Asia Travel in 2026

Asia Travel in 2026

Asia encompasses a vast variety of travel experiences from the somber temples of Japan to the ancient cultures of China, and the cosmopolitan beaches of Thailand to the stunning rivers of Vietnam and Cambodia. Exploring the region for many travelers means a multiple week excursion, due to the distances involved and numerous options to consider.

Best Travel Destinations in Asia in 2026

Explore’s 12-day Discover South Korea tour starts with exploration of the capital using only public transportation, sampling street food at Gwangjang Market, and browsing artisan crafts in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. Highlights include learning Sunmudo meditation and archery from Buddhist monks at Golgulsa Temple, hike up Namsan Mountain; optional cooking class or makgeolli brewing in Busan; Gwangju, a city once centered on Korea’s democratic and human rights movements and now cultural and artistic hub. 

In India, a 10-day Upgraded Highlights of India places travelers in storied heritage hotels like Jaipur’s 300-year-old Shahpura Haveli and Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. Highlights include a jeep safari through the Chambal Ravines, once a notorious hideout for dacoits who inspired countless Bollywood villains; sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal; a street food tour through Old Delhi’s spice-laden backstreets led by Salaam Baalak Trust, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that support for vulnerable youth; rickshaw ride through Jaipur’s bazaars; to a boat safari in search of crocodiles and the elusive Gangetic river dolphin. The journey also visits the Wildlife SOS elephant conservation center and the Mughal ruins of Bateshwar.

Best Attractions in Asia

Visitors to Asia have so many options that it’s difficult to cross the breadth of attractions. Some of the top things include: Japan’s Mount Fuji; Angkor Wot in Cambodia; Gardens by the Bay in Singapore; the Taj Mahal in India; China’s Great Wall; the impossibly tall Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur; and the Tea-Clad Mountains in Taiwan.

Must-See 2026 Events in Asia

The Kii Peninsula is a vibrant area with festivals year-round including the Oto Matsuri Festival on February 6, where men carry torches of sacred fire while racing 538 steep stones from Mt. Kamikura and the Shirahama Beach Firework Festival on August 10, where 3,000 fireworks light up the night sky.   

In Thailand, make sure not to miss Songkran, the world’s largest water festival, scheduled for April 13-15. The Thai New Year national holiday has become a popular focus point for travelers in the past few years. And to the north, in Chiang Mai, the Loy Krathong (floating) and Yi Peng (sky lantern) festivals in Thailand will be held from November 24-25.

Best Places for Family Travel in Asia in 2026

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, Bali, offers families a serene retreat combining culture, adventure, and luxury in an idyllic setting. Here, each villa offers privacy, ample space, and elegant indoor and outdoor living areas, along with a private infinity pool surrounded by tropical gardens. Families can enjoy a range of experiences tailored to all ages and interests. Mandapa Camp invites children to learn new skills and explore Balinese traditions through arts, music, and games. Other activities include tending to animals at the resort’s educational farm and crafting the traditional herbal drink, Jamu.

An eco-friendly oasis on the central coast of Vietnam, Zannier Bãi San Hô is located in the province of Phu Yen. This retreat spans 242 acres of gardens set between lush mountains and a private mile-long white sand beach. The property is far from the mainstream tourist paths yet only a 45-minute drive to the historical temple sites at Quy Nhon. There are 73 free-standing villas, 48 with private pools and all are designed with three unique architectural styles that harmonize with the surrounding landscape. It boasts a wide variety of cultural experiences as well as a vast of activities, including a spa, gym, a yoga studio, two tennis courts, badminton, and beach volleyball, a kids club, as well as a variety of water sports, ranging from surfing to wakeboarding to kayaking.

Best Places for Couples Travel in Asia in 2026

Bhaya Cruises in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam recently launched Bhaya Soul, the bay’s first all-inclusive wellness cruise. Designed for travellers seeking balance, beauty, and mindful exploration, the ship redefines the cruising experience with an immersive approach that nourishes body and mind. Bhaya Soul joins the company’s three other cruise boats. 

Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort in Thailand is a 5-star boutique luxury beachfront resort nestled between the Andaman Sea and a natural freshwater lagoon. It features 69 unique rooms and villas, including 12 pool villas, for intimate, elegant experiences and genuine hospitality. Dining options include the Bib Gourmand recognized Takola Thai restaurant (2021-2024) and the Michelin Guide mentioned Devasom Beach Grill | Bar (2021-2025).

The Retreat – Koh Chang, Thailand is a Thai family owned and operated resort and is surrounded by nature and shaped by stillness. Tucked between Kai Bae Beach and a quiet fishing village, it offers uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Zannier Phum Baitang is set within 20 acres of lush gardens and rice paddies near Siem Reap, the threshold to UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat. The 25 terrace villas and 20 pool villas capture the essence of traditional stilted Khmer homes. An authentic 100-year-old farmhouse pays homage to Cambodia’s history, furnished with rattan chairs to sip cocktails and watch the sunset over the 50m outdoor infinity pool. Two restaurants here offer locally inspired flavors and international favorites. The resort has earned accolades such as the ASEAN Green Hotel Award and Green Globe certification for its deep-rooted environmental ethos.

Best Places for Group Travel in Asia in 2026

Elite Havens has more than 250 high-end rentable villas suitable for couples, families, celebrations, and destination weddings Bali, Thailand (Phuket and Koh Samui), Goa, and  Niseko. Many of the villas have been designed by renowned architects from across Southeast Asia.  

Set off the West coast of Malaysia on a private island exclusive to guests, Pangkor Laut Resort is set amidst pristine ancient rainforests and beaches. This private island features 143 private rooms that compliment the island’s intimate surroundings. The five-star property offers a variety of luxurious villas to suit to guests’ desires. For larger groups or families, The Estates at Pangkor Laut Resort present an atmosphere reminiscent of the romantic lifestyle of a British estate manager of old Malaya. Situated on the northern part of the island, each of these eight private sanctuaries feature luxurious comforts that house up to four bedrooms, separate living and dining pavilions, as well as a private pool with dramatic views all set across acres of pristine rainforest.

Best Places for Solo Travel in Asia in 2026

Bali has long been recognized as a wonderful solo travel spot, especially for those looking for a tropical getaway. In the peaceful village of Pengembungan, HOSHINOYA Bali, offers solo travelers a luxurious escape that embraces Tri Hita Karana, the traditional Balinese philosophy for life, emphasizing harmony between the human, natural, and spiritual worlds. There are a range of immersive cultural and wellness experiences, including crafts workshops, dance lessons, and stretching and deep breathing.

Here, visitors can also explore ancient Hindu temples, majestic royal palaces, waterfalls, bungalow shops, and Bali’s vibrant green landscapes. 

On Vietnam’s central coast, Namia River Retreat  opened its doors in December 2024 on a secluded islet along the Thu Bon River. It offers all private pool villas and is a wellness-inclusive resort, where every stay includes traditional Vietnamese therapies, daily wellness rituals, and riverside cultural immersions. Solo travelers are invited to slow down, reconnect with themselves and the land, and rediscover the art of deep rest.

Tucked away in the tranquil Neyphu Valley, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary  is the first and only wellness-inclusive, 5-star resort in Bhutan. Designed for high-end travelers who value mindfulness, authenticity, and serenity, it offers more than just a place to stay, but an invitation to connect with Bhutanese traditions.

Goddess Retreats, an award-winning women’s-only retreat in Bali, offers curated, small-group journeys of transformation, blending yoga, healing, wellness, and cultural immersion for women from around the world. The immersive seven-day programs in Seminyak and Ubud span surf, fitness, pilates, padel, wellness, and healing experiences. The retreats were designed exclusively for women seeking meaningful, transformational travel experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit—with approximately 80% of guests choosing to travel solo, drawn by the safety and sisterhood that Goddess Retreats is known for.

Zentis Osaka, the city’s only Design Hotels member, features interior architecture and design by internationally-renowned designer Tara Bernerd. As digital nomads continue to abound and more people are embracing the joys of solo experiences, the hotel has launched a new stay package, just for one. Tailored to enhance the solo stay experience while giving guests the freedom to explore Osaka in their own way and at their own pace, the package includes: two nights in a choice of Studio, Corner Studio or Suite accommodations, daily breakfast at UPSTAIRZ, in-room mini-fridge pre-stocked upon arrival with five complimentary drinks, and more.

Best Foodie Destinations in Asia

Located in the heart of the historic Higashiyama district, Six Senses Kyoto blends luxury with wellness and sustainability. The property’s signature restaurant, Sekki, showcases locally sourced and grown ingredients where guests can choose from an a la carte or Omakase-style meal options for lunch and dinner, featuring the best-in-season produce, local meats, and homemade delights. Guests can also enjoy award-winning and refreshed Nine Tails Bar, repositioned as one of Kyoto’s premier destination bars celebrating inventive mixology and Japanese craftsmanship. The bar showcases more than 100 Japanese spirits, expertly crafted artisanal cocktails, and refined small plates highlighting the best of seasonal ingredients.

Best Places for Adventure Travel in Asia

The Kii Peninsula is the largest peninsula on Honshu, Japan’s main island. The region, convenient to both Kyoto and Osaka, is considered the birthplace of Japan and is one of the earliest sites for the Shinto religion, as well as Buddhism and Shugendō (mountain worship). Visitors will find a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Tamaki Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine in Japan. The three Grand Shrines of Kumano are found on pilgrimage routes that link three sacred sites to the ancient cities of Nara and Kyoto via the Kumano Kodo trail. There are also beautiful landscapes and serene hot springs found here.

The Maldives is one of the world’s best places to spot whale sharks, especially around the Baa Atoll, yet sightings remain a treasured rarity, making each one that much more special. Milaidhoo is a short boat ride away from Hanifaru Bay, a renowned gathering ground for whale sharks and manta rays. The resort’s Ocean Stories team is in close contact with the rangers patrolling the waters, ready to alert guests the moment these magnificent creatures appear. Not every guest is lucky enough to spot a whale shark on their first visit, but even that becomes part of the magic, giving them a reason to return and try their luck once more for this lottery-winning feeling.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in Asia

Known for its record-breaking snowfalls, Hokkaido, Japan is a leading destination for winter sports. For skiers and snowboarders, Niseko Village and its ski-in/ski-out properties offer access to some of the world’s best snow. At Niseko Village’s Kids Club, children can spend the day learning about Japanese culture, doing arts and crafts, and participating in stimulating STEM lessons while their parents hit the slopes—or they can learn to ski or snowboard themselves.

On the eastern side of the prefecture, tourists can experience  Walk Japan’s off-the-beaten-path Hokkaido Snow Tour through the sparsely inhabited wintry countryside. With a maximum group size of 12, travelers don snowshoes for the 8-day/7-night tour as they walk along cliff-tops overlooking the seas—or over the frozen seas themselves, where they will witness fishermen fishing through ice holes. There are ample onsen hot springs along the way before ending at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Shiretoko Peninsula.

And situated on a vibrant beachfront in Bali, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach offers exposure to endless adventures showcasing the island’s beauty. Bali’s warm water makes it a pristine surfing and scuba diving spot. Their famous beaches and the hotel’s in-house surfing school ensure those of all experience levels begin or advance their surfing journey. Adventurists will also love the personalized experience as they conquer the waves in one of the sports’ most beloved destinations.

Unique to Asia

Located along Japan’s eastern coast, the Ise-Shima region has long been celebrated for its mineral-rich hot springs, pristine coastline, and deep spiritual heritage as the home the sacred Shinto site, Ise Jingu. Comprising 125 sub-shrines, Ise Jingu is one of the most sacred destinations in the country. The surrounding Ise-Shima National Park offers ocean vistas and lush forests. In the nearby fishing towns of Toba and Shima, visitors can meet ama (female free divers) at the local ama huts, where freshly caught seafood is grilled and shared around a warm cooking stove.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

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