Best Places to Visit in Asia (2025 Guide for Nomads & Travelers)

Introduction

When people talk about the best places to visit in Asia, they often imagine golden temples, bustling night markets, tropical beaches, and futuristic cities — and they’re absolutely right. Asia is a continent of contrasts where tradition meets technology, where you can sip coconut water by the sea one day and work from a sleek co-working space the next.

For nomads travel seekers, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year. Countries across Asia are making it easier for travelers to stay long-term, with digital nomad visas, affordable living costs, and fast-growing communities of remote workers.

If you’re planning your next Asia trip, this guide covers the best places to visit in Asia in 2025 — from classic tourist spots to hidden gems that nomads love. Whether you want to explore history, food, or the modern digital lifestyle, you’ll find plenty of great places to visit in Asia here.

Why Travel Asia in 2025?

Before we jump into the list, let’s look at why travel Asia is at the top of so many people’s bucket lists this year:

• Growing Digital Nomad Hubs: Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are quickly becoming top spots for remote workers. The travel South East Asia circuit is now packed with co-working hubs, community events, and international cafés.
• Affordable Lifestyle + Rich Culture: Compared to Europe or North America, most Asian countries offer a far lower cost of living while still giving you world-class food, heritage, and adventure.
• Balance for Tourists & Nomads: Asia has the best tourist places in Asia — like Angkor Wat and Mount Fuji — and also practical cities where nomads can live comfortably for months.

So whether you’re a backpacker or a remote professional, the best places to visit in Asia in 2025 are a mix of culture, affordability, and global community.

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Asia (Nomad & Traveler Picks for 2025)

Asia is more than a continent; it’s a kaleidoscope of experiences. From buzzing megacities that never sleep to quiet mountain villages where time seems to stand still, this is a region that keeps pulling travelers and digital nomads back year after year.

If you’re planning an Asia trip in 2025, you’ll quickly notice there’s no shortage of options— whether you’re booking short stays on Airbnb or looking for hidden gems for longer adventures. But which are the best places to visit in Asia — not just for a week of sightseeing, but also for remote work, long-term stays, and unforgettable cultural encounters?

I’ve put together this detailed guide to the 15 best places to visit in Asia, with insights for both nomads and regular travelers. Each destination has its own vibe, costs, and charm, so let’s dive in.

1. Thailand 🇹🇭

Thailand is consistently one of the best places to see in Asia, and the reasons are obvious the moment you arrive. It offers the perfect balance of affordability, comfort, and energy.

• Bangkok – A city that overwhelms in the best way possible. In the morning, you might be strolling through the Grand Palace or Wat Pho. By evening, you’re eating $2 pad thai at a night market or sipping cocktails on a rooftop overlooking the skyline. It’s also Southeast Asia’s flight hub, so your Asia trip will likely pass through here.
• Chiang Mai – Nicknamed the digital nomad capital of the world, this northern city is slower, greener, and filled with coworking cafés. Nomads who want community, affordability, and mountains nearby often stay for months.
• Phuket & Islands – White-sand beaches, scuba diving, and sunsets that feel unreal. Travelers love it for island-hopping, while nomads use it as a base with a slower rhythm than Bangkok.

👉 Thailand is easily one of the best Asian countries to visit in 2025 if you want variety without breaking the bank.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Bangkok	$350–550 (1BR)	$2–5 street food	250 Mbps avg; coworking $100–150	Metro $1.20, Grab	60-day tourist, extendable	Huge international nomad hub
Chiang Mai	$250–400	$2–4 local meals	300 Mbps; coworking $70–100	Songthaew $0.80	Same as above	Chill, green, top nomad hotspot
Phuket	$400–700	$3–6 meals	200 Mbps; coworking $120	Scooter $70/mo	Same	Beach + nightlife mix

2. Vietnam 🇻🇳

Vietnam is a country where the pace is fast, the food is addictive, and the landscapes are breathtaking. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Asia for budget-conscious nomads.

• Hanoi – The Old Quarter is a sensory overload: scooters zipping by, vendors selling steaming bowls of pho, and French colonial buildings that tell stories of the past.
• Da Nang & Hoi An – Once overlooked, Da Nang now attracts a growing nomads travel community thanks to its fast internet, coworking spots, and long coastline. A short drive away, Hoi An is UNESCO-listed, full of lantern-lit streets and riverside cafés.
• Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s business hub is chaotic yet thrilling. Coworking spaces are everywhere, nightlife is buzzing, and costs are still incredibly low.

👉 If you want culture, affordability, and community, Vietnam is hands down one of the best places to travel in Asia.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Hanoi	$250–400	$1.50 pho, $3 meals	150–200 Mbps; coworking $70	Grab $1–2	30–90 day visas	Old town charm + strong expat crowd
Ho Chi Minh City	$300–500	$2–4 meals	200 Mbps; coworking $80–120	Grab $1–2	Same	Fast-paced, buzzing startup vibe
Da Nang	$250–450	$2–5 meals	250 Mbps; coworking $70–100	Scooter $50/mo	Same	Beach city, relaxed lifestyle

3. Indonesia 🇮🇩

When people talk about the best place to visit in Asia, Indonesia — especially Bali — almost always comes up. But don’t stop at Bali; the country has 17,000 islands waiting.

• Bali – The epicenter of digital nomads. Ubud for yoga and rice fields, Canggu for surf and coworking cafés, Uluwatu for beach cliffs and sunsets. You’ll find community here like nowhere else.
• Jakarta – The capital is chaotic, but its skyscrapers, shopping, and startup energy give a glimpse of modern Indonesia.
• Yogyakarta – Known as the cultural heart, home to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan.

👉 For those chasing both adventure and community, Indonesia is one of the great places to visit in Asia.

Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Bali (Canggu/Ubud)	$350–700	$3–6 meals	100 Mbps; coworking $100–150	Scooter $60/mo	30-day visa, extendable	Nomad capital, cafes & beaches
Jakarta	$400–600	$2–5 meals	50–100 Mbps; coworking $120	Grab & MRT	Same	Urban, business-oriented
Yogyakarta	$200–350	$1.50–3 meals	50 Mbps; coworking $50–80	Scooter $40/mo	Same	Student + cultural hub

4. Japan 🇯🇵

Japan is a contradiction in motion: ancient traditions next to futuristic technology. It’s pricier than Southeast Asia but absolutely one of the best tourist places in Asia.

• Tokyo – A mega-city of neon signs, capsule hotels, sushi counters, and quirky cafés. It’s overwhelming, but in a good way.
• Kyoto – The cultural soul of Japan. Zen gardens, bamboo forests, and temples that feel frozen in time. Spring cherry blossoms here are magical.
• Osaka – Street food heaven. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki stalls fill the streets, and its nightlife is just as colorful.

👉 For travelers who want both history and technology, Japan is among the best places to see in Asia.

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Tokyo	$700–1200	$6–10 meals	300 Mbps; coworking $200+	Metro $1.50–3	90-day visa	Hyper-modern, huge expat crowd
Osaka	$500–900	$5–8 meals	250 Mbps; coworking $150	Metro $1.50	Same	Foodie & casual vibe
Kyoto	$500–850	$5–8 meals	200 Mbps; coworking $120	Metro/bus $1.50	Same	Cultural, serene city

5. South Korea 🇰🇷

South Korea is sleek, fast, and obsessed with innovation. For remote workers, it’s a dream — and for tourists, it’s endlessly entertaining.

• Seoul – Wi-Fi so fast you’ll wonder why you ever worked anywhere else. Palaces like Gyeongbokgung, buzzing neighborhoods like Hongdae, and K-pop culture everywhere.
• Busan – South Korea’s beach city. Here you can hike, eat fresh seafood, and relax by the water — perfect if Seoul feels too intense.

👉 Safety, connectivity, and modern lifestyle make Korea one of the best Asian countries to visit for nomads and travelers alike.

Seoul, Busan

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Seoul	$600–1000	$5–9 meals	500 Mbps; coworking $200	Metro $1.20	90-day visa	Global nomad hotspot
Busan	$500–850	$4–8 meals	400 Mbps; coworking $150	Metro $1	Same	Beaches + relaxed pace

6. Nepal 🇳🇵

Nepal is the land of the Himalayas, but it’s also affordable and deeply spiritual. A favorite for trekkers and those seeking mindfulness.

• Kathmandu – A gateway city filled with temples, markets, and chaos that somehow works. Perfect for launching your Everest or Annapurna trek.
• Pokhara – Quieter, surrounded by lakes and mountain views. Popular for yoga retreats, paragliding, and laid-back vibes.

👉 For adventure lovers, Nepal is one of the best places to visit in Asia on a budget.

Kathmandu, Pokhara

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Kathmandu	$200–350	$2–3 meals	50 Mbps; coworking $50–80	Bus $0.30	90-day tourist visa	Backpacker & trekking hub
Pokhara	$150–300	$2–3 meals	30 Mbps; coworking $50	Scooter $40/mo	Same	Lake town, laid-back

7. Philippines 🇵🇭

With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a paradise for anyone who loves the ocean. English is widely spoken, making life easier for nomads.

• Cebu – A diving and adventure hotspot. Whale shark tours, waterfalls, and stunning beaches.
• Palawan – Often called the world’s most beautiful island. Think turquoise lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and snorkeling heaven.
• Manila – A mix of colonial history, skyscrapers, and wild nightlife.

👉 For sun-chasers, the Philippines is one of the best places to go in Asia.

Cebu, Manila, Palawan

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Cebu	$250–400	$2–4 meals	50–100 Mbps; coworking $70	Jeepney $0.30	30-day visa	Beach + city mix
Manila	$400–700	$3–6 meals	100 Mbps; coworking $100	Grab $1–3	Same	Busy capital, big expat scene
Palawan	$200–350	$2–4 meals	30 Mbps; coworking limited	Scooter $40/mo	Same	Island paradise

8. India 🇮🇳

India is massive, chaotic, colorful, and unforgettable. Every region feels like a different country.

• Goa – Chill beaches, yoga centers, and trance parties. Many nomads use it as a base.
• Delhi – Historical and hectic. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and spice-filled markets make it one of the best tourist places in Asia.
• Bangalore – India’s tech hub, full of startups and coworking spaces. A natural choice for digital workers.

👉 India is one of the best Asian countries to visit if you want diversity in culture and cost.

Goa, Delhi, Bangalore

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet/Coworking	Transport	Visa/Residency	Nomad Vibe
Goa	$250–$400 for apartments near the beach	Street food $2–3, cafes $5–7	150 Mbps avg; coworking $60–120	Scooters $40/month	eVisa up to 1 year	Relaxed, beachside, strong expat scene
Delhi	$300–$500 city apartments	Meals $2–6 depending on area	200 Mbps avg; many cafes with Wi-Fi	Metro pass $10–15	Tourist visa extensions available	Buzzing capital with history + chaos
Bangalore	$350–$600 modern flats	Cafes/restaurants $4–8	250 Mbps avg; strong coworking $100–150	Uber/auto-rickshaw $1–2 per ride	Business visas possible	India’s tech hub, startup + digital crowd

9. Malaysia 🇲🇾

Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Malaysia quietly ranks as one of the best places to visit in Asia for food and infrastructure.

• Kuala Lumpur – A capital where futuristic skyscrapers meet Little India and Chinatown. Street food rivals anywhere in Asia.
• Penang – A food lover’s paradise and UNESCO World Heritage site. George Town’s street art and colonial charm add to the appeal.

👉 Malaysia is perfect for those on a travel South East Asia loop who want affordability without losing comfort.

Kuala Lumpur, Penang

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Kuala Lumpur	$350–550	$3–5 meals	300 Mbps; coworking $100	MRT $0.80	90-day visa	Modern, diverse, central hub
Penang	$300–450	$2–4 meals	200 Mbps; coworking $80	Bus $0.40	Same	Cultural + foodie

10. Cambodia 🇰🇭

Cambodia is small, but unforgettable.

• Siem Reap – Home to Angkor Wat, one of the most awe-inspiring temple complexes in the world. A highlight of any Asia trip.
• Phnom Penh – A riverside capital with colonial buildings, bustling markets, and growing café culture.

👉 For history lovers, Cambodia is one of the best places to visit in Asia.

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Phnom Penh	$250–400	$2–4 meals	100 Mbps; coworking $70	Tuk-tuk $1–2	30-day visa	Affordable & lively
Siem Reap	$200–350	$2–3 meals	50 Mbps; coworking $50	Scooter $40/mo	Same	Temple town, relaxed

11. Singapore 🇸🇬

Singapore is polished, safe, and futuristic.

Think Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and hawker centers where you can eat Michelin-starred chicken rice for $5. Yes, it’s expensive, but also one of the best tourist places in Asia for short stays.

👉 It’s also the perfect stopover when you travel South East Asia.

Singapore (only major hub)

City	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Singapore	$1200–2000	$5–10 hawker food	1 Gbps; coworking $250+	MRT $1–2	90-day visa	Super modern, pricey but efficient

12. Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Sri Lanka is compact but full of variety — beaches, jungles, ruins, and tea plantations.

• Weligama & Mirissa – Surfer towns with a growing nomad scene.
• Sigiriya – A massive rock fortress with panoramic views.
• Wildlife – Elephants, leopards, and whales in one country.

👉 For budget nomads and nature lovers, Sri Lanka is one of the best Asian countries to visit.

Weligama & Mirissa, Sigiriya, Wildlife

Place	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Weligama & Mirissa	$250–500 near beach	$2–4 meals; $8–10 cafes	4G + fiber; coworking $60–100	Tuk-tuks $1–2 short rides	Tourist visa 30–180 days	Surf town, beach cafés, laid-back
Sigiriya	$200–400 guesthouses	$1–3 local meals	Decent Wi-Fi, limited coworking	Bus $0.50	Same visa	Jungle vibes, cultural hotspot
Wildlife Areas	$150–300 homestays	$2–5 meals	Patchy Wi-Fi, better in towns	Hired jeeps $15+ tours	Same visa	Safari + eco-retreat nomad stays

13. Laos 🇱🇦

Laos doesn’t always make the spotlight, but it’s one of the most peaceful places in Asia.

• Luang Prabang – Temples, waterfalls, French colonial architecture, and slow living.
• Vang Vieng – Once a party hub, now better known for hot air balloon rides and stunning karst landscapes.

👉 If you want to escape crowds, Laos is one of the best places to visit in Asia.

Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng

Place	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Luang Prabang	$200–400	$2–4 meals	Wi-Fi cafés, some coworking	Tuk-tuks $1–2	Visa on arrival / eVisa	UNESCO old town, riverside cafes
Vang Vieng	$180–350	$2–5 meals	Wi-Fi average; coworking small	Scooter $50/month	Same visa	Mountains, adventure nomad life

14. Myanmar 🇲🇲

Despite political challenges, Myanmar has cultural treasures that are hard to match.

• Bagan – Thousands of temples spread across a plain, glowing at sunrise. It’s one of the best places to go in Asia for photography lovers.
• Yangon – Colonial architecture mixed with Buddhist stupas, like the golden Shwedagon Pagoda.

👉 For off-the-beaten-path explorers, Myanmar remains a fascinating stop.

Bagan, Yangon

Place	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Bagan	$150–300 guesthouses	$2–3 meals	Limited Wi-Fi, best in hotels	E-bikes $3–5/day	Tourist visa 28 days	Temples, sunrise views, quiet work spots
Yangon	$250–500 apartments	$2–4 meals; expat dining $10+	Better broadband in city	Grab rides $1–2	Same visa	Bustling city, emerging nomad base

15. Mongolia 🇲🇳

Mongolia feels like stepping into another world — wide-open skies, grasslands, and nomadic culture still alive today.

• Ulaanbaatar – The capital mixes Soviet history with Buddhist temples and modern cafés.
• The Steppe – Horseback riding, staying in yurts, and experiencing life like true nomads.

👉 For adventure seekers, Mongolia is one of the best places to visit in Asia in 2025.

Ulaanbaatar, The Steppe

Place	Typical Rent	Food Costs	Internet / Coworking	Transport	Visa / Residency	Nomad Vibe
Ulaanbaatar	$250–500 apartments	$3–6 meals	High-speed in city; coworking $80–120	Buses $0.30	Visa varies by nationality	Cold winters, vibrant summers, city + nomad blend
The Steppe	$100–250 homestays	$2–5 meals	Patchy connection, portable Wi-Fi	Horses / shared jeeps	Same visa	Ultimate off-grid nomad experience

Nomads Travel Tips for Asia

If you’re planning to travel South East Asia or beyond, here are practical nomad tips:

• Internet & Co-Working: Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia have the strongest nomad infrastructure. Japan and Korea are great for speed but more expensive.
• Visas: Many countries now offer digital nomad visas or extended tourist visas. Check before your Asia trip.
• Where to Stay Long-Term: Cities like Chiang Mai, Bali, Da Nang, and Kuala Lumpur are the most popular.

Planning Your Asia Trip

• Budget Tips: You can live comfortably in Vietnam or Nepal for under $1000/month, while Japan and Singapore are on the higher end.
• Best Time to Go: November to March is peak season for most of travel Asia, but summer months are great for northern regions.
• Safety & Culture: Asia is welcoming, but always respect local customs.

Conclusion

From Bali to Tokyo, from Goa to Seoul, these are the best places to visit in Asia in 2025. Whether you’re a tourist ticking off the best tourist places in Asia or a remote worker looking for your next home base, Asia has it all — culture, affordability, and adventure.

If you’re serious about long-term travel, don’t miss our Digital Nomad Visas in Asia Guide to plan your extended stay.

FAQs (Best Places to Visit in Asia)