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Bali
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Hong Kong
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Singapore
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Vietnam
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Japan
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Thailand
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MaldivesRaffles Maldives Meradhoo
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Malaysia
Torn between Bali and Thailand for your next family holiday? Wondering what all the fuss is about with Vietnam, or is the Maldives worth it? Or are you looking for a new culture-rich city to unpack?
Here is everything you need to know about Asia’s most popular holiday destinations, to help decide which is perfect for your next escape.
Bali: affordable indulgence, luxury villas and wellness retreats
Bali’s far-reaching appeal makes it ever popular with families, surfers and splashy trendsetters alike, each in search of a very different type of holiday, but collectively finding it here. A tropical island of surf beaches, leafy rice paddies, volcanic peaks and palm trees, Bali offers the perfect blend of culture, wellness and adventure, with luxury if you seek it, and authenticity if you don’t. It has something for every taste when it comes to accommodation, whether that’s a sprawling luxury resort in Seminyak that offers everything you need (and more) at your fingertips, a laidback pool villa in Canggu, or a one-of-a-kind treehouse-style stay amid the canopies of the Ubud jungle. This is a destination that is well versed for tourism; expect glossy hotels, first-rate restaurants (especially in Seminyak) and roads buzzing with mopeds, amid the temples and dancing incense.
Vietnam: beachfront resorts, incredible cuisine and bustling cities
Vietnam is a treasure trove for travellers, beloved for its affordable beach resorts, ancient culture, awe-inspiring landscapes and cheap, flavourful street food. Its diversity is on a par with Thailand; here you can enjoy an adventure-packed city escape (look to Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi), or a palm-fringed beach stay in Nha Trang or Da Nang – or combine the two for the best of both worlds. For some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery, head to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, where limestone islands rise dramatically from emerald-green waters, or the white-sand beaches of Phu Quoc island, known for its fishing villages and pearl harvesting. Also unmissable is the ancient town of Hoi An, whose dynamic trading port history is evident through its wooden shophouses, canals and pagodas.
Japan: culinary excellence, ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity
If you’re looking for an action-packed break with wonder at every turn and plentiful stories to tell on your return home, Japan is for you. This popular destination offers a magnetic old-meets-new energy, where ancient temples and shrines meet cloud-skimming skyscrapers and neon signs. Then there’s the snow; the Japanese powder (aka ‘Japow’) is some of the best in the world for skiing – not to mention the post-slope onsens. A city break to Tokyo offers something different at every turn; in one day could see you heading from an ancient Buddhist temple, to the brightly lit shopfronts of Shinjuku, to a peaceful park, to the futuristic anime hotspot of Akihabara. Head to the port city of Osaka for next-level street food and to see its 16th-century castle, framed by its famous cherry blossom trees in season.
Thailand: island paradise, rich Buddhist culture and warm hospitality
Another firm favourite for budget-friendly beachside bliss, Thailand offers five-star resort luxury coupled with postcard-perfect sands. While its islands (Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi) offer the quintessential experience of aquamarine waters and leafy palms, lesser-known areas such as Khao Lak on the mainland are gaining popularity as they offer a similar vibe with easier access and fewer crowds. Dining is also pleasingly affordable, especially if you opt for an all-inclusive package, and consistently delicious (think rich, nutty massaman curry, or piquant pad Thai noodles, for just a few Australian dollars). Go beyond the beaches for a taste of its culture and tradition: the city of Chiang Mai in the north is home to ornate, ancient temples and early morning markets, while riverside Bangkok bustles with the thrum of modern life, played out alongside the historic Grand Palace and Buddha of Wat Pho Temple.
Singapore: five-star hotels, iconic architecture and hawker centres
Pristine, safe and famously green, Singapore defies the usual city tropes. Although it’s a popular stopover spot, this east-meets-west metroplis is well worth dedicating a full week to, for its world-renowned gardens (Gardens by the Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Botanic Gardens), hawker-hall food (head to Lau Pa Sat with its ‘Satay Street’, and Chinatown’s Maxwell Food Centre), architectural icons (Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion), Orchard Road shopping and glossy bar and restaurant scene. Those with a little longer to spend can also enjoy the attractions of Sentosa Island; just off the southern coast and reachable by cable car, this dedicated leisure destination combines luxury resorts and theme parks with beautifully maintained beaches.
Hong Kong: fast-paced meets peaceful, old meets new
Nowhere blends past and present as electrifyingly as Hong Kong. Futuristic glass high-rises mingle with colonial architecture and ancient temples, the streets thrumming with life from day through neon-lit night. It’s easy to navigate by subway, though on foot is the best way to stumble upon its hidden teahouses, pagodas, and street food vendors selling everything from buttery egg tarts to fish balls and dim sum. Although the city is forever on the pulse, it’s very much cradled by nature in its location between the South China Sea and emerald-green mountains. For a moment of calm, take the 19th-century funicular railway up Victoria Peak, where there are several walking trails, or scale the Dragon’s Back mountain ridge. A ferry or train ride away on Lantau Island, the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and its one-of-a-kind attractions awaits.
Maldives: once-in-a-lifetime extravagance and overwater living
Picture paradise and likely the Maldives’ crystalline waters, Eden-like islets and powdery white sands come to mind. A true bucket-list destination, this far-flung dreamscape can be slightly trickier to reach than other Asia locations (a speedboat, seaplane ride or domestic flight are needed to get out to the islands), but it’s well worth it for a special occasion or one-of-a-kind indulgence. Quiet days here are spent lounging, snorkelling the reefs and toasting to the good life, which is here in abundance; resorts offer next-level luxury with fine dining, tailored experiences and palatial overwater villas, each designed for picture-perfect memories. While its remoteness and laidback pace is the main attraction for some, it’s not for every traveller: come here prepared to press pause and revel in the tranquility.
Malaysia: rainforests, wildlife and glittering cities
From tropical rainforests of orangutans and monkeys, to glittering global cities and paradise islands lapped by azure waters, Malaysia is a kaleidoscopic adventure that feels like multiple destinations in one. Experience both its modernity and heritage in Kuala Lumpur, where the sky-scraping Petronas Towers and hip rooftop bars rise above street markets and Chinese clan houses. Foodies will be in their element here; the Jalan Alor night market is famed for its satay and chilli crab, Little India for its spice-laden curries. Another culinary hotspot, and arguably the food capital of Malaysia, is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed George Town on Penang Island, where flavour-packed hawker fare is served among the historic streets of colonial-era shopfronts, clan houses and temples.
