Asia is the largest part of the world. More than half of the world's population lives here.
In order to better understand the peculiarities of tourism development in this largest part of the world, the following regions should be distinguished: Southwest Asia (Near and Middle East), South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central and East Asia.
Asia is attracting an increasing number of tourists due to the following factors:
- a huge territory, extremely capacious for receiving tourists (Asia is the largest part of the world);
- washing the shores of Asia by three oceans and dozens of their seas and bays;
- the location of this part of the world in all climatic regions, a significant diversity and richness of natural landscapes and recreational resources;
- the presence of a huge number of historical and cultural monuments, as well as natural attractions;
- finding the world's most important shrines and centers of pilgrimage in Asia;
- ethnic diversity of the continent;
- the location in Asia of the states with the highest population in the world: China, India;
- the rapid pace of economic development of a number of states: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, China, etc.
Along with these favorable conditions, there are a number of negative factors that hinder the development of tourism in Asia. First of all, it should be noted:
- unfavorable natural conditions for tourism in the vast territories of a number of countries (deserts, highlands with difficult terrain, jungle, etc.);
- poor development of transport infrastructure in a number of countries;
- the dominance of ideological interests over economic interests in a number of countries, as a consequence of this, the economic backwardness of these countries, their unpreparedness to receive tourists, lack of service (DPRK, Mongolia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Iran, Iraq);
lack of internal political and economic stability in a number of Asian countries (Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq).
The main purpose of visiting Asia by tourists from other parts of the world is to get acquainted with the culture, historical and natural sights. Business travel and congress tourism are most typical for Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China. Israel is visited for the purpose of treatment and worship of religious values.
External tourism relations in Asia are carried out mainly
aviation. Most flights are operated by international planes.
airlines, a smaller part - by companies owned
countries of Asia.

Due to the wide range of climatic conditions, there is no specific season of arrivals in Asia, but it can be traced in individual regions.
The main tourist market for Asia is the countries of Europe (of which the former metropolises of Great Britain and France, as well as Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the Scandinavian states, stand out), the USA and Canada. The largest tourist flows from Africa are from the Maghreb countries to Mecca and Medina, and from East Africa to India, Pakistan and Iran. There are relatively large flows of tourists from Australia and New Zealand, especially to Southeast and South Asia. Japan stands out from the Asian countries in the intra-Asian flows.
Flows from Asia to other parts of the world are comparatively small, and the Asian tourism market does not yet match its huge population. Today, the Japanese and residents of several countries of South-West Asia travel beyond this part of the world more than others.

Southwest Asia

This region covers a vast and extremely diverse geographically, historically and socio-economically territory. This includes 16 states: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Qatar, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey. It should be noted that the conventional concept of "Near and Middle East" is somewhat broader than "South-West Asia", since it covers the territory of the states of South-West Asia, as well as Egypt and Sudan. The favorable geographical position of some states and regions is combined with the remoteness and isolation of others; favorable climatic and landscape conditions for tourism and resort business, as well as a variety of recreational resources in some countries - with desert, arid (in most of the Arabian Peninsula) in others. There are also serious political differences: in a number of states in the region, monarchies (including absolute ones) with strong remnants of feudal and tribal relations have survived, but the republican form of government still prevails.

In general, Southwest Asia can be considered one of the most promising regions for the development of tourism. Wide access to many seas and bays of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as to the Caspian Sea, geographical position at the junction of three parts of the world, various relief and climatic conditions, a large number of sunny days, unique natural attractions, numerous historical, cultural and religious monuments, the presence developed tourist infrastructure in a number of states (Cyprus, Turkey, Israel) - all these and many other factors contribute to the widespread attraction of guests from other parts of the world, as well as the development of tourist exchange within the region.

It's no secret that beach holidays in Asian countries are considered the best - the tourism industry has ennobled almost all "wild" and remote settlements and fishing villages, and prices are much lower here than in Europe or the Caribbean. We've compiled a list of the best resorts in Asia for you.

One of the most popular resorts among Russians in Taya is Phuket Island. It is the southern province of the country and the largest island on its territory (its area is almost equal to the area of ​​Singapore).

Things to do

Phuket is suitable for both a beach holiday and an active pastime: there are excellent beaches, comfortable hotels, clubs, bars, discos, picturesque natural corners - waterfalls, bays, gardens and a lot of historical sights.

The Karon Beach area is a favorite place for party-goers from all over the world, with a developed entertainment infrastructure. Kamala beaches are a calm and secluded place ideal for families. The sea in Phuket is quite calm, big waves are rare here.

How to get there

Direct charter flight. Planes fly to Phuket from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, Vladivostok and other cities. You can independently get to the island from the capital of Thailand - Bangkok.

Boracay, Philippines

Part of the coast of Boracay called White Beach, according to the ratings of world researchers, is among the top 10 best beaches in the world. Another undoubted plus of this place is the almost zero crime rate.

Things to do

Here you can stay in a hotel remote from the coast or rent a bungalow right on the coast. The infrastructure includes cafes, bars, restaurants, disco clubs and souvenir shops. Divers are happy to go to Boracay - there are more than 10 diving centers on the island.

Windsurfers and kitesurfers also love to visit these places - they are attracted by the smooth wind, especially at Bulabog Beach. Respectable businessmen can relax in a massage parlor or spa, or play golf.

Among the attractions are the underwater Dead Forest, an exposition of shells in the local museum and the mysterious caves of bats.

How to get there

Boracay does not have its own airport and to get here, you need to use a rather difficult route. One of the options is a flight from Moscow, Vladivostok or Yakutsk to Panay with a transfer in the Philippine capital Manila. Ferries and boats run from Panay Island, neighboring Boracay. Please note that sea transport does not function at night.

Hainan, China

The tropical island of Hanan is located in the south of China. This is not only an excellent resort place, but also a major cultural center - various celebrations and festivals are held here throughout the year. The island has a well-developed entertainment infrastructure - there are many nightclubs, discos and bars. There is even a special club for Russians. In addition, the famous Chinese Medicine Center is located here.

Things to do

The island offers many attractions to tourists - the End of the World Park, Monkey Island, Butterfly Gorge, Buddhist Center, Ma'an Volcano, safari zoo with free roaming animals.

The local Oceanarium deserves special mention, where you can feed crocodiles, see long-lived sea turtles, admire a collection of exotic birds from all over the country and even ride an ostrich.

Dadonghai Beach is one of the most popular resorts on the island. There are restaurants, shops, cafes, a grocery market. A wide range of hotels to suit every taste, from hostels to five-star hotels. Almost everywhere - Russian-speaking staff.

Yalongwan locals call "yaochi" - "earthly paradise". There is a diving center and a casino. Catering points, clubs and shops are located mainly on the territory of hotels.

How to get there

Direct flight from Moscow to the city of Sanya. The flight time is approximately 10 hours.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi is the main island in the archipelago of the same name. There are 99 islands in total, 4 of which are inhabited.

Things to do

For active recreation, excursions to caves, waterfalls, lakes and mountain ranges, trips to heavenly bridges and a cable car are suitable. The resort's infrastructure includes restaurants, cafes, bars, spas and duty-free points. Both diving and snorkeling (swimming under the surface of the water) are widespread here. You can go fishing or go on a boat trip.

The beaches of the island are recognized as medicinal - the sea water and the purest white sand contain a high percentage of minerals that have a beneficial effect on joints, bones and respiratory organs. The disadvantage of this resort is quite strong ebb and flow.

How to get there

Transit flight from Moscow to Langkawi with a transfer in Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Bangkok or Dubai. The flight will be at least 15 hours. Next - by ferry.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Phu Quoc is the ecological center of Vietnam. Most of the island is a virgin thicket of wild forests that are part of the national reserve.

Things to do

The largest diving school in the country, low rental prices and magnificent seascapes attract huge flows of deep-diving enthusiasts here. The infrastructure is not very developed, but there are cafes and volleyball courts on the beaches.

From entertainment, a visit to a black pepper farm, a trip to a museum and a pearl plantation and squid fishing are available.

How to get there

Direct flight "Moscow-Ho Chi Minh" to Bangkok, Nha Trang and Hanoi. Then take a domestic flight to Fukuoka. A flight with a docking will take 20 hours or more.

Bali, Indonesia

The most popular resorts are located in the southern part of the island. The most favorite vacation spot for Russians is the resort of Kuta.

Things to do

Kuta is a developed tourist area. There are many different-sized hotels, large shopping centers, spas, restaurants, clubs and cafes. The resort is located close to Ngurah Airport. A well-groomed and clean (albeit crowded) beach with a shallow sandy bottom, without sharp corals and dangerous rocks, is perfect for surfers. The sea also favors fans of boarding - there is constant wind and strong waves.

Of the minuses - the almost complete lack of attractions. You can visit the water park, the seashell museum or the local theater with exotic performances.

This is an ideal place for rest and relaxation: people come here for the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine, bathing in healing springs with mineral water and local massage. However, beach holidays and the entertainment industry are also on a level here. A rich and multicultural excursion program: from Jewish synagogues to Dutch churches.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Kerala from Russia. The most common scheme is by an international airline to any major Indian city, then a transfer on a domestic flight to one of Kerala's airports - most often to Trivandrum. The flight from the Russian capital will take at least 8 hours.

For a European person, Asia is a fabulous and mysterious side of the World. People come here for impressions, for new knowledge, for answers to unsolvable riddles. And also to the warm sea or ocean, for exotic entertainment and culinary delights.

Asia begins just behind the Bosphorus. Turkey is a well-known country for the mass tourist. Unfortunately, few people perceive the countries of Central Asia as a vacation option. Of the distant countries, Thailand is best known, but Cambodia or Vietnam are rarely considered as the final destination of a flight to the sea.

One of the most important attractions of traveling to Asia is food and accommodation prices. They are extremely attractive and able to inspire tourists with the most modest budgets. Despite the long and expensive flight. In return, traveling to Asia gives the tourist the opportunity to save on housing and food so much that the high cost of the flight will not look so hopeless.

How to make your visit to an Asian country informal, exclusive and inexpensive? Which countries give a chance to tourists with a small wallet? What can you see, where to visit? We have dedicated this article to the answers to these important questions.

Turkey: an all-inclusive country

Tourists love the resorts of Turkey for their low cost of living, inexpensive food and fun entertainment. The abundance of ancient ruins, the secular nature of the state (all Muslim attractions are available for tourists), sandy beaches and the opportunity to relax on an all-inclusive basis are the main attractions for the mass tourist. One cannot but add the command of the hotel and restaurant staff in Russian, which makes resort life easier for our travelers.

The Hagia Sophia Museum - a symbol of the "golden age" of Byzantium, is located in the historical center of Istanbul.

Independent travel to the resorts of Turkey is associated with many troubles. But as a result, the tourist pays more than the average tour offered by tour operators - 200 euros / week. So much is the trip alone, meals - breakfast only, accommodation in a 3 * hotel, out of season.

An independent flight to Antalya and back will cost the same two hundred euros (the cheapest in the PEGASUS company). Accommodation in a modest hotel - from 13 euros / day (91 euros / week) for a double room with breakfast.

Lunch in a modest restaurant will not cost more than 6-7 euros per person. If you eat on your own (many hotels have kitchens), then the daily consumption of food will not exceed 5-6 euros. In this case, it is better to make purchases in bazaars, and in supermarkets to buy only dairy products and semi-finished products.

Excursions to any place interesting for tourists can be bought at tourist kiosks (by no means from street vendors!). A one-day tour to Ephesus or Didim with lunch included will cost about fifty euros per person.

Uzbekistan: the star of the East

A well-known country from Soviet times, today it is perhaps the most developed and pleasant country for tourists in the Central Asian region. If the capital - Tashkent - is not very interesting for travelers, then Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand are able to satisfy the taste of the most sophisticated traveler, not to mention the novice tourist. Ancient mosques, mausoleums, palaces of emirs, endless bazaars, delicious cuisine and a warm climate - what else does a traveler need?

Registan Square in Samarkand.

If you eat in numerous national street restaurants or coffee houses, then lunch will cost you no more than 4-5 euros. The fees for visiting attractions and museums are so low that you can hardly spend more than 5 euros in a week, visiting two or three places daily.

There is a very strict police in Uzbekistan, tourists here feel protected and protected. It should also be added that all the stories about the incredible hospitality of the Uzbeks are true! You will certainly have a lot of friends.

The climate is hot here, especially in summer. Therefore, for a visit, it is better to choose spring or autumn, when the temperature does not break records and you can not only sunbathe well, but also enjoy admiring mosques, medieval quarters, abundant bazaars and green gardens.

Flight from Moscow to Samarkand and back - 400 euros (UTair is the cheapest). Accommodation - from 21 euros / day (for two people in a guest house near the historic center), breakfast - 3 euros.

India: home of Buddha

One of the most exotic and rich in cultural monuments countries in the world. It is interesting here both in big cities and in small villages. People often come here just to live and observe the life of people who neglect earthly blessings. On the other hand, many tourists are shocked by a visit to this country, the worldview of Indians and Europeans is so different.

Bengal tiger in one of the national parks of India.

The sights of India are so numerous and varied that it is difficult to choose the top ten or twenty of the most outstanding. Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, ancient palaces and fortresses, the sacred Ganges and national parks with rhinos and tigers are hard to list.

India will be interesting for lovers of antiquity, admirers of natural beauty, seekers of the meaning of life and those who prefer a serene pastime on the beach. To save on transport, it is best to rent a scooter during the visit, it costs 50 euros / week. The vast majority of attractions are free. But to museums and cultural centers, entrance fees can cost up to 10 euros.

You can eat at street stalls (if your stomach is healthy and you can tolerate spices easily) - a huge portion of a vegetarian dish of rice and vegetables - less than 1 euro. If you prefer moderately spicy European cuisine, then lunch at a restaurant will cost from 7 euros per person.

Visa to India for tourists costs 60 US dollars. You can arrange it on the Internet.

Flight from Moscow to Mumbai and back outside the season (April-September) - 415 euros (Turkish Airlines).

Housing in India is very cheap, but if you want to live in a room without beetles, but with air conditioning, you will have to pay from 10 euros per day (double room in city hotels of 2-3 * level).

Vietnam: a small country with great opportunities

Vietnam is not often seen as a holiday destination by budget travelers. Completely in vain! Holidays in this picturesque and hospitable country are cheaper than in vaunted Thailand.

Russians can spend two weeks in Vietnam annually without a visa. The country offers tourists not only perfectly clean beaches and a warm, transparent sea, but also many of the most unexpected cultural and historical monuments, a kind of cuisine, a good-natured and smiling local population. And also in Vietnam, unusually low prices for food and accommodation in a hotel or guest house.

Flight from Moscow to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh and back - from 424 euros (offer from Emirates).

Double room in a modest but clean and modern hotel - from 8 euros / day.

Halong Bay, Hoi An, Mui Ne, Nha Trang - the names of the most attractive resort places in Vietnam say little to the budget tourist. Behind them are unusually beautiful places, cozy restaurants, comfortable hotels, distinctive festivals, green parks and Buddhist pagodas.

Long Son Pagoda (Nha Trang).

Eating in street cafes and eateries, you can easily meet 6-8 euros per day. Lunch at an expensive restaurant - 12-15 euros. Fruit in the land of victorious socialism is so cheap that many tourists switch to a fruit diet and spend no more than three or four euros per day on food. Transportation costs can be easily kept to a minimum by renting a bike at € 30 / week.

Visiting attractions in organized groups, accompanied by a guide - from 35 euros for a day trip, including meals. Country tour (5 days) - 180-220 euros.

There is virtually no street crime in Vietnam. The security level here is very high and the police work very efficiently.

Entrance to a beach party or a nightclub - from 2 euros.

Similar prices, entertainment and attractions in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos. But air tickets to these countries will cost no less than 500 euros. In Sri Lanka, Nepal, and even in China, a budget tourist will also feel confident and carefree.

Each of these countries has a variety of exotic entertainment, affordable accommodation and delicious food. The main thing is to visit these countries not during the high tourist season, but to book tickets and hotels no later than six months in advance.

Asia is islands, temples, a colorful kaleidoscope of exotic fruits, kindly decorated elephants, fussy and smart monkeys, the sea, the sun, palm trees ... In general, Asia is a whole philosophy, time flows smoothly, nothing passes without a trace, everything is reborn and flows over to each other. into a friend. Do you want to visit the most beautiful places in Asia? Then here are 10 countries, visiting which you will no longer be able to live as before.

1. Thailand

This country has won the laurels of the most popular resort destination for our compatriots. There is everything here: a lazy beach vacation, interesting excursions, picturesque nature, a rich nightlife with parties, cocktails and Thai spices (well, you know what we are about). There are so many resorts that you can go to a new one every year. Pattaya, the islands of Phuket and Samui are larger and Phi Phi, Ko-Mak are smaller, but in general, there is a whole scattering of islands, on each of which you can find whatever you want.

2. Vietnam

Holidays in Vietnam are inexpensive in terms of food, entertainment, etc. That is why European youth loves him, because here you can also surf and just relax lazily. The main resorts: Nha Trang, which is popular with active tourists, Phan Thiet, which is quieter, for which couples with children love it, and Phukok, for those who love a luxurious vacation. From entertainment: excursions to national parks, boat trips to the islands, all sorts of unusual activities for us (like riding ostriches), as well as more familiar ones - for example, the Winperl Amusement Park on the island of the same name.

3. Sri Lanka

As many antiquities as there are in the legendary Ceylon, you are unlikely to be able to find anywhere else. Here and the ancient Sigirya - a majestic mountain decorated with a giant statue of a lion, and Dambulla with the largest collection of Buddha statues, and Kandy - the ancient residence of rulers, and Anuradhapura with a long history and the sacred Bodhi tree. And this is not the whole list, but we have not yet said a word about the wonderful quiet beaches with red sunsets, against which the silhouettes of local fishermen darken, sitting on special poles right in the sea.

4. China

Relatively recently, we learned that in China, in addition to the Great Wall of China and Pikin, there are sea resorts. Meanwhile, the island of Hainan (also called "Eastern Hawaii") is very popular, both among the Chinese themselves and among Russian tourists. Rest here can be called calm. For those who get bored on the beach, we recommend going on a couple of excursions and looking at the life and traditions of local residents - whether the tribes and Miao, or to heal in healing springs.

5. India

If you want to visit the sea, then Goa and Kerala are waiting for you. Go-for a hangout in the north and complete relaxation in the south. We can say that this is not even India, but “little Portugal”, everything is quite modern, there is not much local flavor, but there is a special atmosphere brought here by hippies: freedom, parties on the beach and so on. Kerala will appeal to those who want to get acquainted with Ayurveda, there are many centers of Indian medicine and yoga schools. There is also the famous golden triangle "Delhi-Agra-Jaipur", the city of Varanasi, Mumbai and many other cities, which are interesting to travel alone, but not at all safe.

6. Indonesia

In order to understand how you can really relax on vacation, go to Bali or Java, or Sumatra, in general, to one of the beautiful islands of Indonesia, where peace and tranquility reigns against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. See temples, play with monkeys. And if you want parties, clubs and entertainment, then, for example, Balinese Kuta is more than enough for you: a whole street of entertainment establishments and several surfing schools fully compensate for your desire to be active.

7. Malaysia

If you are an adherent of beach holidays, then here you can get enough of it: the islands of Penang, Langkawi and Sipadan are simply created in order to enjoy the sea and the sun. And if you want to walk around the metropolis, be sure to visit Kuala Lumpur, where you can visit the Bird Park, the famous Petronas Twin Towers and look into a couple of nightclubs.

8. Singapore

People usually visit Singapore in transit, because for a transit visit to the country (you have as much as 96 hours) you do not need a visa. During this time, you can visit the minimum must see, which is enough to form an opinion about the country. Visit Clar Key Quay at night to drown in the lights, visit the Botanical Gardens and, of course, do not forget to take a couple of photos at the legendary rooftop pool of Marina Bay Sands with stunning views.

9.South Korea

This country is gaining more and more popularity among tourists. Getting here, one gets the impression of a leap into the future: the modern architecture of Seoul, the availability of Wi-Fi almost everywhere and a lot of newfangled entertainment. But history buffs will also find many interesting things for themselves: royal palaces of the Joseon dynasty, temples and fortresses. And here you can also improve your health and undergo diagnostics on modern equipment at a relatively inexpensive price.

10. Philippines

A trip to the wonderland, of course, will cost a pretty penny, but it is worth spending money to plunge into ancient Eastern traditions. Visit the healers' ceremony, appreciate the heritage of the Spanish conquistadors, admire the urban beauty of Manila, buy a couple of real pearl necklaces and conquer the Mayon volcano - here is a short list of things you can add your own.

Asia is very diverse and colorful in terms of culture, religion, nature. Lost islands, exotic fruits, spiritual centers and low prices are just a few of what attracts tourists to this part of the world. How not to get confused in such a variety and choose the best place to stay, we will tell you in this article.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the most popular resort. On the island, in addition to delightful beaches and hotels, there are Buddhist temples, observation decks, waterfalls, gardens. Here you can find small coves to feel solitude or arrange a romantic evening, and club-bar streets filled with noise, music and dancing. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, which makes it easy to get to other provinces or.

pros

• Lots of entertainment, architectural and natural attractions. Nice beaches that rarely have big waves.

Minuses

• Sights and shops are scattered around the island, and you need to get to them by taxi, which is not very cheap, or by rented motorbike, which is not very safe.

Boracay, Philippines

This small Philippine island is famous for having one of the ten best beaches in the world - White Beach. A string of bars, massage parlors, souvenir shops and cafes stretch along it. In addition to people who love nightlife, Boracay attracts divers and kitesurfers, because there are ideal conditions for observing the underwater world, and a steady wind always blows near Bulabog Beach, so necessary for kiting.

pros

• You can rent a bungalow right on the beach. There is practically no crime.

Minuses

• Few attractions. Getting to Boracay is quite tiring.

Hainan, China

On the island of Hainan, you can not only relax on the beach, but also see many attractions. For example, the extinct Ma-An volcano, the crater of which has been turned into an observation deck. Those who want to tickle their nerves should go to where bears, tigers and lions walk in natural conditions, and tourists can watch them from a jeep. In addition, Hainan Province is a major cultural center that hosts many different festivals throughout the year.

pros

• There is a Chinese medicine center on the island where you can improve your health or undergo a complex of spa treatments.

Minuses

• Hainan Island is popular with the local population, so in the high season and in the evenings, the beaches are quite crowded.

Langkawi, Malaysia

The Malaysian island of Langkawi is located in the middle of an archipelago of 100 islands. Here everyone can feel like a pioneer, without going far from the white beaches and comfortable hotels. Mountains, caves, waterfalls and lakes coexist with the resort infrastructure and many attractions, among which the cable car and the sky bridge, so beloved by tourists, run right above the jungle.

pros

• Langkawi is a duty free zone.

Minuses

• Powerful ebb and flow.

Sri Lanka

Tea plantations, elephants, golden beaches with palm trees descending to the water, ancient temples and statues - all this is on a small one that is lost in the Indian Ocean off the coast of India. Aromatherapy is combined with Buddhist and Hindu teachings to promote relaxation and spiritual enrichment. Water skiing, underwater fishing, surfing and kiting are waiting for those who like active rest.

pros

• Many excursions, natural and architectural attractions.

Minuses

• The pesky beach bailiffs wanting to sell something. Bad roads, which affects the travel time from one place to another.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com