Asia flights and travel guide

Asia is the world's largest continent, with an extremely diverse array of things to see from ancient kingdoms to huge skyscrapers. With a plethora of diverse countries comprising it, Asia can be overwhelming to many Western travellers, yet intriguing to most.

Flights to Asia land travellers in one of an incredibly varied range of countries. Russia is the largest country in the continent, and also the world. A turbulent past of wars and revolutions has given way to one of the most fascinating destinations for a tourist. Neighboring China is another huge country with bustling cities and ancient villages. India is a kaleidoscope of different cultures with more than 1,652 languages spoken and around eight major religions. In Southeast Asia, Thailand is always popular, seven million visitors arrive each year to see its glorious beaches and ancient ruins.

Tourists will find a plethora of flights to Asia with destinations that suit any traveller's needs.  

Search and compare: cheap flights to Asia

Back to top

Asia climate

There are monsoons in India and Thailand, typhoons in Japan and during the cold months, Russia turns into a winter wonderland. The weather in Asia differs hugely depending on which country you’re visiting. Check conditions before you travel.

Back to top

When to fly to Asia

The best months to visit India and Sri Lanka tend to be November to March. Try not to visit during the monsoon season; which can run from May to September.

Japan is glorious during the cherry blossom season, which falls between the months of March and May, and although the weather is pleasant at the end of August and September it is their typhoon season. On the other hand, the Philippines, another Asian island, is lovely during the same months as Japan – March to May – but from June to October is the wet monsoon season.

The most extreme weather conditions in Asia are to be found in Russia. Winters are incredibly cold, and summers can be unsufferably hot. The UAE, however, doesn't really have different seasons but is warm throughout the year, with the exception of August when the heat can reach the high nineties. 

Search and compare: cheap flights to Asia

Back to top

Getting around Asia

Transportation throughout Asia ranges from efficient and comfortable to chaotic and frustrating. Given the vastness of the larger countries, such as Russia and China, flying can be the easiest mode of transport. For money-saving though, trains and buses are cheapest and efficient in both countries.

India has an extensive airline network for domestic travel. But while flying might be an easier option, the best way to get a feel for the country and its people is to travel by rail at least once.

Asia flights tend to be cheap, especially in the South East. Countries such as Thailand, which have an advanced tourist industry, also have an advanced low-cost airline system. It is often a relatively similar price to fly from Bangkok to the islands or to the North and will get travellers there considerably faster.

Back to top

Asia insider information

• It can be bewildering planning a trip to Russia’s gargantuan metropolis – Moscow. Many tourists leave with the feeling they had seen less than they’d hoped to, but three things not to be missed are visiting the Kremlin, strolling around Red Square and a night at the Bolshoi Theater.
• In China visit Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple which was built between 1911 and 1918. The seated Buddha is encrusted with jewels and weighs 1000kg. Don’t miss the Hong Kong Museum of History which boasts an expansive collection of 6,000 years of the territory’s cultural heritage and history.
• Drop by the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok and test your bargaining skills at any of the 9,000 stalls selling everything from antiques to flowers. Then head to the Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai house that was once home to the most famous expat in Thailand: the American adventurer and entrepreneur who came to Bangkok during World War II as a US spy.
• Elephanta Island, a short boat-ride from Mumbai, is home to the holy rock-cut temples dating back to 450 AD. Although these temples suffered major Portuguese vandalism they remain virtually untouched.  
• A trip to the UAE wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a ‘souk’. If you have to choose just one, the Deira’s Gold Souq is the place to pick up Indian and Arabian jewellery.
• Half-Asian and half-European, Turkey’s unique mix contributes to its most illustrious landmark, the Haghia Sophia. This museum was once a Byzantine cathedral which was turned into a mosque until 1935.
• While visiting Manila, the capital of the Philippines, head to Intramuros, the ancient walled city built by the Spaniards in the 16th century.
• In Sri Lanka take a trip to the hillside city of Kandy where you’ll find the sacred tooth of Buddha in Dalada Maligawa.
• After all that sightseeing in Kyoto relax in a hot spring resort, “Kurama Onsen”, one of the few bath houses close to the city.

Back to top