10 Best Places to Visit in Asia
Stretching from the Arctic to the equator, Asia boasts virtually every climate and landscape. This diverse continent offers a vast array of fascinating tourist attractions and fun things to do.
Singapore’s dazzling Marina Bay Sands and gastronomic hawker centers are must-see attractions. Banaue’s terraced fields and a warm, welcoming indigenous population are also noteworthy draws to this Philippines town.
1. Kuala Lumpur
The Malaysian capital features a trove of appealing attractions. Its architecture spans classic to modern. The grandeur of antique structures intermingled with contemporary skyscrapers is apparent from the onset.
The National Museum of Malaysia exhibits the country’s varied heritage in a colonial-era structure. It’s a must-see for history and culture buffs.
KL’s Chinatown is home to Chinese herbs, souvenirs and clothes. The area also boasts a temple and a bazaar. The Sri Mahamariamman temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman and is one of the oldest in the city.
A visit to the glimmering Petronas Twin Towers is an essential activity in Kuala Lumpur. Until 2004, they were the tallest twin buildings in the world. They’re also the site of a thrilling observation deck and revolving restaurant. Besides, visitors can enjoy other activities like the KLCC Park and the Lake Symphony light and sound show.
2. Singapore
Glitzy Singapore offers world-class shopping, family friendly attractions, adventurous theme parks, and exotic gardens. Visitors will also find a variety of restaurants and bars in the city.
Singapore’s new Jewel Changi Airport is a nature-themed paradise with a waterfall and an indoor bridge 23 meters up in the air. Its massive greenhouse is home to various plants and trees. The park is a great place for families with children and people who want to enjoy a refreshing break from the urban jungle.
The mystical Land of Smiles is a Southeast Asia premier destination for bucket list experiences and wavering adventures. Its diverse natural surroundings and cosmopolitan cities are filled with traditional culture and modern conveniences. It is also renowned for its enthralling cuisine and mouthwatering seafood. Its crowded retail districts and calm alleyways produce a personality all its own.
3. Bangkok
As the old saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant?” The same can be said about Asia: a continent so vast and diverse that it’s best consumed a bite at a time.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded beach or street food in a bustling urban center, Asia has something to offer everyone. Make sure to get travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected mishaps abroad.
Thailand offers the perfect balance of cultural immersion and tropical beauty. Its mystical temples and bustling nightlife are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors, while its beaches remain untouched by mass tourism. It’s also known as the shopping destination of the world, boasting a variety of malls, including one that looks like a street market and another that’s opulently decorated with 1930s chinoiserie.
4. Bali
A dreamy island paradise that has everything from awe-inspiring natural wonders to opulent resorts. Its pristine beaches are among the best in the world and the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex is an unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bali is renowned for its stunning beauty and deep-rooted tradition. Tens of thousands of Hindu temples are scattered across the island, with highlights including Pura Tirta Empul, where you can bathe and bless yourself with holy water spouting from carved stone; and Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the clifftop sea temple where surfers crowd the shore and sarong-clad tourists enjoy sunsets.
The luscious Bali Botanic Garden in Bedugul is a haven for plant enthusiasts, while the Bali Treetop Adventure Park offers thrilling treetop obstacle courses amidst the forest canopy. But perhaps the most famous attraction is Jatiluwih and Tegallalang rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see traditional farming practices in action.
5. Borneo
Asia’s largest continent is a melting pot of cultures and offers plenty to see and do. From Beijing’s opulent cityscape of ancient structures intermingled with contemporary skyscrapers to the splendour of flora and fauna sheltered within its dense rainforests, there are many ways to explore the world of Asia.
The cultural diversity of Borneo will enchant the curious and adventurous. The multi-nation state reveals its past of Sultans and White Rajahs through a mosaic of indigenous tribes and longhouses, while its natural history is an enchanting extravaganza – from tropical rainforests to spooky caves and stunning coral reefs.
But the top draw to this enchanting Asian destination is the wildlife that calls it home, most notably its orangutans. Tracking these semi-wild primates in the wild is a truly enchanting experience, and one that should make most travellers’ bucket lists.
6. Seoul
In recent years, South Korea has been experiencing a major boost in popularity. The birthplace of K-pop and delectable kimchi, this fascinating country also boasts marvelous natural vistas, classy cities, and intriguing culture.
Glittering skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and modern shopping centers coexist with ancient temples and palaces in Seoul, a city that understands how to celebrate both the past and present. Indulge in a feast of color as you admire cherry blossom and fall foliage festivals and stroll through quaint hanok villages.
The coastal city of Busan is another notable highlight that has been gaining in popularity, thanks to its dazzling cuisine and renowned hot springs. Other popular attractions include the soaring 75-foot Buddha statue at Bongeunsa temple, as well as a futuristic convention center and a rooftop park. Moreover, its rich cultural heritage is evident at Buddhist temples such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeok palaces.
7. Vietnam
Whether you want to experience thrilling treks or delve into the region’s rich food culture, Asia has a variety of wondrous destinations for all kinds of travelers. This includes Vietnam, a mountainous country where you can visit the tranquil Ba Be National Park. It features three interlinked lakes surrounded by karst peaks and thickly forested slopes. Visitors can kayak on the lakes and explore caves stuffed with stalactites. Travelers can also stay in stilt-house homestays along the lakeshore for a taste of simple rural life.
Laos’ quaint Luang Prabang is a place of Buddhist allure with untamed beauty and serene ways of life. Its highlights include the Tay Phuong and Thay Pagodas, and the Co Loa Citadel. The city is also the base for trips to scenic waterfalls, mountains, and pagodas. Similarly, Nha Trang attracts sunseekers to its powder-soft beaches and the ruins of the Po Nagar Cham Towers.
8. China
China has a rich culture and history. The capital, Beijing, has some of the most impressive architectural marvels such as the awe-inspiring Forbidden City that harken back to the days of emperors.
The karst landscape of Guilin is a sight to behold, with crystal clear water and hills that seem to rise from the ground. The Jiuzhaigou Valley is another natural wonder where you will be immersed in a riot of colors.
Tibet offers a blend of spiritual discovery and jaw-dropping scenery. The Potala Palace is an architectural masterpiece, while Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street are a fascinating tapestry of Tibetan life. If you want to get off the beaten path, head to Kashgar and Xinjiang province for an eye-opening experience that is closer to the Middle East than it is China. You will see a different side of China and learn more about its mystical past.
9. Japan
Japan’s cosmopolitan cities, natural beauty and samurai legacy all make for fantastic vacations, but the country also has lots of off-the-beaten track attractions. Takayama, in the Japanese Alps, is a delightfully traditional town with thatched-roof houses and delicious food (try Hida gyu beef). It can get very crowded with day-trippers, but wandering away from the main street reveals quiet backstreets.
Kobe, set between the sea and a huge mountain range, is an attractive and cosmopolitan city with a fascinating history and great restaurants and bars (including one of Asia’s best Chinatowns). Or take in the spiritual atmosphere at Koyasan, a mountaintop temple complex that sits at the heart of Shingon Buddhism. Here, monks chant and pray in temples, pagodas and idyllic rock gardens surrounded by lush forests.
10. The Maldives
Known for its overwater villa resorts and crystal clear water, the Maldives is the kind of paradise that leaves an indelible mark on travelers. The best time to visit is December through April for sunny, calm weather.
Seoul has a unique combination of traditional and modern culture with its numerous centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Changdeokgung Palace Complex. This fascinating metropolis is also home to a lively nightlife scene and gastronomic delights.
One of Japan’s most popular destinations, Kyoto attracts visitors with its lyrical historical sites and renowned cherry blossoms. Its crowded shopping districts and calm alleyways produce a distinct personality that distinguishes it from the rest of Asia.
