Tourism has been one of the hardest-hit industries by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel bans halting tourists’ adventures and travels. While restrictions are still in place, some countries have started opening their borders for international travel, signaling the start of leisure travel and tourist activities. Some of the popular tourist hotspots in Asia are now open to visitors, and according to globe-trotter Scott Bartnick, they are places you should have on your travel bucket list after the pandemic ends.

Scott Bartnick is an Orlando-based entrepreneur who is the head of Otter PR, a PR agency, and The Five Day Startup, an e-commerce consulting company. Let’s take a look at this travel enthusiast’s list of recommended places to visit in Asia post-pandemic.

Vietnam

One of the fastest-growing countries in Asia, Vietnam is perfect for budget and luxury travelers alike, with a daily budget that can be as low as USD 40. There are plenty of tourist attractions in Vietnam, from stunning natural landscapes to quaint villages and ancient citadels. You can light a lantern during the Lantern Festival in Hoi An, cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay, explore the world’s largest cave – Hang Son Doong- in Phong Nha, and visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, which is a relic of Vietnam’s history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to Vietnam is not complete without visiting Hanoi, Vietnam’s pho capital.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most well-known travel destinations in Asia, with attractions such as beaches, historic sites, and vibrant cities. The spectacular Grand Palace in Bangkok is undoubtedly one of Thailand’s top attractions. Still, there are other must-visit places such as the Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai that offers impressive views of the city, the floating markets in Bangkok and Pattaya, and the tranquil Railay Beach. The infamous monthly Full Moon Party along the Hat Rin beach in Ko Pha-ngan island is a festivity that is a must-attend for party-enthusiasts and backpackers. 

 

Philippines

While not as famous as a tourist destination like Vietnam and Thailand, the Philippines is a beautiful country to explore with lots of natural wonders to see. The nation is an archipelago made up of 7,641 islands, with each island having different attractions for its visitors. From the white sandy beaches in Boracay island to diving and snorkeling in Cebu and Coron and hiking in Sagada, the Philippines caters to every kind of traveler.

Indonesia

Made up of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is an archipelagic wonder that offers adventures for everyone with its diverse culture, landscapes, and cities. Bali, a kaleidoscope of beautiful beaches, thousands of Indonesian temples, and volcanic hills, is among the world’s most famous tourist destinations. Apart from Bali, tourists can visit the famous Komodo National Park known for its reptilian namesake, the Komodo dragon, or one of Indonesia’s stunning active volcanoes such as Mt. Bromo, Mt. Rinjani, Mt. Ijen, and Mt. Batur.

China

The Great Wall of China is perhaps its most famous and iconic feature, but there are many other attractions in the country. The Forbidden City is a treasure house full of Chinese cultural and historical relics, and a visit to the country is not complete without a visit to this palace in Beijing. The breathtaking scenery along the Li River in Guilin is a popular photographer destination. The 2000-year-old underground Terracotta Army in Xi’an is an archaeological site that is perfect for any history lover.