All destinations
Asia accounts for 31% of long-haul trips sold in France in 2025. Our guide covers 16 destinations across the continent, from Tokyo to Dubai via Bali. For each, seasonal sheets, tested itineraries and average on-site costs.
🔄 Updated May 22, 2026
Asia at a glance
Destinations covered
16
Sub-regions
6
Min flight from Paris
~5h (Dubai)
Max flight
~14h (Bali)
Average / day
€30 – 250
Time difference
+3h to +8h
Best overall season
November to March (Southeast Asia)
Choose in 30 seconds
Climates vary sharply from one area to the next, and so do budgets. Here's the essentials to orient yourself before diving into a destination.
For a first trip
Thailand, Vietnam or Sri Lanka. Mature tourism, English everywhere, good safety.
For value
Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka. Plan €30 – 50/day in comfort.
For premium
Japan, Maldives, Dubai. Budgets from €200 – 400/day.
For off-beat
Georgia, Uzbekistan, Oman. Few French visitors, low prices, spectacular landscapes.
For families
Thailand (South), Maldives, Japan. Easy logistics, kid activities, safety.
Calendar
The optimal period depends on the sub-region. Southeast Asia is best from October to April, Japan shines in April (sakura) and October-November (momiji), the Middle East should be avoided in summer.
| Month | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| January – February | South Thailand, South Sri Lanka, South Vietnam, Maldives, Oman, Dubai |
| March – April | Japan (sakura), Vietnam, Cambodia, Jordan, Sri Lanka |
| May – June | Japan, Indonesia, Georgia, Uzbekistan |
| July – August | Japan (Hokkaido ski in July), Mongolia. Avoid Southeast Asia |
| September – October | Japan (momiji), India (post-monsoon), Uzbekistan |
| November – December | Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Dubai |
All destinations
Decide
Less than 10 days
Dubai, Singapore, Bali (stay in Bali), Sri Lanka (South coast only). Beyond Middle East and Insular, it's tight.
2 weeks
All Tier 1 countries (Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia/Bali, Sri Lanka). Our most tested format.
3 weeks or more
Vietnam-Cambodia loop, full Thailand tour, deep Japan, North + South India, Georgia-Armenia Caucasus.
| Style | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Backpacker < €1,500 | Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India |
| Comfort €1,800 – 3,000 | Thailand, Indonesia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Oman |
| Premium €3,500 – 6,000 | Japan, Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka luxury |
Family with kids
Thailand (South), Maldives, Sri Lanka, Japan. Avoid North India with young kids.
Honeymoon
Maldives, Bali (Ubud + Nusa Penida), Japan (Kyoto + Hokkaido), Sri Lanka.
Backpacker
Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, South India, Indonesia outside Bali.
Cultural travel
Japan, Uzbekistan, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka.
Diving
Maldives, Indonesia (Komodo, Raja Ampat), Philippines, Thailand (Koh Tao).
Luxury
Maldives, Japan (high-end ryokans), Dubai, Indonesia (Lombok resorts).
Before you leave
Visa-free
Thailand (60 d), Japan (90 d), Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Oman, Jordan, UAE, Georgia.
Fast e-visa
Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam (since 2023), India.
Traditional visa
Uzbekistan (rare, still embassy for some), China (excluding transit).
Official source
Always check official sources before booking. No vaccines mandatory for travellers from France to Asia in 2026. Recommended by area: hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (rural Japan in summer), rabies if trekking or with kids. Consult an international vaccination centre 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Essential comparisons
FAQ
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Marie Laurent ✓
·Southeast Asia specialist
Marie Laurent covers this geographic area for L'Heure du Voyage.
