Specialists of travel agencies note: the popularity of recreation in Southeast Asia is growing among Russian tourists every year. The question is natural: what are the attractions of such travel?
Holidays in Southeast Asia are a great opportunity to see exotic nature and unique sights, visit sacred places and appreciate the originality of the peoples inhabiting Asian countries. The growing popularity of such countries is also facilitated by the fact that Russians can enter almost all of them without a visa.
Seasonality of rest in Asian countries
Having made a decision in favor of a trip to one of the countries of Southeast Asia, decide what time of year to go. Experience shows that you can travel all year round, but it is important to choose the right country.
January is favorable for holidays in India and Vietnam: during this time, as a rule, there is wonderful weather here. A trip to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand will also be successful: in January, there is practically no rain in these countries.
February is great for visiting popular beach resorts in India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, as well as traveling to the Philippine Islands.
In March, a vacation in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines will make a pleasant impression. Enjoy the beaches, sun and warm water with a visit to ancient temples and other attractions. Holidays in China will also be successful.
April is traditionally the peak of the beach season in the Philippines. In addition, in April, the popularity of such a destination as Indonesia increases sharply, but in Sri Lanka at this time the tourist season ends.
In May, opt for a holiday in Malaysia, Indonesia or Vietnam and you will not regret it. May is also good for a holiday in China or travel to India.
June is the first month of summer, and it is known to be the wettest time in almost all countries of Southeast Asia. Tourists can be recommended to visit the island of Hainan, Malaysia or Vietnam.
July is the high season in Indonesia: it rains much less this month than at other times of the year. An excellent solution would be a vacation in Malaysia and China.
In August, good weather traditionally stands where two oceans meet - in Indonesia. In addition, travelers will appreciate their holidays in China and Vietnam.
In September, the dry season continues in Indonesia, the weather is fine in Malaysia.
October is a good time for the beach in Hainan Island. It is also the last month of the dry season in Indonesia, and the likelihood of rain is starting to rise here. In November, the bright sun shines over the Hindustan peninsula, so tourists will be delighted to have a rest in India.
Tours to Goa are traditionally very popular in December. This month is ideal for travel to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, travel to Thailand and the Philippines.
The most popular countries of Southeast Asia among tourists
Travel agency specialists identify several Asian countries that are most popular among travelers. These include Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. How do they attract tourists from all over the world?
From year to year, the popularity of such a tourist destination as Thailand does not decrease. Here vacationers are waiting for clean beaches, azure surface of the ocean, beautiful waterfalls, mysterious caves and jungle. Holidays in Thailand will appeal to both lovers of sunbathing on the beach and fans of outdoor activities.
India attracts tourists from all over the world with ancient cities and temples that have preserved their splendor to this day. You can visit the unique “pink city” of Jaipur, see the famous Taj Mahal and hear the melodious sounds of Indian music. Beach holidays in India have also become widespread: tours to Goa are extremely popular, in particular. Extreme excursions, centers of Ayurveda and yoga, exotic flora and fauna - you will find all this in India.
Would you like to relax in what is known as a tourist paradise? Go to the island of Sri Lanka! Located 800 km from the equator, it strikes the imagination with a riot of colors and splendor of tropical nature, long sandy beaches and beautiful reefs. Modern ones offer tourists maximum opportunities for a comfortable stay, and numerous excursions around the island do not allow them to get bored. It should be noted the breadth of opportunities for outdoor activities: in Sri Lanka, you can go diving or surfing.
A great way to spend your vacation is to travel to the largest island country in the world - Indonesia. On the island of Java, your imagination will be amazed by the world famous temple complex of Borobudur, and on the island of Komodo - the national park. On the popular island of Bali, you can comfortably relax on the beach or go surfing at one of the many centers.
Do you want to relax in an exotic corner of nature, where there are several attractions that claim to be included in the new list of wonders of the world? Go to the Philippines! The beaches of this island state are currently considered the best in the world. Walking through the capital of the Philippines, Manila, you can visit the largest shopping center in Asia, while the local prices for goods and services will pleasantly surprise you. Adherents of active recreation from year to year are attracted by the island of Boracay, where excellent conditions for surfing and kitesurfing are created.
Having made a trip to, you will certainly appreciate the developed tourism infrastructure. The country has numerous spas, massage parlors, restaurants, nightclubs and water sports schools. Hotels in Vietnam today meet the most modern ideas about a comfortable stay.
If your goal is an unforgettable trip, choose Southeast Asia. These countries will give you a comfortable stay that will leave pleasant memories for a long time.
Inhabitants of most regions of Russia in winter very much lack sun and warmth. If you want to change your down jacket for a swimsuit, and hot lemon tea for an iced cocktail, then drop everything, take a vacation and go to hot Asia. And here are the main resorts in Asia for a beach holiday in winter!
Best resorts in Asia for beach holidays
1. Sri Lanka
It is an exotic island known throughout the world for its tea plantations. Although this is not at all the main feature of Sri Lanka: tourists appreciate this island for sandy beaches, beautiful waterfalls, palm trees and a stunning underwater world. But spending an entire vacation in Sri Lanka on the beach is a crime, because this island is made for adventure and travel. In Sri Lanka, people practice windsurfing, diving, rafting, climbing mountains and enjoying the beauty of nature.
2. Bali
This is an unrealistically beautiful, fabulous island, strewn with tropical forests and attracting travelers with its rocky shores, volcanoes, paradise beaches and waves. People go to Bali to meditate, relax, explore natural beauty, sunbathe and surf. Holidays in Bali will appeal to families with children, newlyweds, and large friendly companies.
3. Goa
Perhaps this is not the most picturesque corner of nature in Asia, there is not such turquoise water, and you will not find white sand beaches here. But there is something else in these places - color and spirit of freedom. Tourists who love this Indian region come back here again and again for beach parties until the morning, for the sake of acquaintances and smiles of local residents. Lovers of history and architecture will appreciate the beautiful churches, squares and original houses of the former Portuguese colony.
4. Phuket
This island has beaches and activities for all tastes, from secluded evenings at Nai Harn Beach to rocking parties in Patong. You can overeat seafood, swim in picturesque lagoons, ride elephants, admire the beauty of majestic temples and bake in Thai entertainment establishments.
5. Langkawi
This is the main island resort of Malaysia, very popular with tourists. This is just a godsend for tourists who love resorts in Asia and want to try something new instead of the usual Goa and Phuket. Langkawi is covered in hills and dense jungle thickets, and the agile monkeys are cute and friendly only at first glance, in fact, they are constantly hunting for the property of relaxed tourists. Gardens and parks in Langkawi abound in a riot of colors and colors, vendors in the markets lure with the smell of fish and spices, and fruit rows beckon to treat themselves to yellow watermelons, rambutan and papaya.
6. Maldives
It is not for nothing that they are called paradise on Earth; you cannot find a more secluded, picturesque and quiet place in the whole world. For those who are tired of traffic jams, hustle and bustle of work, the Maldives offers chic bungalows with access to the blue waters of the ocean. Boat trips, fabulous beaches, tropical forests and meals on the shores of the Indian Ocean will impress any tourist.
7. Sihanoukville
This is a Cambodian resort undeservedly deprived of the attention of tourists, which in terms of the quality of recreation is in no way inferior to its Thai neighbor Pattaya. In Sihanoukville, tourists are expected by sandy beaches and the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Party-goers spend time on Victoria Beach, romantics choose the secluded Otres Beach, and lovers of dating, beach games, cafes and restaurants go to Serendepiti or Ochutel.
8. Hainan
Charters have been flying to the famous Chinese resort for a long time not only from Moscow, but also from some Siberian and Far Eastern cities. This is the main medical resort in China, which has not only thermal hydropathic establishments, but also professional medical clinics. It is hard to believe that Hainan used to be a place of exile for criminals, as it is now considered one of the most popular year-round resorts in Asia.
9. Phan Thiet
This is one of the few resorts in Vietnam where you can comfortably relax all year round. Seal beach lovers, adventure seekers in the depths of the sea waves, and families with children come here. It is not yet so popular among tourists, but this resort still has everything to come.
10. Samui
This is a relatively young Thai island resort, which until the 70s of the last century had not been visited by a tourist. The main value of the island is incredible nature in its original form, paradise beaches and amazing sunsets. People come here not for parties and parties, but for solitude with nature, contemplation and tranquility.
Southwest Asia includes the states of the Near and Middle East with an ancient history and a predominantly Muslim culture. The exception is Israel - a country of immigration and widespread Judaism with its shrines. Historically, the city of Jerusalem is currently located on the territory of Israel, in which the shrines of three religions are located: Judaism, Christianity, Islam. This, on the one hand, attracts a large number of tourists, partly pilgrims, and on the other, it creates the basis for constant conflicts, which also affects the scale of tourism.
In the countries of this zone, tourists are attracted by the warm sea (especially the Mediterranean, washing the shores of Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel), and the subtropical climate. Fans of educational tourism are attracted by ancient cities or their ruins, numerous cities with their historical and cultural heritage - Istanbul (Turkey), Amman (Jordan), the ancient cities of Lebanon Baalbek, Sayda, as well as the tourist center of Beirut, Nicosia (Cyprus), Iranian cities. Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Hamadan, etc.
Individual countries of the Arab East, as well as Turkey, attract many "shuttle traders" - participants in shopping tours. Afghanistan has interesting tourist opportunities, but the events of recent decades make it impossible to use them. The following tourist macro-regions are present in South-West Asia: Cyprus and Turkey, Palestine, Arab states (Middle East), Middle East.
Cyprus is a state located on the island of the same name in the northeastern Mediterranean.
Cyprus first gained independence in 1960, but in 1974 Turkish troops landed on the island. After that, the northern territory of the country was ceded to Turkey. There are no diplomatic relations between the Greek and Turkish parts. The Turkish part is closed for entry from the Greek side.
The territory of the Greek part of the island (Republic of Cyprus) is 5.9 thousand square meters. km, the Turkish part (Northern Cyprus) - 3.35 thousand sq. km. The coast of the island in the northern part is indented and rocky, the south of the island is flat, with long sandy beaches. In the center and in the south-west of the island is the vast old volcanic Troodos massif (the highest point is Mount Olympos, 1951 m). The vast and fertile Mesaoria valley stretches between the mountains.
In ancient times, Cyprus was the center of Mediterranean trade, which led to the mixing of cultural monuments of all European civilizations on its land. The capital of the country is Nicosia with the Center for Applied Arts located there, the Archbishop's Square with the Palace of the Archbishop, the Gate of Ammochostos and the Statue of Liberty, the archaeological museum, the Venetian walls (XVI century) with the Gate of Famagusta and the ring of the Municipal Park outside, the Church of Chrysaliniotissa, built by the mosque in 1450 , the churches of Tripiotis and Faneromeni, the Cathedral of St. John, built in 1662.
Limassol It is best known for its beaches, medieval museum, old castles and winemaking. Monuments Larnaca are the Larnaca Fortress (1625); Jami Kebir Mosque; church of ev. Lazarus; Laiki Getonya (one of the old quarters); the Church of Angeloktistos; Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque (1816), one of the main Muslim shrines (since Umm Haram, the aunt of the Prophet Muhammad is buried here); aqueduct (used for its intended purpose until 1939); catholic cathedral of ev. Sofia (XIII century); Archaeological Museum; royal chapel of ev. Katerina.
Within the resort Pathos interesting are the Port Fortress, the Paphos Mosaics, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Register, Panaya Limeniotissa, the Odeon Theater, the catacombs of St. Solomon, Royal Tombs, Chrysopolitessa Church and Column of s. Paul, "House of Theseus", "Villa
Dionysus ”, the beach of Aphrodite, the Bay of Kureniya, the ancient Roman city of Curium with its Greco-Roman theater, the Kolossi castle. The monuments of ancient culture in Salamis are the tomb of St. Catherine, the Costello castle in Famagusta, the Gothic cathedral of St. Nicholas.
Sea resorts Cyprus are Limassol, Protaras, Lara Beach with a sea turtle breeding station, Latchi, Cape Greco, Polis, numerous beach resort complexes on the southwest coast. The Troodos mountain range, where the summer residence of the President of Cyprus is located, provides opportunities for mountain tourism.
Turkey is a state in the southeast of Europe and Western Asia, with a total area of 780.6 thousand square meters. km and a population of 80 million people. Capital - Ankara. In the northwest it borders on Bulgaria and Greece, in the northeast - with Georgia and Armenia, in the east - with Iran, in the south - with Iraq and Syria. In the north it is washed by the Black and Marmara seas, in the south - by the Mediterranean Sea, in the west - by the Aegean Sea. The European part of Turkey (Eastern Thrace, or Roumelia) is a hilly plateau about 1000 m above sea level. The Asian part (Asia Minor, or Anatolia) is bounded by the mountain ranges of the Pontic Mountains in the north and the Taurus system in the south, between which the Anatolian Highlands are located (average elevation up to 1000 m), with river valleys and cones of extinct volcanoes in the east.
Turkey attracts recreational tourists: the coastal regions (along the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, Black Seas) are known for their favorable conditions (warm sea, subtropical climate), which contributed to the emergence of the famous resorts of Antalya, Alanya, Kemer, Belek, Side, Izmir, Marmaris and others (fig.9.1). There are resorts in the interior of Turkey, famous for their mineral springs. For example, springs near the city of Bursa were used by the Byzantines. Lovers of winter recreation are attracted by the modern ski resorts of Palandoken, Uludag, etc.
But, of course, Turkey is also famous for its historical and cultural values. Many of them are concentrated on the shore
Symbols Excursion centers ^ Ski resorts A Sea resorts
The boundaries of the tourist
recreational areas
Tourist and recreational
- 1 Sea of Marmara Region
- 2 Aegean region
- 3 Mediterranean Sea Region
- 4 Central Anatolia
- 5 Black Sea Region
- 6 Eastern Anatolia
- 7 Southeast Anatolia
Rice. 9.1. Tourist and recreational centers in Turkey
Chapter 9. International tourism in Asia
the Bosphorus in Istanbul(in the past - the capital of Byzantium, Constantinople, in ancient Russian documents - Constantinople). The transformation of an Orthodox Byzantine city into a Muslim city changed its appearance: Orthodox churches turned into mosques. There are many of them, therefore, there are also many minarets. The most famous temple is the outstanding work of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia. There are also museums in Istanbul, including archaeological (with the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great), antiquity, conquerors, Muslim art, etc., the church of St. Irina, the choral monastery church, the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos, mosques - Ahmed (Blue Mosque), Mikrimakhi, Selim the Conqueror, Bayazid, Suleiman, Eyyup, underground palaces-reservoirs, the remains of a Byzantine fortress. In the XX century. Istanbul is largely Europeanized.
Other centers of educational tourism in Turkey: the capital Ankara(where ancient buildings and the mausoleum of the founder of modern Turkey Ataturk (Kemal Pasha) are located; Homer's homeland Izmir, which is famous for antiquities and annual fairs; Bursa, Adana, Erzurum with their ancient monuments and numerous mosques. Aspendos is a city created by colonists after the Trojan War , in which there are many beautiful buildings, including the theater-palace of the architect Zeno (II century) and the Roman arched aqueduct; Mira - the ancient capital of Lycia, "the country of light rays", famous for its necropolis, carved into the rocks, as well as the church of St. Nicholas, a place of pilgrimage for Christians.There are many nature reserves in the country - Olympos-Beydaglari, Munzur-Vadisi, Köprülü Canyon, etc.
Most of Turkey is made up of plateaus and low mountains, which in the east of the country turn into highlands. There is located the Ararat massif, sacred to Armenians (but located after the First World War on the territory of Turkey), where, according to the biblical tradition, Noah completed his journey, the large and picturesque Lake Van. So in the east of Turkey there are many elements of natural attraction ™. However, so far this undoubtedly potentially resort area has been little developed.
Palestine. This macro-region includes the state of Israel, inhabited mainly by Jews (indigenous people and immigrants), and Arab territories that have been fighting for the creation of an Arab Palestinian state for many decades.
The territory of Palestine has seen many historical events in its lifetime. Suffice it to say that the very first city in the world was discovered in the Jordan Valley - Jericho ("the city of dates"), which is seven thousand years old.
Jerusalem, the city of three historical denominations (Jewish, Christian and Muslim) attracts the largest number of tourists. Among the historical and cultural monuments, it is enough to name the Jewish Wailing Wall, Christian shrines - the chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, Golgotha, where Christ was crucified, the rock where he prayed (and many more places associated with evangelical subjects). According to Islam, the Muslim prophet Muhammad later ascended to heaven from the rock where Christ prayed (the mosque of Omar was built here). It is no coincidence that during the division of Palestine after World War II, the UN made a decision on the special status of Jerusalem, which is historically divided into the Old and New City.
South of Jerusalem is located Bethlehem, over which, according to legend, a star was lit when Jesus Christ was born. A grandiose temple was built here.
Tel Aviv- the capital of Israel (although the country's leadership considers Jerusalem as the capital, which is not recognized by most countries in the world) with its Museum of Mediterranean Art "Haaretz", an art gallery. Among the streets of Tel Aviv there are streets Korolenko, Zola, etc. Jaffa, in contrast to young Tel Aviv, dating back several centuries of its existence. In this city you can walk along the streets of Pushkin, Pestalozzi, Michelangelo, Gorky, Ozheshko, Dante.
In the area of cities Haifa and Natanya on the Mediterranean coast, as well as in the Eilat region in the Arabian Gulf of the Red Sea, there are seaside resorts. There are resorts on the coast of the Dead Sea located below ocean level, the very high salinity of the waters of which allows swimmers to freely float on the water. A corresponding infrastructure has been created for tourists in Israel.
The Arab countries of Southwest Asia include almost the entire area, with the exception of Palestine, Israel and the Middle East. In essence, we are talking about the Middle East or most of Western Asia (from Lebanon in the northwest to Yemen in the southeast). All these are Muslim Arab states.
With the exception of some outskirts - Mediterranean Lebanon and partly Syria in the northwest and "happy Arabia" (southern Yemen) on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula - all countries in the region are arid desert and semi-desert territories. Therefore, civilization developed only where it was possible to create irrigation systems at the expense of rivers (as in Mesopotamia) or groundwater - in oases. From the middle of the XX century. oil is extracted in many countries of the region, which leads to the formation of oases on an "industrial basis" due to the supply of water from deep horizons or desalination of seawater. In the course of these processes, a modern civilization is formed with all its pluses and minuses. In particular, the centers of this new civilization attract a large number of shuttle tourists from the CIS countries to the countries of the region. In some states of the region, modern sea resorts appear on the shores of the seas. There are also mountain resorts in the cities of Lebanon. All this serves the development of recreational tourism.
Almost in all countries of the macroregion there are many historical and cultural attractions - monuments of distant millennia and centuries. So, on the territory Lebanon located one of the earliest human settlements - Baalbek, where the ruins of religious buildings dedicated to Jupiter, statues, sculptural images of Venus, Bacchus, rows of columns and sculptures, stairs are preserved. One of the oldest settlements in Lebanon is the city of Sayda. The very same capital of the country - Beirut - along with the old quarters, is distinguished by quite modern buildings, corresponding to the role of Beirut as a center of finance and culture.
V Syria The ancient cities of Palmyra and Aleppo with their monuments of Hellenistic art are of great interest to tourists. The capital of the country, Damascus, attracts with objects of Muslim culture, among which one of the most famous shrines of Islam is the Omayyad Mosque.
Muslim architecture is typical for most areas of the capital Iraq- Baghdad. The Nazimiyya Mosque, or the Golden Mosque, is very famous, decorated with four minarets with gilded domes (which is a rarity in such structures). The city has many modern buildings and monuments stylized in the spirit of Muslim traditions. Away from the capital, located on the banks of the Tigris River, are the ruins of ancient cities, including Babylon. There are in Iraq (in the north and north-east of the country) and summer alpine resorts. Despite the undoubted tourist attraction of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the flow of tourists to these countries is limited due to political instability.
Others are much less interesting for educational tourism. Arab countries of the Middle East: Jordan, Yemen, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain. In these countries, whose economies are based on oil production (Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates), modern cities attract attention.
Saudi Arabia occupies a special place among the countries of the Middle East. It is on its territory that the main places of pilgrimage for Muslims are located - the holy cities of Mecca (with the black stone Kaaba) and Medina, cities associated with the activities of the Prophet Muhammad and the birth of Islam. Hundreds of thousands, and in some years millions of Muslims from all over the world come here as pilgrims. The pilgrimage (hajj) brings huge profits to the country, and the pilgrims "attach" themselves to eternal life in paradise. On the Red Sea coast of the country is the city of Jeddah, through which thousands of pilgrims go. There are also several historical monuments, among which, according to legend, the grave of the first woman Eve.
Saudi Arabia covers an area of 1.6 - 2.4 million square meters. km (according to various sources). The population of the country is over 18 million people, the capital Riyadh.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)- a country with an area of 83.6 thousand square meters. km and a population of more than 2 million people - this is a bright sun 360 days a year and a warm clear sea, landscapes of the desert with oases and zones of red sands, wadis (dry river estuaries) and dunes, peaks of the Al Hajars massif, numerous key lakes of volcanic origin and color palette of stones.
The coral reefs of Kor Fakan are famous for the flora and fauna of the underwater world, and the coast of the Persian Gulf is famous for its golden sands and exceptional water clarity. Hotels on the seashore offer tourists swimming pools and comfortable hotel beaches, equipped with everything you need.
The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi. In the city of Dubai there are ancient Arab buildings of the Bastakiya district, the Dubai Historical Museum (Al Fahidi Fort), the Jumeirah Mosque, Sheikh Said Palace, the Historical Village Museum, the Dubai Zoo - the best in the Middle East, Wonderland - one of the largest water parks in Asia. Once a year, Dubai hosts the world's largest shopping festival, attracting over 2 million visitors. Dubai Hotel "Arab Tower" (Burj al-Arab) is the world's tallest hotel (height 321 m). Hatta is a mountain resort that belongs to the emirate Dubai, located in the center of the Hajar mountain range and is a picturesque place surrounded by palm trees, transparent lakes and small farms.
In the city of Ajman there is a museum, which is located in a fort built at the end of the 18th century, and until the end of the 1970s. which is the residence of the emir. Its exposition includes a collection of archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts, weapons, reconstructed traditional Arab rooms and a market.
Emirate Ras el-Khaimah represented by ancient cities (Yulfar - a flourishing pearl trading center in the past, Digdagh - the largest old city of Ras al-Khaimah), hot springs of the Hatts, the emirate museum (a huge military fort) with traditional household items, jewelry, archaeological finds, the oldest of which dates back to the 1st millennium BC.
In the emirate Umm al-Quwain("Source of strength") are located: Falaj Al Muala - a huge date garden, surrounded by high dunes; water park "Dreamland" with an artificial volcano 18 m high with an imitation of fire, lighting effects, numerous water attractions; Fujairah city with sandy beaches and mountain headlands is one of the best snorkeling spots.
Mereja, the "museum treasury of the UAE", is the oldest district of the emirate Sharjah where are located: one of the largest in the Middle East, the King Faisal Mosque, which can accommodate up to 3000 worshipers; numerous museums and exhibitions, beaches of Khalid lagoon. New, but already popular entertainment in the UAE - skiing on the sand, rallying by car in the desert.
The countries of the Middle East are Iran and Afghanistan.
Iran- a country of diverse nature and ancient history. Nature lovers will find in Iran the seas and rivers, plains (low and elevated) and high Elbrus mountains with the main peak Demavend (in the north of the country), various forests, dry steppes, semi-deserts and deserts, healing mineral springs and curative mud. In Iran, there are many monuments of Muslim culture (civil and religious buildings) - in the capital Tehran, the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Qazvin, etc. At present, due to the difficult international situation of Iran (largely due to its isolation), the flow of tourists to the country very limited.
Afghanistan - a multinational mountainous country where military operations have been going on for many years. Therefore, and also because of the very low level of development of tourist infrastructure, the harsh, but impressive nature of Afghanistan, and its historical and cultural sites located in the capital of Kabul, the cities of Herat, Kandahar, etc. remain unclaimed. One of the most famous tourism objects throughout Asia - Biamin. In this depression, located in the central part of the country at an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters, there are rocks dug by hundreds of caves, and in the rocks there are two 50-meter-high statues of Buddha hewn. On the hill is the Shahar-i-Gulgula fortress. The possibilities of the winter resort of Jalalabad, hunting and observing local ritual holidays are not in demand either.
Better than mountains can only be a beach holiday. Or better: there is time for the mountains, but there must be time for the beach. In recent years, European winter resorts have been losing popularity, giving the palm to the hottest beaches in Asia. But Asia is big and the weather is different in different parts of it. Where to go to really relax and not sit in an exotic hut, fleeing monsoons and downpours? We made an overview of places where the weather is good in winter, where you can go on your own or by buying a tour. Where you can sunbathe and swim together, company, with children. We present you 12 resorts in Asia for every taste, color, interest and budget.
You can, of course, just lie on the beach, but it's better to combine business with pleasure. Ancient temples, jungle cities, fantastic shows, new tastes and aromas. And all this, as a rule, is located in some 1-1.5 km from that very luxurious beach with white sand. Read on for a quick overview of 12 of the best Asian resorts with time for the sea, fun and relaxation for the whole family.
Bali
They wrote, talked, shouted about Bali, made films. This is probably the most coveted island in the world. Not that big, but almost perfect. Weddings, romantic vacations for lovers, the most fabulous dinners on the beach take place here, and parents and children also come here. Bali has everything that lovers of the sea, sun and unhurried lazy relaxation can enjoy. This is a fabulously beautiful place, a tropical paradise and a corner of earthly delights. And also, there are good-natured dolphins and a good wave for surfers. If you have not been to Bali yet, then this option is worth considering.
You can find and book a flight to Bali (Denpaser) here.
Housing cost: from € 25 per night.
Goa
First of all: Goa is not an island either, as many believe. This is the western coast, a former colony founded by the Portuguese. Let there not be so white sand, but the sea is the most ordinary warm sea. On the other hand, you can combine your rest with a visit to the snow-white Catholic churches, you will see the old fort in Chapora. The relics of St. Francis are kept here. There is a very colorful old town. Goa is the spirit of freedom with the scent of the ocean breeze. And the main thing is a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Shops, service and lots of housing offers. From expensive hotels to simple guesthouses.
You can find and book a flight to GOA (Dabolim) here.
Housing cost: from € 15 per night.
Sri Lanka
Yes, this is Ceylon. Home of delicious tea. But, - not the only thing that will surprise you with the island. It is a very beautiful nature, ancient architecture and a very pleasant environment. Here you can take a walk, dive on a coral reef, and go windsurfing. Immediately you will be offered to feel for yourself what real Ayurvedic medicine is. The warm, gentle and very clean sea will appeal to everyone: there is also for surfers. Don't forget about the abundance of tropical fruits. You cannot gain extra pounds from such a lazy rest.
You can find and book a flight to Sri Lanka (Colombo) here.
Housing cost: from € 15 per night.
Phuket
The most popular beach city in Thailand. Here is really for every taste and color, as they say. Want an active nightlife right on the beach? Then you should go to Patong. If your priority is calm, measured days with your family, then the quiet Nai Harnom Beach will be such an ideal option. For a stormy romantic adventure, Karon is suitable with a picturesque cape, cafes, and places for the solitude of a couple in love. By the way, we do not recommend swimming far into the sea, it can be dangerous. There is not only an active life, but also a predatory fauna.
You can find and book a flight to Phuket here.
Housing cost: from € 22 per night.
Langkawi
Beaches that squeeze tropical hills of all shades of green into a golden ring. This is how he is, the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Here you must always be on your guard, otherwise the little monkeys will easily take away your towel, camera or cap. You will need a camera, especially when the red jasmine is in bloom. Here you can heartily gorge on fresh papaya, yellow watermelons and rambutans and exotic durian. The best fresh juices, fruit and even alcoholic cocktails take you to the bars. The food is delicious, Asian-spicy. Lots of fish, noodles and, of course, where without a spicy curry?
You can find and book a flight to Kuala Lumpur here... From KL to Langkawi can be reached by plane of local airlines, ferry, bus or train.
Housing cost: from € 17 per night.
Maldives
You don't need shoes here, and you can forget about your bad mood right away. The Maldives is not one island, but 1200. A whole archipelago of small islands covered with amazing white sand. It's not even so much sand as shells crushed by the ocean. Some islands are larger, with larger hotels or bungalow complexes. And there are very small ones, only 1-2 houses on stilts. They don't really like TVs here, there is little Internet. Yes, all this is not so necessary on vacation, when you can swim, walk, look at incredibly beautiful birds and butterflies, and scuba dive. Take a day or two of aromatherapy at the spa. Here they really know how to do massage, which brings even the most inveterate hard worker back to life.
You can find and book a flight to Maldives (Male, Hulule Atoll) here.
Housing cost: from € 34 per night.
Samui
It was discovered relatively recently. Only in the 1970s. Tourists on a boat accidentally swam into these waters. And they could not hold back the cries of admiration. The island looked like no one had ever been there. Paradise island with coconut trees and a couple of huts. Exuberant construction began very soon. Everyone wanted to invest in this new paradise for Europeans. Still, because there is pure white sand, an amazing blue sea, green jungle rises directly to the shore. Only 50 years have passed and now Koh Samui has become a luxury resort in Thailand. It has not lost its charm, the hotel owners are careful about this.
You can find and book a flight to Koh Samui via Bangkok here.
Housing cost: from € 21 per night.
Vung Tau
An excellent solution for those who value 50/50 rest. The resort is located far enough from the bustling big cities of Vietnam. But not so far that you cannot visit Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon. It is warm, beautiful, tasty and very interesting here. You have the opportunity to take a break from the beach life by plunging into the city life. Vietnam is a very beautiful country, it is worth visiting here.
here... You can get from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau by speedboat or bus.
Housing cost: from € 9 per night.
Hainan
China also has beautiful tropical islands. Earlier, by the way, unwanted nobles were exiled here so that they live away from the capital and secular pleasures. Now tourists with their hands tear off tickets to this best resort in China. All 12 months of the year there is a season here, a warm sea and a lot of interesting things. Let's not forget that this is the best health resort in the whole of the Celestial Empire. Here you can improve your health, strengthen your immune system and prepare for life "after vacation".
Find and book your flight to Hainan (Sanya airport) can be here.
Housing cost: from € 12 per night.
Kerala
Now let's move to the Arabian Sea in South India. There is another famous resort here. Kerala or the Kerala coast, Varkala resort in particular, looks like someone persistently perfected it in Photoshop. White sand, tall palm trees with coconuts, unhurried days in blue light during the day, pink sunsets, transparent air. It is convenient to enter the sea, the descent is gentle. It is said that Ayurveda originated here. So, welcome to spa treatments, massages, all kinds of relaxing treatments. For almost 5000 years, masters of oriental medicine have been polishing their skills here. Here not only the body is treated, but also the spirit. Don't miss the offer to relieve stress right by the sea.
You can find and book a flight to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala here.
Housing cost: from € 13 per night.
Sihanoukville
On the shores of the Gulf of Thailand is the only and inimitable resort of Cambodia. Yes, he is only one, but what a! 500 km closer to the equator than Thai resorts. But, unlike Pattaya, it is calm and rather secluded here. Although, the laurels of the famous neighbor do not allow Sihanoukville to sleep peacefully. Perhaps another 10 years, and we will not recognize Sihanoukville. It will turn into "Pattaya of the Future". If you need to visit Cuba before the arrival of McDonald's, then Sihanoukville is worth a trip until it becomes the second Pattaya.
Find and book a flight to Phnom Penh, the nearest airport to Sihanoukville, can here.
Housing cost: from € 18 per night.
Phan Thiet
Only 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. But, there are such roads that you should expect at least 4 hours. More and more popular resort in Vietnam among Russians in recent years. So, if you wanted to stay away from your native speech, you won't be able to do this. There are a lot of cheerful young people, there are married couples, adventure seekers, cute English elderly couples. In short, there is a very diverse audience here. This is because Phan Thiet can offer an excellent vacation for all categories of tourists. Pleasant climate, warm sea all year round. What else can you dream of?
You can find and book a flight to Ho Chi Minh City here... You can get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet by taxi, bus and train.
Housing cost: from € 9 per night.
All of these resorts are suitable for winter holidays. But we must remember that the islands are in the sea, and where the sea is, there is the monsoon period. It is warm and dry on one side of the island, windy and unpleasant on the other. Clarify the details - they are the key to a relaxing holiday.
If you decide to buy a voucher at a travel agency and you have been made a "profitable" offer at a very low price, check with you and if there are any monsoons in this particular place during this period. The weather on the islands is very different: on one coast - paradise, on the other - boredom.
Relax in pleasure, but choose the place carefully!
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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.
Attractions include the underwater Dead Forest, an exhibition of shells in the local museum and mysterious bat caves.
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 all tastes, from hostels to five-star. 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 seawater 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.
The downside is 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 the 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 transferring 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.
