Asia

SECURITY

Asia is a pretty safe continent in general, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take some precautions. Always keep an eye on your drinks in bars, don't put anything important in bags that will go in the hold of buses, and everything will be fine.

In Southeast Asia, the only scourge is the small tourist scams that fall on you all the time and the stray dogs in the streets of small towns after dark. If you see that it barks a little too much, take a detour!

HEALTH

Universal vaccines are recommended, but you can supplement them with other vaccines such as typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis or rabies depending on your destination.

Dengue fever and malaria are rampant in the countryside, so it is essential to protect yourself against mosquitoes. However, it is not necessary to take treatment for malaria because the side effects are too numerous compared to the risk of catching it. So buy a good repellent before leaving and pack a light, long-sleeved top and pants to avoid being bitten in the evening and in humid areas.

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AVANT DE PARTIR

Asia is the largest continent in the world, accounting for nearly 30% of the planet's land area. It is also the most populated continent in the world, with 60% of the world's population concentrated there.

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GEOGRAPHY

Asia constitutes the eastern part of Eurasia. Many geographers do not consider Asia to be a separate continent from Europe, because there is no physical separation between the two. The border between the two continents is simply located by convention at the Ural Mountains.

Asia is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Pacific Ocean, to the south by the Indian Ocean, and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean (Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea), the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, the Ural River, and the Ural Mountains.

Asia is separated from the American continent by the Bering Strait, from Oceania by various seas and straits, and from Africa by the Isthmus of Suez.

Asia is home to the highest and lowest points on Earth (Mount Everest, 8,850 m above sea level, and the Dead Sea, 429 m below sea level). This continent is also home to the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, with a height of 828 metres,

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

The most widely spoken languages in Asia are Mandarin, with about 1 billion speakers, and Hindi.

DESTINATIONS

PHILIPPINES

INDONESIA

MAP OF THE CONTINENT

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MON MEILLEUR SOUVENIR

Asia

FOR

BEST

SEASON

to visit

Asia has very diverse climates due to its north-south extension (more than 10,000 km from the northern polar circle to the equator), its massiveness and the importance of mountainous regions.

Most of Southeast Asia, Southern China and the Indian Subcontinent are subject to monsoon phenomena. They extend from June to the end of September. They will require you to adapt your itinerary according to the regions you wish to discover.

Indonesia and Borneo have a less restrictive equatorial climate. It is possible to travel there all year round, but unlike tropical regions, the rains are more present during our winter.

North and Northeast Asia is the only Asian region with 4 distinct seasons. You will find subtropical, temperate and even arid climates. Some of these regions also require you to choose your travel period precisely to fully enjoy your stay.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING?

TOURISM
If Southeast Asia attracts so many backpackers, it is partly because of the very low cost of living there. Whether in Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia or elsewhere, you can find decent dorms for less than €5 a night. However, at that price, you will have to do without hot water and air conditioning! The only sensitive point regarding accommodation: bedbugs ('bedbugs' in English, it could be useful to you). You will spot them thanks to traces of crushed insects on the walls or with suspicious black spots on the sheets. Really inspect thoroughly before choosing a room, because these critters like to slip into travelers' bags, and once you are infested, it is a real pain to get rid of them (not to mention that their bites cause itchy bumps).

Most hostels offer a variety of services: washing machines, bike rental, organized tours, shuttle service between cities, etc. Ask at the reception of your accommodation to find out what they offer, it is rather practical and organized tours allow you to meet other travelers. Wifi is free and very widespread in accommodations.

Unfortunately, riding abused and chained elephants is still a top tourist attraction, do not take part in this activity for the sake of the animals' welfare. Likewise for any other activity involving any kind of animals.

As for the food, it's cheap and tasty... as long as you like rice and noodles! Make sure to order your meat well-cooked, to avoid health problems. Apart from that, even the street food stalls didn't give me any problems. It's delicious and cheap, you'll enjoy it!

While there are plenty of must-see sights in the big cities, I definitely recommend getting out of the megacities and exploring the surrounding villages. The pace is different, the people are different, and you'll probably enjoy it more than the hustle and bustle of the sprawling capitals. Rent a bike or scooter and go explore the surroundings. It's magical!

TRADITIONS AND CULTURE

Buddhism is practiced throughout Asia, making it the world's largest religion. Christianity is a minority, but also present in all Asian countries.

There are some essential behaviors to respect when traveling in Asia. Even if you want to stroke children's heads, refrain from doing so, because in many Asian countries, it is sacred! It is better not to try to kiss a local because you would only embarrass them... And yes, the famous "French kiss" does not export well everywhere! Also avoid touching food with your left hand because it is considered impure. N ever point at someone with your finger, because this sign is an aggression.

When visiting temples, there are strict rules to follow such as leaving your shoes outside, not taking pictures, covering your arms/knees/shoulders (shorts and t-shirts are prohibited), not talking if it is a silent temple.