Geography of Asia

Asia Overview

• Population exceeds 4.78 billion in 2024, making it the most populous continent.
• Holds the highest (Mount Everest at 8,848 meters) and lowest points (Dead Sea at -430 meters) on land.
• Home to diverse wildlife, including snow leopards and king cobras.
• Contains famous landmarks and stunning natural features.

Southeast Asia

• Comprises 11 nations, divided into mainland and insular regions.
• Formerly known as Indochina and Further India, specifically referring to mainland countries: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
• Insular Southeast Asia includes the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore.
• Major religions include Buddhism, Islam, and Catholicism.
• Cultural values emphasize respect, courtesy to elders, and hospitality.

Thailand

• Historical name "Siam," derived from a word meaning dark or brown.
• Common greetings: "Sawasdee" (hello/goodbye), "Sawadee krap" (male), "Sawadee kah" (female).
• Six administrative regions: Northeast, North, Central, Western, South, Eastern.
• Capital: Bangkok.
• Currency: Baht (THB).
• Dominant religion: Theravada Buddhism.
• Official language: Thai.
• Carrier: Thai Airways; major airports include Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
• Notable attractions: Thai Grand Palace (former royal residence), Chatuchak market.
• Gastronomy highlight: Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad).

Vietnam

• Divided into three economic regions: Northern, Central, Southern.
• Capital: Hanoi.
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND).
• Major religions include Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism; no official religion.
• Official language: Vietnamese.
• Carrier: Vietnamese Airlines; major airports include Da Nang, No Bai, and Tan Son Nhat.
• Key festivals: Birthday of Buddha, Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, Lunar New Year (Tet).

Northern Vietnam

• Accessed through Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
• Home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Gastronomy feature: Pho (noodle soup).

Central Vietnam

• Accessed via Da Nang International Airport.
• Notable sites: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hué Monuments, My Son Sanctuary, Nha Trang Beaches.
• Gastronomy feature: Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette).

Southern Vietnam

• Accessed through Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
• Attractions include Cu Chi Tunnels, historic hideouts from the war.
• Gastronomy feature: Cha Gio (spring rolls).

Laos

• Known as the "Kingdom of a Million Elephants"; greeting: "Sabai-dee."
• Ethnic and linguistic diversity with three main groups: Lao Loum, Lao Theung, Lao Soung.
• Capital: Vientiane.
• Currency: Kip (LAK).
• Major religions encompass Buddhism, Tai folk religion, Christianity, among others.
• Official language: Lao.
• Carrier: Lao Airlines; major airports include Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Savannakhet.
• Tourist highlights: Luang Prabang (UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 33 temples), Pak Ou Caves, Wat Xieng Thong.
• Gastronomy staple: Khao Niaw (sticky rice, a national food).