Continental overview
21 countries · 44 guides · Top regions: Central Asia, East Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle East…
Discover the authentic stories and cultural insights that locals across Asia share with CoraTravels. Explore the countries, popular travel styles, and standout guides that make this continent unique.
Browse 21 countries guides like a local.
Experience authentic Cambodia beyond Angkor Wat's sunrise crowds and Phnom Penh's bustling riverside. From village supra offerings to monks to prahok (fermented fish) markets and Pchum Ben ancestor festivals, discover the Kingdom of Wonder through locals who understand that 'sompeah' (traditional greeting) isn't just respect - it's preserving face, honoring hierarchy, and keeping harmony in a society rebuilt from unimaginable darkness.
Experience authentic China beyond Beijing's Forbidden City and Shanghai's skyscrapers. From Xi'an's ancient culture to Chengdu's teahouse traditions and Guangzhou's Cantonese cuisine, discover China through the resilient spirit of locals navigating ancient wisdom in a rapidly modernizing world.
Experience authentic Georgia beyond Tbilisi's tourist sulfur baths and Batumi's coastal resorts. From Svaneti's ancient towers to Kakheti's wine cellars and traditional supra feasts, discover Sakartvelo through locals who understand that 'gaumarjos' (cheers) is more than a toast - it's a celebration of life itself.
Experience authentic India beyond the Golden Triangle and tourist ashrams. From Mumbai's street food culture to Kerala's backwater villages and Rajasthan's desert traditions, discover India through the incredible diversity and warm hospitality of locals who understand that India isn't just a country - it's a continent of experiences.
Experience authentic Indonesia beyond Bali's beach clubs and Jakarta's malls. From Yogyakarta's royal culture to Flores' traditional villages and Sumatra's coffee highlands, discover the world's largest archipelago through locals who understand 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' - unity in diversity across 17,000 islands.
Experience authentic Japan beyond temples and sushi. From Tokyo's hidden local neighborhoods to Kyoto's traditional culture and Osaka's incredible food scene, discover Japan through local insights and genuine experiences.
Experience authentic Kurdistan beyond political headlines and conflict narratives. From Sulaymaniyah's chaikhana philosophy and intellectual cafés to Erbil's ancient citadel and Duhok's mountain traditions, discover Kurdistan through people who preserved language and culture through generations of suppression, perfected tea hospitality as social bond, and built autonomous region where freedom of expression flourishes despite surrounding uncertainties.
Experience authentic Laos beyond Luang Prabang's tourist temples and Vang Vieng's party scene. From Mekong river communities to traditional Hmong villages and Vientiane's morning markets, discover the Land of a Million Elephants through locals who embody 'sabai sabai' - the art of taking life slowly and peacefully.
Experience authentic Malaysia beyond Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers and Penang's tourist areas. From Ipoh's kopitiam culture to Sabah's longhouse traditions and Johor's Peranakan heritage, discover Malaysia through locals who live the true spirit of '1Malaysia' - unity in diversity across 13 states.
Experience authentic Nepal beyond Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu's temples. From Pokhara's lakeside culture to Chitwan's Tharu traditions and Himalayan village life, discover Nepal through the incredibly warm hearts of locals who find joy and spirituality in both mountain peaks and daily moments.
Experience authentic Pakistan beyond news headlines and stereotypes. From Lahore's Mughal architecture to Hunza's mountain hospitality and Karachi's vibrant street life, discover Pakistan through the incredible 'mehman nawazi' (hospitality) of locals who understand that 'Pakistan zindabad' isn't just a slogan - it's a way of life.
Beyond the white sand beaches, discover a nation of 7,641 islands defined by world-famous hospitality, vibrant festivals, and a unique blend of Asian, Spanish, and American cultures. Experience the warmth of the 'Mabuhay' spirit.
Experience authentic Singapore beyond Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa. From Tiong Bahru's hipster coffee culture to Geylang's late-night supper scene and heartland HDB estates, discover the Lion City through locals who understand 'kiasu' culture and the delicate balance of multicultural harmony in a small island nation.
Experience authentic South Korea beyond K-pop tours and Gangnam shopping. From Seoul's traditional hanok villages to Busan's fish markets and Jeju's grandmother divers, discover the Land of Morning Calm through locals who understand 'nunchi' - the art of social awareness that guides Korean interactions.
Discover authentic Sri Lanka beyond tourist brochures - from Colombo's chaotic bus stands to Ella's misty highlands, surf beaches where fishermen still use stilt techniques, and tea estates where Tamil workers pluck leaves at dawn. Experience the pearl-shaped island through eyes of locals who live cricket obsession, navigate three-wheeler chaos, and share hoppers over endless cups of milky tea.
Experience authentic Taiwan beyond bubble tea and night markets. From Taipei's tech-savvy urban culture to Tainan's temple traditions and mountain aboriginal communities, discover Taiwan through the resilient hearts of people who transformed from manufacturing powerhouse to innovation economy while preserving thousand-year traditions.
Discover authentic Thailand beyond the tourist trail. From Bangkok's hidden street food alleys to Chiang Mai's traditional culture, experience the real Land of Smiles with local insights and genuine Thai hospitality.
Experience authentic Turkey beyond Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and Cappadocia's balloon tours. From Ankara's modern politics to Izmir's Aegean culture and Kurdish traditions in the east, discover Turkey through locals who navigate the crossroads between Europe and Asia, tradition and modernity, with the warmth of 'misafirperverlik' (hospitality).
Experience authentic UAE beyond Dubai's glitz and Abu Dhabi's landmarks. From traditional souks to Emirati family majlis gatherings and desert Bedouin heritage, discover the Emirates through locals who balance ancient Arab traditions with rapid modernization in this unique expat-majority nation.
Experience authentic Uzbekistan beyond Samarkand's tourist Registan and Bukhara's carpet sellers. From Tashkent's Soviet-era mahallas to Khiva's living museum and Fergana's silk traditions, discover the heart of the Silk Road through locals who understand that 'mehmondostlik' (hospitality) is sacred duty.
Discover authentic Vietnam beyond the guidebooks. From bustling Hanoi to serene Da Nang, explore hidden local spots, street food culture, and authentic experiences with insights from people who actually live there.
Trending themes locals say define Asia right now.
Hand-picked destination notes to help you experience Asia like a true local.
Popular local notes to get you started.
Cambodia Siem Reap, Southeast Asia
Sampeah Hierarchy: The traditional Cambodian greeting involves placing palms together and bowing - but the higher your hands go toward your forehead, the more respect you're showing. Locals know ex…
China Chengdu, East Asia
Mahjong Capital: Every park has elderly playing mahjong from dawn to dusk - the clicking of tiles is the city's soundtrack. Spice Tolerance Test: Sichuan peppercorns create mouth numbness (mala), l…
China Xi'an, East Asia
Ancient Capital Pride: Former capital of 13 dynasties, locals constantly reference 3,000-year history in daily conversations. Noodle Obsession: City revolves around hand-pulled noodles, locals judg…
Georgia Kutaisi, Western Asia
Market Hygiene Philosophy: At the Green Bazaar, no one obsesses over hygiene - churchkhelas hang freely, sulguni cheese stands unrefrigerated, and homemade wine transfers from vats to washed bottle…
Georgia Tbilisi, Central Asia
8,000-Year Wine Heritage: Locals invented winemaking in clay vessels called qvevri, buried underground for fermentation. Polyphonic Singing Tradition: UNESCO-recognized Georgian polyphony, locals h…
India Agra, South Asia
Taj Mahal Friday Closure: The monument closes every Friday for prayers - tourists panic when they realize, locals know to plan around it. Pollution Mask Reality: Winter air quality rivals Delhi's w…
India Jaipur, South Asia
Pink Paint Police: Jaipur Municipal Corporation legally mandates that all buildings in the walled city be painted terracotta pink (Pantone 16-1526 TPX) - building owners receive government notices …
India New Delhi, South Asia
Delhi Belly Reality: Stomach issues universal - locals build immunity over years, tourists destroyed first week, hand sanitizer obsession justified. Street food gamble locals take daily, tourists w…
India Sikar, South Asia
Painted Haveli Treasure Hunt: The city contains over 2,000 historic havelis with elaborate frescoes, but 90% are locked away or crumbling - locals know which merchant families will let you peek ins…
India Udaipur, South Asia
Lake Level Obsession: Locals constantly discuss Lake Pichola's water level - summers drain it to mud flats revealing temple foundations, but monsoons can fill it within 72 hours, and hotel rates va…
Indonesia Canggu, Southeast Asia
Surf Etiquette: Respect the lineup, don't drop in on waves, locals take surfing seriously. Temple Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting local temples, locals appreciate respect. Traff…
Indonesia Seminyak, Bali
Rice Paddies to Villas: Locals (Balinese) sold family land for development, grandparents who farmed now grandchildren work as villa staff, irreversible transformation. Aussie Bogan Capital: Seminya…
Indonesia Ubud, Southeast Asia
Spiritual Alternative to Beach Bali: Locals chose jungle over coast maintaining Balinese Hindu traditions tourists in Canggu ignore. Daily Temple Offerings: Canang sari placed everywhere multiple t…
Japan Hiroshima, East Asia
The 8:15 AM Silence: Every August 6th at exactly 8:15 AM when the bomb fell, Hiroshima stops completely - trains halt mid-route, construction workers freeze, even pachinko parlors go silent for one…
Japan Kyoto, East Asia
Geisha vs Maiko Spotting: Real geisha wear subdued makeup and kimono, tourists in rental kimono are obvious (and that's okay!). Temple Photography Rules: Some temples forbid photos inside, others c…
Japan Osaka, East Asia
Escalator Etiquette: Stand on RIGHT side (opposite of Tokyo), locals will push past if you're wrong. Kuidaore Culture: 'Eat til you drop' - locals obsessed with food, judge restaurants by queues. K…
Japan Tokyo, East Asia
Elevator Etiquette: Always stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo (opposite of Osaka). Shoe Culture: Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, and temples - look for shoe racks at …
Kurdistan Sulaymaniyah, Middle East
Chaikhana Culture: Tea houses are second only to mosques as social hubs - Kurdish men spend hours drinking sweet tea (sheereen) from tulip-shaped glasses (piyala) while debating politics and playin…
Laos Luang Prabang, Southeast Asia
Alms Giving Ritual: Monks collect food at dawn - tourists should observe respectfully from distance, not participate. Curfew Culture: Everything closes by 11 PM - locals go to bed early, wake up ea…
Malaysia George Town, Southeast Asia
Ranked #4 Globally for Digital Nomads: Penangites still surprised island became top remote work destination, locals casually work from hawker centers. Three Languages Daily: Locals switch between E…
Malaysia Johor Bahru, Southeast Asia
Singapore's Cheaper Cousin: Everything costs 3x less than across the causeway - Singaporeans flood JB on weekends specifically for dim sum at Hiap Joo bakery and petrol fill-ups that save them SGD$…
Malaysia Kota Kinabalu, Southeast Asia
"Bah" Everything: Every sentence ends with "bah" - locals use it for agreement, emphasis, greeting, and pretty much everything else. You'll hear "okay bah", "can bah", "let's go bah" constantly - i…
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Southeast Asia
Multi-Cultural Etiquette: Respect all three major cultures (Malay, Chinese, Indian), locals appreciate cultural sensitivity. Prayer Time Respect: Business slows during Muslim prayer times, especial…
Nepal Pokhara, South Asia
Mountain Spirit: Locals have deep connection to Himalayas, mountains are sacred and part of daily life. Lake Culture: Phewa Lake is central to local life, locals fish, boat, and gather here daily. …
Pakistan Lahore, South Asia
Food as Religion: Locals argue about paaye (trotters) and nihari (slow-cooked beef) with religious fervor, breakfast debates can last hours. Walled City Maze: 13th-century labyrinth where locals na…
Philippines La Union, Southeast Asia
Surf Season Obsession: October to March brings consistent waves, and locals structure their entire year around surf conditions - businesses close mid-week if waves are good. Jeepney Fare Passing: P…
Singapore Singapore, Southeast Asia
Chewing Gum Ban: Illegal to sell or import, but not illegal to chew if you brought it from elsewhere. Death Penalty for Drugs: Signs everywhere, locals take it very seriously - don't joke about it.…
South Korea Daejeon, East Asia
Age-Based Hierarchy Obsession: Koreans will ask your age within five minutes of meeting you - not rude, just determining which honorific language to use. Locals born same year become instant friend…
South Korea Seoul, East Asia
Ppalli-ppalli Culture: 'Hurry, hurry' mentality, locals do everything at breakneck speed. Age Hierarchy Sacred: Formal language changes based on age, locals calculate birth years constantly. 24/7 L…
Sri Lanka Weligama, Southern Province
Stilt Fishermen Reality: Iconic stilt fishing mostly tourist photo-op now, locals charge €5-10 to pose, real fishing done early dawn or dusk when tourists sleep. Budget Nomad Explosion: €300/month …
Taiwan Taipei, East Asia
Ranked Top 15 Globally for Digital Nomads: Score 78/100 with 14% return rate, locals quietly proud of international recognition. 7-Eleven Social Hub: 6,000+ convenience stores serve as community ce…
Thailand Bangkok, Southeast Asia
Traffic Standstill Reality: 2-hour commutes for 5km distances normal, locals time their lives around traffic patterns and work remotely when possible. Street Food University: Every soi (alley) is a…
Thailand Chiang Mai, Southeast Asia
Temple Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), locals appreciate respect. Songkran Water Festival (April): City shuts down for 3 days of water fights - …
Thailand Chiang Rai, Southeast Asia
Eternal Spring Climate: Locals wear sweaters in the "cold season" when it's 18°C (64°F) - tourists walk around in t-shirts while Thais bundle up like it's Arctic winter. Spirit Gate Superstition: H…
Thailand Ko Lanta, Southeast Asia
Three-Culture Island: Muslim, Buddhist, and Chao Leh (Sea Gypsy) communities live in peaceful harmony—locals switch between communities naturally and celebrate each other's festivals. The southern …
Thailand Nakhon Ratchasima, Southeast Asia
The Korat vs Khorat Name Game: Locals use both spellings interchangeably - it's the same place, don't overthink it. The city's official name is impossibly long, so everyone calls it Korat. Ya Mo Sh…
Turkey Adana, Middle East
Kebab Capital Pride: Locals fiercely defend Adana kebab as Turkey's best - never suggest another city makes better kebab or you'll start a passionate debate. Şalgam Obsession: Purple fermented turn…
UAE Dubai, Middle East
Traditional Values: Locals maintain strong Emirati traditions despite modern development. Family First: Strong family bonds, locals prioritize family time and traditions. Cultural Integration: Loca…
Uzbekistan Tashkent, Central Asia
Soviet Architecture Meets Silk Road: Marble metro stations underground while bazaars operate above using 1000-year-old trading methods. Triple Language Reality: Locals switch between Uzbek, Russian…
Vietnam Da Nang, Southeast Asia
Traffic Chaos: Motorbikes rule the roads, locals navigate with confidence and patience. Coffee Culture: Strong Vietnamese coffee tradition, locals drink iced coffee all day. Beach Etiquette: Locals…
Vietnam Hanoi, Southeast Asia
Plastic Stool Culture: Locals eat meals on tiny plastic stools on sidewalks - embrace the squat, it's where the best food is. Motorbike Madness: Millions of motorbikes fill streets, cross slowly an…
Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, Southeast Asia
Motorbike Madness: 8 million scooters create organized chaos, locals navigate by sound and intuition more than traffic laws. Coffee Culture Obsession: Strongest coffee culture in Asia, locals drink…
Vietnam Hoi An, Southeast Asia
Lantern Making Tradition: Every family has lantern-making skills passed down generations - locals craft silk lanterns by hand during monsoon season. Ancient House Rules: 800+ year-old houses still …
Vietnam Hue, Southeast Asia
Imperial Etiquette Remains: Locals still bow when passing royal tombs, speak quietly in Citadel grounds - 150 years after monarchy ended, respect continues. Royal Cuisine Complexity: Hue's imperial…
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