Group trips to Asia

Fall (October-November) and spring (March-April) are ideal for most of the continent, avoiding the summer monsoon in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

10-15 days are enough to explore a single country like Japan or Thailand; for a multi-country itinerary, plan at least 3-4 weeks given the continent's vast distances.

Requirements vary widely by country: some, like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, offer visa-free entry for many nationalities, while others require an e-visa or visa on arrival, such as Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Always check the specific requirements before you travel.

No specific vaccinations are mandatory for most Asian countries, but the following are recommended:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Malaria prophylaxis, for some rural areas of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent

Always consult a travel health clinic.

Among the most popular are:

• Japan, with Tokyo and Kyoto
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• India, with its Golden Triangle
• China, with the Great Wall
• Nepal and Bhutan, for mountain lovers

Each country has its own currency:

• Japanese yen
• Chinese yuan
• Indian rupee
• Thai baht

It's best to exchange money or withdraw cash locally at each stop of your trip.

Budget varies enormously: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia) is very affordable at $30-45 a day, while Japan, Singapore, and South Korea are pricier, at $110-160 a day.

High-speed trains in Japan and China, cheap regional flights for long distances, and a dense network of buses and tuk-tuks in Southeast Asia make getting around relatively easy, even though distances between countries are often considerable.

The climate ranges from tropical monsoon in Southeast Asia and India, with a rainy season between May and October, to temperate in East Asia (Japan, Korea, China), to continental and arid in Central Asia.