Best Things to Do in Asia: Unique Experiences Across the Continent

Few regions offer the diversity of cultures, cuisines, landscapes, and traditions as Asia. Where else can you learn a craft passed down through generations, explore ancient temples hidden in the jungle, dine at Michelin-recognised street food stalls, and encounter some of the planet's most remarkable wildlife, all within a single trip? The best things to do in Asia aren't just attractions; they're experiences deeply connected to the people, histories, and customs that make each destination unique.

This guide highlights some of the best things to do in Asia, from cultural discoveries and outdoor adventures to extraordinary food experiences and lesser-known destinations that reveal a different side of the continent.

• Cultural experiences: Tea ceremony in Kyoto, cooking class in Bangkok, and historic walks in Old Phuket Town

• Adventure experiences: Trekking in Sapa; wildlife spotting in Borneo, cycling through Angkor Archaeological Park, and whale shark encounters in Cebu

• Food and culinary experiences: Hawker centre dining in Singapore, traditional hanok dining in Jeonju, and street food in George Town

• Off-the-beaten-track experiences: Witnessing the alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang and exploring the creative culture of Yogyakarta

Book a hotel in Asia

From centuries-old traditions and local food cultures to historic towns shaped by global trade, Asia offers countless ways to connect with the people, stories, and customs that have defined the region for generations.

Best for: Cultural immersion

A traditional tea ceremony, or chanoyu, offers a window into Japanese culture through centuries-old rituals centred on hospitality, mindfulness, and matcha tea. Kyoto is one of the best places to experience it, particularly in the historic districts of Gion and Higashiyama, where ceremonies are often held in traditional teahouses surrounded by gardens and wooden townhouses.

You'll typically be welcomed into a tatami room, learn the etiquette of receiving and drinking matcha, and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets served alongside the tea. Many travellers combine a ceremony with visits to nearby attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, or the gardens around Maruyama Park, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Kyoto.

Where to stay: Located beside Kyoto Station, Mercure Kyoto Station provides easy access to Kyoto's historic districts and many of the city's popular tea ceremony venues and cultural attractions.

Best for: Food lovers

Thai cuisine is renowned for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami flavours, with dishes often combining fresh herbs, fragrant spices, and ingredients sourced from local markets. Bangkok is at the heart of Thailand's food culture, making it one of the best places to learn the techniques behind iconic dishes such as green curry, pad Thai, tom yum soup, and mango sticky rice.

Many cooking classes begin with a visit to a local market, where you'll learn about ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and Thai basil before preparing a traditional meal under the guidance of local chefs. Beyond mastering recipes, you'll gain insight into the regional influences, family traditions, and street food culture that have made Thai cuisine one of the world's most celebrated.

Where to stay: Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok is conveniently located near several well-known cooking schools and food tour operators in central Bangkok, making it an ideal base for travellers looking to explore the city's culinary scene.

Best for: Historic walks

Asia is home to some of the world's most fascinating historic towns, where centuries-old architecture, cultural traditions, and local stories reveal the region's rich history. Old Phuket Town is one of the best examples, with colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings, ornate Chinese shrines, and heritage mansions reflecting Phuket's past as a thriving tin-mining and trading hub.

A walk through Old Phuket Town reveals the stories behind landmarks such as Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, and the former merchant houses that line the district's streets. Along the way, you'll learn how Chinese, Thai, and European influences helped shape Phuket's culture, cuisine, and architecture, offering a different perspective on an island better known for its beaches. It's one of the most rewarding ways to experience the region's history while exploring one of Thailand's most distinctive heritage precincts.

Where to stay: Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra is located around one kilometre from Old Phuket Town, making it easy to explore the historic district's museums, markets, and heritage buildings on foot.

From trekking through rice terraces and ancient rainforests to paddling between limestone islands and exploring underwater worlds, Asia is home to some of the world's most unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Best for: Scenic hiking

Carved into the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa's rice terraces are among Asia's most iconic landscapes. Built by ethnic minority communities over centuries, these cascading fields transform with the seasons, from vibrant green during the growing period to golden hues at harvest time.

Trekking routes range from half-day walks to multi-day hikes through valleys, villages, and mountain trails. Along the way, you'll meet local Hmong and Dao communities, learn about traditional farming practices, and experience a side of Vietnam that feels worlds away from its bustling cities.

Where to stay: Hotel de la Coupole Sapa - MGallery Collection combines French Indochine-inspired design with sweeping mountain views, creating a memorable base for exploring Sapa's rice terraces and trekking trails.

Best for: Wildlife encounters

Home to one of the world's oldest rainforests, Borneo offers the chance to see wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Its vast forests are home to orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and countless other species, making it one of Asia's premier destinations for nature lovers.

Guided treks and river safaris take visitors deep into protected rainforest habitats, where local guides share insights into the region's extraordinary biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts. It's one of the few places in Asia where spotting wild orangutans remains a realistic possibility.

Where to stay: Mercure Miri City Centre offers a comfortable gateway to Borneo's ancient rainforests, making it an ideal base for wildlife encounters and nature-filled adventures.

Best for: Active sightseeing

Spanning more than 400 square kilometres, Angkor Archaeological Park is one of the largest religious monument complexes in the world. Exploring it by bicycle allows you to venture beyond the most visited temples and discover quieter corners of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cycling routes connect famous landmarks such as Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm, while shaded forest paths reveal lesser-known ruins hidden among the jungle. It's an active and immersive way to experience one of Asia's most important historical sites.

Where to stay: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort combines Khmer-inspired elegance with a location near Angkor's iconic temples, making it a memorable base for exploring the archaeological park by bicycle.

Best for: Marine adventures

Swimming alongside whale sharks in Oslob is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Asia. Located on Cebu's southern coast, Oslob is known for its whale shark encounters, giving travellers the rare opportunity to observe the world's largest fish up close in crystal-clear waters. Whether you're snorkelling or diving, seeing these gentle giants glide effortlessly through the ocean is a truly humbling experience.

Beyond Oslob, Cebu is home to some of the Philippines' most celebrated dive sites. Divers can head to Malapascua Island for the chance to spot thresher sharks, explore colourful coral reefs around Moalboal, or witness the famous sardine run just offshore. Together, these experiences make Cebu one of Southeast Asia's premier destinations for marine adventure.

Where to stay: Mövenpick Cebu offers a beachfront base on Mactan Island, where vibrant coral reefs, island-hopping excursions, and diving experiences extend the adventure beyond Oslob's whale shark encounters.

From bustling hawker centres and street food markets to centuries-old culinary traditions, Asia offers some of the world's most memorable food experiences.

Best for: Affordable Michelin-recognised dining

Singapore's street food scene is so highly regarded that several hawker stalls have earned Michelin recognition, making it one of the best places in Asia to experience world-class food at accessible prices. From bustling hawker centres to family-run stalls, Singapore's street food introduces travellers to dishes shaped by the city's Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences.

Expect to sample local favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, satay, and chilli crab while learning how generations of hawkers have helped define Singapore's dining culture. Exploring bustling food centres such as Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Old Airport Road Food Centre offers a delicious insight into everyday life in the city.

Where to stay: ibis Singapore on Bencoolen places you near some of Singapore's most celebrated hawker centres, from Albert Centre and Tekka Centre to the food streets of Bugis and Little India, making it an ideal base for discovering the city's diverse culinary culture.

Best for: Traditional cuisine

Widely regarded as the birthplace of bibimbap, Jeonju is one of South Korea's most celebrated food destinations and is designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Beyond individual dishes, the city is known for preserving traditional Korean dining culture, where meals are built around seasonal ingredients and an abundance of small side dishes known as banchan.

Dining in a traditional hanok, a centuries-old Korean house, offers a deeper connection to the country's culinary heritage. Expect beautifully presented spreads featuring bibimbap, grilled meats, fermented vegetables, and local specialities served in an atmosphere that reflects Korea's rich cultural traditions. It's one of the most immersive ways to experience Korean cuisine beyond the bustling markets of Seoul.

Where to stay: ibis Styles Ambassador Jeonju City Centre is located approximately 2 km from Jeonju Hanok Village, making it a convenient base for exploring the city's renowned food culture and traditional Korean architecture.

Best for: Street food enthusiasts

George Town in Penang is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia's great food capitals, where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences have blended over centuries to create a culinary scene unlike anywhere else in the region. Beyond the food itself, part of the appeal lies in the setting: dining among heritage shophouses, bustling hawker centers, and lantern-lit streets in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city.

Local favorites include smoky char kway teow cooked over high heat, tangy assam laksa, fragrant nasi kandar, and refreshing bowls of cendol. As day turns to night, food streets and hawker stalls come alive with the sounds of sizzling woks and queues of locals waiting for their favorite dishes, making it one of the most memorable culinary experiences in Asia.

Where to stay: Mercure Penang Beach offers easy access to George Town, making it a relaxing base for evenings spent exploring Penang's renowned street food scene and heritage streets.

Some of Asia's most memorable experiences can be found beyond the major tourism centres. From cultural capitals to emerging creative hubs, these destinations offer a chance to experience a different side of the region.

Best for: Slow travel

Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, Luang Prabang offers a glimpse into a slower side of Southeast Asia, where Buddhist traditions, river life, and local customs remain central to daily life. The city is best known for its centuries-old alms-giving ceremony, where hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk through the streets at dawn to collect food offerings from residents.

Visitors can wake before sunrise to witness this sacred ritual, cruise along the Mekong River to rural villages and cave temples, browse the city's vibrant night market, or cool off beneath the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Falls. Combined with its laid-back atmosphere and beautifully preserved architecture, Luang Prabang offers one of the most immersive cultural experiences in Asia.

Where to stay: 3 Nagas Hotel Luang Prabang - MGallery Collection is located in the heart of Luang Prabang's UNESCO-listed old town, placing you within walking distance of the city's temples, night market, and centuries-old alms-giving ceremony.

Best for: Arts and local culture

Often overshadowed by Bali, Yogyakarta is considered the cultural and creative heart of Java, where traditional crafts, performing arts, and contemporary creativity continue to flourish side by side. The city is particularly renowned for batik, a UNESCO-recognised textile art, alongside its thriving communities of painters, musicians, puppeteers, and artisans who have helped shape Indonesian culture for generations.

Visitors can learn the centuries-old craft of batik-making, watch traditional wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performances, browse artist studios and galleries, and explore the Sultan's Palace, where Javanese cultural traditions are still preserved today. Spend three or four days exploring Yogyakarta, including visits to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The city offers one of the most immersive ways to experience Indonesia's creative and cultural identity beyond its beaches and islands.

Where to stay: Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro places you in the heart of the city, steps from Malioboro Street and within easy reach of Yogyakarta's galleries, craft markets, and cultural landmarks.

From learning the art of Japanese tea ceremonies and diving with whale sharks in the Philippines to discovering Buddhist traditions in Laos and street food in Penang, Asia offers experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Book your accommodation directly through ALL.com or the ALL Accor app to enjoy the best available rates and discover Accor's extensive collection of hotels across Asia. Join the free ALL Accor loyalty programme to unlock member benefits, earn Reward points on eligible stays, and access exclusive offers as you explore the continent's most unforgettable destinations.

Asia is a vast region, so even a single country can easily fill a week or more of travel. If you're planning to visit multiple destinations, allow at least two weeks to combine cultural experiences, food discoveries, outdoor adventures, and travel time between locations.

The best destination in Asia for first-time visitors depends on your interests. Japan is ideal for culture and tradition, Thailand combines food, beaches, and city experiences, while Singapore offers an easy introduction to Asia's multicultural food scene. Many travellers combine several destinations in Asia to experience the region's diversity.

Major cities across Asia are connected by extensive flight networks, while high-speed rail links operate in destinations such as Japan and South Korea. The best way to travel between countries in Asia is usually by flying. Regional flights often make it easy to combine multiple countries within a single itinerary.

Asia can be a good destination for sustainable and responsible travel, with many destinations offering opportunities to support local communities through cultural experiences, family-run businesses, local guides, and community tourism initiatives. Choosing locally led experiences can help contribute directly to regional economies and cultural preservation.

If you’re planning a trip to multiple countries in Asia, packing requirements will vary depending on your itinerary. Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle are useful for most destinations, while hiking gear, swimwear, or modest clothing for religious sites may be needed depending on your travel plans.

There's no single best time to visit Asia because climates vary significantly across the region. Research the weather patterns for your chosen destinations before booking, particularly if you're planning outdoor activities, wildlife experiences, or beach holidays.