Asia attractions

With its gleaming gold tiers reflected in the lake below and a backdrop of forests and twisted pines, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is an enchanting sight. Dating back to the 14th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and among Japan’s most visited temples.

Easily one of Bangkok’s most visually striking landmarks, the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) towers over the Chao Phraya River. Its colorfully decorated spires are the star features—the temple’s central prang stands 260 feet (79 meters) tall and is intricately decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain.

Experience the thrill of a cable car ride while taking in sweeping views of Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san) and Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko) along the way, by riding the Hakone Ropeway. One of the most popular attractions in the Japanese resort town of Hakone, the Hakone Ropeway connects Sounzan Station with Togendai Station on the shore of Lake Ashi.

Pontocho Alley is a popular, atmospheric dining area packed with restaurants and exclusive tea houses lining a narrow, cobbled alley just west of Kyoto’s Kamo River. With no cars, modern buildings, or ostentatious signage allowed, it’s considered one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto.

Not far from Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall foams in a white cascade over black stone cliffs into a quiet pool. At around 66 feet (20 meters) high, it’s an impressive flow, and that’s not all the site has to offer. Besides climbable cliffs, a secret smaller waterfall, and simple food stalls, a charming grotto houses a sacred spring.

The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Red Fort (Lal Qila) dates back to the mid-17th century, when Mughal emperor Shah Jehan moved his base from Agra to Delhi. For the two centuries that followed, this gargantuan sandstone complex served as the royal residence of the Mughal Empire. Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, often visited alongside nearby Chandni Chowk and the Jama Masjid.

One of India’s oldest markets, Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk (Hindi for moonlight square) is a perpetually busy area filled with narrow, congested lanes, each specializing in a different product such as spices, jewelry, hardware, and stationery. It’s also a great spot to practice your haggling skills—and the photo opportunities are extraordinary.

With its heady smorgasbord of street food, gold merchants, wooden shophouses, and ancient Chinese temples, there’s never a dull moment in Bangkok’s Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat. Exploring the bustlingsois (side streets) of the city’s oldest district is a must on any trip to the Thai capital.

One of Jaipur’s top attractions and the official residence of the titular royal family, the City Palace is a historic complex that masterfully blends Rajasthani, Mughal, and European architectural influences. Within its walls you’ll find striking courtyards, elegant pavilions, royal halls, an armory, and an art gallery.

In a city and country known for its colorful markets, none stands out so vividly as Pak Klong Talad Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat). Stalls feature local and imported fresh-cut flowers piled high: delicate orchids, bunches of colorful carnations, fragrant roses, lilies, forget-me-nots, and more. Vendors also sell flower arrangements and hand-strung garlands.

To experience Kyoto in a nutshell, head to Arashiyama. The perennially popular area is rich in temples and a riot of fall colors in November, with pink cherry blossoms in April. The area contains several major sites, including Tenryu-ji, Gio-ji, Jojakko-ji, Daikaku-ji temples, and the famous Bamboo Grove. Another highlight is the Moon Crossing Bridge, which offers views of Mt. Arashiyama.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Japan’s oldest and most eye-catching Buddhist temples. Its classic red pagoda has been influential to Japanese architecture for centuries. Located on a hilltop, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also worth visiting for its sweeping views over Kyoto.

Situated atop Mt. Dora on the South Korean side of the 38th parallel, the Dora Observatory sits as close to North Korea as possible from the south. The observatory often is the highlight of a Korea Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tour itinerary, and you’ll have the opportunity to observe parts of North Korea through high-powered binoculars, including the Kijong-dong “propaganda village” and the city of Kaesong.

Akihabara, also commonly known as “Electric Town,” is the go-to area in Tokyo for electronics—and a popular spot to immerse yourself in anime and manga culture. Packed with hundreds of shops that sell everything from standard computer parts to rare collectibles, it’s equally known for its manga-themed and maid cafés, video game arcades, and vending machines selling everything imaginable. Bring your otaku (computer-nerd) friends and experience Japanese pop culture for yourself.

Few markets combine colorful produce such as fresh fruit and flower bouquets with culture and tradition like the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. One of the largest and last remaining floating markets in Thailand, this market has entranced travelers and photographers the world over with its vivid scenes of vendors offering goods from long-tailed boats on the sleepy green Damnoen Saduak Canal.

Tanah Lot Temple is one of Indonesia’s most popular religious attractions. Commonly referred to as the “temple of the rock,” this temple off the coast of Bali is set upon a black-stone peninsula that juts into rippling waters. Incredible ocean views, clear mountain air, and a deep spiritual connection draw visitors to this unique sight.

India Gate is a 138-foot (42-meter) war memorial in the heart of New Delhi, reminiscent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Built in 1931 and designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, designer of most of New Delhi, it’s a must-visit photo stop on a Delhi tour.

With steaming volcanic hot springs and sulfur fields, Owakudani can feel like it’s on a different planet, instead of near enough to Tokyo to make it a popular day or overnight trip. The volcanic area was created when Mt. Hakone erupted around 3,000 years ago. Ride the Hakone Ropeway cable car to the Owakudani stop and follow a short, easy walking trail to see hot pools and steam vents.

Home to a 154-foot (47-meter) gold statue of the Hindu god, Lord Murugan, the Batu Caves—which are tucked into limestone hills—are a must-see for anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur. The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of four limestone caves—Temple Cave (or Cathedral Cave), Dark Cave, Cave Villa, and Ramayana Cave—which are famously frequented by long-tailed gray macaques.

With more than 100 shops, stalls, and vendors selling everything from fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood to tasty sweets and sushi takeaway, Nishiki Food Market is a wonderland of culinary delights. It's no surprise then that Kyoto’s biggest and most popular food market is a local institution and a popular attraction for traveling foodies.

Tokyo Skytree isn’t just the tallest tower in Japan; it’s also the highest tower of its kind in the world at 2,080 feet (634 meters)—more than double the height of the Eiffel Tower. Taking over from the Tokyo Tower as the city’s leading TV and radio broadcast transmitter, the Skytree also has two observation decks with spectacular views across Tokyo and to distant Mount Fuji.

While far from historic (it opened in 1989), Thean Hou Temple is one of Malaysia’s—and indeed southeast Asia’s—most important Chinese temples. Set atop a hill a little way outside the city center, the 6-tiered temple blends Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism in a tribute to the sea goddess Mazu and hosts a wealth of festivals.

Visit the ancient ruins of towers and temples on the emerald hills of Central Vietnam at the My Son Sanctuary (Mỹ Sơn), a unique cultural complex of brick and stone temples built by Hindu Cham kings between the 4th century and 13th century. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site makes an easy day trip from hotels in Hoi An or Da Nang.

Known locally as “Baby Taj,” the Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah is a gorgeous white structure that actually predates the larger and more famous Taj Mahal by a few years. It was the first Mughal building created entirely in marble, and its existence marks the transition from sandstone to marble in Mughal architecture.

Situated smack in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, on the road that runs between Jaipur and Amber Fort (Amer Fort), the 18th-century Jal Mahal (Water Palace) is a gorgeous red sandstone palace that’s accessible only by boat. Though currently closed to visitors, the dreamlike structure is still an incredible sight to behold from shore.

Located just south of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Imjingak Park serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Korean War and a yearning for peace and reunification between the two Koreas. The park is dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans separated from their families when the peninsula was divided, with various monuments, statues, and other points of interest throughout.

The Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace), was originally constructed in the late 19th century as a reception hall for foreign dignitaries. Today, this part of Jaipur’s City Palace houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, which showcases royal family artifacts including weaponry and regal garments.

Known as the Lotus Temple for its unusual, 9-sided floral shape, the Delhi Bahá'í House of Worship is one of the most visited architectural sites in the city, if not on the planet. Constructed entirely from white marble imported from Greece, this impressive structure stands in a 26-acre (10.5-hectare) garden featuring extensive landscaping and nine ponds.

Amid the lush islands and karst cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay; Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot) is one of the most memorable highlights. The bay’s largest cave earned its name for its startling natural scenery—a trio of immense caverns adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and karst formations.

Dating from the Ming Dynasty, Yuyuan Garden—or simply, Yu Garden—in the middle of the Old Town (Nanshi) Shanghai, is one of China’s best-preserved classical gardens. Covering an area of 5 acres (2 hectares), Yuyuan Garden is known for its beautiful scenery, elegant layout, and delightful pavilions, pagodas, pools, bridges, and rockeries.