Destinations
Asia & Pacific
A continent of extraordinary diversity \u2014 from ancient temples to futuristic cities, tropical paradises to Himalayan peaks.
Discover Asia & the Pacific
Asia is the world\'s largest and most diverse continent, offering experiences that range from the profoundly spiritual to the utterly futuristic. Here you can meditate in thousand-year-old temples one day and explore gleaming skyscrapers the next. You can relax on some of the world\'s most beautiful beaches, trek through ancient rainforests, sample street food that will change your understanding of flavor, and encounter cultures that have thrived for millennia. At Snow to Sand Travel, our Asia specialists have explored the continent extensively \u2014 from the backstreets of Bangkok to the summit trails of the Himalayas, from the overwater bungalows of the Maldives to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. We create Asian journeys that immerse you in the culture, connect you with local experiences, and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
ASIA & PACIFIC DESTINATIONS
Countries & Regions
From tropical islands to Himalayan peaks, explore the incredible diversity of Asia and the Pacific.
Istanbul · Cappadocia · Ephesus · Pamukkale · Bodrum
Turkey
Turkey bridges Europe and Asia with extraordinary cultural wealth. Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar; the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia; the ancient ruins of Ephesus; and the turquoise coast make Turkey a destination of remarkable depth.
Top Attractions
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
- Cappadocia hot air balloon rides over fairy chimneys
- Ancient ruins of Ephesus and Library of Celsus
- Pamukkale white travertine thermal pools
- Turquoise Coast and Blue Voyage gulet cruises
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to November for ideal weather across the country.
Hunza Valley · Skardu · Fairy Meadows · Karakoram Highway
Northern Pakistan
Northern Pakistan is a mountain paradise that rivals the Himalayas. The Hunza Valley's apricot orchards and snow-capped peaks, the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, the dramatic Fairy Meadows with Nanga Parbat views, and the legendary Karakoram Highway create an adventure destination of extraordinary beauty.
Top Attractions
- Hunza Valley and Baltit Fort
- Attabad Lake — vivid turquoise mountain lake
- Fairy Meadows with views of Nanga Parbat
- Deosai National Park — highest plateau in the world
- Karakoram Highway scenic drive
Best Time to Visit
May to October for clear skies and accessible mountain passes.
Taj Mahal · Rajasthan · Kerala · Goa · Himalayas · Varanasi
India
India is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The Taj Mahal's eternal beauty, the desert palaces of Rajasthan, the backwaters of Kerala, the beaches of Goa, the spiritual intensity of Varanasi, and the Himalayan retreats of the north create a destination that transforms every visitor.
Top Attractions
- Taj Mahal in Agra at sunrise
- Rajasthan palaces: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur
- Kerala backwaters houseboat cruise
- Varanasi Ganges River ceremonies
- Goa beaches and Portuguese architecture
Best Time to Visit
October to March for the best weather across most of the country.
Bangkok · Chiang Mai · Phuket · Krabi · Koh Samui · Ayutthaya
Thailand
Thailand remains Southeast Asia's most popular destination for good reason. Bangkok's energy and cuisine, Chiang Mai's temples and mountains, the pristine beaches of Phuket and Krabi, and the island paradise of Koh Samui offer something for every traveler at exceptional value.
Top Attractions
- Grand Palace and Wat Pho in Bangkok
- Chiang Mai temples and night bazaar
- Phuket and Krabi beaches and island hopping
- Ayutthaya ancient ruins
- Floating markets and street food tours
Best Time to Visit
November to February for cool, dry weather. Avoid the hot season (March-May) and monsoon (June-October).
Great Wall · Beijing · Shanghai · Xi'an · Guilin · Chengdu
China
China is a civilization unto itself. Walk the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, discover the Terracotta Warriors, cruise the karst mountains of Guilin, meet pandas in Chengdu, and experience the electric energy of Shanghai. A destination that demands multiple visits.
Top Attractions
- Great Wall of China at Mutianyu or Jinshanling
- Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing
- Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
- Li River cruise through Guilin karsts
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Best Time to Visit
April to May and September to October for mild weather and clear skies.
Tokyo · Kyoto · Osaka · Mount Fuji · Cherry Blossoms · Onsen
Japan
Japan is a masterclass in contrasts — ancient temples alongside bullet trains, serene zen gardens beside neon-drenched cities, centuries-old traditions coexisting with cutting-edge technology. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Mount Fuji create an itinerary of extraordinary cultural depth.
Top Attractions
- Senso-ji Temple and Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
- Fushimi Inari Shrine and geisha district in Kyoto
- Dotonbori food scene in Osaka
- Mount Fuji and surrounding lakes
- Traditional onsen (hot spring) experience
Best Time to Visit
March to May for cherry blossoms. October to November for autumn foliage.
Kuala Lumpur · Langkawi · Penang · Borneo · Cameron Highlands
Malaysia
Malaysia offers remarkable diversity — the iconic Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur, the duty-free beaches of Langkawi, the culinary paradise of Penang, the orangutans and rainforests of Borneo, and the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands.
Top Attractions
- Petronas Towers and Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
- Langkawi beaches and Sky Bridge
- Penang street food and George Town street art
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo
- Cameron Highlands tea plantations
Best Time to Visit
March to October on the west coast. June to September on the east coast.
Bali · Jakarta · Yogyakarta · Komodo · Raja Ampat
Indonesia
Indonesia's 17,000 islands include some of the world's most coveted destinations. Bali's temples and rice terraces, Yogyakarta's Borobudur temple, the dragons of Komodo, and the underwater paradise of Raja Ampat showcase the country's incredible range.
Top Attractions
- Borobudur Temple — world's largest Buddhist temple
- Komodo National Park and Komodo dragons
- Raja Ampat diving — world's most biodiverse reefs
- Tana Toraja highlands in Sulawesi
- Jakarta's old town and national monuments
Best Time to Visit
May to September for the dry season across most of the archipelago.
Ubud · Seminyak · Uluwatu · Rice Terraces · Temples · Surfing
Bali
Bali is Indonesia's crown jewel — a tropical paradise that blends stunning natural beauty with deep spiritual culture. The artistic heart of Ubud, the beach clubs of Seminyak, the clifftop temple of Uluwatu, and the iconic rice terraces create a destination that has captivated travelers for decades.
Top Attractions
- Ubud Monkey Forest and Tegallalang rice terraces
- Uluwatu Temple sunset and Kecak dance
- Seminyak and Canggu beach clubs
- Tanah Lot Temple at sunset
- Tirta Empul holy spring water temple
Best Time to Visit
April to October for the dry season. July and August are peak months.
Palawan · Boracay · Cebu · Manila · El Nido · Chocolate Hills
Philippines
The Philippines offers over 7,000 islands of tropical beauty. Palawan's dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons, Boracay's powder-white beach, Cebu's diving, and the unique Chocolate Hills of Bohol make this Southeast Asian gem an emerging must-visit.
Top Attractions
- El Nido and Coron island hopping in Palawan
- White Beach in Boracay
- Cebu diving with thresher sharks
- Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuary in Bohol
- Banaue Rice Terraces — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best Time to Visit
December to May for the dry season. March to May are the hottest months.
Overwater Villas · Diving · Private Islands · Spa Retreats
Maldives
The Maldives defines tropical luxury. Overwater bungalows above turquoise lagoons, world-class diving with manta rays and whale sharks, private island resorts, and spa treatments over the water create the ultimate honeymoon and luxury escape destination.
Top Attractions
- Overwater villa stays with private decks
- World-class diving and snorkeling with manta rays
- Sunset dolphin cruises
- Bioluminescent beach experiences
- Private sandbank dinners and picnics
Best Time to Visit
November to April for the dry season with calm seas and excellent visibility.
Halong Bay · Hanoi · Ho Chi Minh City · Hoi An · Mekong Delta · Sapa
Vietnam
Vietnam captivates with its natural beauty and resilient culture. Cruise the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, explore the ancient streets of Hoi An, trek the rice terraces of Sapa, and experience the energy of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Top Attractions
- Halong Bay overnight cruise among limestone karsts
- Hoi An ancient town lantern festival
- Sapa rice terrace trekking
- Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta
- Hanoi Old Quarter and street food tours
Best Time to Visit
March to April and September to November for the best weather nationwide.
Seoul · Busan · Jeju Island · Temples · K-Culture · DMZ
South Korea
South Korea is having a moment — and for good reason. Seoul's dynamic blend of ancient palaces and futuristic districts, Busan's beaches and temples, Jeju Island's natural wonders, and the unique cultural phenomenon of K-culture create a fascinating modern destination.
Top Attractions
- Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul
- Busan's Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and beaches
- Jeju Island volcanic landscapes and waterfalls
- DMZ tour from Seoul
- Myeongdong shopping and street food
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to November for pleasant weather and festivals.
Marina Bay · Gardens by the Bay · Sentosa · Hawker Centers · Shopping
Singapore
Singapore packs an incredible amount into its compact size. The futuristic Marina Bay skyline, the otherworldly Gardens by the Bay, world-class shopping, the diverse culinary scene of hawker centers, and the entertainment island of Sentosa make this city-state a world-class destination.
Top Attractions
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and light show
- Gardens by the Bay Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest
- Sentosa Island beaches and Universal Studios
- Orchard Road shopping
- Chinatown and Little India food tours
Best Time to Visit
February to April for the driest weather. June to August for the Great Singapore Sale.
Sigiriya · Kandy · Galle · Tea Plantations · Wildlife · Beaches
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is South Asia's most compact diverse destination. The ancient fortress of Sigiriya, the sacred city of Kandy, colonial Galle, wildlife safaris with elephants and leopards, and pristine beaches create an itinerary of extraordinary richness in a small package.
Top Attractions
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock)
- Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- Galle Fort and colonial architecture
- Yala National Park leopard safaris
- Ceylon tea plantation visits in Nuwara Eliya