Best Asian Countries To Visit For First-Timers

I felt at home from the first moment I touched down in Thailand — I felt welcome. Welcome to discover the eclectic tastes and aromas of Bangkok's street food stalls, the ornate temples and towering waterfalls up north in Chiang Rai and the myriad islands that dot the waters of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. And I felt welcome, of course, by the Thai people, whether by physical gestures like the wai (bow) or the friendly smile everyone seems to wear in this famously happy country.

This is why Thailand is always first to mind when I'm making recommendations to first-time travelers to Asia. Practical aspects of exploring the Kingdom also contribute to this. A lot of people in Thailand speak English, so even if you don't take the time to learn a few words of the Thai language (though I absolutely recommend that you do), you'll be able to get around easily. Low-cost airlines connect Bangkok to all corners of Thailand cheaply and with amazing frequency, which further invites you to discover and explore.

Thailand is much bigger than it looks on the map, so you can easily spend a few weeks here, ideally split between Bangkok, the northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and island paradises like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and beyond. However, if you want to branch out, fear not. You can travel overland from Thailand to neighboring countries like Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia, while traveler-favorite Vietnam is just a short flight away.

The Philippines is a country where every experience is a great time, even carting along a winding mountain road in a packed-to-the-gills Jeepney, a vehicle that locals in rural parts of the country use like a bus. Then there are the people: Filipinos exude a love for life that makes every interaction feel unforgettable.

Another aspect of the Philippines that makes it one of the best places to visit in Asia? The variety of attractions, of course. You'll only visit a small fraction of the thousands of islands that comprise the country, but whether you're in North Luzon at the ancient Banaue Rice Terraces or snorkeling amid the perfectly clear waters in the Coron Lagoon of Palawan in the south, you'll feel like you've set foot on another planet, where everything is paradise.

My advice when planning your trip? Pace yourself. Although the Philippines is well-connected by plane from its capital Manila, it's much bigger than it looks on the map. Pick a couple of islands to explore down south (maybe big-box Boracay or off-the-beaten path Siargao, in addition to Palawan), and then some non-beach destinations like Bohol's Chocolate Hills or Ta'al, a unique landform near Manila that comprises a lake inside a volcano inside another lake!

I love Asia because it pushes my boundaries and takes me out of my comfort zone, though sometimes I crave familiarity and even ease when exploring the continent. When this urge strikes, I usually board the next flight to one of two places: Hong Kong or Singapore. While these cities are incredibly different from one another, they're both destinations defined by multiculturalism whose staggering wealth makes them a great place to rest and recharge.

The first time I visited Hong Kong, what struck me was its diversity. As I strolled beneath the neon lights of the bustling Kowloon district, it seemed like every person I passed was from a different country! Other appealing reasons to add Hong Kong to your Asia trip include cheap electronics shopping on offer in Mong Kok, the amazing view from Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island and the ease of discovering delicious Cantonese cuisine — think roasted duck and pork-filled dumplings — as you wander through Hong Kong's storied streets.

Singapore is similarly eclectic — this tiny country has four official languages! One way to spend a day in Singapore is by exploring each of the city's ethnic enclaves, from Little India to Chinatown to Arab Street to Kampong Glam, home to Singapore's Malay community. You can also enjoy the city-state's diversity in terms of the activities you prioritize. Spend your afternoon shopping along Orchard Road and visiting the lush Singapore Botanic Garden. As the sun sets, ascend to the rooftop of the futuristic Marina Bay Sands Hotel for a cocktail with a view, then end amid the otherworldly "trees" of the spacey Gardens by the Bay.