Asia attractions

When Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm opened in 1986 as the Penang Butterfly Farm, it was the first facility of its kind anywhere in the tropics. This living museum showcases more than 15,000 rare, endangered, and indigenous butterflies and dragonflies representing some 120 species alongside 200 species of plants. A multistory indoor discovery center known as the Cocoon lets visitors explore the world of invertebrates through a series of hands-on exhibits and activities. Entopia doubles as a research and conservation center for butterflies, insects, and their habitats.

A former temple, Haw Phra Kaew (Ho Phra Keo) is Laos’ leading museum of religious art. It takes its name from the Phra Keo (Emerald Buddha), a statue carved from a single piece of jade that is now preserved in Bangkok. The grounds of the former temple, originally built in 1565, are also beautiful.

If you’ve ever wanted to see the world in an hour or two, you can do it at Window of the World in Shenzhen. This theme park features 130 miniature replicas of the planet’s most famous cultural and natural landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pyramids of Giza, Sydney Opera House, Niagara Falls, Matterhorn Mountain, and more.

St. John’s Cathedral is the oldest standing Anglican church in Hong Kong, completed in 1849. Gothic in style, it’s built in the shape of a cross and features lancet arches and stained glass windows. The cathedral offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong in the heart of Central.

Maze Cave (Hang Mê Cung or Động Mê Cung in Viatnamese) stands out among the many caves of Halong Bay for more than just its beauty—it’s also an important archaeological site where significant prehistoric remains have been found that date back as far as 7,000 to 10,000 years. It is occasionally called "Bewitching Grotto".

The Chaukhandi Stupa is an important Buddhist stupa originally built as a terraced temple to mark the place where the Buddha and his first disciples met when traveling from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. The stupa stands amid beautifully maintained gardens and serves as the gateway to the Buddhist city of Sarnath.

Bali’s answer to Cirque du Soleil, the Devdan Show is an extravaganza of music, acrobatics, dance, sound, and light that takes you on a journey through some of Indonesia’s most colorful islands. Crafted around the tale of two children traveling across the archipelago, it features everything from Papuan dance to corde lisse (aerial rope).

The inverted scarlet pyramid that towers over Pudong isn’t just an icon of Shanghai. It’s home to one of Asia’s largest art museums, including works previously housed at the Shanghai Art Museum. Spread across several huge floors, the China Art Palace tells the story of the rise of modern art in Shanghai and hosts world-class exhibitions.

Situated within Chiang Dao National Park, the 6-mile-long (10-kilometer-long) Chiang Dao Caves system penetrating Thailand’s third-highest peak ranks among the most spectacular in the country. Impressive stalagmites and stalactites grow from the ceilings and floors of the five interconnected caves, along with other limestone and crystal formations.

Eighty stone pagodas defy gravity around the grounds of Tapsa Temple, a secluded Buddhist temple on the slopes of Maisan Mountain near Jeonju. These stone towers, including the 44-foot (13.5-meter) high Cheonjitap tower, are believed to have been built by one lone scholar—a feat that piques many visitor's interests.

Home to more than 450 species spread across nine different zones, from the deep ocean to China, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (SOA) is one of Asia’s largest aquariums and the country’s best. Expect to see everything from jellyfish and sharks to Yangtze alligators, Humboldt penguins, and giant stingrays—as well as one of the world’s longest aquarium tunnels.

Once the sun sets, the Shilin district comes alive with hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs and Taiwanese fare. As the most famous of Taipei’s night markets, Shilin Night Market draws large crowds of adventurous eaters, who want to be the first in line to try delicacies such as stinky tofu and braised pork intestines.

Ubin Island is a granite island off the northwest of Singapore island, in the Straits of Johor, between Singapore and Malaysia. The spot—full of lush forest, hiking and cycling trails, and traditional wooden buildings—is a popular retreat for locals and offers a glimpse into what Singapore was like before its extensive development.

Step inside the world’s largest glass greenhouse and into perpetual spring at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Containing more than 130,000 plants from five continents, and flower displays that change on a seasonal basis, the 2.9-acre (1.2-hectare) conservatory emulates the cool and dry climate of the Mediterranean.

Arguably the most recognizable gate of the UNESCO-listed Hue Citadel (Da Noi,) Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon) is one of five entrances that were used only by emperors. Follow in the footsteps of Vietnamese royalty as you walk beneath the 17-foot (5-meter) arch and admire the yellow tiles that adorn the roof.

The Nakasendo Way is an ancient 331-mile (534-kilometer trail connecting Kyoto and Tokyo that was once frequented by samurai and traders. These days, a shorter 5-mile (8-kilometer walking trail connecting the villages of Tsumago and Magome, through the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture, is a popular day hike. This shorter section offers visitors an opportunity to experience history, culture, and beautiful nature on an easy hike.

The Danjo Garan is the central temple complex of Japan's sacred Mt. Koya temple town. The UNESCO World Heritage site is comprised of about 20 buildings, including several temples, the ceremonial Kondo Hall, and the Great Stupa (Konpon Daito)—a 160-foot (49-meter) vermilion pagoda housing a mandala and five statues of the seated Buddha.

At the West Sea Grand Canyon (Xihai Grand Canyon, a network of steep steps leads travelers through ever-changing landscapes of pine forests and rocky crags, offering incredible views over Xihai. The scenic area offers some of the best scenery on the already scenic Yellow Mountain (Huangshan.

SItuated in the Western Ghats, and within day-tripping distance of Mumbai, the Bhaja Caves is a series of 22 rock-hewn cave structures dating back to the 2nd century BC. They're worth visiting for their beautifully carved prayer halls, stupas, and relics, along with their depictions of scenes from Indian mythology.

Across from the New Delhi Railway Station, Paharganj is known for its low-cost accommodations, restaurants, and shopping opportunities, and has long been a popular hangout with budget travelers from abroad. Even if you aren’t staying here, it’s a good place to pick up souvenirs such as scarves, incense, and essential oils.

Explore the charming neighborhood of Tiong Bahru, where old-world charm blends seamlessly with modern vibes. This historic district is famed for its mix of art deco architecture, indie boutiques, authentic cuisine, and vibrant street art. Located just outside the city center, it captures the essence of Singapore's cultural evolution.

The Manakamana Temple, in Nepal’s Gorkha district, is a major pilgrimage destination for Nepali and Indian Hindus. Travelers will find the temple itself interesting, but the major attraction is taking the long, scenic cable car ride from Kurintar, across the Trisuli River, and over the forest and farmland of the Himalayan foothills up to the hill-top temple. Plus, on a clear day, the views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks are dramatic.

The Hong Kong skyline glints with thousands of high-rises, and it's one of the top attractions in the city. The iconic skyscrapers inhabit both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and are visible day or night. Nighttime views are most popular, however, as that's when buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbor light up.

Every night at 8pm, Hong Kong puts on a free spectacular light show, highlighting the skyscrapers lining both sides of Victoria Harbour. Named by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent light and sound show in the world, A Symphony of Lights includes more than 40 of Hong Kong’s key buildings in its spectacle of laser beams, colored lights, searchlights, and synchronized music.

Sarojini Nagar Market is one of South Delhi’s most popular markets, predominantly specializing in factory seconds of export brand names at extremely low prices. Discount Western-style clothes aren’t the only thing on offer either, with home furnishings, bags, footwear, jewelry, and accessories rounding out the selection.

A mangrove-clad islet in Komodo National Park, Kalong Island (Pulau Kalong) is formally known as Koaba Island. But everyone apart from mapmakers calls it Kalong Island (Fruit Bat Island) because of its star attraction: a colony of flying foxes, which clouds the sky at sunset as the huge fruit bats take wing for nearby Flores in search of their evening meal.

See hyper-realistic wax models of your favorite stars—plus a collection of local celebrities—at Madame Tussauds in Bangkok.

Visitors come from throughout Asia and the world to soak in the healing waters of Taiwan’s natural hot springs. One of the most famous collections of natural volcanic hot springs are clustered in the Beitou District of Taipei in an area known as Hell Valley. The sulfurous mist gives the area an otherworldly vibe.

One of Southeast Asia’s biggest aquariums, SEA LIFE® Bangkok Ocean World is home to more than 400 marine and freshwater species, from tropical fish to otters. Visitors can explore the interactive themed areas, including a Shark Walk and penguin-filled Antarctic zone, and enjoy family-friendly marine activities and 4D movies.

Daria Daulat Bagh was built in 1784 in honor of Tipu Sultan's military victory over the British. This elegant palace, built almost entirely from fine teakwood, is an earlier example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which features a blend of Indian, Islamic, and European elements.