I Ranked Every Country in Asia

I've traveled to all 50 countries in Asia (most of them 3+ times) and in this video, I rank all of them from my favorite down to my least favorite (based on my own personal travel experiences)! Do you agree or disagree with my list? I'd love to hear from you in the comments down below! And please share any travel tips/advice/secrets that you have for any Asian country, so everyone in this awesome travel community can benefit!

#asia #travel #world

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👨🏻‍🦰 WHO AM I?
I'm Drew Binsky and I have been to EVERY country in the world (197/197). I make documentaries about interesting people and cultures in faraway places. My ultimate goal is to inspire you to travel because I think it's the best education that you can get. And our planet is beautiful!

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[hayni_]

Timestamps:

1.Philippines 🇵🇭 0:34
2.Iran 🇮🇷 1:26
3.Vietnam 🇻🇳 2:29
4.Afghanistan 🇦🇫 3:07
5.Thailand 🇹🇭 4:25
6.Japan 🇯🇵 5:16
7.Pakistan 🇵🇰 6:03
8.Russia 🇷🇺 7:16
9.Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 8:15
10.Lebanon 🇱🇧 9:13
11.Turkey 🇹🇷 10:03
12.Myanmar 🇲🇲 11:04
13.Indonesia 🇮🇩 11:56
14.Tajikistan 🇹🇯 13:12
15.Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 14:06
16.South Korea 🇰🇷 15:04
17.Syria 🇸🇾 16:28
18.Bhutan 🇧🇹 18:01
19.China 🇨🇳 19:08
20.Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 20:19
21.Oman 🇴🇲 21:31
22.Israel&Palestine 🇮🇱&🇵🇸 22:09
23.Mongolia 🇲🇳 22:53
24.Yemen 🇾🇪 24:03
25.Georgia 🇬🇪 24:55
26.India 🇮🇳 25:47
27.Iraq 🇮🇶 27:10
28.Laos 🇱🇦 27:40
29.Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 28:24
30.Jordan 🇯🇴 29:09
31.Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 30:04
32.Taiwan 🇹🇼 30:59
33.Cambodia 🇰🇭 31:58
34.Nepal 🇳🇵 32:29
35.Malaysia 🇲🇾 33:09
36.North Korea 🇰🇵 33:59
37.Cyprus 🇨🇾 34:52
38.Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 35:33
39.Armenia 🇦🇲 36:38
40.Turkmenistan 🇹🇲 37:11
41.United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 37:58
42.Singapore 🇸🇬 38:54
43.East Timor 🇹🇱 39:30
44.Maldives 🇲🇻 40:02
45.Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 40:51
46.Qatar 🇶🇦 41:40
47.Kuwait 🇰🇼 42:33
48.Bangladesh 🇧🇩 43:02
49.Brunei 🇧🇳 43:42
50.Bahrain 🇧🇭 44:24

[elisaeartha]

Drew, as an Iranian I thank you for breaking stereotypes and all that other stuff people think about Iran, it brings us Iranians such joy that you love our country. I hope your third visit is as amazing as the other two!

[williammunson]

Honestly, I've never met an Iranian person that I didn't like. Everyone I've met from Iran has been so nice, and it makes me wonder what the country is like.

[maddy]

Your travel experiences are amazing. I love to travel solo, but jeez, everytime I watch Drew's videos I can't help but think how much easier it would be to travel if I was a man!! Not letting it stop me, but I envy the peace of mind.

[nasu]

Before watching the video I'm commenting here that the Philippines is no. 1 because his Mougi(wife) is from Philippines. 😂

[azanahmad]

Thanks for putting Pakistan at seventh. I am from there. Although the government right now is destroying the country i'm glad you met hospitable people there. Glad you enjoyed it The problem isn't the people but the government. 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰

[ImranOnTheWeb]

You judged Bangladesh just visiting Dhaka. What a brain

[TheRealPedaret]

I'm very very proud of my country❤ thanks for this awesome video Drew🇮🇷🔥

[EZPZ_Excel]

Imagine your country is below North Korea. 😢😭

[peteck]

You really managed to annoy a lot of people with this video of listing of the countries 😝🤣 I am having fun reading the comments.

[jaytothekay]

Dude, I've watched this video several times now. You've sold me on places like Iran and Afghanistan, amongst others. They look spectacular! Hoping to see your ranked countries for Africa, Europe, etc. These are fun watches!

[debuthunter]

Interesting how Turkey was ranked your 10th favourite country on Earth, but is somehow your 11th favourite country in Asia ...

[thiagofer]

Drew! Thank you for translating the audio into Portuguese. I'm here from Brazil, and I'm always following your videos.

[OtherworldlyYTP]

My dude, you gotta do this same thing for African countries. I get culture shock every time I watch these kinds of videos! Tysm for showing us the true Asia! ❤

[arsh_]

Here is the complete list of Drew Vinsky’s rankings, including both positive and negative aspects for each country:

1. Philippines

• Positive: Warm hospitality, stunning beaches, delicious food.
• Negative: Overcrowded in some tourist areas.

2. Iran

• Positive: Beautiful landscapes, rich culture, friendly people.
• Negative: Political tensions and safety concerns deter tourism.

3. Vietnam

• Positive: Great food, affordability, safe for travelers.
• Negative: Over-tourism in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

4. Afghanistan

• Positive: Stunning natural beauty, preserved traditional culture.
• Negative: Ongoing political instability and safety issues.

5. Thailand

• Positive: Amazing street food, affordable living, great beaches.
• Negative: Tourist traps in major cities and islands.

6. Japan

• Positive: Blend of modern and traditional culture, cherry blossoms.
• Negative: High costs, particularly in cities like Tokyo.

7. Pakistan

• Positive: Breathtaking landscapes, hospitality, Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Negative: Some safety concerns, chaotic cities.

8. Russia

• Positive: Vastness, warmth of people, unique landscapes (Trans-Siberian Railway).
• Negative: Language barrier, political tensions, harsh weather in some areas.

9. Uzbekistan

• Positive: Stunning Silk Road towns, Samarkand’s architecture.
• Negative: Limited tourist infrastructure.

10. Lebanon

• Positive: Friendly locals, vibrant nightlife, Mediterranean cuisine.
• Negative: Political instability, occasional safety concerns.

11. Turkey

• Positive: Cultural fusion in Istanbul, rich history, amazing food.
• Negative: Over-tourism in key cities like Istanbul.

12. Myanmar

• Positive: Affordable, ancient Buddhist temples in Bagan.
• Negative: Political unrest and human rights concerns.

13. Indonesia

• Positive: Diverse landscapes, delicious street food, vibrant islands.
• Negative: Over-tourism in Bali, environmental concerns.

14. Tajikistan

• Positive: Beautiful natural scenery, traditional markets.
• Negative: Poor infrastructure for tourism.

15. Sri Lanka

• Positive: Beautiful landscapes, rich culture, safaris.
• Negative: Political instability and economic crises affect travel experience.

16. South Korea

• Positive: Great food (Korean BBQ), modern technology, safe.
• Negative: Underappreciated by tourists compared to Tokyo or Bangkok.

17. Syria

• Positive: Rich history, welcoming people, untouched beauty in Damascus.
• Negative: War-torn, making travel dangerous.

18. Bhutan

• Positive: Preserved culture, stunning landscapes, sustainable tourism.
• Negative: Expensive travel due to daily tourism fees.

19. China

• Positive: Rich cultural diversity, friendly locals, historical sites.
• Negative: Air pollution, political restrictions, and censorship.

20. Kyrgyzstan

• Positive: Mountainous landscape, warm and inviting locals.
• Negative: Limited infrastructure, harder for tourists to navigate.

21. Oman

• Positive: Serene landscapes, desert adventures, hospitable locals.
• Negative: Expensive compared to other Middle Eastern countries.

22. Israel/Palestine

• Positive: Rich historical significance, vibrant cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem).
• Negative: Political tensions, safety concerns in some areas.

23. Mongolia

• Positive: Vast landscapes, traditional nomadic culture.
• Negative: Extreme weather and isolation can be challenging for travelers.

24. Yemen

• Positive: Captivating landscapes, rich traditional culture.
• Negative: Ongoing conflict and extreme danger.

25. Georgia

• Positive: Stunning beaches, great wine, vibrant capital (Tbilisi).
• Negative: Debates over its identity as European or Asian, political instability.

26. India

• Positive: Rich cultural diversity, stunning landmarks (Taj Mahal).
• Negative: Chaotic cities, overcrowded and traffic issues, difficult experiences like a bus crash.

27. Iraq

• Positive: Rich historical sites, ancient ruins (Babylon), local hospitality.
• Negative: Political instability and safety issues.

28. Laos

• Positive: Tranquil natural beauty, hospitable locals, untouched by mass tourism.
• Negative: Lack of infrastructure in rural areas.

29. Kazakhstan

• Positive: Expansive landscapes, nomadic culture, Soviet-influenced cities.
• Negative: Harsh climate and isolation in rural areas.

30. Jordan

• Positive: Safety, ancient sites like Petra, friendly locals.
• Negative: Over-tourism in key sites.

31. Papua New Guinea

• Positive: Rich cultural diversity, over 850 unique languages.
• Negative: Safety concerns and chaotic environment.

32. Taiwan

• Positive: Great food, vibrant night markets, beautiful southern landscapes.
• Negative: Politically isolated, often overlooked as a destination.

33. Cambodia

• Positive: Angkor Wat, beautiful landscapes, affordable.
• Negative: Dark history (Killing Fields) and lingering trauma.

34. Nepal

• Positive: Stunning landscapes, great food (momos).
• Negative: Devastating earthquake in 2015, which restricted trekking options.

35. Malaysia

• Positive: Diverse culture, unique food, contrasting landscapes.
• Negative: Divided between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo in terms of experience.

36. North Korea

• Positive: Fascinating cultural and historical insight.
• Negative: Political oppression, extreme isolation, difficult to connect with locals.

37. Cyprus

• Positive: Beautiful beaches, unique blend of Greek and Turkish culture.
• Negative: Political division between the Greek and Turkish sides.

38. Saudi Arabia

• Positive: Stunning landscapes like Alula, rapid modernization.
• Negative: Strict cultural norms, limited social freedoms for tourists.

39. Armenia

• Positive: Rich history, beautiful landscapes.
• Negative: Limited exploration in the text, leaving more to be desired.

40. Turkmenistan

• Positive: Unique sights like the Gates of Hell.
• Negative: Oppressive regime, difficult to visit.

41. United Arab Emirates

• Positive: Vibrant Dubai, modernity, entrepreneurial spirit.
• Negative: Lack of authentic local culture, especially outside Dubai.

42. Singapore

• Positive: Cleanliness, great food, efficient city.
• Negative: Small size, not enough to offer beyond a few days of travel.

43. East Timor

• Positive: Impressive Jesus statue in Dili, peaceful environment.
• Negative: Limited activities, felt boring.

44. Maldives

• Positive: Stunning beaches, paradise for beach lovers.
• Negative: Overwhelming capital (Male), lack of cultural engagement.

45. Azerbaijan

• Positive: Futuristic architecture in Baku, unique cultural blend.
• Negative: Odd interactions, lack of strong vibe compared to neighbors.

46. Qatar

• Positive: Vibrant Souq Waqif, recent World Cup exposure.
• Negative: Lacks cultural depth, still developing as a tourist destination.

47. Kuwait

• Positive: Some friendly locals and unique cultural experiences.
• Negative: Strict social norms, limited activities, felt indifferent.

48. Bangladesh

• Positive: Rich culture, beautiful rural landscapes.
• Negative: Notorious traffic in Dhaka, overwhelming for tourists.

49. Brunei

• Positive: Friendly locals, wildlife in Ulu Temburong National Park.
• Negative: Dull, limited activities for tourists.

50. Bahrain

• Positive: Friendly locals, some underground parties.
• Negative: Dry and culturally unengaging compared to other Gulf countries.

This list provides both positive highlights and negative drawbacks for each country based on Drew Vinsky’s travel experiences across Asia.

[shahrukh]

Everyone chill out about not liking his rankings...not every country can be in the top 10...I am Bangladeshi living in Texas and I absolutely adore Bangladesh...but I have also been there more than 20 times. He is traveling and exploring as best he can. Let's show our true Bengali beauty by not complaining and giving suggestions on giving BD another shot. These are opinions based on experiences.

[tjohnsonabraham]

We all know why the Philippines was number 1 on the list.

[RedWhiteBlue.]

Just to make it clear, the Philippines was his number 1 before he even met his wife. That's probably one reason he got married to a Filipina. His top countries are also considered the friendliest and most hospitable nations in the world, which is probably his priority in his ranking.

[LeroySierra-oe]

Awesome video. Please make one just like this for every continent. Very interesting. Can’t wait for the Europe version and the South American also Central America and the Caribbean would be awesome. And even Africa. Thanks.

[MatthewThestranger-ogzr]

I was surprised you put my country so high ( Russia ) Good to see someone ranking Russia without bias and YOU NEED TO VISIT ST PETERSBURG