Which Asian country should you visit first?

Asia is the cradle of many ancient civilizations with thousands of years of history. That’s why it has always been one of the continents that attracts travelers from all over the world, thanks to its diversity in culture, history, cuisine, natural landscapes, and people.

Asia offers a diverse natural landscape, giving travelers the chance to choose from mountain trekking, scuba diving, cave exploration, or simply relaxing on golden sandy beaches.

Moreover, compared to many destinations in other continents, travel expenses in many Asian countries (especially in Southeast Asia) are quite affordable — from accommodation and food to transportation — making it suitable for a wide range of travelers, from budget backpackers to those seeking premium services.

However, when facing the vast map of Asia with dozens of countries, each with its own unique charm, many people wonder which country to visit first. Let’s join Vietjet in exploring the highlights of each destination to find the answer that best matches your preferences and expectations.

1. Thailand – The budget-friendly “Paradise of Travel”

For those asking which Asian country is the cheapest to visit, Thailand is truly the “Paradise of Travel.” Not only is it home to stunning scenery, but it also wins the hearts of travelers with its friendliness and diverse experiences. It’s also a country where you can enjoy delicious street food at night markets for very reasonable prices.

For Vietnamese citizens, entry to Thailand is visa-free for up to 30 days, saving both time and paperwork costs.

In particular, Thailand has a well-developed transportation system, with many direct flights from Vietnam to major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. To grab flight tickets starting from just 330,000 VND, book your trip to Thailand with Vietjet HERE.

Food, accommodation, and experiences in Thailand are affordable, making it an ideal first trip to Asia.

1.1 Best time to visit Thailand

The most ideal time to travel to Thailand is from November to February. This is the dry and coolest season of the year, with average temperatures around 22–30°C, perfect for outdoor sightseeing, city exploration, and beach relaxation.

The sky in Thailand during the dry season is bright and clear, creating the perfect conditions for photography and traveling.

If you want to save costs, you can consider going during the off-season (April to June or September to October), but note that the weather may be hot and rainy.

1.2 What to do in Thailand?

Thailand offers countless activities and attractions for you to explore:

Explore the capital city, Bangkok

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): Once the residence of the Thai Royal Family for centuries, the Grand Palace is a magnificent architectural complex with ornate buildings, temples, and gardens adorned with gold. Wat Phra Kaew, located within the palace grounds, houses the sacred Emerald Buddha, considered a national treasure.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun stands out with its 76m high spire decorated with porcelain and ceramics. It is also one of the most impressive places to watch the sunset in Bangkok.

The temple is decorated with shimmering pieces of porcelain and glass, sparkling brilliantly under the sunlight.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): One of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, famous for its 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue covered in gold leaf and mother-of-pearl inlay. Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Cruise on the Chao Phraya River: A must-do experience in Bangkok is joining a river cruise on the “River of Kings.” From the boat, you can admire landmarks along the riverbanks such as Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and glittering high-rise hotels illuminated at night.

Many evening cruises include a luxurious buffet featuring both Thai and international cuisine.

Beach escapes on paradise islands

Phuket: The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is famous for its lively beaches such as Patong, Karon, and Kata, as well as quieter spots like Nai Harn and Freedom Beach.

Phuket is ideal for swimming, diving, and nightlife activities.

Koh Samui: Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui is known for its white sandy beaches, lush coconut groves, and a relaxing atmosphere. Unlike Phuket, it is perfect for families, couples, and travelers seeking tranquility.
Koh Phi Phi: A small archipelago in Krabi Province, famous for its pristine beauty, turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Maya Bay, with its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, is a true highlight.

Relax in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Located on Doi Suthep mountain about 15km from Chiang Mai city center, this sacred temple offers a serene atmosphere and a panoramic view of the city.

A breathtaking panoramic view of Chiang Mai from above.

Experience Lanna culture: Chiang Mai is the cultural heart of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, offering gentle activities that help you relax while learning local traditions. You can take cooking classes, practice meditation, or join yoga sessions to refresh your mind.
Chiang Mai Night Safari: The largest night zoo in Thailand, where you can observe wildlife after dark. Visitors ride in special trams through different zones: Savanna Safari (with giraffes and zebras), Predator Prowl (home to tigers and lions), and Jaguar Trail (where you can spot leopards).

Chiang Mai is also where the Yi Peng Lantern Festival takes place, held on the full moon of the 12th month in the Lanna calendar (usually in November in the Gregorian calendar).

1.3 What to eat in Thailand?

Pad Thai: This world-famous stir-fried noodle dish is a symbol of Thai cuisine. Made with rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp (or chicken, pork), tofu, bean sprouts, chives, and eggs, then topped with crushed peanuts. The secret lies in its signature sweet-and-sour sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, and fish sauce.
Tom Yum Goong: Known as Thailand’s “national dish,” this hot and sour shrimp soup will ignite your taste buds. It’s bursting with the aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, the heat of chilies, the tang of fresh lime, and the sweetness of succulent shrimp.

Tom Yum Goong is not just a dish but a sensory experience.

Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad): Made from shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, long beans, roasted peanuts, dried shrimp, and dressed with a signature spicy-sour-salty-sweet sauce pounded in a mortar and pestle. The fiery heat of chilies, tang of lime, saltiness of fish sauce, and mild sweetness of palm sugar come together in a vibrant explosion of flavors.

This refreshing green papaya salad is the perfect choice for hot days.

Mango Sticky Rice: Sticky glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and sugar, served with slices of ripe, sweet mango that explode with flavor. Each portion is topped with toasted sesame seeds or crispy mung beans to enhance both taste and presentation.

The creamy richness of coconut milk, the fragrant chewiness of sticky rice, and the sweet freshness of ripe mango create an unforgettable combination.

2. Taiwan – The “Pearl Island” blending tradition and modernity

Taiwan is a unique destination in East Asia, impressing visitors with its harmonious blend of traditional Chinese culture, Japanese influence, and modern cities like Taipei. With stunning natural landscapes, tempting street food, and friendly locals, Taiwan is an ideal choice.

Compared to Japan or South Korea, Taiwan offers more affordable travel costs—from accommodation and food to entrance tickets—while still ensuring a wide range of experiences.

Taiwan has landscapes to captivate anyone: from majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning coastlines to bustling modern cities.

In addition, Taiwan has a very low crime rate, making it one of the safest destinations in Asia, especially for solo female travelers.

2.1 When is the best time to visit Taiwan?

The ideal times to visit Taiwan are in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).

Spring: Warm and pleasant weather—not too hot or cold—perfect for outdoor activities. This is also cherry blossom season in many areas, creating a romantic and picturesque atmosphere.

During spring, Taiwan holds the Qingming Festival (April) with ancestor remembrance activities.

Autumn: Dry, mild, and sunny, especially in late October and early November. Mountainsides turn golden and red as leaves change color, offering breathtaking scenery. This is also when many traditional festivals take place.

Autumn weather in Taiwan is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking in Taroko Gorge or cycling around Sun Moon Lake.

Book your flight tickets to Taiwan with Vietjet today from just 790,000 VND HERE.

2.2 What to do in Taiwan?

Taiwan has countless attractions, from architectural icons to natural wonders:

Taipei 101: Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is not only an architectural landmark but also a hub for shopping, dining, and offers an observation deck with panoramic views of Taipei.
Shilin Night Market: One of the largest and most famous night markets in Taipei, where you can enjoy a wide variety of street food and shop for local goods.
Jiufen Old Street: This quaint mountain village is famous for its narrow stone-paved alleys, traditional teahouses, and architecture with strong Japanese influences.

The magical night view when lanterns are lit is an unmissable check-in spot for Vietnamese travelers.

Sun Moon Lake: The largest natural lake in Taiwan, surrounded by majestic mountains. You can rent a boat, cycle around the lake, or visit nearby temples such as Wenwu Temple.
Alishan Mountain: Famous for its ancient forests, lush tea plantations, and especially the breathtaking sunrise over a sea of clouds viewed from the mountaintop.

Experiencing a ride on the old steam train through the forest is something you can’t miss.

2.3 Must-try dishes in Taiwan

Taiwanese cuisine will make you “fall in love” with its diversity and unique flavors:

Bubble Milk Tea: As the birthplace of bubble milk tea, Taiwan is where you must try this iconic drink. With countless variations—from black tea, green tea, to oolong—combined with chewy tapioca pearls, jelly, pudding, and creamy milk, you’re sure to find your favorite flavor.
Stinky Tofu: A signature dish that leaves a lasting impression on many visitors. While its strong smell may be off-putting before cooking, once deep-fried or cooked in soup, stinky tofu becomes rich, flavorful, and delicious.
Beef Noodle Soup: Considered Taiwan’s national dish, this hearty bowl combines flavorful broth simmered from beef bones and spices, tender braised beef, chewy noodles, and fresh greens.
Xiao Long Bao: The world-famous steamed dumplings with thin wrappers, filled with pork or shrimp. What makes them truly special is the savory hot broth inside, bursting with flavor at every bite.

Xiao Long Bao is often enjoyed with shredded ginger and black vinegar.

3. India – The “Billion-People Country” with profound cultural experiences

India is the cradle of many ancient civilizations and major religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism), offering diverse and unique spiritual journeys. If you’re wondering which Asian country to visit first as an adventurous traveler, India is a bold choice that promises deeply rewarding experiences.

With more than 1.4 billion people, India is a vibrant mosaic of culture, religion, history, and nature.

Vietnamese travelers can easily apply for an e-visa, making trip planning more convenient. India is also renowned as one of the world’s cheapest travel destinations—from accommodation and food to transportation and entrance fees—allowing you to extend your trip without breaking the bank.

3.1 When is the best time to visit India?

The best time to travel to India is October to March. This is winter in India, bringing the most pleasant weather of the year. Days are mild and sunny, nights are cool, and rainfall is minimal—perfect for exploring historical and cultural landmarks as well as outdoor adventures.

If you want to explore the Himalayas, spring or autumn are the best times to go.

However, this is also the peak tourist season, especially during festivals like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year. So, book your flight tickets to India early with Vietjet HERE to avoid price hikes.

3.2 What to do in India?

Taj Mahal (Agra): Built between 1632–1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its symmetrical Mughal architecture, central dome, and exquisite carvings make it an architectural masterpiece.

The Taj Mahal is most beautiful at sunrise when the golden light reflects on the marble, creating a shimmering effect.

Varanasi: One of the world’s oldest cities, dating back over 3,000 years. Located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is where Hindus come for ritual bathing, prayers, and cremation ceremonies.

Witnessing the sacred Aarti fire rituals at dawn or dusk on the Ganges River is a profound spiritual experience.

Ladakh: A dream for adventure lovers, Ladakh offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks.

Nicknamed the “Little Tibet,” Ladakh exudes tranquility and adventure.

3.3 Must-try dishes in India

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich spices and bold flavors, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian:

Curry: The most iconic Indian dish, with countless variations using vegetables, chicken, lamb, or fish, cooked with signature spices and coconut milk or yogurt. Each region has its own unique recipe.
Naan / Roti / Chapati: Traditional flatbreads, either baked in a tandoor (Naan) or cooked on a griddle (Roti/Chapati), often served with curries and stews.
Biryani: Fragrant spiced rice cooked with chicken or lamb, vegetables, and spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and saffron.
Masala Chai: India’s iconic spiced milk tea, brewed with black tea, milk, sugar, and spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Perfect for mornings or afternoons.

The diverse spices are what define India’s unforgettable dishes.

4. Asia Travel Tips: From A to Z for a Smooth Journey

Choose your destination and plan ahead: Decide based on personal interests (culture, beaches, food, or adventure), then outline a plan that includes country selection, ideal travel time, and a draft itinerary suited to your budget and schedule.
Budget & finances: Manage your money wisely by estimating expenses, checking exchange rates, preparing some local currency, and ensuring your debit/credit cards work abroad.
Documents & entry requirements: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, and check each country’s visa requirements (Thailand is visa-free, Taiwan requires conditions, India needs eVisa).
Book flights & accommodation early: This helps you save money and secure better options, especially in peak season.
Safety & security: Buy travel insurance, safeguard your belongings, learn local customs, and keep emergency contacts handy.

Traveling across Asia promises countless stories and unforgettable memories. Don’t hesitate to turn your Asian travel dreams into reality by booking your Vietjet flight tickets today—whether it’s Taiwan, India, or Thailand. Plus, take advantage of Vietjet’s 0 VND domestic and international ticket promotions every day from 12–2 PM. Check details HERE.

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