How to Plan an Asia Trip

Step 1: Choose Your Focus

Asia is too large to see in one trip. Be honest about time and priorities.

1–2 weeks: One country or region. Japan OR Thailand + 1 island. Not both.

3–4 weeks: Two or three countries. Classic: Japan + Thailand. Or: Thailand + Vietnam. Or: Bali + Singapore + Malaysia.

2+ months: More ambitious routing. Southeast Asia trail. Japan + Korea + Taiwan.

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Step 2: Choose Your Entry Point

Southeast Asia: Bangkok (best connections), Singapore (premium hub), Kuala Lumpur (budget hub via AirAsia)

East Asia: Tokyo (best Japan entry), Seoul (Korea entry), Hong Kong (China entry)

South Asia: Delhi (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Kathmandu (Nepal)

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Step 3: Visa Research

Most visits to Southeast Asia are straightforward:

• Thailand: visa-free 30–60 days
• Bali/Indonesia: visa on arrival $35
• Vietnam: eVisa $25 (apply 1 week ahead)
• Cambodia: eVisa $30 (apply 1 week ahead)
• Singapore: visa-free for most

Japan and South Korea: visa-free for most Western passports (90 days).

China: requires visa for most nationalities. Apply at Chinese embassy 1–4 weeks ahead.

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Step 4: Book Flights

International: Book 2–6 months ahead for the best prices. OneWay into Bangkok, out of Singapore (or vice versa) is a classic open jaw.

Regional flights: AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar, VietJet connect Southeast Asian cities for $20–80.

Best booking tools: Google Flights for search, book directly with airline or through Skyscanner.

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Step 5: Plan Your Route Logically

Plan geographically — don’t backtrack unnecessarily. Asia’s budget airlines make one-way routing affordable.

Efficient routes:

• Japan: Tokyo in → Osaka out (or reverse). Don’t fly in and out of Tokyo if visiting Kyoto/Osaka.
• SE Asia: Fly into Bangkok, travel overland/by ferry, fly out of Singapore or Bali.
• India: Fly into Delhi, travel the Golden Triangle, fly out of Mumbai.

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Step 6: Budget Planning

Style	Daily Budget
Backpacker (SE Asia)	$25–40
Mid-range (SE Asia)	$60–100
Budget (Japan/Korea)	$60–80
Mid-range (Japan/Korea)	$100–150
Maldives/luxury	$300–1,000+

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