Ancient civilizations
Temples, palaces and thousand-year-old cities reflect exceptional heritage, from the Buddhist and Hindu sites of South Asia to the historic ensembles of China and Japan.
Asia, between ancient civilizations and modernity
The world's largest continent, Asia unfolds a striking diversity of landscapes and cultures. From thousand-year-old temples to ultramodern megacities, from the Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches, it offers journeys full of contrast and discovery.
- 15 countries
Why travel to Asia?
Asia draws visitors with its ancient civilizations, cultural diversity and immense landscapes, from deserts to tropical jungles. Temples, dynamic megacities, renowned cuisine and spectacular nature make it a top choice for travellers seeking new horizons.
What to discover in Asia?
Asia is the largest and most populous continent, which translates into an unrivalled variety of experiences. You can explore some of the world's oldest civilizations, with their temples, palaces and historic cities, from the Taj Mahal to the temples of Angkor and the Great Wall of China.
The continent fascinates through its contrasts: connected megacities such as Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore sit alongside preserved villages, terraced rice fields and Himalayan summits. Travellers find tropical beaches in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia as well as deserts in Central Asia or the Middle East. The cuisine, remarkably rich, varies deeply from one region to another, from Indian curries to Japanese noodles. Spirituality, lively markets, wildlife and renowned hospitality make Asia an ideal continent for long, immersive itineraries blending culture, nature and culinary discovery.
Countries of Asia
Discover the countries that make up the Asian continent and easily plan your next travel stages.
Cities to visit in Asia
Featured destinations appear first.
Asia in pictures
Temples, megacities and spectacular nature: explore Asia in pictures to prepare a trip full of contrasts.
Asia's highlights
Asia combines ancient civilizations, modernity, magnificent nature and renowned cuisine.
Natural landscapes
Himalayan peaks, terraced rice fields, jungles, deserts and tropical beaches offer a variety of settings suited to both hiking and relaxation.
Modern megacities
Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul and Shanghai blend innovation, skyscrapers, efficient transport and nightlife, contrasting with preserved rural regions.
Local cuisine
From spicy curries to sushi and Southeast Asian street food, Asian cuisine is among the most diverse and beloved in the world.
Spirituality and traditions
Buddhist temples, Hindu shrines and meditation sites shape daily life, offering immersion in living, deeply rooted spiritual traditions.
Affordable destinations
Southeast Asia is among the most budget-friendly regions in the world to travel, with accommodation, food and transport accessible to all budgets.
Practical information about Asia
- Number of countries
- About 48 countries
- Approximate area
- About 44.5 million km²
- Approximate population
- About 4.7 billion inhabitants
- Main languages
- Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, Bengali, Japanese, Indonesian and many others
- Time zones
- Several, roughly UTC+2 to UTC+12
- Dominant climate
- Highly varied: tropical, desert, continental and mountain
- Best season
- Varies by region, often October to March in Southeast Asia
- Travel formalities
- Visa often required, conditions specific to each country
Frequently asked questions about Asia
How many countries make up Asia?
Asia has about 48 recognized countries, making it the largest and most populous continent. The count may vary depending on the status given to transcontinental states and certain territories.
When is the best time to travel to Asia?
It depends on the region. Southeast Asia is best from October to March, during the dry season. Japan is pleasant in spring and autumn, while the Himalayas are best explored before or after the monsoon.
Do I need a visa to travel to Asia?
Requirements vary widely from one country to another. Some offer visa exemption or visa on arrival, others require a prior application, sometimes online. It is essential to check the conditions of the country visited before departure.
Which countries should I visit for a first trip to Asia?
Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia are among the most accessible destinations. They offer good tourist infrastructure, great landscape diversity and renowned cuisine.
What budget should I plan for a trip to Asia?
The budget varies enormously by country. Southeast Asia remains very affordable for accommodation and food, while Japan, Singapore and South Korea have a noticeably higher cost of living.
Is Asia suitable for family travel?
Many Asian countries welcome families, with beaches, nature parks and renowned hospitality. Japan, Thailand and Malaysia offer suitable infrastructure and varied activities for all ages.
Explore the other continents
Continue your trip around the world and discover more destinations.
Plan your trip to Asia
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