The most visited tourist destinations in Asia. The cheapest resort countries in Asia

Southwest Asia includes the states of the Near and Middle East with ancient history and predominantly Muslim culture. The exception is Israel - a country of immigration and widespread Judaism with its shrines. Historically, the city of Jerusalem is currently located on the territory of Israel, in which the shrines of three religions are located: Judaism, Christianity, Islam. This, on the one hand, attracts a large number of tourists, partly pilgrims, and on the other hand, creates the basis for constant conflicts, which also affects the scale of tourism.

In the countries of this zone, the attention of tourists is attracted by the warm sea (especially the Mediterranean, washing the shores of Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel), and the subtropical climate. lovers educational tourism attract ancient cities or their ruins, numerous cities with their historical and cultural heritage - Istanbul (Turkey), Amman (Jordan), the ancient cities of Lebanon Baalbek, Saida, as well as the organized tourist center Beirut, Nicosia (Cyprus), the Iranian cities of Tehran, Isfahan , Shiraz, Hamadan, etc.

Selected countries Arab East, as well as Turkey, attract many "shuttles" - participants in shopping tours. Afghanistan has interesting tourism opportunities, but the events of recent decades make it impossible to use them. As part of Southwest Asia, there are the following tourist macro-regions: Cyprus and Turkey, Palestine, Arab states(Middle East), Middle East.

Cyprus is a state located on the island of the same name in the northeastern Mediterranean.

Cyprus first gained independence in 1960, but in 1974 Turkish troops landed on the island. After that northern territory countries went to Turkey. There are no diplomatic relations between the Greek and Turkish parts. Turkish part closed to entry from the Greek side.

The territory of the Greek part of the island (Republic of Cyprus) is 5.9 thousand square meters. km, Turkish part ( Northern Cyprus) - 3.35 thousand sq. km. The coast of the island in the northern part is indented and rocky, the south of the island is flat, with long sandy beaches. In the center and southwest of the island is the vast old Troodos volcanic massif ( highest point- Mount Olympos, 1951 m). Between the mountains stretches the vast and fertile valley of Mesaoria.

Cyprus in ancient times was the center of the Mediterranean trade, which led to the mixing of cultural monuments of all European civilizations on its land. The capital of the country is Nicosia with the Center of Applied Arts located there, the Archbishop's Square with the Archbishop's Palace, the Gates of Ammochostos and the Statue of Liberty, the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian fortress walls (XVI century) with the Famagusta Gates and the ring of the Municipal Park outside, the Chrysaliniotissa Church built in 1450, the Omeriye Mosque , the churches of Tripiotis and Faneromeni, the Cathedral of St. John, built in 1662.

Limassol known primarily for its beaches, medieval museum, old castles, and winemaking. monuments Larnaca are the Larnaca fortress (1625); mosque Jami Kebir; ev church. Lazarus; Laiki Getonya (one of the old quarters); church of Angeloktistos; the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque (1816), one of the main Muslim shrines (since Umm Haram, the aunt of the Prophet Muhammad, is buried here); aqueduct (used for its intended purpose until 1939); catholic cathedral ev. Sophia (XIII century); Archaeological Museum; royal chapel ev. Catherine.

Within the resort Pathos of interest are the Port Fortress, the Paphos Mosaics, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Register, Panagia Limeniotissa, the Odeon Theater, the catacombs of ev. Solomon, the Royal Tombs, the Church of Chrysopolitess and the Column of ev. Paul, "House of Theseus", "Villa

Dionysus, the beach of Aphrodite, the bay of Smoking, the ancient Roman city of Curium with its Greco-Roman theater, the castle of Kolossi. Monuments of ancient culture in Salamis are the tomb of St. Catherine, Costello Castle in Famagusta, gothic cathedral St. Nicholas.

seaside resorts Cyprus are Limassol, Protaras, Lara Beach with a sea turtle breeding station, Latchi, Cape Greco, Polis, numerous beach resort complexes southwest coast. Mountain chain Troodos, where it is located summer residence President of Cyprus, provides opportunities for mountain tourism.

Turkey is a state in the southeast of Europe and in Western Asia, having total area 780.6 thousand sq. km and a population of 80 million people. Capital - Ankara. In the northwest it borders on Bulgaria and Greece, in the northeast - on Georgia and Armenia, in the east - on Iran, in the south - on Iraq and Syria. In the north it is washed by Black and Seas of Marmara, in the south - by the Mediterranean Sea, in the west - Aegean Sea. European part Turkey (Eastern Thrace, or Rumelia) is a hilly plateau about 1000 m above sea level. The Asian part (Asia Minor, or Anatolia) is limited mountain ranges the Pontic Mountains in the north and the Taurus system in the south, between which lies the Anatolian Highlands ( average height up to 1000 m), with river valleys and cones of extinct volcanoes in the east.

Turkey attracts recreant tourists: the seaside areas (along the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, Black Seas) are known for their favorable conditions (warm sea, subtropical climate), which contributed to the emergence of the famous resorts of Antalya, Alanya, Kemer, Belek, Side, Izmir, Marmaris and others (Fig. 9.1). There are resorts in the interior of Turkey, famous for their mineral springs. For example, springs near the city of Bursa were used by the Byzantines. lovers winter holiday attract modern ski resorts Palandoken, Uludag, etc.

But, of course, Turkey is also famous for its historical and cultural values. Many of them are located on the coast

Symbols Tour centers ^ Ski resorts A seaside resorts

The borders of the tourist

recreational areas

Tourist and recreational

• 1 Sea of ​​Marmara region
• 2 Aegean region
• 3 District mediterranean sea
• 4 Central Anatolia
• 5 Black Sea region
• 6 Eastern Anatolia
• 7 Southeast Anatolia

Rice. 9.1. Tourist and recreational centers of Turkey

Chapter 9. International Tourism in Asia

the Bosphorus in Istanbul(in the past - the capital of Byzantium, Constantinople, in ancient Russian documents - Tsargrad). The transformation of an Orthodox Byzantine city into a Muslim one changed its appearance: Orthodox churches turned into mosques. There are many of them, therefore, there are many minarets. Most famous temple- outstanding work Byzantine architecture Aya Sophia. There are also museums in Istanbul, among which are archaeological (with the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great), antiquity, conquerors, Muslim art, etc., the church of St. Irina, choral monastery church, Church of the Holy Mother of God, mosques - Ahmed ( Blue Mosque), Mikrimakhi, Selim the Conqueror, Bayazid, Suleiman, Eyup, underground palaces-reservoirs, the remains of a Byzantine fortress. In the XX century. Istanbul is largely Europeanized.

Other centers of educational tourism in Turkey: the capital Ankara(where are ancient buildings and the mausoleum of the founder of modern Turkey, Ataturk (Kemal Pasha); homer of Homer Izmir, which is famous for its antiquities and annual fairs; Bursa, Adana, Erzurum with their ancient monuments and numerous mosques. Aspendos is a city created by colonists after the Trojan War, in which there are many the most beautiful buildings, including the theater-palace of the architect Zenon (II century) and the Roman arched aqueduct; Mira is the ancient capital of Lycia, the "country of bright rays", famous for its necropolis carved into the rocks, as well as the church of St. Nicholas, a place of pilgrimage for Christians. There are many in the country nature reserves- Olympos-Beydaglari, Munzur-Vadisi, Koprulu-Canyon, etc.

Most of Turkey is a plateau and low mountains, which in the east of the country pass into the highlands. There is the Ararat massif, sacred to Armenians (but located after the First World War on the territory of Turkey), where, according to biblical tradition, Noah, the great and picturesque lake Van. So in the east of Turkey there are many elements of natural attraction ™. However, so far this, undoubtedly, potentially resort area has been little developed.

Palestine. This macro-region includes the state of Israel, populated mainly by Jews (indigenous people and immigrants), and the Arab territories, which have been fighting for many decades to create an Arab Palestinian state.

The territory of Palestine has seen many historical events in its lifetime. Suffice it to say that the very first city in the world was discovered in the Jordan Valley - Jericho (“the city of dates”), whose age is seven thousand years.

Jerusalem, the city of three historical confessions (Jewish, Christian and Muslim) attracts the largest number of tourists. Among the historical and cultural monuments, it is enough to name the Jewish Wailing Wall, Christian shrines - the chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, Golgotha, where Christ was crucified, the rock where he prayed (and many more places associated with evangelical stories). According to Islam, the Muslim prophet Mohammed later ascended to heaven from the rock where Christ prayed (the Mosque of Omar was built here). It is no coincidence that during the division of Palestine after World War II, the UN issued a decision on the special status of Jerusalem, which is historically divided into the Old and New City.

Located south of Jerusalem Bethlehem, over which, according to legend, a star lit up when Jesus Christ was born. A grandiose temple was built here.

Tel Aviv- the capital of Israel (although the country's leadership considers Jerusalem to be the capital, which is not recognized by most countries of the world) with its Haaretz Museum of Mediterranean Art, an art gallery. Among the streets of Tel Aviv there are Korolenko, Zola and other streets. Almost merged with Tel Aviv Jaffa, unlike the young Tel Aviv, numbering several centuries of its existence. In this city, you can walk along the streets of Pushkin, Pestalozzi, Michelangelo, Gorky, Ozheshko, Dante.

In the area of ​​cities Haifa And Natanya on the Mediterranean coast, as well as in the Eilat region in the Arabian Gulf of the Red Sea are seaside resorts. There are also resorts on the coast of the Dead Sea, located below the ocean level, the very high salinity of the waters of which allows swimmers to freely stay on the water. For tourists in Israel, an appropriate infrastructure has been created.

The Arab countries of Southwest Asia include practically the whole of this zone, with the exception of Palestine, Israel and the states of the Middle East. In essence, we are talking about the Middle East or most of Western Asia (from Lebanon in the northwest to Yemen in the southeast). All of these are Muslim Arab states.

With the exception of some outskirts - Mediterranean Lebanon and partly Syria in the northwest and "happy Arabia" (the southern part of Yemen) on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula - all the countries of the region are arid desert and semi-desert territories. Therefore, civilization developed only where it was possible to create irrigation systems at the expense of rivers (as in Mesopotamia) or groundwater - in oases. Since the middle of the XX century. oil is being produced in many countries of the region, which leads to the formation of oases on an "industrial basis" due to the supply of water from deep horizons or the desalination of sea water. In the course of these processes, modern civilization is being formed with all its pluses and minuses. In particular, the centers of this new civilization attract a large number of "shuttle" tourists from the CIS countries to the countries of the region. In some states of the region, modern seaside resorts appear on the coasts of the seas. In the cities of Lebanon there are also mountain resorts. All this serves the development of recreational tourism.

In almost all countries of the macro-region there are many historical and cultural attractions - monuments of distant millennia and centuries. Yes, in the area Lebanon one of the earliest human settlements is located - Baalbek, where the ruins of religious buildings dedicated to Jupiter, statues, sculptural images of Venus, Bacchus, rows of columns and sculptures, stairs have been preserved. One of the ancient settlements in Lebanon is the city of Saida. The very same capital of the country - Beirut - along with the old quarters is distinguished by quite modern buildings, corresponding to the role of Beirut as a center of finance and culture.

IN Syria Of great interest to tourists are the ancient cities of Palmyra and Aleppo with their monuments of Hellenistic art. Damascus, the capital of the country, attracts with objects of Muslim culture, among which one of the most famous shrines of Islam is the Omayyad Mosque.

Muslim architecture is typical for most areas of the capital. Iraq- Baghdad. The Nazimiya Mosque, or the Golden Mosque, is very famous, decorated with four minarets with gilded domes (which is rare in such structures). The city has many modern buildings and monuments, stylized in the spirit of Muslim traditions. Away from the capital, located on the banks of the Tigris River, are the ruins of ancient cities, including Babylon. There are in Iraq (in the north and north-east of the country) and high-mountain summer resorts. Despite the undoubted tourist attraction of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the flow of tourists to these countries is limited due to political instability.

Significantly less interesting for educational tourism are other Arab countries Middle East: Jordan, Yemen, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain. In these countries, whose economy is based on oil production (Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates), modern cities attract attention.

Saudi Arabia occupies a special place among the countries of the Middle East. It is on its territory that the main places of pilgrimage for Muslims are located - the holy cities of Mecca (with the black stone of the Kaaba) and Medina, cities associated with the activities of the Prophet Muhammad and the birth of Islam. Hundreds of thousands, and in some years even millions of Muslims from all over the world come here as pilgrims. Pilgrimage (Hajj) brings huge incomes to the country, and pilgrims "attach" themselves to eternal life in Paradise. On the Red Sea coast of the country is the city of Jeddah, through which thousands of pilgrims go. There are also several historical monuments, among which, according to legend, the grave of the first woman, Eve.

Saudi Arabia covers an area of ​​1.6 - 2.4 million square kilometers. km (according to various sources). The population of the country is over 18 million people, the capital Riyadh.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)- a country with an area of ​​83.6 thousand square meters. km and a population of more than 2 million people - this is a bright sun 360 days a year and a warm clear sea, desert landscapes with oases and red sand zones, wadis (dried mouths of rivers) and dunes, peaks of the Al Hajars massif, numerous spring lakes volcanic origin And color palette stones.

The coral reefs of Kor Fakana are famous for the flora and fauna of the underwater world, and the coast of the Persian Gulf is famous for its golden sands and exceptional water clarity. Hotels on the seashore offer tourists swimming pools and comfortable hotel beaches, equipped with everything you need.

The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi. In the city of Dubai - the old Arab buildings of the Bastakiya district, the Dubai Historical Museum (Al Fahidi Fort), the Jumeirah Mosque, the Sheikh Said Palace, the historical museum-village, the Dubai Zoo - the best in the Middle East, Wonderland - one of the largest water parks in Asia. Once a year, Dubai hosts the world's largest shopping festival, which attracts over 2 million visitors. Dubai hotel arab tower» (Burj el Arab) is the highest hotel in the world (height 321 m). Hatta is a mountain resort territorially belonging to the emirate Dubai, is located in the center of the Hajar mountain range and is a picturesque place surrounded by palm trees, clear lakes and small farms.

There is a museum in the city of Ajman, which is located in a fort built at the end of the 18th century and until the end of the 1970s. which was the residence of the emir. Its exposition includes a collection of archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts, weapons, reconstructed traditional Arab rooms and a market.

Emirate Ras Al Khaimah represented by ancient cities (Yulfar - a flourishing pearl trading center in the past, Digdaga - the largest old city of Ras al-Khaimah), Hatt hot springs, the Emirate Museum (a huge military fort) with traditional household items, jewelry, archaeological finds, the oldest of which dates back to the 1st millennium BC.

in the emirate Umm el Quwain(“source of strength”) are located: Falage Al Muala - a huge date garden surrounded by high dunes; aquapark "Dreamland" with an artificial volcano 18 m high with imitation of fire, lighting effects, numerous water attractions; the city of Fujairah with sandy beaches and mountain headlands is one of the best places for scuba diving.

Mereja, which is the "Museum Treasury of the UAE", is the most old district emirate Sharjah, where are located: one of the largest in the Middle East, the mosque of King Faisal, accommodating up to 3000 worshipers; numerous museums and exhibitions, the beaches of the Khalid lagoon. New, but already popular entertainment in the UAE - skiing on the sand, rallying in a car through the desert.

The countries of the Middle East are Iran and Afghanistan.

Iran- a country of diverse nature and ancient history. Nature lovers will meet in Iran seas and rivers, plains (low and elevated) and high mountains Elbrus with the main peak Damavend (in the north of the country), various forests, dry steppes, semi-deserts and deserts, healing mineral springs And healing mud. There are many monuments of Muslim culture in Iran (civil and places of worship) - in the capital Tehran, the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Qazvin, etc. Currently, due to the difficult international situation of Iran (largely due to its isolation), the flow of tourists to the country is very limited.

Afghanistan - multinational Mountain country where hostilities have been going on for many years. Therefore, and also because of the very low level of development tourism infrastructure, the harsh but impressive nature of Afghanistan, and its historical and cultural sites located in the capital Kabul, the cities of Herat, Kandahar, and others remain unclaimed. One of the most famous tourism sites in all of Asia, Biamin, is also practically inaccessible. In this depression, located in the central part of the country at an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters, there are rocks dug up by hundreds of caves, and in the rocks there are two carved 50-meter statues of the Buddha. On the hill is the Shahar-i-Gulgula fortress. The possibilities of the winter resort of Jalalabad, hunting and observing local ritual holidays are not in demand either.

Asia from A to Z: countries, cities and resorts of Asia. Map, photo and video, Asian peoples. Descriptions and opinions of tourists.

• Tours for May Worldwide
• Hot tours Worldwide

The largest part of the world, washed by three oceans and containing 53 states, Asia on the world map is like a motley carpet of cultures, languages, and nationalities. Perhaps there is no region on Earth that is more diverse and rich in all sorts of curiosities. From Israel to the Philippines, from Mongolia to India, its mercilessly scorched lands stretched. Although man originated from Africa, it was here that he learned to sow and reap, invented the wheel, writing and philosophy. Over the millennia, Asia has seen a lot: the rise of great civilizations and the bloodthirsty hordes of nomads, magnificent pearls creativity and primitive cruelty, devastation and fertility, wars of millions and the birth of religions. It is not surprising that today Asia is the subject of the closest tourist interest. Here are such pillars of the industry as Turkey, Thailand, Maldives, India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and a lot of developing countries in the sense of tourism - Vietnam, South Korea, Oman, etc.

What is he, a portrait of an "Asian" tourist? Let's start with the fact that the main thing that people go to Asia for is, of course, exotic, and the exotic is its own, authentic and not at all similar to, say, African. Either temple complexes India or fiery "tom-yum" soup in a Pattaya diner, calls to prayer pouring from the minarets of Damascus, or Orthodox Jews marching in the July heat in fur hats through the streets of Jerusalem - everything permeates Asian flavor: bright, always unexpected, a little discouraging and lingering in memory like a frozen frame from a movie. Pictures of Asia - a whirlwind of colorful colors, a combination of incongruous, crazy beauty and an excess of lines, shades, shapes.

By the way, in terms of climate, Asia is more than diverse: on its territory you can find weather for every taste. I wanted snow - welcome to north coast Mother Russia, you like the heat - please proceed to the July Emirates, you want the humid tropics - you have a direct road to the Philippines. In addition, God himself ordered climbers to go to Asia - to Everest and for those who prefer more than calm sea expanses - to the Dead Sea. And for those who want to stand in the very center of Asia, we recommend going to Irkutsk: it is this city that bears the title of the geographical "navel" of the region.

In addition, Asia is visited in order to touch spirituality. The largest world religions once arose on its territory: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam. So the quantity religious monuments here is the corresponding: and numerous Buddhist monasteries, pagodas and stupas, and places associated with the earthly life of Christ, and the most significant mosques.

Last but not least, it is worth mentioning the “idle” advantages of Asia, which include the coasts of several oceans and numerous seas at once, the cleanest beaches with fine sand and other near-beach amenities - in the form of hotels, restaurants, discos and other developed infrastructure. And, of course, gourmets will not be left without vivid impressions: the world has never seen so many spices, aromatic plants and hot peppers that Asian housewives use! Whether it will be Rajasthani chicken with curry sauce or Tajik khash - an unforgettable experience is guaranteed!

• Western Asia: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Qatar, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey
• South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
• Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia
• East Asia: China, Taiwan, Japan, North Korea, Republic of Korea and Mongolia
• Central Asia (aka Central or Front): Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

It's no secret that beach holiday V Asian countries is considered the best - the tourism industry has ennobled almost all the "wild" and remote settlements and fishing villages, and prices here are much lower than in Europe or the Caribbean. We have compiled a list of the best resorts in Asia for you.

One of the most popular Thai resorts among Russians is the island of Phuket. It is the southern province of the country and the most big Island on its territory (its area is almost equal to the area of ​​Singapore).

Things to do

Phuket is suitable for both a beach holiday and an active pastime: there are excellent beaches, comfortable hotels, clubs, bars, discos, picturesque natural places - waterfalls, bays, gardens and a lot of historical sights.

The Karon Beach area is a favorite place for party-goers from all over the world, with developed infrastructure entertainment. The beaches of Kamala are a calm and secluded place, ideal for family vacation. The sea in Phuket is quite calm, big waves rare here.

How to get there

Direct charter flight. Planes fly to Phuket from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, Vladivostok and other cities. You can get to the island on your own from the capital of Thailand - Bangkok.

Boracay, Philippines

Part of the coast of Boracay called White Beach, according to the ratings of world researchers, is in the top 10 the best beaches peace. Another undoubted plus of this place is the almost zero crime rate.

Things to do

Here you can stay in a hotel remote from the coast or rent a bungalow right on the coast. The infrastructure includes cafes, bars, restaurants, disco clubs and souvenir shops. Divers go to Boracay with pleasure - there are more than 10 diving centers on the island.

Windsurfers and kitesurfers also like to visit these places - they are attracted by the even wind, especially at Bulabog beach. Respectable businessmen can relax in a massage parlor or spa, or play golf.

Of the attractions, one can note the underwater Dead Forest, the exposition of shells in the local museum and mysterious caves bats.

How to get there

Boracay does not have its own airport and to get here, you need to use enough difficult route. One option is a flight from Moscow, Vladivostok or Yakutsk to Panay with a transfer in the Philippine capital Manila. Ferries and boats run from Panay Island, neighboring Boracay. Please note that sea transport does not operate at night.

Hainan, China

The tropical island of Hanan is located in southern China. This is not only an excellent resort place, but also a major cultural center - various celebrations and festivals are held here all year round. The entertainment infrastructure is also developed on the island - there are many nightclubs, discos and bars. There is even a special club for Russians. In addition, the famous center of Chinese medicine is located here.

Things to do

The island offers tourists a lot of attractions - the "Edge of the World" park, monkey island, butterfly gorge, Buddhist center, Maan volcano, safari zoo with freely roaming animals.

The local Oceanarium deserves special mention, where you can feed crocodiles, see long-lived sea turtles, admire a collection of exotic birds from all over the country, and even ride an ostrich.

Dadonghai Beach is one of the most popular resorts on the island. There are restaurants, shops, cafes, a food market. A wide choice of hotels for every taste: from hostels to five-star hotels. Almost everywhere - Russian-speaking staff.

Yalunvan locals called "yaochi" - "earthly paradise". There is a diving center and a casino. Catering outlets, clubs and shops are located mainly on the territory of hotels.

How to get there

Direct flight from Moscow to Sanya. Flight time is approximately 10 hours.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi - main island in the archipelago of the same name. In total, there are 99 islands, 4 of which are inhabited.

Things to do

For active rest excursions to caves, waterfalls, lakes and mountain ranges, trips to sky bridges and cable car. The resort's infrastructure includes restaurants, cafes, bars, spas and duty-free shops. Both diving and snorkeling (swimming under the surface of the water) are widespread here. Can do fishing or go on a boat trip.

The beaches of the island are recognized as healing - sea water and pure white sand contain a high percentage of minerals that have a beneficial effect on joints, bones and respiratory organs. The downside of this resort is the rather strong ebbs and flows.

How to get there

On a transit flight from Moscow to Langkawi with a change in Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Bangkok or Dubai. The flight will be at least 15 hours. Next is the ferry.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Phu Quoc is environmental center Vietnam. Most of the island is virgin thickets of wild forests, which are part of the national reserve.

Things to do

The largest diving school in the country, low prices equipment rental and luxury seascapes attract huge streams of lovers of deep-sea swimming. The infrastructure is not very developed, but there are cafes and volleyball courts on the beaches.

Activities include visiting a black pepper farm, a trip to a museum and a pearl plantation, and squid fishing.

How to get there

Direct flight "Moscow-Ho Chi Minh" to Bangkok, Nha Trang and Hanoi. Then - domestic flight to Fukuoka. A flight with a connection will take from 20 hours or more.

Bali, Indonesia

The most popular resorts are located in the southern part of the island. Most favorite place recreation of Russians - the resort of Kuta.

Things to do

Kuta - developed tourist area. There are many different-sized hotels, large shopping centers, spa centers, restaurants, clubs and cafes. The resort is located close to Ngurah Airport. A well-groomed and clean (albeit crowded) beach with a gentle sandy bottom, without sharp corals and dangerous rocks, is perfect for surfers. The sea also favors those who like to ride a board - there is a constant wind and strong waves.

Of the minuses - the almost complete lack of attractions. You can visit the water park, the shell museum or the local theater with exotic performances.

This perfect place for rest and relaxation: people come here for the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine, swimming in healing springs With mineral water and local massage. However, beach holidays and the entertainment industry are also on the level here. Rich and multicultural excursion program: from Jewish synagogues to Dutch churches.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Kerala from Russia. The most common scheme is by an international airline to any major Indian city, then transfer to domestic flight to one of the airports of Kerala - most often, to Trivandrum. The flight from the Russian capital will take at least 8 hours.

Asia is very diverse and colorful in terms of culture, religion, nature. Lost Isles, exotic fruits, spiritual centers and low prices - these are just a few of the things that attract tourists to this part of the world. About how not to get confused in such a variety and choose the best place for recreation, we will tell in this article.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the most popular resort. On the island, in addition to amazing beaches and hotels, there are Buddhist temples, viewing platforms, waterfalls, gardens. Here you can find small coves to feel solitude or arrange a romantic evening, and club and bar streets filled with noise, music and dancing. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, which makes it easy to get to other provinces or.

pros

• Lots of entertainment, architectural and natural attractions. Good beaches, which rarely have big waves.

Minuses

• Sights and shops are scattered around the island, and you need to get to them by taxi, which is not very cheap, or by rented motorbike, which is not very safe.

Boracay, Philippines

This small Philippine island is famous for being one of the ten best beaches in the world, White Beach. Along it stretched a string of bars, massage parlors, souvenir shops and cafes. In addition to people who love nightlife, Boracay attracts divers and kitesurfers, because here are ideal conditions for watching underwater world, and a steady wind always blows near Bulabog beach, which is so necessary for kiting.

pros

• You can rent a bungalow right on the beach. Virtually no crime.

Minuses

• Few attractions. Getting to Boracay is quite tiring.

Hainan, China

On Hainan Island, you can not only relax on the beach, but also see many attractions. For example, dormant volcano Ma An, whose crater has been turned into observation deck. Those who want to tickle their nerves should go to where bears, tigers and lions roam in natural conditions, and tourists can watch them from a jeep. In addition, Hainan Province is a major cultural center where many different festivals are held throughout the year.

pros

• There is a center of Chinese medicine on the island, where you can improve your health or undergo a complex of spa treatments.

Minuses

• Hainan Island is popular with the local population, so in high season and in the evenings the beaches are quite crowded.

Langkawi, Malaysia

The Malaysian island of Langkawi is located in the middle of an archipelago of 100 islands. Here everyone can feel like a pioneer, not going far from the white beaches and comfortable hotels. Mountains, caves, waterfalls and lakes are adjacent to the resort infrastructure and many attractions, among which are so beloved by tourists cable car And sky bridge lying right above the jungle.

pros

• Langkawi is a duty free zone.

Minuses

• Powerful ebbs and flows.

Sri Lanka

Tea plantations, elephants, golden beaches with palm trees descending to the water, ancient temples and statues - all this is on a small one that is lost in Indian Ocean off the coast of India. Aromatherapy combined with Buddhist and Hindu teachings contribute to relaxation and spiritual enrichment. Outdoor enthusiasts are welcome water skiing, underwater fishing, surfing and kiting.

pros

• Many excursions, natural and architectural sights.

Minuses

• Annoying molesters on the beach looking to sell something. Bad roads which affects the travel time from one place to another.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com

Better than the mountains can only be a beach holiday. Or better this way: there is time for the mountains, but there must be time for the beach. IN last years European winter resorts are losing popularity, giving the palm to the hot beaches of Asia. But Asia is big and the weather in different parts of it is different. Where to go to truly relax, and not sit in an exotic hut, fleeing the monsoons and downpours? We made an overview of places where in winter good weather where you can go on your own or by buying a tour. Where you can sunbathe and swim together, with a company, with children. We present you 12 resorts in Asia for every taste, color, interest and budget.

Of course, you can just lie on the beach, but it is better to combine business with pleasure. Ancient temples, jungle cities, fantastic shows, new tastes and aromas. And all this, as a rule, is located in some 1-1.5 km from the same luxurious beach with white sand. Read short review 12 of the best Asian resorts, where there is time for the sea, entertainment and relaxation for the whole family.

Bali

They wrote about Bali, talked, shouted, made films. This is probably the most desirable island in the world. Not that big, but almost perfect. Weddings, romantic vacations for lovers, the most fabulous dinners on the beach are held here, and parents with children come here. Bali has everything that lovers of the sea, sun and unhurried lazy rest can like. It's fabulous a nice place, tropical paradise and a corner of earthly delights. And also, there are good-natured dolphins and good wave for surfers. If you have not been to Bali yet, then you should consider this option.

You can find and book a flight to Bali (Denpaser) Here.

Housing cost: from € 25 per night.

goa

First of all: Goa is not an island, as many people think. This is the western coast, a former colony founded by the Portuguese. Let there not be such white sand, but the sea is the most ordinary warm sea. But, you can combine your vacation with a visit to the snow-white Catholic churches, see the old fort in Chapora. The relics of Saint Francis are kept here. There is a very colorful old town. Goa is the spirit of freedom with the scent of the ocean breeze. And most importantly, a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Shops, service and lots of housing offers. From expensive hotels to simple guesthouses.

You can find and book a flight to GOA (Dabolim) Here.

Housing cost: from € 15 per night.

Sri Lanka

Yes, this is Ceylon. Home of delicious tea. But, - not the only thing that will surprise you with the island. It is a very beautiful nature, ancient architecture and a very pleasant environment. Here you can take a walk on, dive on coral reef, go windsurfing. Here you will be offered to feel for yourself what real Ayurvedic medicine is. Warm, gentle and very clean sea will appeal to you all: there are calm family beaches and for surfers. Don't forget the abundance of tropical fruits. You can’t gain extra pounds from such a lazy rest.

You can find and book a flight to Sri Lanka (Colombo) Here.

Housing cost: from € 15 per night.

Phuket

The most popular beach town in Thailand. Here really for every taste and color, as they say. Do you want an active nightlife right on the beach? Then you are in Patong. If your priority is calm measured days with your family, then quiet beach Nai Harnom would be such an ideal option. For a stormy romantic adventure, Karon is suitable with a picturesque cape, cafes, places for the solitude of a couple in love. By the way, we do not recommend swimming far into the sea, it can be dangerous. There is not only active life, but there is a predatory fauna.

You can find and book a flight to Phuket Here.

Housing cost: from € 22 per night.

Langkawi

Beaches squeezing in Golden ring tropical hills in all shades of green. Here it is, the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Here you should always be on your guard, otherwise the little monkeys will easily steal your towel, camera or cap. You will need a camera, especially during the flowering period of red jasmine. Here you can enjoy fresh papaya, yellow watermelons and rambutans and exotic durian. The best freshly squeezed juices, fruit and even alcoholic cocktails await you in the bars. The food is delicious, Asian-style spicy. Lots of fish, noodles and, of course, where without spicy curry?

You can find and book a flight to Kuala Lumpur Here. From KL to Langkawi can be reached by local airlines, ferry, bus or train.

Housing cost: from € 17 per night.

Maldives

Here you will not need shoes, but you can immediately forget about a bad mood. The Maldives is not one island, but 1200. A whole archipelago of small islands covered with amazing white sand. It's not even so much sand as shells crushed by the ocean. Some islands are larger, with larger hotels or bungalow complexes. And there are very small ones, only 1-2 houses on stilts. They don’t really like TVs here, there is little Internet. Yes, all this is not so necessary on vacation, when you can swim, walk, look at incredibly beautiful birds and butterflies, and go scuba diving. Take a day or two of aromatherapy at the spa. Here they really know how to do a massage, which brings even the most inveterate hard worker back to life.

You can find and book a flight to the Maldives (Male, Hulule Atoll) Here.

Housing cost: from € 34 per night.

Koh Samui

It was opened relatively recently. Just something in the 1970s. Tourists on a boat quite by accident swam into these waters. And they could not hold back the cries of admiration. The island looked as if no one had ever been here. Paradise Island with coconut palms and a couple of huts. Very soon, a riot of construction began. Everyone wanted to invest in this new paradise for Europeans. No wonder, because there is clean white sand, an amazing blue sea, green jungles come right to the shore. Only 50 years have passed and now Koh Samui has become luxury resort Thailand. It has not lost its charm, and hotel owners are careful about this.

You can find and book a flight to Koh Samui via Bangkok Here.

Housing cost: from € 21 per night.

Vung Tau

An excellent solution for those who appreciate the rest "50/50". The resort is far enough away from noisy big cities Vietnam. But not so far away that you can't visit Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon. It is warm, beautiful, tasty and very interesting here. You have the opportunity to take a break from beach life, plunging into city life. Vietnam is a very beautiful country, it is worth visiting.

Here. From Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau can be reached by speedboat or bus.

Housing cost: from € 9 per night.

Hainan

China also has beautiful tropical islands. Previously, by the way, objectionable nobles were exiled here to live away from the capital and secular pleasures. Now, tourists are tearing off tickets to this best resort in China with their hands. All 12 months of the year there is a season here, a warm sea and a lot of interesting things. Let's not forget that this is the best health resort in the whole Celestial Empire. Here you can improve your health, strengthen your immune system and prepare for life “after the holidays”.

You can find and book a flight to Hainan (airport in the city of Sanya) Here.

Housing cost: from € 12 per night.

Kerala

Now let's move on to Arabian Sea V South India. Here is another one famous resort. Kerala or the Kerala Coast, the resort of Varkala in particular, looks like someone worked hard to perfect it in Photoshop. White sand, tall palm trees with coconuts, unhurried days in blue light during the day, pink sunsets, clear air. It is convenient to enter the sea, the descent is gentle. It is said that Ayurveda was born here. So, welcome to spa treatments, massages, all kinds of relaxing treatments. For almost 5,000 years, masters of oriental medicine have been polishing their skills here. Not only the body is treated here, but also the spirit. Do not pass by the offer to relieve stress right on the seashore.

You can find and book a flight to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala Here.

Housing cost: from € 13 per night.

Sihanoukville

On the shores of the Gulf of Thailand is the only and unique resort Cambodia. Yes, he is only one, but what a! 500 km closer to the equator than Thailand resorts. But, unlike Pattaya, it is calm and rather secluded here. Although, the laurels of the famous neighbor do not allow Sihanoukville to sleep peacefully. Perhaps another 10 years, and we will not recognize Sihanoukville. It will become the "Pattaya of the future". If you need to visit Cuba before the arrival of McDonald's, then you should go to Sihanoukville before it becomes the second Pattaya.

Find and book flights to Phnom Penh, the nearest airport to Sihanoukville Can Here.

Housing cost: from € 18 per night.

Phan Thiet

Only 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. But, there are such roads that count on 4 hours minimum. An increasingly popular resort in Vietnam among Russians in recent years. So, if you wanted to be away from your native speech, this will not work here. There are a lot of cheerful young people, there are married couples, adventurers on their own head, lovely English elderly couples. In short, there is a very diverse audience. This is because Phan Thiet can offer an excellent holiday for all categories of tourists. Pleasant climate, warm sea all year round. What else can you dream of?

You can find and book a flight to Ho Chi Minh City Here. From Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet can be reached by taxi, bus and train.

Housing cost: from € 9 per night.

All these resorts are suitable for winter holidays. But we must remember that the islands are in the sea, and where the sea, there is the monsoon period. On one side of the island it is warm and dry, on the other it is windy and unpleasant. Specify the details - they are the key to a relaxing holiday.

If you decide to buy a ticket at a travel agency and you have been made a “profitable” offer at a very low price, check for yourself if there are any monsoons during this period, in this particular place. The weather on the islands is very different: on one coast - paradise, on the opposite - boredom.

Relax in pleasure, but choose the place carefully!