, the highland in the Middle of Vietnam could impress any visitors with its rich nature with mountains and forests, marking it the ‘hot’ spot for trekking lovers. Moreover, in the South, you would be interested in the whole Mekong Delta region with its main transportation being the boat, and of course, home to the floating markets.
It would be unsuitable to mention the most vibrant and lively city in the country – Ho Chi Minh City here. However, the World Heritage Sites would be more appropriate as a travel topic. In Vietnam, there are World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO such as Complex of Hue Monuments, My Son Sanctuary, Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi, Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, Trang An Landscape Complex. On top of that, just a quick additional note, on July 16th, 2019, Google Doodle honored Hoi An Ancient Town, also a World Heritage Site, the most charming city in 2019.
How about traveling to Vietnam for food? I’m sure you will find your decision is absolutely right. Especially, Vietnamese cuisine is honored among the top 10 in the world. In each land, the locals have their own masterpieces of food and fruit that can surprise any food lover. To list and describe in detail all the Vietnamese foods may cost me hundreds of A4 papers. Nevertheless, there are some iconic dishes in each area that you can take a try such as Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm of the North, Mì Quảng of the Middle, and Cơm Tấm of the South.
It’s Time to Travel to Far East Asia
Those are just four of the destinations Far East Asia has to offer. With a large network of flight routes offering affordable transport from all over the world, there has never been a better time to tick the region off your bucket list.
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READ MORE POSTS ON THOSE COUNTRIES
I hope this post brings you some ideas about your next travel destination. If you would love to read more about places in the 4 top Far East Asian countries, here are those:
Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
42 Comments
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Khoi Nguyen
Glad that you love Vietnamese cuisine! It’s truly great!
Japanese also is a really really must-visiting country in Asia. You should put it on top of your bucket list.
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Just One Passport
I certainly would have a difficult time deciding which one to go to.i love the sound of Thailand as it offers both culture and water sports. I especially would love to visit the temples.
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Khoi Nguyen
Yes, Thailand is one of the central of travel in the SEA. With its water sports, and rich culture, I believe you will have a great trip there 😉
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Crickette, Former DramaQueen
Been to Malaysia before and I was there for like 9 days. I visited Penang, Malacca and Sepang. Kuala Lumpur is boring, I think, but the food in Malaysia (in general) is really good. I’m set to go to Vietnam next month and I’m quite excited as it will be my first time.
I hope we have fun!
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Khoi Nguyen
Great to see you have a great time in Malaysia. And I’m sure you will more awesome time traveling in Vietnam, too!
I currently live in Vietnam and write a lot about the country if you would like to get more info.-
Crickette, Former DramaQueen
Oh good. I will visit your site again for tips. If you have good ones, feel free to send over the links here in the comments. 🙂
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Khoi Nguyen
I will
If you need any info while traveling in Vietnam feel free to contact me via my blog 🙂 Enjoy the trip!
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Sincerely Jackline
Japan, aaaww.. It’s number one on my bucket list.. Reading things about it makes me crave for a visit there even more.. 😢
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Catherine Santiago Jose
You have a great lists of beautiful countries to visit and now I am having a difficulty to decide which where to go.
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Khoi Nguyen
You could start with any country in the list of 4. How about Vietnam > Thailand > Malaysia > Japan?
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Emily Fata
Wow, this looks like such a stunning place to visit! Though I’ve not been myself, I’d love to go experience it one day, too.
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Khoi Nguyen
You should note it in your bucket list to not regret missing it in your life 😉
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Kuntala Banerjee Bhattacharya
Cool options. I have been to Malaysia. Thailand is planned next year. Japan is there in my bucket list. Vietnam I have not thought about. Well I think you can also include Bhutan, India, Singapore, Nepal and Sri Lanka in your next series maybe. I have visited them all and I am an Indian. Just a suggestion.
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Khoi Nguyen
Thanks for your suggestions! I will put them on my list and perhaps will have them on the next series 😉
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Chad
I’ve been to Thailand but not to Japan, Malaysia or Vietnam! I can’t wait to visit all these gorgeous countries…
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Khoi Nguyen
I’m sure you will find your life so interesting after visiting the rest 3 countries 😉
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Lavern Moore
This is a place that I would really enjoy visiting. Your review and images are so compelling! Making plans to visit now!
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Khoi Nguyen
Sounds great!
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Sushmita Malakar
I am yet to visit Japan. Thailand is completely a beach lover’s paradise! <3
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Khoi Nguyen
Check out Vietnam, you will find another paradise with beautiful beaches.
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thebusyboymama
My husband’s maternal side is from Vietnam so he’s always wanted to go there someday!
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Khoi Nguyen
You should go with him ASAP to see how beautiful your husband’s maternal country is. I’m sure you will love Vietnam 🙂
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Pink Frenzy/Öku Möku (@Pink_Frenzy)
I would love to visit Japan. It seems so magical place x
Laura
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Khoi Nguyen
Yes it is! 🙂
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Khoi Nguyen
Definitely! Hope you will have a great trip in Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam 🙂
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Mudpiefridays
Thank you for sharing this wonderful list. Never been to Malaysia.but definitely adding this to my travel list.
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Khoi Nguyen
Malaysia has a lot of beautiful destinations that I’m sure you will find it awesome!
I have Malaysia posts that you may love to check. Hope it gives you info for your trip!
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Dalene Ekirapa
On my bucket list, I have Japan, Malaysia then Thailand! I can’t wait to get to those countries and actually see all the beauty with my eyes.
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Khoi Nguyen
I’m sure you will enjoy your trip a lot. Perhaps you would want to add Vietnam to your list, it’s a great country to travel too!
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Khoi Nguyen
Glad that you like the list! 🙂
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Nina | Lemons and Luggage
They all seem really interesting, but I think Vietnam interests me the most.
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Khoi Nguyen
I agree with you 100%
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Angela Giles
Awesome list! I want to go to Japan and Thailand.
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Khoi Nguyen
Me too! 😀
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Wanderlust Arts
I am saving this post! I am planning my honeymoon and we want to go to Japan. However, I would love to do one week in Japan and one week in Thailand, but my SO wants to focus on Japan… I need to find as many articles as I can to convince him lol
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Wanderlust Arts
I’ll definitely check it out!
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Anna
“Enjoyed reading your blog and looking at your photos.
x0x0,
Anna
❥-
Khoi Nguyen
Thank you a lot! Your comment made my day 🙂
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aniajames
From your list of four the only one I haven’t been and want to visit is Japan. And I really love Vietnam 😉 its a great foodie place