Travel to Asia

Larger than life

As the world's largest land mass, Asia covers 8 percent of the Earth's total surface area. This massive continent contains nearly four billion people, or 60 percent of the current population. Much more of a gathering of diverse people than a homogeneous region, Asia spans an enormous array of cultures, languages, ideologies and geography.

Eastern Asia

Eastern Asia is the yin and yang of architectural, religious and cultural icon - the Great Wall of China, the Army of Terracotta Soldiers near Xi An and Tibetan Buddhism - to name just a few. While steeped in a rich history, Japan, Korea and China also lead the world with automobile and electronic development and ingenuity. Natural scenery as sparse as the Gobi desert in Mongolia or as lush and volatile as the mountains in Japan draw thousands of tourists to this region every year.

Southeast Asia

Emerging from centuries of wars and strife, this sub-region of Asia now explodes with vibrant tourist opportunities. Thailand, once a playground for American soldiers, has opened its doors to the world to display its pristine beaches, modern shopping and hillside and beachside resorts. Once closed to the western world, communism wasn't able to stifle the smiles in Vietnam or Laos. These two countries emerged from decades of strife to stake their claim as premium tourist hotspots, while Singapore retains its title as the region's top shopping destination.

Southern Asia

While India and Nepal share cultural similarities in religion and food, these two countries are both worlds apart from China and Japan. From the peaks of Mt Everest to the beach parties in Goa, Southern Asia is a dizzying array of cultures, famous landmarks and peoples. Tourists flock here to conquer the world's tallest mountain or to see up close the greatest declaration of love in modern times at the Taj Mahal. Regardless of your reasons, a trip to Southern Asia always leaves you longing to return.

Western Asia

With one foot in Asia and the other firmly planted in Europe, Western Asia has influenced the world throughout history. Many tourists come here to visit places spoken of in the Bible or to dine on some of the world's finest cuisine. Regardless of your reasons there's nothing comparable to visiting this intriguing, yet volatile area of Asia.