Asia attractions

Bangkok’s Sky Bar is one of the highest rooftop bars in the world, and one of the most exclusive bars in the Thai capital. It’s located on the 63rd floor of the State Tower. For a special date, to celebrate an occasion, or just to enjoy a sophisticated evening with delicious drinks in an unforgettable location, the Sky Bar is a good option.

Dating back more than 1,200 years, Van Phuc Silk Village is undoubtedly the best-known and best-developed of Vietnam’s designated craft villages. More than 700 households here are involved in silk production, and more than 100 shops sell silk clothing and decorative items. Even if you’re not looking to buy, this is a great place to see how silk is produced.

Set about 15 miles (25 kilometers) southeast of Vientiane, Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) is a quirky giant sculpture garden devoted to Buddhist and Hindu mythology. Enormous cement statues, from reclining Buddhas to a giant pumpkin with a demon’s-head entrance, pay tribute to the outsider aesthetic of its creator, a Thai mystic.

Despite its lavish mosques and jungle-rich surrounds, Brunei is one of the least-visited countries in the world. The Royal Regalia Museum in the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan is dedicated to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has reigned over Brunei for more than five decades, and serves as a visual representation of the immense wealth of the sultanate.

One of five locally sacred ghats—steps down to a river—Kedar Ghat is among Varanasi's oldest and most visited ghats. With distinct red and white steps and a picturesque location on the banks of the Ganges River, Kedar is also home to the Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Varanasi.

The Princess Mother is what Thais call Srinagarindra, the mother of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. She passed away in 1995, and the Princess Mother Memorial Park was opened in her memory by her son, the king, in 1997. It contains a wealth of information on the influential and well-loved woman, and travelers interested in learning more about Thai history and culture will enjoy visiting.

Watching the sunrise over the Alishan National Scenic Area feels like being in a dream—thick white clouds cover the valley below and towering mountaintops look like tiny islands in an endless ocean. It’s worth visiting during the day too, with treetop boardwalks, forests, and temples making for incredible photos.

Built between 1868 and 1927 to serve as Sarawak’s center of government, Kuching Old Court House is a heritage complex of low buildings set around a central courtyard. It’s home to the Ranee Museum, tourist information offices, events and live music venues, plus several eateries: it’s officially known as the Sarawak Tourism Complex.

Soar to new heights on the Skyride chairlift, and then zoom down the Luge at Skyline Luge Singapore—both are part of the worldwide Skyline Luge family of attractions. Enjoy scenic views over Sentosa Island on the way up, and then descend down 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) across four different luge tracks.

One of nine classical Chinese gardens in Suzhou that share a UNESCO World Heritage listing, the Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin) takes its name from its fantastical rock formations, which many believe resemble dancing lions. With its tranquil pavilions, and tangled webs of pines, cypress, and rock, it feels like a sacred mountain.

The highest point in Kota Kinabalu, Signal Hill Observatory Platform, overlooks the sprawling capital of the Malaysian island of Borneo. From the sci-fi-style platform, you can see modern buildings, Likas Bay, and, on a clear day, the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, fringed by turquoise water. It’s also a prime sunset spot.

Formerly used to host the receptions and ceremonies of Vientamese emperors, Thai Hoa Palace dates back to 1805 and is notable for its lacquered columns. Plus, due to the palace’s innovative design, if you stand at the exact center of the courtyard you can hear whispers from anywhere in the building.

In a country rich in traditional crafts and designs, Bangkok’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA provides a space for the display and celebration of contemporary art. It displays permanent and temporary exhibits, mostly from Thai artists but with some international artists on display too. MOCA is a must-visit for art lovers, and anyone interested in Thai culture, society, and history.

One of Mumbai's largest markets, gritty and loud Chor Bazaar is packed to the brim with second-hand items, from old furniture to antique bric-a-brac. Its name translates to "thieves market" and according to a local running joke, anything you lose in Mumbai will eventually make its way here. Rest assured, though: Most of the goods aren't actually stolen.

Get a glimpse of traditional culture at Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, where Hong Kong’s bird lovers gather to socialize, shop, and show off their songbirds. Designed in the style of a traditional Chinese garden, the garden also features numerous stalls selling everything you need to take care of birds—including the birds themselves.

With its dreamy gilded stupa and soaring medieval brick spire, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is the most beautiful temple in Lamphun—and one of the most important temples in northern Thailand. Once part of a royal palace, it houses an ornate library alongside Buddha relics and images and hosts festivals and rituals.

The tallest building in South Korea, the Lotte World Tower stands a soaring 1,821 feet (555 meters), and houses an observatory, a hotel, offices, and even an art museum. You’ll also find the massive Lotte World Mall complex, where you can shop to your heart’s content, visit the aquarium, or catch a show at the music hall or cinema.

One of Japan’s largest and most storied castles, Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto-jo) was constructed by a feudal ruler more than four centuries ago. Comprising dozens of towers and structures across vast grounds, the landmark is best known for repelling Japan’s last great samurai rebellion. Though it suffered extensive earthquake damage in 2016, you can still explore select areas.

Located in southern Myanmar, Bago (formerly known as Hanthawaddy or Pegu) was an ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom. It’s known for its numerous Buddhist temples, pagodas, statues, and other ceremonial items, including one of the largest and oldest reclining Buddhas in the world, and the four back-to-back Buddhas guarding the city.

Sold around the globe, Chalong Bay Rum is Thailand’s best-known rum brand. At the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery in Phuket, travelers can go behind-the-scenes to discover how the facility uses centuries-old French distillation techniques to transform freshly pressed sugarcane into smooth white rum.

Qinghefang Ancient Street, the best-preserved historical street in Hangzhou, stretches 1,575 feet (480 meters). East of West Lake, it’s a great place to shop, dine, and appreciate classical architecture. A number of buildings are from the Ming (1380–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, and some of the shops date back hundreds of years.

Built in 1874 for Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior, the 400-room, European-inspired Jai Vilas Palace (Jai Vilas Mahal) epitomizes the opulence of India’s one-time princely rulers. Around 40 rooms of this magnificent palace are open to visitors, with the Scindia dynasty’s descendants still occupying other parts of the house.

Karol Bagh is a residential and commercial neighborhood of New Delhi that’s particularly well-known for its markets. One of Delhi’s earliest shopping hubs, today the area is crammed with shops selling everything from inexpensive clothing and cotton yarn to dusty second-hand books and gleaming golden wedding jewelry.

In a city dotted with golden Buddhist temples, Bangkok’s Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple is a colorful exception. It was founded in 1827 by Tamil immigrants from South India, and these days it’s the heart of the city’s Hindu community. Visit the temple to experience a different side of Bangkok’s religion and culture.

Situated in the Himalayan foothills above McLeod Ganj, Triund is a popular trekking destination for day hikers and overnight backpackers alike. Those who make the ascent 4–5 hours uphill are rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding forest and the peaks of the Dhauladhar range.

Bangkok is one of Asia’s most exciting capital cities, and there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained while in port. Bangkok Cruise Port (Laem Chabang) is a popular start or end destination for cruises to China, Singapore, and Southeast Asia, welcoming cruise liners from Viking, Windstar, and Silversea, among others.

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.

At 1,017 feet (310 meters), Dudhsagar Falls is among the tallest waterfalls in India. At the base of the four-tiered falls is a huge swimming area—that’s as as far as most travelers go. A railway bridge crosses right under the falls, and if you happen to visit when a train is passing by you're sure to get some great photos.

Sarawak’s oldest national park, Bako National Park packs a lot of action into just 10 square miles (27 square kilometers) of land. Seven different ecosystems, including rain forest and mangroves, are home to wildlife from long-nosed proboscis monkeys to orchids, carnivorous pitcher plants, bearded pigs, and mudskippers (“walking” fish).

As the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas, Gangtok has long drawn nature lovers and Buddhist pilgrims who come to seek blessings at the area’s many monasteries. The area is mainly known for hiking options, with plenty of easy day options and multi-day backpacking tours.