We love traveling in Asia! That’s why we have returned to Japan to live for another few years. We’ve been to Japan numerous times, but of course we’ve done the bulk of our Japan travels during the years that we’ve lived here.
In total, we’ve lived in Japan 4 years, and we’re still going. We’ve also lived in South Korea. We lived there for three years, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
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Mostly what we love about living in Asia it is such a large area and we are closer to so many countries, so we are ready to hop on a plane to explore them. We have almost visited half of the countries in Asia, as we’ve been to 21 out of 47.
Needless to say there is a lot more to do. Please click on the links below to see some of our photos and read some of our tales of adventure.
Brunei Darussalam
We didn’t spend much time in this tiny country, but we as we were traveling on the island of Borneo, who could pass up the chance. Check out what we did for the 36 hours we were there.
Cambodia
On a two week trip to Southeast Asia, we traveled around Vietnam and Cambodia. Our main reason for going was to see the world heritage site, Angor Wat.
China
We’ve been to China twice and certainly plan on going again. There’s so much to do and see. Checking off walking on the Great Wall is something that we’ll never forget. Beijing is great, but our favorite city is Xian, because we had the most amazing time with some locals there.
Hong Kong
One of the best places to start your Asian travels, Hong Kong is such a great mix of Chinese and British. It’s easy to navigate, but it has that Asian chaotic feel at the same time.
A couple of our best memories were visiting the Wishing Tree Temple, heading up Victoria Peak, and eating amazing food.
India
It’s been some time since we visited India, but we loved the colors, the people, and it’s definitely one of the best cuisines in the world. Some of our favorite places were Rajasthan, Veranasi, and taking a backwater cruise through Kerala.
Indonesia
Indonesia is one of those countries that we keep going back to again and again. We’ve been to Bali, Flores, Komodo National Park, Yogyakarta, and some amazing temples like Borobudur and Prambanan.
It’s an easy country to travel in budget-wise. You can really stretch your dollars, and the sights are amazing. I love that each island has its own personality, specialty foods, and of course things to do.
Israel
Israel, what a country! It’s at once ancient, religious, and such a mixture of culture and diversity. The cities are modern, the historical sights will take your breath away, and the food is amazing.
We drove all over the country, and some of the things we loved are Caesarea, the incense cities, Tel Aviv, and of course Jerusalem. Oh, and we had the best hummus we’d ever had!
Japan
One of our favorite countries in the world, Japan is all at once exotic, clean, easy to navigate, has some of the most courteous people in the world, and the food is completely different than anywhere else.
From temples to festivals, Tokyo to Sapporo, there is so much to do and see. It just never gets old. They have the best themed restaurants, sumo wrestling, anime and manga, kawaii culture, supreme bathing, and so much more.
Jordan
Having initially gone to Jordan to experience the world heritage site of Petra, we were so surprised how much there is to see and do in this fantastic country. The historical sites dating back thousands of year to include important religious sites as well as Roman ruins and gorgeous desert vistas.
Malaysia
Malaysia is another country we keep going back to over and over again. It’s something to do with the beauty of the countryside, the amazing fauna and flora, the tasty foods, and fun, almost chaotic cities like Kuala Lumpur.
From Proboscis monkeys to mouse deer, stunning national parks and gorgeous architecture and handicrafts, Malaysia really has so much to offer the traveler. It’s proximity to so much also makes it attractive for those that want to combine a couple of destinations in one vacation.
Mongolia
One of the most adventurous and fun trips we have ever taken was to Mongolia. Taking a Russian Van across the vast steppes was eye-opening, exotic, dusty, and just plain fun.
We stayed in locally owned gers, went camel riding in the lesser Gobi Desert, ate a local specialty called Khuushuur. We didn’t stay long in the capital city, Ulan Baator, but instead really embraced the old capital of Karakorum and the peacefulness of the rural countryside and Mongolia had to offer. I would go back in a heartbeat!
Philippines
Incredible bright green terraced rice fields climbing up into the sky, delicious roadside food stalls, and those incredibly colorful Jeepneys; what’s not to love about a trip to the World Heritage Banaue Rice Terraces in the Phillipines?
Qatar
A short trip, we spent only a layover in Doha, Qatar. However, it is a very small country, and I think we made the most out of it. Some of our must-see things to do are the traditional souks, the Museum of Islamic Arts, and the really cool Al Zubarah fort.
Singapore
One of the smallest countries in Asia, Singapore packs a punch! When people ask us where to start traveling in Asia, Singapore is always our answer, because everyone speaks English and it’s super clean and easy to navigate.
There is so much to do, great hotels, museums, and food! One of my all time favorite things was visiting the Gardens by the Bay, both day and night.
South Korea
Having lived in Daegu, South Korea for three years we grew to love the quirkiness and fun of the Korean people. This ancient culture grapples with the traditional versus the modern, and hey, they’re really making it work.
To hike and marvel at the beautiful temples is a tribute to their traditions and history, and then there is the modern day instagram worthy everything from libraries to statues, like the little men of Jeju Island.
However the very best thing about visiting Korea is the spicy food. Kimchee, fried chicken, even eggs have a Korean twist that make them oh so delectable.
Sri Lanka
We spent a week traveling around the big sites of Sri Lanka. It’s a beautiful island, and the historical sights and temples are stunning. My favorite place was probably Galle, because the beach was so pristine. Have you been?
Taiwan
After traveling to Taiwan a couple of times, we really like it as a stopover point. A few days here and there allow us to get some great food, take in a museum and walk around some of the gorgeous parks. Taipei is a modern city, and what I love to do there most is eat!
Thailand
Thailand is one of the few countries that Jim and I have not done together. We’ve both been, but just separately. I went with Devon and we enjoyed the regular tourist route, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. We keep meaning to go back, but it just hasn’t happened yet…but it will.
United Arab Emirates
UAE is one of the places that we’ve stopped over, in Dubai, many times. It’s a great place to explore for a few days then get back on the plane. Our favorite day was a full day of dune bashing, camel riding, and a night show out in the desert. So much fun!
Vietnam
Another country I’ve got to get back to. The first time we all went to Vietnam together as a family, and we loved Hanoi, Hoi An, and Hue. There’s so much more to do there, though.
Have you been to Asia? What did you enjoy most? Please tell us in the comment section.
Oh, they are all so special in their own way! However, Indonesia is definitely in my top three due to its stunning wilderness and friendly people.