Slow Travel in Asia: Discover the best countries in Asia with Puttering around the World

Travel Asia

Slow Travel in Asia: A Journey of Discovery

There’s something magical about traveling through Asia. Everything—from the languages and temples to the landscapes and cuisine—feels completely different from where we’re from. And that’s exactly why we love it.

Asia is incredibly diverse, stretching from the tropical beaches of Southeast Asia to the snowy mountains of the Himalayas and the neon-lit cities of East Asia. One day, you could be sipping tea in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia, and the next, riding a scooter past a volcano in Indonesia or exploring a futuristic café in Seoul. There’s no shortage of wonder.

What draws us in is more than just the scenery. It’s the warmth of the people, the flavors of the food (hello, Nasi Goreng and spicy laksa!), and the slow moments—those small, immersive experiences that make travel meaningful. Whether we’re watching the sunrise in Bagan or wandering the night markets in Taiwan, we’ve found that Asia is a region that rewards slow travel, deep exploration, and a curious heart.

Our Asia journey began in 2016, when we took a sabbatical through Southeast Asia. That trip planted the seed for a much bigger dream: to explore the world at our own pace. A few years later, with just our backpacks and golf clubs, we took off—this time with no return ticket.

From reconnecting with an old friend in Hong Kong to spending a full month in Taiwan, and from island-hopping in Indonesia to living for three months in Malaysia, we’ve returned again and again to Asia. And every time, it feels like coming home—to something new, vibrant, and full of life.

We love Asia and know we’ll be back again and again.

Slow Travel Thailand

From the peaceful temples of Chiang Mai to the lush rice fields and golden beaches of the south, Thailand is where our slow travel dream began. Whether you’re discovering ancient history in Ayutthaya, sipping local coffee in Pai, or enjoying a spicy bowl of noodles at a Bangkok market, Thailand offers something for every kind of traveler.

Explore Slow Travel Thailand

Slow Travel Taiwan

Taiwan completely surprised us. This small island is big on natural beauty, warm hospitality, and delicious street food. We spent a month here and loved every minute—cycling the east coast, hiking Taroko Gorge, soaking in hot springs, and exploring the night markets of Taipei. Taiwan is a slow traveler’s dream.

Explore Slow Travel Taiwan

Slow Travel Indonesia

Indonesia is vast and diverse, comprising over 17,000 islands. We explored jungle-filled Sumatra, relaxed in Bali, and island-hopped through Lombok. Whether you’re seeing dragons in Komodo or watching a volcano at sunrise, Indonesia is perfect for those seeking culture, nature, and adventure, with a little slow travel soul.

Explore Slow Travel Indonesia

Slow Travel Malaysia

Malaysia is one of our favorite countries. From the iconic skyline of Kuala Lumpur to the tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands, and from street food in Ipoh to the beaches of Langkawi—there’s so much to love. We’ve spent months here and still want more. Malaysia is a cultural mosaic waiting to be explored.

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Slow Travel South Korea

South Korea blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. We explored serene temples, quirky cafes, bustling night markets, and striking architecture. We were especially blown away by the craft beer scene and the friendly people we met along the way. South Korea feels futuristic yet deeply rooted in heritage.

Explore Slow Travel South Korea

Explore Golf in Asia

Asia is home to some of the most unique and scenic golf courses we’ve ever played. From teeing off with a view of volcanoes in Indonesia to golfing in the heart of bustling cities like Seoul or Kuala Lumpur, our golf adventures in Asia have been unforgettable. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an avid golfer, our stories from the fairways of Asia will inspire your next golf-inspired travel journey.

Discover Golf in Asia

Asia Essential Facts

Where is Asia?

Asia is the largest and most diverse continent, stretching from the Middle East through Central, South, and Southeast Asia all the way to East Asia. It includes countries like Japan, China, Thailand, India, Mongolia, Indonesia, South Korea, and many more.

How do you get to Asia?

From Europe, North America, and Australia, you can easily reach major Asian hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, or Seoul via international flights. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Cathay Pacific offer regular routes with good connections.

When is the best time to visit Asia?

Asia’s weather varies widely. Southeast Asia is best between November and March when it’s dry and cooler. Japan is stunning in spring (cherry blossoms!) and autumn. India’s best time is typically October through March, while Mongolia and Nepal shine from May to September. Always check by region, as monsoons and temperatures can vary greatly.

What are the Top Highlights of Asia?

Asia offers something for everyone:

  • Wander the futuristic streets of Seoul, Shanghai, or Singapore
  • Climb the Great Wall of China or sip matcha in Kyoto
  • Ride a horse across Mongolia’s vast steppes
  • Visit the sacred temples of Angkor Wat or Borobudur
  • See orangutans in Sumatra and dragons in Komodo
  • Watch the sunrise over Mt. Batur in Bali or the Himalayas in Nepal
  • Eat your way through Asia with dishes like Pho in Vietnam, Sushi in Japan, Laksa in Malaysia, and Nasi Goreng in Indonesia

How long should you spend in Asia?

We’ve spent up to three months in Asia at a time, but even one to two weeks in a single destination can be incredibly rewarding. Rather than rushing through multiple countries, we recommend choosing one country or region and exploring it deeply. Shorter trips to major cities like Singapore, Bangkok, or Tokyo are also great for a quick taste of Asia.

Where to stay in Asia?

Asia offers a wide range of accommodations—from boutique guesthouses and locally-run homestays to high-end resorts and eco-lodges. Whether you’re looking for a beach bungalow in Thailand, a mountain retreat in Taiwan, or a stylish city stay in Seoul, there’s something for every traveler and budget.

Slow Travel in Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Slow Travel in Hong Kong

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