Asia attractions

Dating back to the early 20th century, Dam Market (Cho Dam is Nha Trang’s largest market and a hub for local life. Across three stories, eclectic stalls sell meat, fish, and souvenirs, while Vietnamese vendors create a lively atmosphere that lasts from the early morning until the evening.

A popular day-trip destination, the lush, green Longqingxia (aka Longqing Gorge or Dragon’s Rejoice Ravine) has been attracting visitors since the Song dynasty. Rent a boat, or just marvel at Rooster Crown Mountain—which resembles a rooster lying down, surrounded by water on three sides.

Set where the Ou River (Nam Ou) meets the Mekong, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Luang Prabang, the Pak Ou Caves are one of the most popular sights accessible from the city. A place of worship for over 1,000 years, they are home to thousands of Buddhas left by grateful pilgrims. The lower cave has both more light and more visitors than the upper cave.

Dating back to the 15th century, this white-marble mosque and shrine (dargah) is among Mumbai's most important sights for Muslim pilgrims. It was built to honor a Muslim saint, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was known for spreading knowledge of Islam. Today worshipers and tourists come from across India to pray and learn about the mosque.

Garlanded in an angular metal framework that mimics the double helix shape of DNA, Singapore’s pedestrian Helix Bridge spans Marina Bay, linking the Bayfront and Esplanade areas. The letters A, C, G, and T, which represent the four basic building blocks of DNA, are set into the bridge, while viewing platforms offer photo opportunities.

When Sapporo residents want to relax, play, or soak up nature, they head for Maruyama Park (Maruyama Koen). On the western side of the city, the park’s sprawling grounds include the Maruyama Wild Forest, a designated natural treasure, and several attractions including the Hokkaido Shrine, the Maruyama Zoo, and the Maruyama Baseball Stadium.

Step back in time to late-19th-century Hanoi and see how a typical wealthy merchant family lived at the Hanoi Ancient House. Located in the Old Quarter, the house was renovated in the late 20th century but retains all the architectural and other features of a typical house of the era, in a style unique to Vietnam.

Built on a mountain ridge, the Huangyaguan Great Wall (Great Wall at Huangya Pass) is known for its steep steps and climbs, but the effort yields spectacular views. Huangyaguan, which is located farther away from Beijing than many other sections of the Great Wall, is ideal for visitors looking to explore a restored section of the wall, away from the crowds.

This street that once served as Taipei’s major commercial center during the late Qing Dynasty still caters to more traditional tastes, giving visitors a glimpse at what the city was like in decades past. The market stalls and Chinese medicine shops sell a variety of teas, herbs, dried mushrooms, sweets, and other dried goods.

The sprawling 88-acre (36-hectare) Sunway Lagoon ranks among Southeast Asia’s biggest theme parks and boasts rides, water slides, a man-made beach, a wildlife park, and Malaysia’s first surf simulator. It’s one of Kuala Lumpur’s top family attractions, offering activities that will suit kids of all ages.

The Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan led the first expedition to sail around the earth but never made it home, dying in Cebu. Today, a tall wooden cross known as Magellan’s Cross (Cruz de Magallanes) commemorates his memory—and supposedly contains relics of the original crucifix Magellan planted in Cebu in 1521.

The classical gardens of Suzhou feature some of the most tranquil and pristine landscapes in China. More than 50 gardens dating as far back as the sixth century BC feature a network of manicured paths, bridges, ponds, and pavilions over much of the historic city of Suzhou. Nine of the gardens are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Xian's Drum Tower (Gulou), built during the Ming Dynasty, is set across from the equally ancient Bell Tower in the heart of the Old City. The structure's original purpose was to keep time, with its drums beaten each evening to mark sunset; sunrise was marked with the tolling of bells in the Bell Tower.

Topped by two gleaming golden domes, Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is Singapore's oldest—and arguably most aesthetically pleasing—mosque. Located in the historic district of Kampong Glam, the mosque was declared a national monument in 1975 and has since been a focal point of the Muslim community in Singapore—it can more than 5,000 worshippers at once.

Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and backed by thick forest, the interconnected fairy-tale beaches of Railay (Rai Leh) are accessible only by boat. The four beaches—Tonsai, Phra Nang, East Railay, and West Railay—offer powder-soft white sand, clear calm waters, and a decidedly bohemian vibe perfect for those looking to get away from it all.

Erhai (Lake Er is a 97-square-mile (250-square-km lake sandwiched between the town of Dali and the Cangshan Mountains in China’s Yunnan Province. The local Bai people—one of China’s 56 recognized ethnic minority groups—have long used the waters of the lake for carp fishing with cormorants.

Located in Suzhou’s historic quarter, Suzhou Museum was designed by famed architect I.M. Pei. It’s a masterful blend of modern design, traditional Suzhou architectural style, and classical garden layout, and the museum’s light-filled galleries house a collection of bronze, jade, ceramics, porcelain, handicrafts, paintings, calligraphies, and relics.

Built in the 17th century, when Dhaka was part of the Mughal Empire, Lalbagh Fort (Fort Aurangabad) remains one of the city's top attractions. Many visitors come to see its perfectly symmetrical gardens or explore its interiors, parts of which have been converted into a history museum.

Bali’s most popular dive site, the USSLiberty shipwreck is known to divers around the world as one of the easiest large wrecks to access. It lies just off the shore of Tulamben, near Amed, at a maximum depth of around 100 feet (30 meters). Marine life from turtles to flashing clams are common on the wreck.

The largest church in Goa and the seat of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, this huge white Portuguese Gothic structure was constructed from 1562 to 1619 to commemorate a Portuguese military victory over Goa that was won on the feast of Saint Catherine. Inside, images of the saint adorn the cathedral walls.

Located in the Chaoyang District, the New Silk Alley Market (Xiu Shui) is a 376,737-square-foot (35,000-square-meter) complex housing more than 1,700 retail vendors. Popular with tourists looking for bargains, the market is jam-packed with silk goods, clothing, jewelry, electronics, souvenirs, and more.

Once the epicenter of Hyderabad, 18th-century Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the site where the nizams (monarchs) lavishly entertained esteemed guests. It features a unique blend of various architectural styles and influences, including Mughal domes and Persian-influenced stucco work.

Little India is the heart of multicultural Penang’s ethnic Indian community. It’s where you can find South Indian-style temples, food, market stalls, and other stores that are quite distinct from those elsewhere. Penang’s Little India doesn’t cover a very large area, but it’s within the UNESCO Penang Heritage Zone of George Town.

Kehen Temple, or Pura Kehen, is the state temple of the Balinese kingdom of Bangli. It is said to be a miniature version of Bali’s most significant temple, Pura Besakih, nearby. Like Besakih, it is built on an incline, is reached by stairs, and boasts thatched tiered shrines. Kehen Temple dates back at least to the 13th century.

Built in the 12th century under the rule of King Ballal Sen, Dhakeshwari Temple is the city's best-known Hindu temple and is considered the country’s “national temple.” It houses an idol of the goddess Dhakeshwari, a form of the goddess Durga and Dhaka’s main Hindu deity.

Jiankou is the adventurer's Great Wall of China—an unrestored section with crumbling masonwork snaking along a wild mountain ridge 43 miles (70 kilometers) northeast of Beijing. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the wall is dotted with interesting features, including the Nine-Eye Tower, which offers views of China's capital city on a clear day.

As Singapore’s oldest museum, the National Museum of Singapore serves as the country’s definitive historical record. Built in 1887, the national treasure contains precious artifacts and fine art, including a selection of watercolors from William Farquhar.

Minami, which translates as south, is the go-to Osaka district for a taste of the city’s entertainment scene. With shopping, dining, and nightlife venues stretching from Semba to Namba Station, Minami is ever-popular with visitors and locals.

The Singapore Cable Car provides a 360-degree panoramic view of city’s best attractions, including the Singapore harbor, Sentosa Island, and the city skyline. More than 100 cabins carry passengers along 3 miles (5 kilometers) of cableway. Tickets grant access to a museum detailing the history of the cable car system.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a former royal duck-hunting spot that today hosts some 350-odd of species of migratory birds throughout the year. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is lush and expansive; depending on when you visit, you may spot everything from pelicans to osprey to elusive Siberian cranes.