Top Tourist Cities in Asia

Traveling through Asia can be an exciting experience. Rich in diverse cultures, vibrant with life, and filled with places to see, people looking to experience a whole new world can get a little bit of everything in many Asian countries. With so much to see and do across the largest and most populous continent, we’ve compiled this list of the best cities in Asia to visit.

Capital Cities in Asia

Capital cities in Asia offer a glimpse into the essence of each country. Tourists looking for an experience blending culture and modernity will appreciate these sites.

Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, and it thrums with the constant energy of nightlife. Bangkok offers some of the best street food worldwide, making it worth the visit. But, of course, in a city that never sleeps, risks can go up. Travel insurance can help mitigate financial losses in theft or injury.

Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam, offers so much to see and do and is on Aegis’s top list for travel. Brimming with culture, shopping, and dining, you can explore sites dating back to the 11th century. With 15 museums loaded with cultural artifacts, this is one of the best places for those interested in history, art, and science.

Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, offering a massive, sprawling metropolis for tourists to explore. With a thriving nightlife, there’s always something to do. In addition, landmarks such as the Jakarta Cathedral and the Merdeka Palace make it worth visiting.

Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” the city’s architecture combines the Spanish colonial style with modern skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. It is a city that should be on every traveler’s bucket list, with great street vendors and good restaurants at affordable prices. 

Top Cities in Asia for Tourists

Some major cities in Asia make for unique and beautiful tourist destinations. Travelers to these cities can explore a range of Asian cultures.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the most popular travel destinations for plenty of reasons. There is something for everyone here. Known as the melting pot for Asian cultures, if you love trying local specialties and unique flavors, this is one of the best places to be when it comes to food. With a picture-perfect skyline and city center bustling with crowds of people, Singapore is also one of the safest travel destinations to visit in Asia.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a city that’s rich in culture and history. Thanks to its gorgeous skyline, beautiful architecture, and delicious food, it’s a famous tourist destination. The best part is that it’s not as crowded as other places in Southeast Asia. Even better, temperatures are comfortable year-round, so any time is the right time to visit.

Denpasar

Located on the eastern side of central Bali, Denpasar is one of the major cities in Asia worth seeing. Though not commonly promoted as a tourist destination, this city has cultural sites and delicious food. The center of Denpasar also has many businesses and shops that cater to tourists visiting Bali.

Phuket

Phuket, Thailand, features the best of both worlds: gorgeous tropical beaches, rock formations, and urban attractions like delicious food and thriving nightlife. Phuket is one of the cities in Southeast Asia that attracts plenty of tourism thanks to the blend of urban and natural areas to explore.

Largest Cities in Asia

The largest cities in Asia often bring a melting pot of culture and plenty to do and see. The largest city in Asia is Tokyo, Japan, with a metro population of 38.2 million people. While many of the largest cities in Asia are considered safe, the risk of something going wrong often increases with the population.

Tokyo

Modern and fast-paced, Tokyo is full of flashing lights and crowded streets. But, for those who don’t mind densely populated areas, Tokyo is one of the best cities in Asia to visit, thanks to a mix of phenomenal food, exhilarating energy, and the quiet serenity of holy sites like the Meiji shrine.

Delhi

The Indian city of Delhi is massive, with over 12 million people. It boasts cultural sites like the Indian Gate, the Red Fort, the Lotus Temple, and many other sights to see, making it a favorite of the cities in South Asia.

Seoul

As South Korea’s capital, Seoul offers a seamless blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient shrines to explore. Shop and enjoy the lively nightlife while exploring the manicured Gyeongbok Palace or the Bukchon Hanok historic district to get the best of both worlds in this city.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a central economic hub and attracts tourists year-round. One claim to tourist fame is the second-largest tower in the world amidst its skyscrapers. With shopping, entertainment, nightlife, and cuisine, Shanghai is a favorite tourist destination in China.

Ancient Cities in Asia

Ancient cities often inspire a feeling of awe in those who are exploring them. Many of the ancient cities in Asia still thrive, creating a blend of modernity and the past. Check out these ancient cities in Asia.

Hoi An

The Vietnamese city of Hoi An embraces its ancient environment. Located on the central coast, Hoi An is known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals. With a gorgeous lantern festival and cultural museums, this city is a must-see place on any traveler’s list.

Angkor

The ancient city of Angkor in Cambodia was once the capital city of the Khmer Empire. Angkor saw its popularity rise when the beautiful ruins were featured in the film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” — and for a good reason. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the 1990s, exploring this city is like taking a step into the past.

Sukhothai

Thailand’s ancient city of Sukhothai features 700-year-old shrines and temples, remnants of its time as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Exploring the Historical Park allows you to see some of the past’s most beautiful architecture and sculptures.

Nara

Nara was Japan’s first capital in the year 710. While the capital is now Kyoto, Nara retains its air of ancient majesty and is one of the cities in Asia worth seeing. The city is home to three World Heritage sites, and tourists are often excited to see the deer, which are natural monuments and were believed to assist the gods in their work.

Travel to Asia in Confidence with Aegis General Travel Insurance

Whether exploring Asia or anywhere in the world, travel insurance protects you from unexpected financial losses in the event of an emergency. Let’s face it — travel is expensive and often includes nonrefundable costs. With travel insurance, you pay for the peace of mind that you will be covered whether someone gets hurt, luggage is lost, or you need to return early for an emergency.

Each travel policy is catered to your specific needs and will offer different coverages. If you’re planning a vacation anywhere around the globe, contact Aegis Insurance today to discuss your options.