Asia

Jump to (1381) articles

The continent of Asia is an exciting destination to explore for its diverse languages, cultures, and landscapes. In fact, many travelers who limit their visit to only one country come away with an intense desire for more.

Some of Asia’s well-known sights include the majestic spires of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Taj Mahal in India, Moscow’s Red Square, and the Great Wall of China. But discovering Asia is not just about gazing at big attractions. There are endless local and intimate experiences to be had like camping on a beach in Thailand, learning to belly dance in Turkey, or riding a motorbike through villages in Vietnam.

The Matador community of writers and wanderers offers articles about Asia for short and long term travelers, teachers, and students of language. Search our archives for tips on climbing Mount Fuji, not embarrassing yourself at a bathhouse in Syria, and drinking alcohol in Pakistan, among countless other recommendations and stories.

Budget + Backpacker →

Guide to traveling by local boat in northwestern Myanmar.

Trip Planning →

Practical tips and 3 recommended itineraries for first-time visitors.

Food →

To understand Bangkok is to understand that life transpires out on the streets.

Trip Planning →

Unlike at a banya or sauna, you are here to be bathed.

Culture Guides →

If your driver has zero or one star, you know you’re dead.

Transportation Guides →

If you have several extra hours at Taoyuan International...

Road Trip Guides →

On riding around on a motorbike to different villages in Thailand.

Culture Guides →

Photos from Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sheriff, Jalalabad and Panjeer Valley.

Trip Planning →

The beverage should not even be called coffee.

Photo Essay →

Turkey is much larger than I’d thought...

Restaurants →

How lovely to have fatty food arrive in an athletic stance!

Photo Essay →

Mountains, indigenous culture, beer, bubble tea.

Trip Planning →

All this dancing and eating and kissing is making you sleepy. Wait, no it’s not.

Language Learning →

"My mother-in-law is coming to stay." "Really? May it pass quickly!"

 

Mention Chinatown to Manileños, and their eyes grow hungry and dreamy.

Luxury + High End →

With a cocky grin, Andrew feeds a bit more flame into the envelope...

Road Trip Guides →

Planning to drive a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw from Shillong, India, to Jaisalmer?

Trip Planning →

The next time you go to a restaurant, just get inside the kitchen and point at the...

What's in your backpack? →

MatadorU’s first Adventure Center Traveler-in-residence in Turkey, Keph Senett gives us...

Climbing →

Hiking is South Korea's national pastime. Hike, climb and scale frozen waterfalls with...

Surf →

And when the wave came to an end, I knew more were on their way.

Nightlife Guides →

Jessica Festa searches for 10 nightlife spots for a Bangkok ladies night.

Travel Safety →

Be prepared to share your personal space. But know where to draw the line.

Trip Planning →

Mixed vegetables with cow snout, smothered in black shrimp paste.

Transportation Guides →

Ride the maglev train from Shanghai to the airport at 420 km per hour.