The 10 largest countries in Asia • Wanderlix

Your curiosity is insatiable and you dream of grandeurs? Today, heading for the 10 largest countries in Asia, all as singular as others.

Asia extends from Russia to Indonesia and Turkey to Japan. This is the largest continent in the world. It hosts almost 50 countries, each with its own identity and nearly 20 languages are spoken by some 4.3 billion people. So much to tell you that this is a true well of cultures, folklores, traditions and other amazing gastronomy.

Today, we invite you to explore this continental plurality through the 10 largest countries in Asia.

1. Russia

Number 1 among the largest countries in Asia, Russia is also the largest country in the world! And even if the majority of its territory is in Asia, it is rather refined to the European continent. And this, because of its resolutely focused policy towards the West. An immense land with plural charms, Russia is a beautiful country with a culture and traditions anchored in undeniable modernity. You only have to visit Moscow and his Kremlin to make you an idea of the mix.

Another Russian must: the Trans-Siberian, of course! It is a railway network of nearly 10,000 kilometres. It travels the country from Moscow's icy border to the eastern region of Vladivostok. Do it! Otherwise, many places are curiously visiting in Russia. Like St. Petersburg and its majestic palace, Kaliningrad and its Prussian charm, as well as lakes like Baikal, Onega and Ladoga.

2. China

By its population density (more than 18 per cent of humans are Chinese), China impresses. In constant motion, it has no cease to evolve and surprise. Between its incredible landscapes, state-of-the-art cities and its ancestral history, China is a high place for global tourism.

Among the must-sees of China, we cannot omit the Wall of China, 21 200 kilometers long. But don’t miss Beijing (Forbidden City, Summer Palace), Hong Kong, and even the old town of Lijiang. On the natural splendour side, China is not in the rest: Shapotou Desert, Xinjiang Bay, the Blue Moon Valley, Huanglong Valley and Emei Mountain...

3. India

Like China, India is one of the largest countries in Asia due to its population density but also its history. India is an atmosphere, a culture and even an art of living. You will find your account, whether you have an interest in architecture, gastronomy or natural landscapes. Numerous palaces cut Indian lands. Among them, the most famous, the immense and majestic Taj Mahal , located in Agra. You must see, if you pass that way!

Just like the Palace of Mysore, built from the 16th century to the epic prestance. The cities of New-Delhi, Pondicherry but also Darjeeling, famous for the tea of the same name, are unveiling. The whole, in a perfect balance between wild and urban lands. You can even attend the Indian daily through the laundry in the Gange, the Calcutta market or the religious processions of Puri.

4. Kazakhstan

Together with China, Russia and Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan is a large country in Central Asia, yet little known. Its wild and mountainous lands were long stretched by the famous Silk Road making the country one of the most developed in the region. Cities like Almaty or Noursoultan (ex Astana) are very modern and remain witness to a Soviet cultural heritage. Don’t miss visiting the Baikonour Cosmodrome.

Created in secret in the 1950s, it is today the world’s largest rocket launch centre. On the nature side, forests, steppes, lakes, canyons and glaciers offer beautiful memories to curious visitors. The hikers will love the Tian Shan and Altai mountains. In Kazakhstan, the show is grandiose and infinite, nature shines.

5. Saudi Arabia

Situated on the Arabian Peninsula, which occupies 80% of the area, Saudi Arabia is a very controversial country. Tourism is not what the country is famous for around the world. Indeed, despite very beautiful desert landscapes, Saudi Arabia remains a very religious country but also and above all, in conflict. Especially with Yemen, south.

In fact, it is not advisable to visit this region because of the risk of attacks. Some other places are also to be avoided: the Abha International Airport and the city of Al-Qatif and its suburbs.

6. Indonesia

Indonesia has its place in our ranking of the largest countries in Asia because it spreads over a thousand islands! Obviously, all these islands are not inhabited. But these are the ideal places for an assured change of scenery, because by visiting Indonesia, you will discover a multitude of landscapes, colours and cultures! Indonesia has nearly 275 million inhabitants, divided into over 1,100 unique ethnic groups, speaking more than 700 languages. Javanese, Dunadais, Malay,...

These subdivisions of the population have tasted as many rites and traditions to discover. The main islands are Java, Jakarta and Sumatra. But Indonesia is also beautiful landscapes and monuments, such as the Raja Ampat Islands, the Bromo and Kawah Ijen Mountains, Ubud and its rice fields (Bali Island), Komodo National Park, Prambanan’s set of 240 Hindu temples or Borobudur temple.

7. Iran

Iran is one of the largest countries in Asia, cradled by the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf and that of Oman . It shares the borders of 7 countries, including Turkmenistan, Turkey or Armenia . It is a country with a long history, closely linked to the Persia because it was the cradle. Many architectural vestiges and testimonies confirm it. This is how you can discover magnificent monuments in Tehran (Palais Golestan), Ispahan (Imam Mosque) and Chiraz ( Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque).

In another register, Persépolis offers you to visit the incredible ruins of a city founded by Darius 1 in 521 BC! But Iran is also a land of desert plains, in the heart of which you can discover Badab-e Surt, a natural site composed of terraces in travertine. Otherwise, in the south, do not miss the island of Qeshm, its forest of Hara, its canyon of Chahkooh and its Stars Valley.

8. Mongolia

A vast country between Russia and China, Mongolia is much more than exceptional. Its vast expanses of steppes, convened by the snowy mountains, and the great grass plains are among the most preserved places in the world. Mongolian lands hide large dense forests as well as dry deserts. Culture and history are intimately drowned and nomads still wander, as in the time of Gengis Khan. The capital of the country is Ulaanbaatar, where life has become sedentary.

However, the nomadic spirit persists and it is in this atmosphere that you discover the city. Ultra-modernism has not yet found its place and it is not worse. Nature is omnipresent and Mongoles, as well as tourists, have understood it. So don't miss Khövsgöl Lake, the Khongor dunes or a night under the stars in the Gobi Desert...

9. Pakistan

Pakistan suffers greatly from prejudices attributed to it. But it is a wonderful country, with incredible natural richness, not forgetting its millennium history. Many witnesses of this history remain today, through monuments for example. If it is very deserted and rather rugged, Pakistan composes an exceptional natural picture, with important mountain ranges, dizzy peaks and impressive glaciers. Four of the world’s top 10 summits in the Pakistani region are also listed.

Beyond these natural beauties, Pakistan's monuments are not left behind. Its history is displayed through these buildings, such as the Mohenjo-Daro, which gave the archaeologists a thread. In a more modern register, discover the city of Lahore, the river city with a fort having crossed the centuries and the gardens of Shalimar, not far. The ensemble is also listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage.

10. Turkey

Like Russia, Turkey is shared between its Asian land and its European-oriented personality. Yet, it belongs to Asia... It is worth mentioning in our ranking of the largest countries in Asia. At the same time natural and very urban, Turkey is a true oriental treasure, where traditionalism, ancient history and modernity intertwine. Visit first Istanbul , to give you an idea of what modern Turkish life is.

Then, head to the more remote areas and go to meet the authenticity of the country. Thus, do not pass next to Cappadoce and its troglodyte cities, the seaside resort of Pamukkale or the city of Ankara, a beautiful starting point for Anatolia. Turkey is also bordered by 4 different seas: the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. From what to see very different landscapes and to relax on the beach. Isn't it?