How to choose your first Asia destination
So, you've decided to take the plunge and visit Asia for the first time. The hesitations are behind you, but now comes another question: where exactly should you go? Japan, Thailand, and Singapore are excellent places to start, but each offer something completely different, and your choice depends on what kind of experience you're seeking.
After guiding dozens of first-time Asia travelers through this exact decision, we've learned that the "right" choice depends entirely on what kind of experience excites you most. Here's how to decide between these three incredible destinations.
Japan: The World's Ultimate Food Destination
If food is your primary passion, Japan wins without question. This is simply the best food country in the world. Anyone who cares deeply about cooking, ingredients, and culinary craft should put Japan at the top of their list. But here's what most people don't realize: you need to venture beyond the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka corridor that everyone talks about.
Kaiseki meal, Japan
Beyond Tokyo: Japan's Hidden Regional Gems
Each region of Japan offers something incredible and unique. Hokkaido provides world-class skiing in winter and pastoral, wind-swept landscapes in summer. Shikoku remains largely unvisited by Western travelers, which is a genuine shame—temperate rainforests and unbelievable ryokan experiences await. This is the Japan that most people don't even know exists. Kyushu is renowned for its hot springs culture and vibrant cities like Fukuoka and Nagasaki that feel completely different from anywhere else in the country.
If we had to choose a "heart country," it would be Japan. Nowhere is perfect, but we challenge you to try your first egg salad sandwich from any of Tokyo's thousands of 7-Elevens and not fall in love. Yes, 7-Eleven.
Thailand: Where Hospitality Meets Diversity
Thailand offers an entirely different proposition. People think they know Thai food until they've actually been to Thailand. The real revelation isn't the street food that guidebooks obsess over—it's the small shophouse restaurants that require insider knowledge to find. These local spots serve dishes you simply cannot get anywhere else in the world.
Thailand operates hospitality at another level entirely. People are often shocked by the outstanding service and amenities at the country's premium properties. But what's remarkable is that travelers on much smaller budgets can find equally amazing accommodations. The diversity of experiences is staggering—from Michelin-starred dining in Bangkok to beach resorts in the south to elephant sanctuaries in the north.
Chiang Mai ranks among our favorite cities in Thailand. The weather is more temperate than Bangkok, and the food is completely different—northern Thai cuisine is its own distinct culinary tradition. The spa culture throughout Thailand is exceptional, though it goes far deeper than what most visitors experience.
Elephant sanctuary, outside Chiang Mai, Thailand
Singapore: Asia's Greatest Hits in One Place
Singapore takes a different approach: everything excellent, all in one manageable place. The zoo, museums, aquarium, and what we consider the best botanical garden in the world. Want high-end dining? It's incredible here. Prefer a five-dollar lunch at a hawker stall? Also incredible. The concentration of outstanding experiences within such a compact, navigable space is unmatched.
For many first-time Asia visitors, the fact that English is the primary language makes Singapore an ideal way to ease into Asian travel. We often see people add Singapore to the beginning or end of trips to Japan or Thailand—it serves as a perfect bridge between familiar and foreign.
Cloud Forest, Singapore
How to Choose Your Perfect First Asia Destination
So how do you choose? Ask yourself what drives your travel decisions. Are you a food obsessive who dreams about perfect meals? While food is amazing in all these places, it is hard to not have Japan be your first stop, if food is your priority. Do you want dramatic diversity—bustling cities, pristine beaches, cultural immersion, and wellness experiences—all within one country? Thailand delivers that combination like nowhere else. Looking for maximum impact with minimum logistics stress, plus the comfort of easy communication? Singapore gives you Asia's greatest hits in the most accessible package.
There's no wrong choice among these three. Each offers world-class experiences that you cannot replicate anywhere else. The question is which type of world-class experience calls to you most strongly.
Quick Decision Guide: Which Country Calls to You?
Choose Japan if:
Food is your primary travel passion
You love discovering hidden local experiences
You appreciate attention to detail and craftsmanship
You're willing to navigate some language barriers for incredible rewards
Choose Thailand if:
You want maximum diversity in one country
Wellness and spa experiences appeal to you
You prefer warmer weather year-round
Budget flexibility is important (amazing experiences at all price points)
Choose Singapore if:
This is your first time in Asia and you want to ease in
You prefer efficient, organized travel experiences
You want to maximize experiences in limited time (also, great with kids!)
Language barriers concern you
The Best Problem: Planning Your Second Trip
We've planned first trips to all three countries, and in every case, people return with the same reaction: they immediately start planning their next Asia trip. That's the best problem you can have.
The hardest part isn't picking between Japan, Thailand, and Singapore—it's limiting yourself to just one for your first trip. Each destination offers experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world.
Not sure which destination matches your travel style? Book a free consultation and we'll help you think through which country will give you the perfect introduction to Asia travel.
