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Custom Itineraries
Don't waste a day of your trip figuring out logistics. We provide day-by-day, optimized routes for 1-week, 2-week, and 1-month trips — balancing must-see landmarks with off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Field Notes / Travel Guides
Travel guides &itineraries.
Skip the tourist traps. Discover the authentic heart of Southeast Asia.
The Premise
You didn't fly 15 hours to sit by a pool.
Anyone can book a resort and stay in a bubble. The Travel Guides section of Visit Asia is for the adventurous traveler who wants to see the real soul of the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond.
Whether you have one week or one month, our boots-on-the-ground itineraries, transport hacks, and hidden-gem recommendations help you navigate the beautiful chaos of Asian travel safely, respectfully, and efficiently. We tell you exactly where to go, what to eat, and how to get there without the headaches.
Explore
Travel topics.
Four ways to travel like a temporary local.
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Hidden Gems & Islands
Escape the crowds. We guide you to pristine beaches, mountain villages, and quiet islands that haven't been ruined by mass tourism yet. The Asia the guidebooks leave out.
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Street Food & Culinary Tours
Food is the universal language of Asia. Learn how to navigate night markets safely, what hygiene hacks to use, and the regional dishes you absolutely cannot miss in every city.
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Transport & Logistics
Getting from A to B in Asia is an adventure in itself. We break down local trains, domestic flights, ride-hailing apps like Grab, and how to survive the infamous ferry systems.
The Journal
Latest travel guides & itineraries.
Philippines · 14 Days
16 min read
The Ultimate 2-Week Philippines Itinerary: Manila, Palawan & Siargao
Short on time but want to see it all? The most efficient, stress-free route to experience the urban energy of Manila, the limestone cliffs of El Nido, and the surf culture of Siargao in just 14 days.
View the itineraryVietnam · Rail
12 min read
Vietnam by Rail: The Ultimate Guide to the Reunification Express
Is the famous train ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City worth the hype? We review every cabin class, the best stops along the way, and how to book without using a sketchy third-party agent.
Read the reviewIsland Showdown
9 min read
Palawan vs. Boracay: Which Philippine Island Is Right for You?
Two world-famous islands, two completely different vibes. We break down beaches, crowds, nightlife, and budget to help you decide which island deserves your vacation days.
Compare the islandsSurvival Guide
7 min read
How to Use Grab in Southeast Asia: A Foreigner's Survival Guide
Forget haggling with taxi drivers. Everything you need to know about setting up, using, and maximizing Grab for cars, food delivery, and even motorcycles across Vietnam and the Philippines.
Read the guide
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