Asia tourism. In five countries of Southeast Asia. Curious Facts About Asia

If you want to enjoy a wide variety, then you will certainly be interested in tourism in Asia. It really is full of wonders and unusual places. From Mongolia to India, from Israel to the Philippines, vast territories stretch out, scorching the sun of tourists and local residents.

What is interesting tourism in Asia?

Many committing tourism in Asia, only here they learn that philosophy, writing and the wheel were invented in the East. It was in the east that religions were born and peoples experienced the most different periods of life. The bloodthirsty hordes of nomads, the birth of great civilizations, primitive cruelty and the pearls of creativity, the birth of religions and millions of wars, fertility and devastation. Today, such popular destinations as Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, India, the Maldives, Turkey, Oman, Vietnam, South Korea and other countries are popular here.

Before heading east, we advise you to take care of the availability of a guide. In Russia, for example, there is ural directorythanks to which you can easily get acquainted with the geography of the area. Asia is very diverse in terms of culture and life, although it has common values. Most people prefer a measured way of life, so get a map or a guide so that you can slowly lay your route. It is also best to take care of having a guide who will tell you interesting facts about the life of the country.

Why do they visit Asia?

First of all, it is worth noting that the climate in Asia is the most diverse, from harsh winters to deserts with unbearable heat. Do you want the sea? Then welcome to Israel or the Persian Gulf in the UAE. If you are poorly oriented in geography, then you probably did not know that the famous Everest is located in the eastern part of the continent. And Irkutsk is the center of Asia and bears the proud name "navel". Also, the East became famous for its spirituality and religion. It is difficult to find people in European countries who would be so religious. But unfortunately, this often served as an occasion for war.

Recently, tourism and the economy have been actively developing in Asia. A vivid example of this is India and China. Due to this, modern infrastructure is being built here, hotels and tourist centers are being created. Tours to Turkey  Already for a couple of decades they have been in incredible demand, as they offer cheap holidays, bright sun and lots of entertainment.

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 insoluble puzzles. And also to the warm sea or ocean, for exotic entertainment and culinary delights.

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

One of the most attractive aspects of traveling to Asia is the price of food and accommodation. They are unusually attractive and able to inspire tourists with the most modest budgets. Despite the long and expensive flight. In return, a trip to Asia gives tourists 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? What countries give chances to tourists with a small wallet? What can I see, where to go? We devoted this article to the answers to these important questions.

Turkey: An All Inclusive Country

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

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

An independent flight to Antalya and back will cost the same two hundred euros (the cheapest way is with PEGASUS). 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 (in many hotels there are kitchens), then the daily consumption for food will not be more than 5-6 euros. In this case, purchases are best done at the bazaars, and in supermarkets only buy dairy products and semi-finished products.

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

Uzbekistan: Star of the East

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

If you eat in numerous national street restaurants or coffee houses, then lunch will cost you no more than 4-5 euros. The fee for visiting attractions and museums is so low that you hardly spend more than 5 euros per week by visiting two or three establishments daily.

Uzbekistan has a very strict police force; tourists here feel protected and guarded. It is worth adding that all the stories about the incredible hospitality of the Uzbeks are true! You will certainly make many friends.

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

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

India: the homeland of Buddha

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

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

In India, it will be interesting to lovers of antiquity, admirers of natural beauties, 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 for the duration of the visit, it costs 50 euros / week. The vast majority of attractions are free. But in museums and cultural centers, entrance fees can cost up to 10 euros.

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

A visa to India for tourists costs 60 US dollars.  You can issue 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 bugs, but with air conditioning, you will have to pay from 10 euros per day (double room in city hotels at the level of 2-3 *).

Vietnam: a small country with great opportunities

Vietnam is rarely considered thrifty tourists as an option for a vacation. 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 ideally 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 in Vietnam, unusually low prices for food and overnight 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, original festivals, green parks and Buddhist pagodas.

Eating in street cafes and eateries, you will be able to keep within 6-8 euros per day. Lunch in an expensive restaurant - 12-15 euros. Fruits in the country of victorious socialism are so cheap that many tourists switch to a fruit diet and spend no more than three or four euros a day on food. Transportation costs can be easily minimized if you rent a bicycle - 30 euros / 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.

In Vietnam, street crime is almost completely absent. The security level here is very high, and the police work very efficiently.

Entrance to the beach party or night club - from 2 euros.

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

In each of the listed countries there are many exotic attractions, affordable accommodation and delicious food. The main thing is to visit these countries not during the high tourist season, and book tickets and hotels no later than six months later.

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 the development of tourism in this largest part of the world, the following regions should be distinguished: South-West 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, extremely capacious territory for the reception of tourists (Asia is the largest part of the world);
  - washing the shores of Asia with three oceans and dozens of their seas and bays;
  - the location of this part of the world in all climatic regions, the 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 in Asia the most important world shrines and pilgrimage centers;
  - the ethnic diversity of the continent;
  - finding in Asia the countries 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:
  - adverse environmental 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 in a number of countries, as a result of which the economic backwardness of these countries, their unpreparedness for receiving tourists, lack of service (DPRK, Mongolia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Iran, Iraq);
  lack of domestic 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 culture, historical and natural attractions. Business trips and congress tourism are most characteristic for Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China. In order to treat and worship religious values, Israel is visited.
  Asia's Outbound Tourism Relations
  aviation. Most flights are international
  airlines, a smaller part - companies owned
  Asian countries.

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

Southwest asia

This region covers a huge and extremely diverse geographically, historically and socio-economic area. 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 conditional concept “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 of some countries - with desert, arid (in most parts of the Arabian Peninsula) in others. There are serious political differences: monarchies (including absolute ones) with strong remnants of feudal and tribal relations have been preserved in a number of states in the region, but the republican form of government still prevails.

In general, South-West Asia can be considered one of the most promising regions in 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 location at the junction of the three parts of the world, diverse relief and climatic conditions, a large number of sunny days, unique natural attractions, numerous historical, cultural and religious monuments, the presence of developed tourist infrastructure in a number of states (Cyprus, Turkey, Israel) - all these and many other factors contribute to the wide attraction of guests from other parts of the world, as well as a whirlwind of tourist exchange within the region.

Here is a list of the cheapest places in Southeast Asia where you can enjoy an excellent spa vacation for little money. The most wallet-free states in the region are Cambodia, Vietnam, India and Thailand.

The main comparison criteria, which we will consider below, will be: road, housing, lunch and the cost of products, leisure and service, rental vehicles.

Cambodia in terms of price is considered one of the cheapest countries in the region. On average, the minimum daily set of needs, including excursions, will cost a tourist 10-15 dollars. $ 20-25 will provide you with an average level of comfort daily.

Flight

The cost of travel from Russia to Cambodia and vice versa starts from 25 thousand rubles per person. Prices vary depending on the month, the carrier, the number of transfers, travel time and departure and arrival points. Recall that choosing “difficult” routes and ordering tickets in both directions at once are good ways to save.

Housing

The cost of one night under the roof of the hostel will be about 200 rubles, a bed in a 6-seater dorm will cost 300 rubles. A night in a double room of the cheapest hotel can be spent for 800 rubles, a similar night in the "three stars" will cost 1100 rubles.

Self-renting a modest one-room studio will ease your wallet by $ 150 per month, a more comfortable apartment with a separate kitchen will be yours for $ 300.

Nutrition

Cambodia was once called the "country of one dollar" because of its cheapness. Now for this amount you can buy a loaf of bread, a bottle of mineral water or vegetable oil, packing eggs, about 4 kg of rice or 1 kg of sugar, a can of beer or a fruit dessert. A hearty dinner in a cafe will cost $ 3-4. The cost of a similar lunch in a restaurant will be approximately $ 10. Cigarettes can be purchased for 1.5–2 dollars per pack, a bottle of whiskey will cost $ 12, tequila - $ 8–9, wine - $ 10–11.

Entertainment and service

The cost of excursions: sightseeing, a day of fishing or a trip to a local nature reserve will cost from 20 to 60 dollars. Additional services of an English-speaking guide are estimated at $ 20, a Russian-speaking guide will cost $ 40-100 per day. Tickets to a local theater or choreographic show start at $ 10. A massage room can be visited for $ 2–5, a beauty salon for $ 5 (this includes both a haircut and a manicure).

Transport

You can rent a scooter or car in Cambodia for 4-6 dollars a day. Bicycles at many hotels are free.

Vietnam

On average, the minimum cost for basic needs (overnight, meals and travel) will be here 350-700 rubles per day.

Flight

The cost of a direct flight from Moscow airport starts from 23 thousand rubles, from St. Petersburg - from 25 thousand rubles.

Housing

A decent triple room in a hotel can be picked up for only 7-8 dollars a day. For this price you will get the minimum amenities - air conditioning, shower and WI-FI. In luxury hotels (for example, the famous five-star Vinpearl, located on a separate island) for one night you will be charged 300-400 dollars.

Nutrition

The cheapest food in Vietnam is national cuisine at local cafes. For a portion of meat soup with noodles you will pay 1-2 dollars, for a plate of rice with meat, chicken, shrimp and vegetables - from 1 to 3 dollars. In general, a lunch or breakfast for one person will cost from 3 to 5 dollars.

European food is more expensive: a cup of coffee will cost $ 1, croutons with bacon + scrambled eggs and a glass of juice cost from 3 to 4 dollars. As a rule, breakfast in your hotel restaurant will require significantly higher costs than in any decent cafe.

As for dinners with delicacies and alcohol (including in restaurants with European or Russian cuisine) - for one person you will have to pay 15, a maximum of $ 20.

Entertainment and service

A full day in the nature park will cost about $ 10 per person, a trip to the islands as part of an international group will cost from $ 7 to $ 35, depending on the language of the tour and the agency’s extra charges. Tip: the services of local organizers of excursions can cost 4-5 times cheaper than similar Russian-speaking ones.

A visit to the massage room will cost from 5 to 40 dollars, depending on the range of services.

Transport

You can rent a scooter for $ 5-7 a day. No bike rights required. The cost of gasoline is about $ 1 per liter. Taxi services will cost an average of $ 1 to $ 2 per trip. The fare on the public bus is 3 cents.

India

According to experienced travelers, a pretty decent level of comfort will cost here about $ 15-20 per day.

Flight

The price of travel in the economy segment varies from 23 to 27 thousand rubles per person in both directions.

Housing

India offers vacationers the most varied level of hotel service. A hotel with two stars will cost $ 10 per day, a double room in a five-star hotel will cost $ 150-180.

The cost of independent rental housing in India depends on several factors: the presence of a kitchen, proximity to the sea, the age of the room, etc. The most economical option will cost $ 100 per month.

A guesthouse with a separate kitchen three minutes from the beach will cost about 250 dollars. For an apartment with free WI-FI and cleaning services twice a week, you will have to pay about $ 400.

Nutrition

A set lunch of local dishes for several people in a decent restaurant will cost $ 15–20. For a meal in a cafe for two you have to pay no more than 10 dollars. A portion of freshly squeezed juice costs from 0.5 to 1 dollar, a glass of beer - 2 dollars, a bottle of wine - 3 dollars, a pack of cigarettes - 2-3 dollars.

Entertainment and service

A long sightseeing tour for the whole day will cost $ 50 per ticket, fishing in the ocean will cost $ 40. You can visit the zoo for $ 10-15, a water excursion along the river with crocodiles will cost $ 40 per person. For visiting temples and churches have to pay from 5 to 40 dollars.

A facial or back massage will require an average of about 6-10 dollars. The cost of admission to a nightclub is from $ 4. Beach activities (such as a water scooter) - $ 30 for 20 minutes.

Transport

The cost of renting a scooter is $ 7-8 per day, a bicycle is $ 1 a day, a taxi ride is about $ 6, and a tuk-tuk is $ 1 to $ 2 one-time.

Thailand

Despite the fact that trips to Thailand are extremely popular with our compatriots, one cannot call this country as cheap as India or Cambodia. On average, tourists spend here about 2-4 times more money. Thus, the cost of food, entertainment and transportation in Thailand will range from 50 to 100 dollars per day.

Lunch of exotic dishes in a local cafe will cost $ 8-10 per person. More expensive - if the menu includes a seafood dish. But here are very cheap fruits.

Entertainment

The average cost of excursions is $ 15–25. Two-day excursions to the islands, with meals and overnight, will cost $ 250-300 per person. A real Thai massage - from $ 5 and more, depending on the place (in an expensive salon they can also ask for $ 100 per session. In hotels it is even more expensive). A parachute flight will cost $ 40-50, a half-hour jet ski rental will cost $ 15-20.

Transport

The most rational way to travel around the territory of Tai is a taxi. The average price of a trip is $ 5. Approximately the same amount will cost a daily rental of a scooter.

Residents of most regions of Russia in winter are very short of sun and heat. If you want to change a down jacket for a swimsuit, and hot tea with lemon for a cocktail with ice, then drop everything, take a vacation and go to hot Asia. And here are the main resorts of Asia for a beach holiday in winter!

The best resorts in Asia for a beach holiday

1. Sri Lanka

This is an exotic island, known worldwide for its tea plantations. Although this is not the main feature of Sri Lanka: tourists appreciate this island for its sandy beaches, beautiful waterfalls, palm trees and an amazing underwater world. But to spend the whole vacation in Sri Lanka on the beach is a crime, because this island is created for adventure and travel. In Sri Lanka, they are engaged in windsurfing, diving, rafting, climb mountains and enjoy the beauty of nature.

2. Bali

This is an unrealistically beautiful, fabulous island in, 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 white sand beaches can not be found here. But there is something else in these places - the color and spirit of freedom. Tourists who love this Indian region come back here again and again for beach parties until morning, for the sake of acquaintances and smiles of local residents. And lovers of history and architecture will appreciate the most beautiful churches, squares and original houses of the former Portuguese colony.

4. Phuket

On this island, there are beaches and entertainment for every taste, from secluded evenings on Nai Harn Beach to funky parties in Patong. You can overeat with seafood, take a swim in the picturesque lagoons, ride elephants, admire the beauty of majestic temples and anneal in Thai entertainment venues.

5. Langkawi

This is the main resort island of Malaysia, very popular among tourists. This is just a godsend for tourists who love Asian resorts and want to try something new instead of the usual Goa and Phuket. Langkawi is covered with hills and dense thickets of jungle, and agile monkeys are cute and friendly only at first glance, in fact they constantly hunt for the property of relaxed tourists. Gardens and parks in Langkawi abound in a riot of colors and flowers, sellers in the markets enthrall with the smell of fish and spices, and fruit rows are beckoning for yellow watermelons, rambutan and papaya.

6. Maldives

It is not for nothing that they call paradise on Earth, a more secluded, picturesque and quiet place not to be found in the whole world. For those who are tired of traffic jams, noise and hustle and bustle, 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 not leave indifferent any tourist.

7. Sihanoukville

This is an undeservedly deprived of the attention of tourists Cambodian resort, which in terms of quality of rest is not inferior to its Thai neighbor Pattaya. In Sihanoukville, tourists will find sandy beaches and clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Party people spend time on Victoria Beach, romantics choose the secluded Otres beach, and lovers of acquaintances, beach games, cafes and restaurants go to Serendepiti or Ochetel.

8. Hainan

For a long time charters not only from Moscow, but also some Siberian and Far Eastern cities fly to the famous Chinese resort. This is the main medical resort in China, which has not only thermal hydropathic facilities, but also professional medical clinics. It is hard to believe that Hainan used to be a place of exile for criminals, because now it is 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 relax comfortably all year round. Lovers of seal beach vacations, adventure seekers in the abyss of sea waves, and families with children come here. While it is not yet so popular among tourists, but this resort is still ahead.

10. Samui

This is a relatively young Thai island resort, which until the 70s of the last century did not set foot on a tourist. The main value of the island is its incredible nature in its pristine appearance, paradise beaches and amazing sunsets. People come here not for parties and parties, but for solitude with nature, contemplation and tranquility.