Asia, the most energetic, heavily populated, exotic and contradictory continent on earth. Across one vast landmass you’ll find whitewashed mountain monasteries and sci-fi skyscrapers, moped-infused traffic jams and quiet Taoist temples, vibrant cityscapes and saffron-clad monks bent in prayer.
Whether its sublime coastlines or snow-capped mountains, the imperial Mekong River or wildlife infested jungle; Asian landscapes possess a dynamism and urgency that charms you. Inhospitable mountains stand above vast deserts that merge into seemingly impenetrable forests. In a land where tigers still roam free (though far from noisy tourists) nature continues to be the driving force in many peoples’ lives.
Furthermore, the history of this amazing continent has seen its fair share of villains and heroes in global history. Asia’s ambitious civilizations gave rise to some of the world’s most revolutionary ideas and important technology (Cup of Tea, anyone?). Ancient wonders and sacred spaces abound across the continent, from the Great Wall of China and the temples of Angkor to lesser-known marvels in Myanmar, Nepal and Afghanistan.