
On the continent of Asia, there is both extreme poverty and wealth and modernity that hit the western world at your fingertips. Whether you want to shop the latest in electronics, sunbathe on a beach or experience a real adventure vacation, you can find it in Asia. All this, as well as large quantities of ancient remains, impressive buildings and a cultural history far older than Europe’s. Traveling in Asia can be a daunting experience, but mainly in a positive sense. Check Countryaah website for comprehensive guide to Asia and all countries within this region.
Country | Share of tourist income in exports (percent) |
Afghanistan | 4.7 (2016) |
Bahrain | 7.9 (2014) |
Bangladesh | 0.5 (2016) |
Bhutan | 21.3 (2016) |
Brunei | 2.5 (2016) |
Burma | 17.6 (2016) |
Philippines | 8.6 (2016) |
United Arab Emirates | – |
India | 5.4 (2016) |
Indonesia | 7.5 (2016) |
Iraq | 7.5 (2016) |
Iran | 2.3 (2000) |
Israel | 6.7 (2016) |
Japan | 4.1 (2016) |
Yemen | 6.2 (2015) |
Jordan | 36.5 (2016) |
Cambodia | 26.6 (2016) |
Kazakhstan | 3.9 (2016) |
China | 2.0 (2016) |
Kyrgyzstan | 20.0 (2016) |
Kuwait | 1.6 (2016) |
Laos | 17.0 (2016) |
Lebanon | 38.4 (2016) |
Malaysia | 9.0 (2016) |
Maldives | 85.1 (2016) |
Mongolia | 6.8 (2016) |
Nepal | 23.5 (2016) |
North Korea | – |
Oman | 8.0 (2016) |
Pakistan | 3.3 (2016) |
Qatar | 17.4 (2016) |
Saudi Arabia | 6.1 (2016) |
Singapore | 3.6 (2016) |
Sri Lanka | 26.3 (2016) |
South Korea | 3.5 (2016) |
Syria | 32.2 (2010) |
Tajikistan | 16.2 (2016) |
Taiwan | – |
Thailand | 18.6 (2016) |
Turkmenistan | – |
Uzbekistan | – |
Vietnam | 4.4 (2016) |
East Timor | 59.9 (2016) |
Maldives
- Capital: Malé
- Population: 390,000
- Currency: Rufiyah
- Language: Dhivehi
- Country code for telephone: +960
The Maldives in the Indian Ocean southwest of India is a very popular tourist destination for those who want to dive, sunbathe and swim and practice all kinds of water sports. The island nation consists of almost 1,200 islands, most of which are uninhabited and mainly used by tourists.
Tourist in the Maldives
The tourism industry in the Maldives is very developed and many of the other uninhabited islands have their own hotels. Convenience is at the same time as you can do whatever you want on a tropical South Island. Windsurf, dive, snorkel, swim or just sunbathe on the white beach. Most of the Maldives’ many uninhabited islands are incredibly beautiful and a vacation in the island nation is an unforgettable experience.
Vaccination in the Maldives
Vaccination against yellow fever is required for entry for those who have recently visited a country where the disease occurs. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended, and for longer stays, also hepatitis B. Those who intend to avoid the hotels and tourist sites (unusual) should also consider vaccination against typhoid.
Mongolia
- Capital: Ulan Bator
- Population: 3 million
- Currency: Tögrög
- Language: Mongolian
- Country Code for Phone: +976
To the south of Russia and north of China lies Mongolia, which opened to tourists after the 1990 democratic revolution. The country offers a lot for those who enjoy nature experiences, where the country’s special nature really comes into its own.
Tourist in Mongolia
The Mongolian tourism industry places great emphasis on the country’s nomadic origins – Genghis Khan and the guys. The best way to experience the country is through hiking trails, rock climbing, rides and similar activities. Mongolia is thus a very exciting country for anyone looking for an active adventure holiday. At the same time, the country also has many historic buildings and other temples, and not least the ruins of Karakorum – the capital of the Genghis Khan empire.
Vaccination in Mongolia
For travelers to Mongolia, vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended as well as for longer stays hepatitis B. For those who intend to eat local food and stay for a longer period also vaccination against typhoid. TBE occurs in the northern part of the country, and anyone who envisages staying in the wild a lot where vaccination is recommended.
Nepal
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Population: 26.5 million
- Currency: Rupee
- Language: Nepali
- Country code for telephone: +977
Nepal, located between India and China, is for a certain type of tourists the destination above others – mountaineers. In the country lies the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. But even those who do not intend to climb to the roof of the world can find very exciting in the mountain country.
Tourist in Nepal
Of the ten highest mountains in the world, eight are found in Nepal and it is the spectacular mountain scenery that mainly attracts visitors to the country. No other country can really be compared to Nepal, and anyone who has ever visited the country does not forget it. Nepal’s tourism industry is also mainly focused on active tourism, with trekking, canoeing, rock climbing and similar activities. But the country also has many spectacular temples and beautiful mountain towns to visit and explore.
Vaccination in Nepal
Vaccination against yellow fever is required for those who have recently visited a risk country. Hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended, as is hepatitis B for those who plan to stay for up to a month or longer. Those who intend to spend up to a month hiking among the mountains should also vaccinate against epidemic meningitis, and in the southern parts of the country there is a risk of Japanese meningitis for those who intend to spend a longer time in the countryside.
Singapore
- Capital: Singapore
- Population: 5.5 million
- Currency: Singapore Dollar
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil
- Phone code: +65
The island of Singapore is basically just the city of the same name, but still it has a lot to offer tourists, including fantastic beaches, fantastic museums and of course a bustling city life.
Tourist in Singapore
There are many amazing things to see and experience in Singapore. The Underwater World Museum is an example; it consists of transparent passages under the water, which means that you do not need to dive to see the fantastic underwater life. Singapore Zoo is another example of an inventive way of getting close to nature and is another popular destination for tourists. But there is much more: fantastic shopping, great food and architecture that are drawn from the future.
Vaccination in Singapore
Vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B is recommended for stays of up to one month or longer. A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for those who have recently visited a country where the disease is present. Vaccination against typhoid can be good for stays over three weeks if you intend to live more rustically.
Sri Lanka
- Capital: Sri Jayawardenapura and Colombo
- Population: 20.3 million
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
- Languages: Sinhalese, Tamil and English
- Country code for telephone: +94
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island off the southwestern coast of India. The country is known for its fine beaches and exciting nature reserves, among other things, and can offer something for most people.
Tourist in Sri Lanka
Yala National Park is the country’s most visited and an obvious destination for those who want to see, for example, Lankan elephants and especially leopards, but also many other animals and birds. But Yala is not alone and the country has several other exciting national parks. Sri Lanka also has a large number of high quality beaches, especially along the country’s southern coast. The country also has a large amount of ancient monuments and historical buildings, especially in Anuradhapura with many well-preserved ruins.
Vaccination in Sri Lanka
Proof of yellow fever vaccination if you have visited countries where the disease is required. All travelers are recommended vaccination against hepatitis A and in some cases (on longer or repeated visits) also hepatitis B. Vaccination against Japanese brain inflammation may be recommended for longer trips in the country, especially the western part. For longer journeys under simpler conditions even against typhoid.
South Korea
- Capital: Seoul
- Population: 51.3 million
- Currency: Won
- Language: Korean
- Country Code for Phone: +82
With China in the west and Japan in the east, it is easy to forget that South Korea is a pity as the country has its own culture that is reminiscent of both neighbors but still unique. The country will also host the Winter Olympics 2018 and hopefully many guests will take the time and discover all that the country has to offer.
Tourist in South Korea
Those who want sun and bath can get so in South Korea; the country has several nice beaches. But it is hardly the main reason to visit the country. Instead, it is nature and the many historical buildings and monuments that exist in the country. Particularly impressive is the Haeinsa Temple. The temple was erected in 802 and since the end of the 13th century is the residence of Tripitaka Koreana, over 80,000 wooden boards with Buddhist scriptures. However, Haeinsa is not alone, but there are many other impressive historical buildings in South Korea.
Vaccination in South Korea
Vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B is recommended for longer stays (3-4 weeks and more). For those who intend to spend a lot of time in a rural environment during the summer months, vaccination against Japanese brain inflammation is also recommended.
Taiwan
- Capital: Taipei
- Population: 23.4 Million
- Currency: Taiwanese Dollar
- Language: Chinese
- Country Code for Phone: +886
Taiwan, located off the east coast of mainland China, can be said to be a bit of a miniature China. Much of what attracts China is also found in Taiwan, but with the difference that Taiwan is a freer and more open country.
Tourist in Taiwan
Taiwan is known for its many hot springs, which of course one should try as a tourist. The island offers very beautiful scenery combined with old temples and buildings. But what we most associate with Taiwan is otherwise high-tech, and the capital Taipei is in that respect almost as impressive as Tokyo or Hong Kong. Along with the modern, much of the old remains, such as the Longshan Temple. Taipei is in many ways a city of contrasts.
Vaccine in Taiwan
Vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B is recommended for those who are to stay longer (closer to one month). During the winter months, there is some risk of suffering from Japanese brain inflammation for those staying longer in the country, which is why vaccination may be in place.
Thailand
- Capital: Bangkok
- Population: 67.2 Million
- Currency: Baht
- Language: Thai
- Country code for telephone: +66
From having a fairly bad reputation in Sweden, Thailand has emerged as one of our absolute favorite destinations. The country has lost some popularity in Sweden in recent years, but still over 300,000 Swedes travel to the country every year and it is not difficult to understand why.
Tourist in Thailand
There are two main reasons why we travel so much to Thailand. One is like traditional swimming holidays for the whole family. Thailand’s tourism industry is well developed and families with children will not encounter any problems at the major tourist resorts. The second main reason is similar to the first, but is more about partying all night long.
In addition to sun, swimming and partying, Thailand can also offer exciting nature and animals, ancient temples and ancient remains and many other such things, which we unfortunately do not appreciate as much as we should.
Vaccination in Thailand
Vaccination against yellow fever is required for those who have previously visited a country where the disease is common. All visitors are also recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A and for longer stays also hepatitis B. Vaccination against typhoid is also recommended for those who intend to stay longer in the country and travel outside the tourist resorts.
Turkmenistan
- Capital: Ashgabat
- Population: 5.2 million
- Currency: Manat
- Language: Turkmen
- Country Code for Phone: +993
The former Soviet Republic of Turkmenistan is a different destination, and a country not many people think of. But the country can offer both very fascinating nature experiences and interesting traditional crafts making a trip to Turkmenistan a totally unique experience.
Tourist in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan offers some really exciting natural phenomena, where the price is taken by the underground lake Kow-Ata. Underground sulfur sources keep the water constant at a comfortable temperature. Bathing in the mineral-rich water is also said to have healing powers, but whether it is true is uncertain. In any case, it is a special experience. Other fascinating things in the country are the former president’s boast, the Kipchak Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia.
Vaccine in Turkmenistan
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers, and hepatitis B vaccine for those who stay a little longer. For those who intend to travel around the countryside and live easily, vaccination against typhoid is also recommended.
Uzbekistan
- Capital: Tashkent
- Population: 30.2 Million
- Currency: Som
- Language: Uzbek
- Country Code for Phone: +998
The former Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan is not a major tourist country yet, but it still has a lot to offer. This applies mainly to those who are interested in history and culture, which can be symbolized by the fact that Samarkand, one of the most important cities along the Silk Road, lies – and is located – in the country.
Tourism in Uzbekistan
Samarkand must be said to be the main destination in Uzbekistan. The city has a millennial history and was an important part of the silk road and offers a large number of exciting historical buildings and monuments. The city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although Samarkand is the most well-known example, it is by no means the only one, and the wing of history is constantly present in Uzbekistan.
Vaccination in Uzbekistan
Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for anyone traveling to Uzbekistan. For those who are going to stay a little longer (up to three weeks or more), vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended, as well as typhoid for those who intend to live a simpler life outside the tourist areas.
Vietnam
- Capital: Hanoi
- Population: 90.6 million
- Currency: Dong
- Language: Vietnamese
- Country Code for Phone: +84
Vietnam is a fantastic country for tourists, despite the fact that the image we have is most often about war. But Vietnam has gone ahead and developed its tourism industry. Today you can offer everything from fantastic nature and wonderful beaches to culture and historical monuments and buildings.
Tourist in Vietnam
For those who want to sunbathe, swim, dive and do everything that can be done on the beach and sea, it is Nha Trang in southeast Vietnam that applies, with its fine beaches and well-functioning tourist facilities. Anyone who is looking for breathtakingly beautiful scenery, on the other hand, does best in getting to northern Vietnam and especially the World Heritage Ha Long Bay. As for historical buildings, such as pagodas and monuments from the country’s many wars, such are scattered throughout the country.
Vaccination in Vietnam
For anyone who has recently visited a country where yellow fever occurs, a certificate of vaccination is required. All travelers to Vietnam are also recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A, and those who stay longer than three weeks also hepatitis B. Anyone who plans to travel among the locals outside the tourist resorts and should stay up to a month is also recommended to vaccinate against typhoid.