Traveling through Asia? Here's how many days you need in each city.

Planning a multi-city itinerary in Asia? One of the most common questions travelers might have is “How many days should I spend in each city?” You might want to see everything, but you probably don’t want to overpack your itinerary. There is also the balance between taking things slow while having enough to see and do so you don’t find yourself being bored during your trip. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular tourist cities in Asia, providing insight into how long you should stay to make the most of your vacation.

1. Tokyo, Japan – 5 to 7 Days

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis that offers a unique blend of ultramodern technology and traditional culture. From the bustling districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the peaceful temples in Asakusa, there’s much to explore.

Tokyo is a massive city with diverse neighborhoods, shopping, and dining experiences. You’ll need a full week to appreciate both the major attractions and the hidden gems in this vibrant city. There are also many day trips that you can take from Tokyo, with Hakone and Nikko being some of the most popular choices.

Key attractions in Tokyo:

• Shibuya Crossing
• Senso-ji Temple
• Meiji Shrine
• Tokyo Skytree

2. Osaka, Japan – 3 to 5 Days

Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is known for its vibrant street food scene, friendly locals, and historic landmarks. Osaka can be fully enjoyed in 3 days if you focus on the major landmarks and food districts. However, a stay of up to 5 days will allow you to explore nearby cities like Kyoto and Nara.

Key attractions in Osaka:

• Osaka Castle
• Universal Studios Japan
• Dotonbori
• Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
• Day trip to Nara or Kyoto

3. Seoul, South Korea – 4 to 5 Days

Seoul is a dynamic city that seamlessly mixes the old and new. From ancient palaces to modern shopping districts, you’ll experience the heart of Korean culture in Seoul. Seoul’s historical sites, trendy neighborhoods, and food scene can be easily covered in four days. If you wish to explore beyond the city center, such as taking a day trip to DMZ or Nami Island, a 5-day stay would be ideal.

Key attractions in Seoul:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Myeongdong Shopping Street
• N Seoul Tower
• Lotte World
• Everland

4. Hong Kong – 3 to 5 Days

A bustling metropolis where East meets West, Hong Kong offers a fascinating blend of skyscrapers, shopping districts, and lush green hills. 3 days is typically sufficient for you to see most of the major attractions in Hong Kong. But if you will be visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, or spending a day or two hiking in Hong Kong or visiting the outlying islands, you might want to consider taking a slightly longer trip.

Key attractions in Hong Kong:

• Victoria Peak
• Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
• Disneyland Hong Kong
• Temple Street Night Market
• Star Ferry

5. Singapore – 3 to 4 Days

Singapore is a compact city-state known for its cleanliness, futuristic architecture, and diverse culinary scene. Singapore is really small, and realistically, there isn’t a whole lot to do or see. You’ll be able to see comfortably cover most of the major attractions within 3 days, but you can consider taking an extra day to visit the Southern Islands for something different.

Key attractions in Singapore:

• Marina Bay Sands
• Gardens by the Bay
• Sentosa Island
• Universal Studios Singapore
• Chinatown and Little India

6. Taipei, Taiwan – 3 to 4 Days

Taipei is a dynamic city blending traditional temples, bustling night markets, and modern landmarks. Three to four days in Taipei is enough to explore the city’s must-see landmarks, sample delicious street food, and take a day trip to nearby scenic areas like Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, or Yangmingshan. The efficient MRT system makes getting around easy, allowing you to see much of the city within a short stay.

Key attractions in Taipei:

• Taipei 101
• National Palace Museum
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Longshan Temple
• Shilin Night Market
• Beitou Hot Springs
• Day trip to Jiufen or Yangmingshan National Park

7. Bangkok, Thailand – 3 to 5 Days

Bangkok is a city that blends tradition with modernity, offering a rich cultural experience with its golden temples, vibrant street markets, and lively nightlife. With 3 to 5 days, you can visit the major temples, explore Bangkok’s famous floating markets, and soak in the vibrant street life. If you want to explore nearby attractions like Ayutthaya, add an extra day to your itinerary.

Key attractions in Bangkok:

• Grand Palace
• Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
• Chatuchak Weekend Market
• Khao San Road

8. Phuket, Thailand – 3 to 4 Days

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, known for its crystal-clear waters, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. 3-4 days is typically enough for you to relax on Phuket’s beaches, explore nearby islands, and enjoy some of the island’s cultural offerings, like its temples and markets. Of course, feel free to add additional days to your trip if you simply want to take a day or two relaxing by the beach.

Key attractions in Phuket:

• Patong Beach
• Big Buddha
• Phi Phi Islands
• Phang Nga Bay
• Wat Chalong

9. Shanghai, China – 4 to 5 Days

Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, known for its futuristic skyline, colonial-era architecture, and rich cultural scene. It’s a city where East meets West, offering a vibrant mix of history, modernity, and style. Four to five days allows you to explore the city’s dynamic neighborhoods, visit historical sites, enjoy the world-class shopping and dining, and take a day trip to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao.

If you are planning to visit Shanghai Disneyland, it is recommended to plan for at least a 2 day trip as you’re unlikely to be able to cover everything in a single day. Brace yourself for extremely long queues.

Key attractions in Shanghai:

• The Bund
• Yu Garden
• Oriental Pearl Tower
• Nanjing Road
• Shanghai Museum
• Shanghai Disneyland
• French Concession
• Day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town

10. Hanoi, Vietnam – 3 to 5 Days

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is famous for its centuries-old architecture and a rich blend of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences.  In 3 days, you can explore Hanoi’s historical sites and cultural attractions. An additional day or two would be perfect for taking a day trip to the stunning Ha Long Bay or Tam Coc.

Key attractions in Hanoi:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Old Quarter
• Temple of Literature
• Hoan Kiem Lake
• Day trip to Ha Long Bay

Stay connected through Asia with a Nomad Travel eSIM for Asia

The ideal number of days in each city depends on what you want to experience, your travel style, and how fast-paced you want your vacation to be.

As you plan for your multi-city trip across Asia, it is also important that you find a good and reliable connectivity provider so that you can travel across the region without worries. With a Nomad travel eSIM for Asia, you can stay connected across up to 21 different Asian countries with a single eSIM.

You do not have to worry about getting a local SIM card in each country. All you have to do is to buy your eSIM before your trip and install it once! The eSIM will connect to the local network of each country as you cross borders. And in the event that you run out of data, you can buy an add-on from the Nomad app or web store!