Asia attractions

The Telaga Waja River is one of Bali’s two top white-water rafting destinations (the second is the Ayung River). The rafting route covers around 8 miles (13 kilometers), mainly of Class II–III rapids, with the option of shooting a 6-foot (2-meter) man-made dam at the end. The scenery is rural, but less dramatic than the Ayung River gorge.

Hon Ga Choi Island is usually translated into English as Fighting Cocks Island or Cock and Hen Island, as the two adjacent rock formations that comprise the island resemble these birds from some angles, and in a certain light. Located in Northern Vietnam’s picturesque Halong Bay, the jagged rocks are a popular landmark and photo subject.

On the hillside of the Mount Everest Base Camp in Tibet, the Rongbuk Monastery offers travelers incredible views not only of the world’s most famous mountain, but also the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. Its unique location makes it the world’s highest monastery—a perfect backdrop for colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Huanglong Scenic Area offers some of Sichuan’s most stunning landscapes, known for waterfalls, forests, and terraced travertine pools, all backed by mountains topped with year-round snow. Ancient temples and dramatic gorges complete the natural beauty of the 230-square-mile (600-square-kilometer) park, which can be reached in about 2 hours from Chengdu by bullet train.

In a city known for its beautiful gardens, Lingering Garden (Li Yuan is a standout. One of the four most famous classical gardens in China, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s renowned for its wonderful layout and use of space, with ponds, bridges, rockeries, gardens, statues, pavilions, and buildings with striking architecture.

A complex of stone temples are all that remain of the eighth-century Pallava dynasty that once thrived at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), on the coast south of Chennai. Learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the charming town, and relax on a sandy stretch of shore—all accessible on a day trip from Chennai.

The Mid-Levels Escalators is the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, stretching for over 2,600 feet (800 meters) and rising 443 feet (135 meters) from the heart of bustling Central to the residential Mid-Levels. It offers an easy way to traverse the hilly streets, and to explore an area full of attractions.

Bao’an Temple, one of the most popular and significant religious sites in Taipei, dates back to 1760 when immigrants from Southern China built the original wooden temple. Dedicated to the emperor-deity Paosheng, god of medicine and healing, Bao’an in its current form has stood since 1805 after more than 25 years of construction.

Chaoyang Theatre is one of the best places to see a Chinese acrobatics show. Young acrobats from across China perform here, spinning plates, balancing on stacks of chairs, and riding motorcycles upside down in a steel cage, among other seemingly impossible feats of athleticism and strength.

Located north of Sichuan Province, Jiuzhai Valley, also known as Jiuzhaigou Valley, is one of China’s most spectacular nature reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning 278 square miles (720 square kilometers), the valley is famed for its colorful lakes, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, diverse wildlife, and Tibetan culture.

The Dingling Underground Palace was the first of the 13 Ming royal tombs to officially be opened to the public. The tomb houses the remains of Emperor Wanli (Zhu Yijun, the longest-reigning Ming Dynasty emperor, and his two wives, Xiaoduan and Xiaojing. An onsite museum displays some 3,000 objects excavated from the site.

Scaling the monumental Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River near Yichang city in Hubei, the Three Gorges Dam Five-Step Ship Lock is one of the largest in the world. Large freight ships ascend or descend 40 stories in five separate stages, while many smaller vessels use the ship elevator (ship lift), which is the world’s biggest.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur) is the largest free-flight aviary of its kind, with 20 acres (8.1 hectares) of space for more than 3,000 birds to roam. Home to iridescent blue peacocks, flamingos, hornbills, ostriches, and many more bird species, this Malaysian park is a popular choice with nature lovers and families.

A high-speed elevator inside the Bitexco Financial Center zips travelers up 49 floors to a glass observation deck ribbed with neon lights. Visitors say views from Saigon Skydeck are some of the best in Ho Chi Minh, offering a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral, among other city icons.

Dating back to 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens displays a collection of some 10,000 types of plants—mostly tropical flora—across 183 landscaped acres (84 hectares). The expansive grounds are home to the National Orchid Garden, with its impressive collection of 60,000 colorful orchids representing 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.

Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom), considered one of Busan’s most scenic places, isn’t really an island at all. The former island, now connected to the Korean mainland by a land bridge made up of accumulated sediment, gets its name from the abundant camellia (dongbaek in Korean) trees that grow throughout.

Phranang Beach is a sweeping curve of pale gold sand that’s backed by limestone cliffs and overlooked by the distinctly-shaped Chicken Island. Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave) features a one-of-a-kind fertility shrine, while bioluminescent plankton create spectacular night-time effects when conditions are right.

Located in Anhui, Mt. Huangshan (aka Yellow Mountain) is considered one of China’s most beautiful mountains and is renowned for its four wonders: a sea of clouds, jagged granite peaks, odd-shaped pine trees, and hot springs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain is also one of the most visited scenic areas in the country.

One of Vietnam’s tallest buildings, the Bitexco Financial Tower dominates Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline—its unusual tapering structure pierced by a circular observation deck and helipad. Designed by the American architect Carlos Zapata, the 68-floor building offers sweeping views across the city.

Built in the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace served as a retreat for Mysore’s ruler. This beautiful teak structure—once part of Bangalore Fort—attracts visitors with its beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture, interior frescoes, and selection of ephemera, including Tipu Sultan images along with his robes and a crown.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) is one of the most prestigious and extensive art and history museums in India. While the exhibits are the main attraction here, its exteriors alone make it worth a visit, as it's housed in a domed Grade I Heritage–listed building in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style.

Situated in the heart of the old city, the Charminar is the most famous building in Hyderabad and a symbol of the city around the world. This monument was built at the close of the 16th century to celebrate the end of a plague—possibly cholera—that had devastated the region. A small mosque sits on the top floor of the building.

Serene, spiritual, and off the beaten path, Pura Luhur Batukaru was the state temple for the kings of Tabanan. Batukaru Temple nestles high above sea level in the jungled foothills of west Bali. A series of tiered shrines, including a striking 7-roofed shrine, help create a mystic air, as does the general absence of tourists.

Cao Dai Temple (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh) is named so simply and definitively for a reason: it’s considered the greatest of all Vietnam’s Cao Dai temples. Founded in 1926, the complex functions as a Holy See for the Cao Dai religion, aka Caodaism, Vietnam’s third most popular belief system after Buddhism and Catholicism. Visitors are welcome at prayer sessions in the Great Temple, and to marvel at the temple’s wild architecture.

A popular stop on Bedugul tours, Pasar Candi Kuning (Candi Kuning Market) is a traditional Balinese market that’s been beautified for tourists. It’s a great place to enjoy the fruit and vegetable bounty of Bedugul’s farms, although prices are higher than normal. Other specialties in the market include rabbits and orchids.

Hong Kong Island lies in the southern reaches of the Hong Kong region and is home to some of its most popular attractions. Highlights include Victoria Peak, the Central Mid-Levels escalator, Aberdeen, Deep Water Bay, and Stanley Market. The Central and Causeway Bay areas are prime destinations for shopping, eating, and sightseeing. A surprising amount of greenery lies along the mountainous interior, while charming fishing villages, coves, and harbors dot the coastline.

Sports lovers shouldn’t miss a trip to Rajadamnern Stadium while in Bangkok. It’s the capital’s oldest dedicated Muay Thai arena, and one of two places in Bangkok to enjoy a true Thai kickboxing experience. Whether you get a ringside seat or a spot further back in the stall, you’re sure to have a good time.

Situated on the banks of Ourem Creek in Panaji, Goa's capital city, the charming neighborhood of Fountainhas is dotted with charming old homes dating back to the mid 19th century. Fontainhas occupies land that was reclaimed in the 18th century and gets its name from the natural springs situated at the edge of the area.

SItuated on the grounds of Udaipur's Garden Hotel and Restaurant, the Vintage and Classic Car Collection Museum features a small group of vehicles from Mercedes, Rolls Royce, and Cadillac, along with a few other related objects, from rickshaws to an antique Shell gas pump that's still in working condition.

The Grand Canal is the longest and oldest man-made waterway in the world, once covering 1,115 miles (1,794 kilometers) from Beijing to Hangzhou. Dating from the fifth century BC, this engineering marvel is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some sections are still in use today.