2020 Travel Guide to Asia

The Olympics will certainly put a spotlight on Japan, but Asia as a whole is primed for growth in the coming year with new hotels, new tours and emerging destinations drawing visitors from around the world.

Luxury travelers continue to fall in love with opulent resorts in the Maldives, and those looking to go off the beaten path have their sights set on Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

Perhaps one of the newest frontiers in the region is Central Asia, where undiscovered destinations are popping up on numerous "must-see" lists in 2020.

It's nearly impossible to just name three top destinations in an area as vast as Asia, however, this year the 2020 Olympic Games are taking place in Tokyo, meaning Japan is front and center.

Also front and center is Central Asia, where destinations like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are highlighted on a number of top travel lists for the year.

Travelers who are focused on environmental sustainability will be interested in travel to Bhutan. The unspoiled country has taken a lead when it comes to high-value, low-impact travel that makes the country a real-life Shangri-la.

Ha Long Bay

Known for its emerald waters and surrounded by rainforests, Ha Long Bay epitomizes what many believe to be Southeast Asia. Visitors will love junk boat tours and kayak expeditions but can also pursue adventure activities such as scuba diving and hiking.

Taj Mahal

This iconic attraction is a must-see when visiting Asia. The ivory-white mausoleum stands as a labor of love and continues to wow visitors.

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is perched on Singuttara Hill in Yangon, Myanmar, and is a sacred Buddhist pagoda gilded in gold and dominating the city's skyline. The stupa is 2,500 years old and contains a number of ancient relics.

Thailand Floating Markets

There are a number of these colorful markets throughout Thailand and visiting them is a fun and unique experience popular in the region. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is in the Ratchaburi Province and is reachable from visitors staying in Bangkok.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

This ancient city in the Kathmandu Valley was nearly destroyed in the 2015 earthquake. However, it is being meticulously reconstructed and remains a symbol of Nepali culture, tradition and religion.

The 2020 Summer Olympic Games taking place July 24 to August 9, 2020, in Tokyo are one of the top events to see in Asia this year. However, iconic annual events also will draw crowds of travelers.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

The Harbin International Ice and Snow is going one now in Harbin, China, and lasts for one month. Travelers finding themselves close by will want to check out this amazing, massive ice sculptures that are like no others in the world.

Lantern Festivals

Another event that is unique to the region is the annual lantern festivals. There are several of these illuminating occasions throughout the year but a couple of the most well-known are Spring Lantern Festival in China taking place on February 8, 2020, and the Yi Peng Festival, which coincides with Loi Krathong. Yi Peng Festival lanterns fly high in the sky while Loi Krathong involves floating lights. Both festivals of light are mesmerizing.

Cherry Blossoms

The sakura season is expected to arrive in Japan early in 2020. It is one of the biggest festivals in the country with travelers flocking there to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Timing is everything with this festival, which could start as early as March 19 this year.

Vietnam

Beautiful landscapes and rich culture will wow adventurous families looking to blend modern attractions with cultural places.

Families can take a food tour in Saigon, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruise through the Mekong Delta and visit the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang.

Singapore

Singapore is truly one of Asia's top playgrounds with a number of amusement parks to keep kids entertained but its ethnic quarters also provide exposure to a variety of cultures.

Families won't want to miss the night safari, a cable car ride to Sentosa Island and even the airport is entertaining with shopping, a movie theater and more.

Japan

Japan ranks among the world's safest destinations and safety and security have been further enhanced in anticipation of the Olympic Games.

The country is also easy to navigate by train and on foot with a number of stunning historical attractions as well as fun museums and shopping experiences, giving families a wealth of activities to choose from.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Located on the island of Borneo, is known for its markets, boardwalk, beaches and waterfront. It it is surrounded by rainforest and home to romantic resorts.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Koh Samui is known for stunning white-sand beaches and coconut groves. It is home to a number of luxurious resorts and spas and also offers guests access to bustling night markets, thrilling nightlife and traditional culinary treats.

Male Island, Maldives

The iconic overwater bungalow experience is what couples will love most about the accommodations in the Maldives and some of the top resorts can be found on Male Island. Wow your significant other with rooms that hover over impossibly blue waters and offer opulent drinks, food and spa experiences.

2020 Summer Olympic Games

The Summer Games will be held in Tokyo, starting in late July, bringing thousands to Japan, including the world's top athletes vying for Olympic gold.

Singapore

Singapore is a top destination for sports enthusiasts. Home to Formula 1 racing, visitors will want to head to the city for the 10-day Grand Prix Season Singapore. Travelers can also see European football league stars during the International Champions Cup. There are also opportunities to see golf tournaments, UFC fighting and the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens.

Thailand

Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is a major draw for sports enthusiasts and there are many opportunities for visitors to either see a match while in Thailand or participate in the sport themselves. Many resorts offer one on one lessons for newbies and several training camps around the country welcome visitors looking to hone their skills.

Bhutan

The Buddhist kingdom is perched on the eastern edge of the Himalayas and has formed its tourism industry on sustainable practices. Travelers who seek to explore its numerous monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes can hike, climb, mountain bike and river raft in some of the most far-off places with the knowledge that they are making very little negative impact on the country's pristine environment.

Nepal

Nepal is a country that embodies adventure travel as the home to the world's highest peak, Everest. You don't have to be an experienced mountain climber to enjoy the adventurous pursuits that the country has to offer, however. Nepal is also known for its jungles and wildlife as well as lakes and cities that all offer unique, adrenaline-filled pursuits.

Kyrgyzstan

This is one of the easiest 'stans to visit, since no travel visa is necessary to go to Kyrgyzstan and the country is known for its off-the-beaten-path adventures that include yurt stays, trekking and exploring the country's unique culture and traditions.

Seoul, Korea

This bustling metropolis is the perfect place for solo travelers to lose themselves in a foodie adventure, a cultural trip or a shop till you drop experience.

There are all kinds of options for accommodation from budget to luxe as well as interesting eateries to explore.

Visit temples, palaces, the DMZ on day tours while spending nights exploring neighborhoods like Gangnam for shopping and nightlife.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

This is one of Thailand's cultural centers and is an ideal escape for solo travelers who want to disconnect with the world and reconnect with themselves.

Explore local temples and the Chiang Mai Old City Center, where restaurants and refreshments are easily found as well as a Mecca for backpackers and expats.

Goa, India

This is a storied destination for the solo backpacker and the perfect place for the inexpereinced solo traveler looking for an adventure. It is an ideal place to open yourself up to new experiences while providing access to some of the comforts of home.

Japan

Japan's cuisine is popular around the world with its most well-known export, sushi. However, there's so much more to Japanese food than raw fish. Go beyond the traditional sushi and ramen and try Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake; Basashi, which is raw horse meat; curry pan, a donut filled with curry paste, or chilled soba noodles.

Thailand

Thai food is often considered a comfort food with its savory noodles and simmering curries popular worldwide. These dishes are even more flavorful when sampled in their home country.

Learn to make your own Thai dishes with a culinary class, offered around the Thailand for visitors.

Vietnam

Access to authentic markets and culinary classes from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi makes Vietnam an ideal place for a foodie adventure.

Make sure to try pho, the country's signature dish, as well as banh mi, which sums up the country's French influence. Goi cuon are Vietnamese spring rolls and mi quang are delicious turmeric noodles.

India

India is home to stunning temples, architectural wonders, exotic cuisine and sprawling cities. However, first-timers may be overwhelmed by a bustling population that seems constantly on the move. While high-end hotels provide a tranquil respite for visitors and English is widely spoken, it's often easier to navigate from one destination to the next in a group. Tours are extremely affordable and provide easy, seamless access to India's top attractions.

China

China is a vast country and many people, especially in the tourism industry, speak English, but it's still easier to rely on a tour guide to navigate a new culture and country for most. There is an abundance of tour operators that offer journeys to the country that include China's mega-metropolises as well as its cultural treasures.

Southeast Asia River Cruise

One of the best--and most comfortable--ways to experience Southeast Asia is via its rivers. Explore the Mekong or Irrawaddy rivers via boat with sailings from popular river cruise lines. Day tours are often included in the price and many offer pre- and post-cruise extensions.

There are so many different customs and traditions that make travel to Asia a singular experience but cuisine stands out as one of the most unique aspects of travel to the country.

No matter where you go in Asia, you will have the option to sample new flavors. From bustling markets filled with exotic fruits and vegetables to flavorful street food, everywhere in Asia boasts a variety of tasty treats.

Travel in Asia is generally safe, making it an ideal destination as a whole for travelers of all types.

However, recent volcanic eruptions in the Philippines highlight the need for travelers to be aware of the environment and keep an eye on travel warnings and safety concerns wherever they plan on adventuring to.

Asia, like destinations around the world, is also not immune to the perils of overtourism and places such as the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat are working to control crowds to create a more sustainable way for visitors to experience these must-see locations.