Asia holidays
Street food at midnight, temples at dawn and islands that look unreal. These are the places in Asia Picolo keeps going back to.
Evening in Hoi An
Lanterns, boats and the Thu Bon river: Hoi An in central Vietnam is one of Asia's most atmospheric old towns.
Asia holidays for every kind of traveller
Asia is the world's largest continent, and holidays here range from city breaks in Tokyo and ski trips in Hokkaido to beach weeks in Bali and backpacking routes through Vietnam. Distances are long, but flights within the region are frequent and affordable, which makes it easy to combine two or three destinations in one trip.
Picolo's guides cover Japan, Indonesia and Bali, Vietnam, the Philippines and Israel, plus the Himalayas through the eyes of one of the world's most remarkable mountaineers.
Powder in Hokkaido
Japan's northern island gets some of the lightest, deepest snow on the planet, which has made Niseko a bucket-list ski resort.
Japan: powder, cities and culture
Japan is a country you can visit again and again. Tokyo and Kyoto are endlessly fascinating, the trains are fast and punctual, and the food is reason enough to go. In winter, the mountains of Hokkaido and Honshu turn into a powder paradise. Find out where to ski in our guide to powder hunting in Japan.
Surfers' paradise
Bali has waves for beginners and experts alike, from the long beaches of Kuta to the reef breaks of the Bukit Peninsula.
Bali and Indonesia: beaches, jungle and beach clubs
Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, and Bali is its best-known holiday destination. Spend your mornings surfing or doing yoga, your afternoons among rice terraces and temples, and your evenings at a beach club watching the sun go down. These are the very best beach clubs in Bali, and if you want five-star comfort at a sensible price, check in at The Bandha Hotel & Suites in Legian.
Club Paradise Palawan
A private island resort in the north of Palawan, surrounded by protected reefs and clear water.
Vietnam and the Philippines: Southeast Asia at its best
In Vietnam, Hoi An is a city that every traveller seems to fall for, with tailors who make clothes to measure in a day and some of the best street food in the country. Read why it is the city of romance, food and bespoke outfits, or start with our guide to Hoi An.
The Philippines is a country of more than 7,000 islands, and Palawan is regularly named one of the most beautiful islands in the world. For a true escape, stay at Club Paradise, a luxury resort on a private, protected island.
Kristin Harila in the Himalayas
In 2023, Norwegian mountaineer Kristin Harila set a world record by climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks.
The Himalayas and Israel
The Himalayas are home to the world's highest mountains, and few people know them better than Kristin Harila. Read how she became the fastest person to climb the world's highest mountains, why she sold everything to conquer the Himalayas, and her nine climbing tips for anyone dreaming of big mountains.
In the Middle East, Tel Aviv is a Mediterranean beach city with a famous food and nightlife scene. Always check your government's current travel advice before planning a trip to the region.
When is the best time to travel to Asia?
Asia's climate varies enormously. For much of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Bali and the Philippines, the dry season brings the best beach weather, but it falls at different times: roughly April to October for Bali, and November or December to April for Palawan. Central Vietnam, including Hoi An, is best from February to May.
Japan is lovely in spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, when the leaves turn red. For skiing, January and February bring the most reliable powder.
Asia holidays: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place in Asia for a first trip?
Japan is a superb first trip if you love cities, culture and food, because it is safe, clean and easy to get around. For beaches and a relaxed pace, Bali and Vietnam are popular choices, with plenty of good-value hotels and a well-trodden tourist trail.
Can you combine several countries in Asia on one trip?
Yes. Short regional flights make it easy to combine, for example, Vietnam with Thailand or Cambodia, or Bali with another Indonesian island. Allow at least four or five nights per destination so that the trip does not become a series of airports.
How long does it take to fly from the UK to Asia?
Direct flights from London take roughly 12 to 14 hours to Tokyo and Singapore and around 11 hours to Bangkok. Many destinations, such as Bali, Hoi An and Palawan, require a connection in a regional hub.
Do I need a visa to travel in Asia?
It depends on your nationality and destination. Some countries offer visa-free stays for UK and EU passport holders, while others require an e-visa or a visa on arrival. Always check the current entry requirements and your government's travel advice before you book.