When it comes to beautiful destinations, Asia has a lot to offer. With 48 countries and countless natural wonders and cultural treasures, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re planning a trip to Asia and want to explore its most stunning places, then this list is for you! Here are the top 10 must-see destinations in Asia that you won’t want to miss.
Angkor Wat – Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex on earth and a prime example of Khmer architecture. This 12th-century temple in northeastern Cambodia is a symbol of both Hinduism and Buddhism, making it a unique cultural and historical site. Watching the sunset over this incredible ‘temple mountain’ is a top travel experience in Asia.
Cameron Highlands – Malaysia
The Cameron Highlands are a scenic area located around 200 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. With an endless carpet of emerald-green tea plantations, hiking trails, and strawberry farms, this tranquil destination is the ideal spot for a laid-back escape in the heart of rural Malaysia.
Bagan – Myanmar
Bagan is a former capital city and home to more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries. Stretching across an ancient plain of over 100 square kilometers, the sight of these 3,500 structures is awe-inspiring. An elevated vantage point or a sunrise hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to take in one of the most beautiful sights in Asia.
Palawan – Philippines
Palawan is an island in the Sulu Sea known as the Philippines’ ‘Last Ecological Frontier’. With immense biodiversity and out-of-this-world landscapes, Palawan is a real-life paradise. White sand beaches, turquoise waters, an otherworldly underground river, and countless diving and snorkeling spots only add to its appeal.
Borobudur – Indonesia
Borobudur is a 7th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple located in central Java, Indonesia. Its unique tiered platform design and an extensive ensemble of Buddhist reliefs make it a joy to explore. Watching the sunrise from this incredible architectural marvel is a top attraction and still a place of pilgrimage today.
Samarkand – Uzbekistan
Samarkand is an architectural treasure and perhaps the best-known of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities. With a fantastical array of mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums, Registan Square is a three-sided plaza featuring impressive architecture from the 15th and 17th centuries. Historically, it was once the cultural center of the city, a place of education, worship, and gathering.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Japan
Around 30 minutes from the center of Kyoto lies a protected forest of bamboo trees, one of the most beautiful places in Asia. Soaring bamboo trees create a magical canopy of leaves that sway in the gentle breeze. Exploring the hypnotizing sound of bamboo trees whistling in the wind is a must-do in Japan.
Gyeongju National Park – South Korea
Gyeongju National Park is a vast area covering over 135 square kilometers in South Korea. It is home to many relics of the Silla dynasty and numerous examples of Joseon architecture. The mountainous terrain makes for memorable hiking trails and incredible hilltop views, making it an outdoor museum of South Korean heritage.
Luang Prabang – Laos
Known as the ‘City of Gold’, Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful places in Asia. Its gilded temples and elaborate royal palaces showcase its elegant appearance and historic center, with French colonial-era architecture. Witnessing the daily alms ceremony is a must-do, where monks from local
Asia is a continent of endless wonder and beauty, full of incredible natural landscapes and architectural marvels that will take your breath away. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, there is something for everyone in this vast and diverse region. So, pack your bags, prepare to be amazed, and discover the most beautiful places in Asia for yourself. Your journey of a lifetime awaits!