Geographically, Oriental Countries may be
defined as a subregion of Asia. It covers about 15% of the Asian continent.
The countries of Oriental Countries are the first choice of majority of
tourists coming to the largest continent of the world. One of the most
developed regions of Asia, Oriental Countriesn countries offer
state-of-the-art tourism infrastructure. A region where human civilization
flourished from ancient periods, the countries of the region are also called
Asian Tigers for the remarkable economic progress that they made within a
short span of time. The region also has a rich history and vibrant culture.
Influences of all major religions-Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Christianity
is clearly visible in the culture and lifestyle of people. South East Asia
is a synonym mostly used for Oriental Countries.
Location
The term the Orient - literally meaning "the east" - is
traditionally used to refer to Near, Middle, and Far Eastern countries. In
popular usage, the Orient is most often used in reference to the countries
of East Asia, including China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and sometimes
the rest of Southeast Asia. The countries are located to India's east and
Australia's north. Altogether 11 countries are included, some on the
mainland and some wholly in the archipelago. The countries are Brunei,
Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Phillipines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. A part of the vast landmass of China could
also be included.
Climate
The climate of South East Asia is known for uniformity, high humidity and
heavy railfall. Temperatures in the region remain moderate, neither too hot
in summer nor too cold in winter. The temperature hovers between 10 degrees
and 35 degrees.
Major Countries to Visit
A brief description of some of the major tourist attractions of Oriental
Countries are given below
Singapore
Singapore is a city state where everything looks very modern. A country
with one of the world's most attractive skyline, Singapore is full of sky
scrapers. But Singapore is also a country with a rich cultural heritage. A
strong influence of Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions could easily be
seen. The country is also famous for good food and shopping.
Malaysia 
Malaysia is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Asia. A country
that offers tremendous hospitality to tourists, wealthy Malaysia is full of
exotic hotels and resorts. A look at the landscape of her cities gives clear
evidence of the rapid economic progress that the country has made over a
short period of time. The majority of the population is Muslim, but it is a
pluralistic society with a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous
cultures and customs. Capital Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands Hill Station
and Langkawi are some of the country's most visited places. Malaysia also
has some of Asia's best beaches, mountains and national parks.
Major Cities in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur,
Genting,
Langkawi,
Penang
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's hand over from Britain to China was smooth, but smoother is the
tourist inflow to this modern city over the years. Hong Kong has every thing
that a modern city can offer- excellent transportation facilities, luxurious
hotels, gorgeous shopping malls and great recreational facilities. Tourists
coming to Hong Kong never miss the chance to reach atop Victoria Peak, the
place from where an excellent view of the city landscape is available. Other
places thronged by tourists are Kowloon and Hong Kong islands. Hong Kong at
night becomes as bright as a volcano. Culture wise, a fusion of British and
Chinese traditions could be seen.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most culturally liberal countries of Asia.
Influences of western culture could be seen in every aspect of life, but
what is appreciable of the Thais is that indegenous culture is equally
respected and followed. For the tourist, Thailand has a wide array of
attractions- her breathtaking natural beauty, beautiful temples, great
hospitality, delicious cuisine and ruins of captivating ancient kingdoms.
Major Cities in Thailand
Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang
Rai,
Pattaya,
Phuket.
China
The vast landscape of China stores an abundance of attractions for
tourists, some dating back to thousands of years. China, it is said , is a
different world altogether. One of the world's oldest civilizations, the
landscape of China is a story of great contrasts. The Great Wall of China is
the country's most popular monument. Capital Beijing has attractions like
the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven Park and Lama Temple.
Macau's claim to fame is its traditional Chinese temples, museums, forts and
islands. Shanghai can safely be called the the city of the future. The city
has embraced modernity so fast that its technological progress is reason
enough for tourists to visit this magnificent city.
The list of China's attractions are exhaustive, yet names of Longgong
Caves, Nanjing, Qufu and Turpan are worth mentionable.
Major Cities in China
Beijing,
Macau,
Shanghai,
Shenzhen,
Xian,
Guilin.
Oriental
Countries
