I Ranked Every Country in Asia

Introduction

Hello everyone, it's Drew Vinsky, and after spending over 12 years traveling through every single country in the world, I've found my favorite continent is Asia. Having lived there for a significant portion of my life and currently traveling through the region, I thought it would be fun to share my rankings of all 50 countries in Asia based on my personal experiences.

1. Philippines

My favorite country is the Philippines, where I spent two years exploring the incredible archipelago of over 7,500 islands. The Filipinos are incredibly friendly, and the food is underrated. I highly recommend visiting Palawan for breathtaking beaches and snorkeling.

2. Iran

Next up is Iran, situated in the Middle East but geographically a part of Asia. Iran has some of the best skiing and the friendliest people. Despite misconceptions about danger, I found it to be hospitable with rich history, including ancient Silk Road sites.

3. Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that captivated me with its stunning cuisine—possibly the best in the world. I lived in Hanoi for several months, exploring its culture. Riding a motorbike from north to south is something every traveler should experience.

4. Afghanistan

Afghanistan also ranks high for me, despite political issues. I spent weeks there and was struck by the traditional clothing and friendly people. The ancient Buddhas in Bamiyan are a must-visit.

5. Thailand

Another favorite is Thailand, where I lived for a few years. Bangkok offers fantastic street food, and the quality of life is inexpensive. The country is rich in culture, from the north's tribal people to the beautiful islands in the south.

6. Japan

Japan is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. I've explored Tokyo multiple times, enjoying its cherry blossoms and unique festivals in the countryside.

7. Pakistan

Pakistan is a country I hold dear despite some challenges. Experiencing the rich culture and warm hospitality in places like Gilgit-Baltistan was unforgettable.

8. Russia

Russia has its charm—I've traveled from Moscow to Siberia, where I enjoyed stunning landscapes and met welcoming people despite the current geopolitical situations.

9. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan stole my heart with its ancient Silk Road cities and delicious food. It's an oft-overlooked region that I highly recommend exploring.

10. Lebanon

Lebanon remains one of my favorite Middle Eastern countries, known for its vibrant culture and amazing food, complemented by stunning coastal views.

11. Turkey

Turkey's cultural blend between Asia and Europe is intriguing. Istanbul's bustling bazaars juxtaposed with serene nature in regions like Cappadocia make it a top destination.

12. Myanmar

Myanmar, or Burma, has beautiful landscapes and unique cultural heritage, notably in Bagan's ancient temples. It has a fascinating history marred by political struggles.

13. Indonesia

With over 20,000 islands, Indonesia offers both natural beauty and diverse cultures. I recommend exploring places beyond Bali for authentic experiences.

14. Tajikistan

Tajikistan holds a special place for me with its majestic mountain ranges and warm traditional markets. The hospitality I encountered was remarkable.

15. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, with its hygienic environment and lush landscapes, is a wonderful destination blending nature and spirituality.

16. South Korea

Having lived in South Korea, I adore its food and culture. The advanced technology and nightlife make it a vibrant place to visit.

17. Syria

Syria, often misunderstood, has beautiful sites like Damascus and delicious cuisine. I hope to return to connect more profoundly with its culture.

18. Bhutan

Bhutan's stunning landscapes and its unique approach to happiness through Gross National Happiness is noteworthy.

19. China

China is vast and diverse, from bustling cities to serene landscapes. My recent trip exploring Inner Mongolia was a highlight.

20. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is known for its mountainous beauty, hospitable culture, and its off-the-beaten-path charm.

21. Oman

Oman is a beautiful, chill country worth exploring—especially its deserts and historical sites.

...continued with more countries, where each country's summary reflects my personal experiences discussing their unique qualities and culture.

What stands out is that while I hold preferences, each country in Asia has intrinsic value and stories waiting to be discovered. Some nations, unfortunately, did not resonate with me as strongly, like Bahrain, which concluded my list.

I appreciate each country I've visited, and Asia holds a special place in my heart. I will continue to explore more of it and share my experiences.

Keywords

Philippines, Iran, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Thailand, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, Turkey, Myanmar, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Syria, Bhutan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Bahrain, cultural experiences, cuisine, travel adventures.

FAQ

Q1: What is the best country in Asia according to Drew Vinsky?

A: Drew ranks the Philippines as his favorite country due to its friendly people and stunning beaches.

Q2: Did Drew travel to Iran, and what were his impressions?

A: Yes, Drew found Iran to be incredibly hospitable, with rich history and beautiful landscapes.

Q3: Which country did Drew find the least interesting?

A: Drew considers Bahrain to be his least favorite country in Asia, citing lack of excitement.

Q4: How does Drew feel about visiting Afghanistan?

A: Drew appreciates the traditional culture and hospitality, despite the country's political issues.

Q5: What's a recurring theme in Drew's rankings?

A: Drew consistently finds Central Asia to be the most underrated region, highlighting its cultural richness and affordability.

This article encapsulates my travels, experiences, and rankings, while the keywords and FAQs provide focused summaries for readers interested in key insights.