There was a time when Europe was very fashionable, touristically speaking, because the Cold War had divided it and the contrasts were impressive. Today i think Asia beats Europe if we think of distant and exotic destinations and very different cultures.
The different, travelers, we like. Why try the same flavors, see the same faces, listen to languages we already know? Asia is so different and that is why it is so attractive. But there are countries more popular than others when it comes to tourism and here is the most visited Asian countries in recent years:
China
Without a doubt China by now It is the giant of Asian tourism. It has opened up to the world in economic terms and its profound transformations attract us and make some of its tourist destinations more friendly for travelers who do not know a single word of Chinese.
It is estimated that each year China receives almost 58 million foreign visitors, without counting the cities of Hong Kong and Macao that together receive around 30 million per year. What is certain is that the number of travelers to mainland China and lesser-known destinations is increasing.
The front door is usually Beijing it has been the political heart of the country for centuries. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, Mao Mausoleum, The Hutongs or old neighborhoods that preserve the old Beijing, its museums and other palaces and temples. And not to mention the great ones markets where shopping is great and at incredible prices.
Shanghai is a modern city, vibrant. Always has been. nanjing road It is the street to walk and shop, but the foreign neighborhoods they are a delight to the eye and to the palate. Once the French and English lived here and their houses and their cultural traces have remained. Nightlife is great too, although it is not a cheap city.
Hong Kong it is another example of a cosmopolitan city. Jungle of skyscraper, escalators everywhere, bars and fancy restaurants, markets to waste hours haggling and boat rides to admire the lights of the buildings every night.
There are excursions to the nearby islands with their temples and picturesque villages and one hour is Las Vegas of the East, Macau, former Portuguese colony.
But China also has Terracotta Warriors in Xian, the temples and celestial landscapes of Tibet, the landscapes of Guilin and cruises on the Li River and the Yangtze with its Three Gorges Dam, for example. A thousand destinations in one, that's China and it honors its number one spot.
Malaysia
Receives almost 25 million visitors a year and most enter the country by Kuala Lumpur, the city of Petronas, the twin towers. Beyond the modern city, with shopping centers, bars, cafes and luxury restaurants, it offers us much more.
In the islands of Malaysia we can lounging, diving, snorkeling, cruising, fishing, and sunbathing in paradisiacal places. And the beaches of the Malay Peninsula, Langkawi or Tioman, not to mention.
Thailand
For a backpacker, Thailand is great because although the air can be expensive there the cost of living is very cheap. The islands and tropical beaches They are great, it seems that summer here never ends, but the capital, Bangkok, is another wonderful destination.
In fact, Bangkok is the most visited city in the world and every year around 16 million visitors tread it. How's it going? Beauty and low prices is synonymous with tourist success.
Singapore
If you see a map you realize that Singapore is in the area of Malaysia and Indonesia so take advantage and win visitors. It is calculated that per year just over 10 million people visit it.
Many go to their casinosThere are two huge casinos that are famous all over the world: Resorts World Sentosa, with hotel, and Marina Bay Sands. The modern and almost science fiction Gardens by the Bay They are another undeniable tourist magnet.
South Korea
This small country, marked by a division that still persists, has been placed in the eye of tourism since the success of the Korean cinema and television productions. The k-dramas They have become extremely popular in Asia first and are now consumed in Europe and America.
Thus, Seoul, the capital, which is the most typical setting for all these audiovisual productions, is the most visited Korean destination. It is a modern, beautiful city that has managed to climb the number of visitors to the country to almost 10 million people per year.
Of course, South Korea is a very beautiful country but it is still very rural so except for Seoul and the most distant city of Busan there are no other large urban centers to be seen. The Jeju Island in front of Seoul is recommended and if you like nature, the lake landscape, bays and Korean beaches are good destinations.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a group of islands, inhabited and uninhabited, numbering in the thousands. It receives 7 and a half million visitors a year and most of them walk towards Bali, a beautiful island with white sand beaches, luxury resorts, cheaper accommodation and Hindu temples.
They follow him Jakarta and its capital rhythm, Borneo with its forests and fauna and, Gilli Islands as a diving and snorkeling destination. They are the favorites.
India
Wholesale culture and history, that's India. The three most visited cities in India are Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata (Calcutta, Bombai and Delhi). Nobody wants to miss the Taj Mahal, in Angra, the religiosity of Varanasi, the Ganges and Goas or Kerala beaches.
It does not seem to me the best destination for travelers, my friends have had bad experiences, but for many it is the trip of their lives.
Japan
It is my favorite destination in Asia but it is not the most popular from the point of view of the amount of tourism. Tokyo is a fabulous city and the mountainous nature of the country hides unforgettable landscapes.
Ancient temples, medieval castles, samurai tales, good local beers, geishas, Mount Fuji and its national parks, hot springs, the generosity of its people, its technological level, for me everything is great.
Maybe not the favorite destination because it's far, you can only get there by plane and you have no choice but to focus on the country as few touch other destinations on the same trip.