Asia attractions

Set between Central and Causeway Bay, Wan Chai became notorious for its red-light district. Though some of that remains, today the destination is known for its vibrant mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. This is one of the oldest areas in Hong Kong, offering plenty of history and heritage.

Home to one of the largest collections of Khmer art in the world, the National Museum of Cambodia focuses on the country’s ancient history and distinctive architecture. Galleries are categorized by material—stone, metal, wood, and ceramics—and feature artifacts that date back as far as the Neolithic period.

Koh Samui’s Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (also known as Hin Yai and Hin Ta) are rocky outcrops located on Lamai Beach. The often-photographed, commented-upon, and giggled-about rock formations bear an uncanny resemblance to male and female genitalia, making them a must-see attraction for many tourists. Plus, the rocks are set on a lovely stretch of beach and create tranquil tide pools.

One of the oldest temples in Macau, A-Ma temple was built in 1488 and commemorates A-Ma, goddess of the sea (also known as Mazu and Tin Hau). Featuring multiple prayer pavilions set on different levels of a hill overlooking the Inner Harbour, A-Ma Temple forms part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inspired by the water towns around Shanghai, especially Wuzhen, Gubei Water Town occupies a picture-postcard position beside a lake, backed by the Great Wall at Simatai. Locals re-create traditional activities, from making rice wine to dying clothes. There are temples and eateries year-round and ice sculptures in season.

Flowing through the city’s dense Central Business District, the Singapore River is closely tied to Singapore’s history and modern day-to-day life. It was on the north bank of the river where Stamford Raffles first landed to found his colony, and many government buildings still line its shores. Many of the city’s top nightlife hot spots are also situated along the river, including Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay.

All the major world cities seem to have a big wheel these days, and Singapore is no exception. Lifting you 540 feet (165 meters) into the air, the Singapore Flyer is Asia’s largest observation wheel, providing amazing panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the surrounds from one of 28 capsules.

One of the largest forts in India, Chittaurgarh Fort—sometimes spelled Chittorgarh—is said to date back to the 7th century. The hilltop complex, which reigns supreme over the desert city of Chittor, comprises a series of temples, towers, and palaces, many of which are adorned with intricate carvings.

The Perfume River (Song Huong River)—so-called due to the aroma released by blooming flowers in autumn—provides visitors with a wealth of activities. The river affords spectacular photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset, and it is flanked by cycle and walking paths that offer a cooling escape from the humidity of Hue.

Best known for its riot of colorful foliage each autumn, this celebrated Buddhist temple—part of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism—is considered an indispensable stop on any Kyoto itinerary. With roots dating back to the 8th century, here you’ll find a variety of traditional buildings and a tranquil garden with a tree-lined pond, all open to visitors year-round.

The word “tower” doesn’t quite do justice to the enormous structure of the Xian Bell Tower (Zhonglou) rising on an imposing square base to a series of terraces and three graceful pagoda roofs. Originally built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, it has become a symbol of Xian thanks to its stellar views and classic Chinese architecture.

Known for its picturesque scenery, formations including Turtle Rock, and plentiful outdoor activities, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Mongolia. Not far from Ulaanbaatar, it’s also one of the most accessible national parks in the country. A small portion of the park offers amenities such as tourist ger (yurt) camps, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

One of the oldest and most famous temples in Hong Kong, Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan is dedicated to Man Cheong, god of literature, and Mo Tai, god of war. A mainstay of the community, this Taoist and Buddhist temple reflects social and religious practices in Hong Kong and offers a respite to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Spread out over 90 acres (36 hectares), Lodhi Gardens is a gorgeous and lush park full of meandering pathways, beautiful greenery, and four Lodhi-dynasty tombs. Many locals and visitors alike find refuge here from the dust and noise of Delhi, and you’re likely to come across picnickers, joggers, and elderly Delhiites on morning walks.

One of the top spots to watch the sunset in Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach is a busy expanse of sand and sea that's fun to visit, day or night. People watching is one of the main draws here, because this beach attracts Mumbai residents from all walks of life, from multigenerational families to canoodling couples.

When travelers hymn the beauty of Sapa, the hiking hub in northern Vietnam, they’re really praising the Muong Hoa Valley (Thung Lũng Mường Hoa. Carved by the Hoa stream, decked with a patchwork of rice terraces, and studded with fascinating minority villages, its green highland landscapes are some of Vietnam’s most dazzling.

Mong Kok’s Ladies Market is one of Hong Kong’s most legendary street markets. Its name originates from the large amount of women's clothing and accessories for sale, but that’s not all you’ll find. A little less than a mile long, the market is crammed with all manner of clothing stalls and accessories for men, women, and children, as well as goldfish, electronics, household items, and just about anything else money can buy.

This ornate complex houses several mausoleums, mosques, and more in the heart of Samarkand. It was built starting in the 11th century and took eight years to finish. The holiest tomb is said to be Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of Mohammed who brought Islam to the area. The majolica tilework is laid with precision, and the Shah-i-Zinda is one of the most photographed sites in the area.

Whether you’re looking for street food, ginseng, jewelry, housewares, clothes, or souvenirs, you’ll find these (and just about everything else under the sun) in the stalls of Namdaemun Market. South Korea’s largest market is busy around the clock as locals and tourists rub elbows in search of the best deals.

The flamboyant blue-and-green façade of the Tekka Centre marks one of Little India’s top attractions—a hawker center and shopping mall known for its range of goods and affordable prices. The ground-level food hall sells a huge assortment of Indian and Chinese specialties.

Constructed between the 8th and 12th centuries, the Po Nagar Cham Towers sit at the mouth of the Cai River in central Vietnam, on the outskirts of the beach town of Nha Trang. The towers were built to honor the region’s Cham rulers and incorporate Buddhist temples and shrines to the Hindu gods Shiva and Ganesh.

One of Singapore's oldest open green spaces, the Padang has long been used for public recreation and holiday celebrations and as a sport, parade, and ceremonial ground. Surrounded by the colonial architecture of the historic Civic District, the Padang is now protected as a national monument.

Winding over a mountainous stretch of highway just north of Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass (Đèo Hải Vân—literally “Sea Cloud Pass”) is one of Vietnam’s most scenic coast roads. It twists and turns over a spur of the Truong Son mountain range, delivering epic sea views from as high as 1,627 feet (495 meters).

The 8th-century Seokguram Grotto is a remarkable Buddhist temple located in South Korea’s Gyeongju National Park. The temple houses an ornately carved statue of Buddha and is renowned for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must for anyone interested in Buddhist culture and history.

Tucked among the bustling lanes of the Nizamuddin West neighborhood, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah (Nizamuddin Dargah) is the mausoleum of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries. It attracts religious pilgrims from across India as well as music lovers who visit to listen to traditional Sufi qawwali music performed here on Thursdays.

One of the few natural hot springs in northern Thailand, the Mae Kachan Hot Spring (Mae Ka Chan) is so hot—reaching temperatures of 194˚F (90˚C)—it can boil an egg in minutes, a feat that locals are more than happy to demonstrate. Along with enjoying the cooking, you can dip your toes in several pools.

With its distinctive art-deco dome, Phnom Penh Central Market (Phsar Thmey) attracts visitors with hundreds of traditional Khmer stalls, selling everything from antique coins and brightly colored fabrics to traditional crafts and medicinal products. No first-time visit to Phnom Penh is complete without stopping, and shopping, here.

South Mumbai is full of beautiful Gothic-revival architecture, and the Bombay High Court is one of the city's best examples. Dating to the 1870s, the courthouse features two octagonal towers. Visitors are allowed inside and may even sit in on court cases, but most just come to view the architecture from the outside.

Seoraksan National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that ranks among the most beautiful parks on the Korean Peninsula. Its towering hilltops are home to more than 2,000 animal species and 1,400 types of plants. Well-marked trails lead past Buddhist temples as they wind through the picturesque landscape, while the Seoraksan Cable Car whisks you up to the hilltop Gwongeumseong Fortress.

Regarded as the birthplace of Taoism, and one of its most sacred mountains, Mt. Qingcheng (Qingcheng Shan) has a history dating back 2,000 years. Surrounded by peaks and lush forests, Mt. Qingcheng offers a peaceful escape from the big city of Chengdu, and there are plenty of temples, historical sites, and cultural relics for visitors to enjoy.