West Asia is the western part of the Asian continent and the meeting point of Asia, Europe and Africa. This is where many of the world’s great civilizations left their mark: cities thousands of years old, vast deserts, snow-capped mountains, coastlines, and ultra-modern metropolises standing side by side. In a single trip, travelers can move from the dome of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul to the rock-carved city of Petra in Jordan, visit the grand mosques of Abu Dhabi, and watch the sun rise over the Cappadocia landscape. ...

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most popular travel regions and the closest neighbour for travellers based in Indonesia. Sitting between the great civilisations of China and India, the region is a kaleidoscope of culture, history and natural beauty: home to more than 675 million people—nearly 8.5% of the world’s population—where ancient traditions coexist with modern skylines. This page is the parent hub for the Southeast Asia region: from the mainland/maritime split, history, climate, culture and etiquette, food, and the best beaches and islands, to the best time to visit and tips for planning your trip. The region spans eleven sovereign states, each adding a unique thread to the tapestry once known as the East Indies. ...

Asia is the largest and most populous continent on Earth—home to roughly 60% of humanity across more than 4.7 billion people, dozens of countries and thousands of cultures. In a single journey, travelers can move from super-modern cities such as Tokyo and Singapore, through ancient temples in Kyoto and Angkor, to tropical islands like Bali and Phuket. That mix of deep history, dramatic landscapes and rich food makes Asia one of the most diverse travel regions in the world. ...

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the main international gateway to Jakarta and one of the most important aviation hubs in Indonesia. If this is your first time arriving in Jakarta, the size of the airport, its multiple terminals and its different transportation options can feel confusing at first. The good news is that getting through Jakarta Airport is relatively straightforward once you understand the basics. This guide covers what international visitors need to know about arriving at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, including terminals, immigration, money, SIM cards, transportation and how to get from CGK to central Jakarta. For the wider picture of the city, start with the Jakarta travel guide. ...

For foreign visitors travelling around Indonesia, paying for food, coffee, transport, shopping, and even small street purchases is becoming increasingly cashless. One payment method you will see almost everywhere is QRIS. QRIS, pronounced roughly as “KRIS”, stands for Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard. It is Indonesia’s standardised QR-code payment system, allowing participating merchants to accept digital payments through a single QR code. From shopping malls and restaurants to traditional markets and small roadside stalls, the familiar QRIS logo has become a common sight across Indonesia. ...

As soon as you land at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Terminal 2 Hanoi, the first test of the trip is usually not your luggage and not customs either—it is the arrivals immigration hall. Stepping off the jet bridge toward the passport counters, the sight that greets you is often a long, snaking sea of people, especially during the peak hours for international arrivals. The good news: holders of an Indonesian passport do not need a visitor visa for a stay of up to 30 days in Vietnam. The part you need to prepare for: visa-free does not mean a fast lane. At Noi Bai Terminal 2 there is no dedicated ASEAN lane, so you still join the same line as every foreign passport holder—from Western tourists and East Asian travellers on e-visas to large tour groups. ...

Travel Essentials is the category of practical guides about the small things that decide how smoothly a trip goes: plugs and travel adapters, mains voltage, internet access and SIM/eSIM cards, currency and payment methods, travel documents, baggage rules, and the gear you should always keep in your suitcase. Many travel problems don’t come from the destination; they come from something considered trivial: a charger that doesn’t fit the sockets at your destination, a phone that can’t get online the moment you land, a debit card declined at the till, or a passport with only five months left on it. All of these can be avoided with a few minutes of preparation before you leave. ...

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and one of the oldest and most characterful cities in Southeast Asia. This is where you find the most classic face of Vietnam: the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter, buzzing since early morning; the calm Hoan Kiem Lake in the middle of the city; pagodas thick with incense smoke; faded yellow colonial buildings; and the smell of pho and egg coffee rising from street-side stalls. ...

Welcome to Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic country with more than 17,000 islands, stretching across the equator. From the bustling metropolis of Jakarta, Bali’s mystical temples and white-sand beaches, to the world-class underwater wonders of Raja Ampat, Indonesia offers a travel experience like no other. Quick Facts and Important Information Category Details Capital DKI Jakarta (Financial and Cultural Gateway) Official language Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) (hundreds of regional languages are still active) Currency Rupiah (IDR / Rp) Time zones WIB (UTC+7), WITA (UTC+8), WIT (UTC+9) Climate Tropical (Dry season: May – September; Rainy season: October – April) Power plugs Type C and F (230 V, 50 Hz) Main airports Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), I Gusti Ngurah Rai (DPS) Key Destinations by Region Explore in-depth sub-guides by the main island groups: ...