Asia attractions

A quintessential Hong Kong experience, the iconic Star Ferry has been transporting locals and visitors between HK Island and Kowloon since 1888. Riding the ferry provides the most scenic views of Victoria Harbour, one of the most photographed waterfront areas in the world.

The Noryangjin Fish Market, one of the largest seafood markets in Korea, has been in operation since 1927. On any given day, you’ll see vendors selling more than 800 varieties of seafood, both retail and wholesale. It’s the place to go, to sample the freshest Korean seafood, prepared traditionally right in the market.

In the heart of downtown Ulaanbaatar, the National Museum of Mongolia is an informative museum with a focus on the nation’s history and culture. The 60,000-piece collection covers Mongolia’s past, from the Stone Age to the 1990 democratic revolution. Highlights include ancient treasure, shamanic costumes, and armor, though many artifacts have moved to the new Chinggis Khaan National Museum.

The first whisky distillery in Taiwan, Kavalan Whisky Distillery has earned a number of international awards for its single malts. Founded in 2005 and open to visitors since 2008, the distillery is located in Yilan, southeast of Taipei, and now produces dozens of world-class single malts, as well as its own gin.

The Da Nang city outpost of the popular Vietnamese theme-park group, Sun World Danang Wonders sprawls along the Han River. The theme park features rides such as roller coasters, carousels, drop towers, and a giant fairground wheel, while the cultural park highlights Asian architecture through scale models of famous buildings.

First settled by the Spanish during the 16th century, Manila Chinatown in Binondo is one of the world’s older Chinatowns. It centers on Ongpin Street, where stores offer mooncakes, incense, paper money, herbal medicines, and tasty dumplings. Buddhist temples and towering gates add extra color to the Chinese area of Binondo.

Housed in a futuristic glass structure in Pudong, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (SSTM) comprises four theaters and more than a dozen exhibition halls focusing on robotics, space travel, natural history, and more. With hands-on and immersive displays, this museum offers a fun and educational day out for the whole family.

Located in Yau Ma Tei, the Jade Market houses hundreds of stalls selling jade in all shapes and sizes, including jewelry, souvenirs, accessories, figurines, knickknacks, and more. In addition to jade, vendors sell pearls and semiprecious stones, as well as calligraphy and letter-writing services.

One of Langkawi’s top natural attractions, Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh Waterfall) is a scenic series of rock pools set atop a towering waterfall in the middle of the jungle. The waterfall itself drops around 295 feet (90 meters) through the forest, while monkeys add local color even when water is short. Sweeping views stretch across the island.

Situated on a busy road at the border of Central and South Delhi, this temple is dedicated not to a deity but to Shirdi Sai Baba, a 19th-century saint who was renowned for teaching compassion, charity, and pluralism. He's one of the most revered saints in Hinduism today, and his temple is one of the busiest in this part of town.

Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, founded in 1898 by Swami Vivekananda. It features architectural elements borrowed from Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism, a nod to the mission’s beliefs in interfaith unity. Depending on your vantage point, Belur Math can resemble a church, mosque, or temple.

Splash Jungle Water Park's exhilarating rides–including Boomerango and the Superbowl–and the six-level wave pool attract hundreds of visitors to this coastal Phuket destination every day. Themed rides give a nod to the ancient Mayans, lush landscapes of Turkey, old-world architecture of Northern Europe, and the culture and colors of Africa.

One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Okayama Korakuen Garden was built over more than 13 years in the late 17th century. Today, the garden is a protected public park. It retains its original appearance with traditional plum and cherry orchards, wooden footbridges, and rare red-crowned crane habitats despite extensive restorations after World War II.

Standing on the banks of the Thu Bon River is Phung HungAncient House, a historic Hoi An landmark that has housed more than eight generations of Vietnamese families. Among the most famous architecture in the city, the 18th-century house combines Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences and once functioned as a spice-and-handicraft shop.

Jakarta’s best-known street market, Jalan Surabaya Flea Market (Pasar Jalan Surabaya) offers a cornucopia of choice, from factory-made junk and (generally) fake antiques to vintage finds. Head here for everything from textiles to jewelry, furniture, old coins, ship salvage, rare vinyls, old typewriters, and ancient cameras.

Set just 14 miles (22 kilometers) outside the Sarawak state capital of Kuching, the sandstone mountains of Kubah National Park offer some of the best day trekking and plant-spotting opportunities in the region. Swim in natural pools below waterfalls or hike along nature trails frequented by bearded pigs and pheasants.

One of the largest zoos in Asia, Taipei Zoo—also known as Muzha Zoo—features a wide variety of animals from around the world and those that are native to Taiwan. A popular attraction for locals and visitors alike, Taipei Zoo is also a leader in wildlife and ecological research, education, and conservation.

Said to date back to the Iron Age more than 2,000 years ago, the enigmatic Plain of Jars in northeast Laos has fascinated historians and archaeologists—the jars are said to have been used to store either rice wine or human remains. Scattered across the landscapes surrounding the town of Phonsavan, the mysterious stone urns cover a vast expanse of terrain.

Located southwest of Langkawi, Pulau Singa Besar (or “Big Lion Island”) is an unspoiled tropical paradise of sandy beaches. Spanning 1,572 acres (636 hectares) of sandy beach, lush jungle, and jagged limestone, the wildlife sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including macaques, mouse deer, hornbills, peacocks, lizards, and eagles.

Founded in 1908, the Red House is an iconic cultural landmarks in Taipei. Originally built to serve as Taipei’s first public market, the 2-story, red brick building is now a multifunctional cultural center, complete with creative studios and boutiques, event and performance spaces, and a teahouse.

Pose beside the likes of Beyonce, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and Bruce Lee at Madame Tussauds Singapore—a waxwork museum with a theme park soul. As well rubbing shoulders with celebrities, you can experience Marvel in 4D at a virtual reality cinema and capture the Spirit of Singapore on a boat ride that reveals different faces of the city.

Dating back to 1785, Mahalakshmi Temple is among Mumbai's most popular Hindu places of worship, attracting pilgrims from around the world. While it's at its busiest during the annual nine-day celebration Navratri, dedicated to the goddess, a visit any time of year will give you a good introduction to Hindu beliefs and prayer.

The Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi is the country’s premier art museum. A well-curated and exhibited permanent collection of over 2,000 items, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lacquerwork, and temporary exhibits, trace the development of Vietnamese art from prehistoric times to the 21st century.

Though only a 10-minute boat ride from the bustle of Patong, Freedom Beach feels like a remote island. Known as Hidden Beach, the white sands of Freedom Beach offer a far quieter alternative to Phuket’s other beaches. Forested hills, palm trees, and translucent waters provide a scenic backdrop to the sands.

Considered one of Kolkata’s most important Jain temples, the Pareshnath Temple is also one of the city’s most extravagant. Composed of four temples located in ornamental gardens, the complex is dedicated to Pareshnath, a Jain tirthankar (spiritual teacher), and attracts thousands of Jain followers and non-Jain visitors each year.

The historic buildings that make up Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets are home to a world-class collection. Inside are more than 7,000 masks and puppets from all over Indonesia and the globe. Everything from Papuan grass costumes to Javanese wayang puppets are on display, alongside masks from Japan, Africa, Venice, and beyond.

Osaka’s Tempozan Ferris Wheel soars 369 feet (112 meters into the air—and with a diameter of 330 feet (100 meters—it’s one of the world's largest Ferris wheels. The wheel takes riders on a 15-minute-long journey through the sky, offering views of the city, bay, and mountains in the distance.

The pièce de résistance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fatehpur Sikri, a carefully preserved former Mughal capital established by emperor Akbar in 1570, Diwan-I-Khas (which translates to the "Hall of Private Audiences") is a beautiful red sandstone structure. It was once adorned with murals and Persian poetry, but today only traces remain.

Sapporo’s sweet-themed Shiroi Koibito Park is dedicated to Hokkaido’s most-loved confection, the Shiroi Koibito cookie, which consists of milk or white chocolate sandwiched between two butter biscuits. The park, operated by the cookie manufacturer, offers visitors a taste of what makes Shiroi Koibito so special.

With red sands and rocky headlands in the distance, the twin beaches of Candolim and Sinquerim provide a relaxing alternative to some of the busier beaches just north. Candolim and Sinquerim Beaches are frequented by travelers staying at upscale hotels nearby, though many visitors make special a trip out to explore the beachfront at Fort Aguada.