From Japan's cherry-blossom temples to Bali's emerald rice terraces, Vietnam's lantern-lit streets to India's Taj Mahal — Asia is the world's most astonishing travel destination.
Asia defies every attempt to summarise it. The world's largest continent encompasses nearly a third of Earth's land mass and is home to over 4.7 billion people across 48 nations. It contains the world's highest mountains and its deepest lake, birthed four of humanity's great religions, and today hosts many of its most dynamic economies. For the traveller, it offers more variety per kilometre than anywhere else on Earth.
For Australians, Asia holds a special place. It is our nearest neighbour — Bali is closer than Perth — and it has profoundly shaped our cuisine and culture. Millions of Australians visit each year, yet even frequent travellers find whole regions they've never explored. Southeast Asia alone — Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and beyond — holds more temples, beaches and culinary traditions than most could absorb in a lifetime.
Then there is East Asia — Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan — where ancient tradition meets hypermodern cityscapes; and South Asia, where India alone holds more UNESCO sites than most continents. Family-run since 1974, Cooee helps Australian travellers navigate the extraordinary breadth of the world's most accessible adventure.
Ancient kingdoms, neon megacities, volcanic islands and sacred valleys — these destinations define what makes Asia so endlessly compelling.
East Asia · Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond
Cherry blossoms, bullet trains, temples and the world's best food.
Indonesia · Island of the Gods
Bangkok, Chiang Mai & the Islands
Southeast Asia · Angkor Wat
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
South Asia · Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle
Asia's monsoon patterns mean timing is everything — the same destination can be paradise in one season and impractical in another.
The golden window for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos — cool, dry and clear for beaches, temples and trekking. December–January are peak (book ahead). Bali's dry season runs May–September and is equally excellent.
Japan's cherry blossom (late March–early April) is the most celebrated seasonal event in travel; autumn foliage (Oct–Nov) is equally stunning and less crowded. South Korea and China follow similar patterns. Avoid the humid summer.
North India (Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra) is best October–March — comfortable temperatures and clear views of the Taj Mahal. Kerala and Goa shine in winter. Avoid the brutal pre-monsoon heat (May–August).
Asia is too vast to approach as a single destination. Understanding its regions unlocks smarter planning and richer trips.
Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan — the continent's most sophisticated region, all jaw-dropping contrasts between ancient temples and hypermodern cities. Japan alone is worth a dozen trips.
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore — the classic Australian region. Extraordinary value, world-class food, and some of Earth's most beautiful beaches and temples.
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives. India is a world unto itself — the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's forts, Kerala's backwaters and Varanasi's ghats — while Nepal offers the ultimate Himalayan trekking.
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia — the frontier of world travel. The Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are among the world's most spectacular, least-visited sites.
The moments that make Asia the world's most transformative destination.
Walk under tunnels of cherry blossom in Kyoto, cycle the Philosopher's Path, and picnic beneath blooming castle grounds.
Late March – AprilRise before dawn to watch the sun break over the world's largest religious monument, mirrored in the moat.
Nov – April BestCycle Ubud's emerald rice terraces at dawn, watch kecak dance at clifftop Uluwatu, and join purification rituals at Tirta Empul.
May – Sept BestDelhi's Mughal grandeur, Agra's Taj Mahal at first light, and Jaipur's pink palaces — India in concentrated form.
Oct – March BestRide the Hai Van Pass, wander Hoi An's lantern streets after dark, cruise Halong Bay, and dive into Saigon's street food.
Year-roundShibuya's crossing, Michelin kaiseki, vintage vinyl in Shimokitazawa, a Shinjuku onsen, and dawn sushi.
Year-roundThe Andaman Sea's Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta and Krabi — limestone karsts, clear water and superb diving.
Nov – AprilFrom Nepal's Everest and Annapurna trails to the foothills of northern India — the world's great mountain journeys.
Mar–May, Sept–NovAsia is the world's greatest food destination, full stop — these six traditions alone are worth building a trip around.
Asia is Australia's closest major travel region — from Brisbane, most key destinations are within 8–12 hours, and direct routes make logistics simple.
Most of Asia is straightforward for Australian passport holders — many destinations are visa-free or offer convenient e-Visas. Always confirm current rules before you travel.
| Destination | Visa? | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | ✓ Visa Free | 90 days | No advance application — simply show your passport on arrival. |
| Indonesia (Bali) | On Arrival | Visa on Arrival | IDR 500,000 (~$50 AUD), 30 days extendable to 60. Buy e-VOA online to skip queues. |
| Thailand | ✓ Visa Free | 60 days | Extended to 60 days in 2024. Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. |
| Vietnam | e-Visa | e-Visa (online) | ~$25 USD, 90 days, multiple entry. Apply at least 3 days before travel. |
| Cambodia | e-Visa | e-Visa (online) | ~$36 USD, 30 days single entry. Also available on arrival at major airports. |
| India | e-Visa | e-Visa (online) | ~$85 AUD, tourist e-Visa valid up to 365 days. Apply at least 72 hours ahead. |
| Singapore | ✓ Visa Free | 90 days | Complete the online SG Arrival Card before entry. World-class, English-speaking, effortless. |
| South Korea | ✓ Visa Free | 90 days | K-ETA is currently waived for Australians through 31 December 2026 — verify status for later travel. |
Cherry-blossom season books out 6–9 months ahead in Kyoto and Tokyo. Plan early — the difference between a riverside ryokan and a generic business hotel is worth it.
Data in Asia costs as little as $5–$15 AUD and is essential for maps, Grab, and translation. Grab one the moment you land, or set up an eSIM before you go.
Asia's best food is rarely tourist-facing. Follow the queues and the plastic stools. A $2 bowl of pho in Hanoi will be the best noodle soup of your life.
Asia rewards depth over breadth. One week in Kyoto beats two days in every city. Pick two or three places and go deep rather than ticking off ten.
Quick answers to the questions Australian travellers ask us most.
No — Australian passport holders can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. Simply present your passport at the border; no advance application or fee is required, making Japan one of the easiest Asian destinations for Australians. See our Japan travel guide.
Bali's dry season runs May to September, aligning neatly with the Australian winter school holidays. July and August are peak (expect crowds and higher prices); April–May and September–October offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. See our best time to visit guide.
Bali (Denpasar) is about 7.5 hours direct from Brisbane, with direct flights on Jetstar, Qantas and others — Australia's most popular international destination and one of the most accessible in Asia. See our getting there guide.
For a first trip, most Australians choose Bali, Thailand, Japan or Vietnam — all are easy, affordable and welcoming, with strong tourism infrastructure and plenty of English spoken. See our first-time in Asia guide.
Excellent — Asia is famously family-friendly, with warm hospitality, great value, short-ish flights and endless variety from beaches to temples to theme parks. Japan, Bali, Thailand and Singapore are particular favourites. See our Asia family holidays guide.