Asian travel destinations – Let’s explore here

Table of Contents

Take a look at the Asian travel destinations below to see if there is anywhere you’d like to explore. Click on the map or the countries below to find further information and tips for overland travel, as well as some anecdotes that may help you on your travels.

What’s it like in Asia?

Asia covers almost 30% of the land area on the planet, and has about 60% of the world’s population – more people than all other continents combined. There are over 50 countries in Asia and Russia is the largest country by area, whereas the Maldives is the smallest.

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

We’re constantly updating information on countries that we visit, so keep referring back to the info as it evolves.

A bit about the history of Asia

Ancient Civilisations

Asia is home to some of the world’s earliest and most influential civilisations. In Mesopotamia, located in modern day Iraq, the Sumerians developed one of the first writing systems and established early cities around 3000 BC. To the east, ancient China saw the rise of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, which laid the foundation for Chinese culture, philosophy, and government. The Indian subcontinent was home to the Indus Valley Civilisation, known for its advanced urban planning, and later the Vedic period, which shaped Hinduism and Indian society.

Classical Civilisations and Empires

By the 6th century BC, powerful empires began to emerge in Asia. The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, spanned from Egypt to India, while in India, the Maurya Empire was established, with Emperor Ashoka promoting Buddhism across the region. In China, the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) unified the country and initiated major infrastructural projects, including the Great Wall. In the Indian subcontinent, the Gupta Empire (circa 320–550 AD) oversaw a period of great intellectual and cultural achievements, known as the Golden Age of India.

The Rise of Islam and the Mongol Empire

In the 7th century, Islam spread rapidly across Asia, particularly in the Middle East and central Asia, shaping the culture and politics of regions such as the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent. By the 13th century, the Mongol Empire, led by Genghis Khan, expanded across Asia from China to Europe, unifying a vast area under a single empire, although it eventually fragmented into various Khanates.

The Islamic Empires and Indian Kingdoms

From the 15th century onwards, several powerful Islamic empires rose in Asia, including the Ottoman Empire, the Safavid Empire in Persia, and the Mughal Empire in India. The Mughal Empire, particularly under Akbar the Great (reigned 1556–1605), oversaw a period of religious tolerance, economic growth and cultural flourishing. In east Asia, China saw the rise of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), which expanded its territory and oversaw a cultural renaissance, while Japan entered a long period of feudal rule under the shogunate system.

European Colonisation and Influence

From the 16th century onwards, European powers began to establish trading posts and colonies in Asia. The Portuguese, Dutch, French and British were among the primary colonisers. The British established control over large parts of India, while the Dutch dominated parts of south east Asia. The French and the British also engaged in territorial rivalry in Indochina. The presence of European powers led to significant political and economic changes across Asia, including the introduction of western ideas, technologies and Christianity.

The Fall of Empires and the Rise of Modern Nations

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Asian empires began to decline. The Qing Dynasty in China was weakened by internal rebellions and external pressures, leading to its collapse in 1912. In India, British colonial rule faced increasing resistance, culminating in independence in 1947. In Japan, the Meiji Restoration (1868) ended centuries of feudal rule and modernised the country, making it a major imperial power. The decline of the Ottoman Empire also led to the creation of modern Turkey after World War I.

World War II and its Aftermath

Asia was deeply impacted by World War II. The Japanese Empire expanded throughout east Asia and the Pacific, but after its defeat in 1945, many Asian countries gained independence. In China, the long standing civil war between the Nationalists and Communists led to the victory of Mao Zedong’s Communist forces in 1949, creating the People’s Republic of China. In south east Asia, former colonies such as Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines gained independence in the post war period.

Cold War and Regional Conflicts

The Cold War (1947–1991) greatly influenced Asian geopolitics. The Korean War (1950–1953) resulted in the division of Korea into North and South Korea, while the Vietnam War (1955–1975) saw North Vietnam, supported by the USSR and China, fight against the US-backed South Vietnam. In the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Iranian Revolution of 1979 led to significant political shifts.

Economic Growth and Global Influence

From the late 20th century onwards, several Asian countries experienced rapid economic growth. Japan became an economic powerhouse, while the Four Asian Tigers; Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan; saw significant industrialisation and modernisation. China’s economic reform policies, introduced in the late 1970s under Deng Xiaoping, transformed it into a global economic leader. India also emerged as a major economic force with its IT and service sectors.

Modern Asia

In the 21st century, Asia remains a continent of diverse political systems, cultures, and economies. China and InIndiadia are among the world’s largest economies, while south east Asia is increasingly integrated into the global economy. The Middle East continues to face political instability, and regional tensions remain, particularly between India and Pakistan, and in the Korean Peninsula. Asia’s rise as a global economic and political centre has reshaped the world order, with the continent playing a crucial role in international trade, security, and diplomacy.

Either click on the map of Asian travel destinations …