Asia
Destination Guide
Asia is the world’s largest and most heavily populated continent.
Home to 60% of the world’s people, Asia contains a variety of countries with very different characteristics, climate and tourist infrastructure.
Asia is the world’s largest and most heavily populated continent, containing 60% of the world’s people, and contains a variety of countries with very different characteristics, climate and tourist infrastructure.
It is located to the east of the Suez Canal and the Ural Mountains, and south of the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian and Black Seas. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Indian Ocean and on the north by the Arctic Ocean. Asia is subdivided into 48 countries, two of them (Russia and Turkey) having part of their land in Europe.
Currency
Varies
Capital
Varies
Electricity
Two-pin electrical adaptor
Driving
Varies
Discover new destinations or visit trusted treasures
Popular and established holiday destinations include countries as diverse as Turkey, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. Up –and-coming destinations include the burgeoning economic superpower of China and the newly-accessible Myanmar (Burma).
The ABTA Travel Trends Report 2013 identifies Turkey as a destination on the up, as the Bond film Skyfall had key scenes shot in the capital Istanbul and the coastal area of Antalya. It also highlights Burma (Myanmar) as a destination that should increase in popularity this year following the release from house arrest of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2010 and the expansion of the country as a tourist destination.
The health care arrangements in Asian countries vary widely.
It is worth noting that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will not be valid in any Asian country including Turkey.
Travel insurance is needed to provide comprehensive cover for emergency medical conditions and also for repatriation back to the UK. It is wise to visit your doctor prior to visiting Asia, to check if you need any immunisations. It is best to take the precaution of not drinking tap water in Asia, and use bottled water instead.
Asia is famous for its cuisine.
Fresh and sizzling street food, where you can watch it cooked in front of you, is the best way to experience Asia. It is often served as the centrepiece of a happy social gathering.
The style and flavour of the food obviously vary by country and region. Still, some dishes that countries are particularly famous for include authentic Chinese food, for example, Peking Duck, a fresh Japanese sushi platter, spicy curry from India, sticky chicken satay from Indonesia, a tasty kebab from Turkey or fragrant Thai green curry.
Where to go?
History and Culture
Visitors to Myanmar liken their visit to travelling back in time and the main cities of Rangoon and Mandalay have a picturesque and faded colonial charm. You can also explore the fascinating Buddhist culture by visiting beautiful temples and statues of Buddha. Other highlights include a relaxing trip up the Irrawaddy River or another watery delight – Lake Inle, home to villages on stilts and spectacular floating gardens.
For Kids and Teens
Combine a spot of relaxation and tanning for parents, with some beachside fun for children by visiting the tranquil beaches of Koh Lanta on Thailand’s West Coast. Children can frolic in the shallow turquoise waters and build pristine white sandcastles. There is also the option to get active and try out snorkelling, diving and kayaking.
Relaxation
Action
Nightlife