Asia attractions

Built in 1946 following the conclusion of World War II, Kranji War Memorial commemorates the SIngaporean and allied soldiers who fought and died protecting Malaysia and Singapore from invading Japanese forces. The site includes a cemetery with some 4,400 headstones and a memorial with names of 24,000 more servicemen.

London isn’t the only place in the world where Harry Potter fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of their favorite movies. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo transports you into the wizarding world of the film franchise with exhibits and recreated film sets featuring Platform 9 3/4, Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, the Forbidden Forest, and more.

Experience Nha Trang’s famous mud baths at a reasonable rate at Thap Ba Hot Springs, a relaxing spa that gives you the chance to soak in baths filled with mud with alleged healing properties. The site is also home to several mineral-water swimming pools, a sauna, and a waterfall.

With a collection that includes everything from dinosaur bones to Japanese fighter planes, the National Museum of Nature and Science has something for all tastes and age groups. The Japan Gallery looks at the biodiversity and cultural history of the Japanese Archipelago. The Global Gallery has a large collection of taxidermy animals, a hands-on physics gallery with scientific games and challenges, and the ever-popular dinosaur bones exhibits.

Located in Shatin, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is built as a traditional siheyuan house. The museum focuses on the art, history, and culture of the New Territories and Hong Kong, with a particular focus on art, Cantonese opera, popular culture, and cultural heritage.

Ranked among the world’s largest bird sanctuaries, the Jurong Bird Park is home to an astounding 5,000 birds representing 400 avian species. Each habitat is designed to mirror a naturalistic environment. Walk through the Waterfall Aviary—the world’s largest walk-in aviary—or meet colorful Australian lories in the 9-story Lory Loft. You can observe toucans and parrots from the South American tropics inside Jungle Jewels; watch penguins glide through the water at Penguin Coast; or see the world’s most comprehensive collection of pelican species at Pelican Cove. Guests can witness birds’ behaviors during a live show, and kids can cool off at the Birdz of Play splash zone.

Situated next to the walled city of Intramuros, historical Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia and covers 140 acres (58 hectares). With lawns, gardens, walkways, ponds, museums, an observatory, a concert hall, and more, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Manila for locals and visitors alike.

Osaka's Tennoji Zoo is home to over 1,500 creatures spanning 300 different species from across the globe, from elephants and big cats to pandas and koalas. The 27-acre (11-hectare) zoo features naturalistic habitats designed to replicate the world’s diverse ecosystems.

At this fun historical theme park, visitors can see and experience what life was like in Japan during the Edo period, between 1603 and 1868. Edo Wonderland is a replica of an Edo-period town, where every detail convinces visitors that they’ve stepped back in time. History buffs, families, and anyone seeking a fun and informative activity will enjoy Edo Wonderland.

Situated on the banks of the Mandovi River, this scenic fort was built by the Portuguese in 1551 to protect the Mandovi estuary, and was reconstructed in 1707. It was abandoned for much of the 19th and 20th centuries before being turned into a prison. It was later restored and turned into the tourist attraction that it is today.

Located in Tokyo’s Roppongi area, the National Art Center Tokyo (NACT) is housed in a sleek and innovative building that features undulating blue-glass walls. The museum uses its extensive space—among the largest in Japan—to showcase regularly changing exhibitions. It also houses an art library, hosts educational programs, and has several eateries, including a high-end French brasserie.

A monument to eternal love, the Temple of Leah is sometimes known as Cebu’s Taj Mahal. Built by Teodorico Soriano Adarna, a wealthy local businessman, to honor his wife of more than 50 years who died of lung cancer in 2012, the classically styled edifice houses Leah’s collection of art, vases, and more, as well as the Ristorante Teodorico eatery.

One of several Instagram-famous waterfalls in the Ubud area, Kanto Lampo Waterfall tumbles over a toppling stack of dark rock tiers into a small river in a series of photogenic cascades. Scrambling up the rocks to pose among the slender streams can create spectacular shots and reels that look like you have the falls entirely to yourself.

Leading directly to Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower), one of Seoul’s most enduring landmarks, the Namsan Cable Car is a must for travelers visiting Seoul for the first time. Cable cars run from morning to night, and their glass cabins provide 360-degree vistas of Seoul’s sprawling cityscape and the mountains of Bukhansan National Park.

It’s hard to miss St. Dominic's Church (Igreja de São Domingos), with its pastel yellow façade. The church was established by three Dominican priests in 1587, though the current building dates from the 17th century. A popular attraction with a colorful past, the church forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Macau.

Covering 8 acres (3 hectares) of downtown Hua Hin, Vana Nava Water Jungle is one of Thailand’s largest water parks. In addition to around 20 slides and rides, some of which will thrill even adults, the park has a kids’ zone, food options, massage stations, and retail outlets. The adventure area features a ropes course, surf simulator, and climbing wall.

Mt. Fansipan is one of the highest peaks in Indochina at 10,212 feet (3,143 meters). It’s part of Vietnam’s Hoang Lien Son Range. Climbers undertake a challenging task, and since the weather changes, there’s usually some mist or cloud cover along the way. But, no matter what the weather is like, there are always options for some dramatic photos along the way.

Just a short boat ride from the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island (Pulau Gaya) is home to diverse people, landscapes, and history. It’s one of five islands that comprise Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a protected marine reserve, and is renowned for its crystal blue waters, inland rain forests, and luxe hotels—all within easy reach of Sabah’s capital.

The pond within Inokashira Park was the first water source for the city of Edo, which today is Tokyo. One of the city’s most utilized green spaces, the park is particularly lovely in prime cherry-blossom viewing and leaf-peeping seasons. Inokashira also houses the famous Ghibli Museum, dedicated to the Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli, plus a zoo and an aquarium, making it a fun family destination.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is the place to witness water puppetry, a beloved and almost ancient art form. Long ago, Vietnamese puppeteers performed for their rural communities in waist-deep water, and today the tradition lives on—only now, in a classic, comfortable venue built for a night on the town.

The Dam Sen Water Park (Công Viên Nước Đầm Sen) is a fun place to spend a few hours when the weather’s hot in Ho Chi Minh City, which is most of the time! Kids in particular will love the waterslides, wave pool, and watery rides. There are landscaped gardens, lounge chairs, and food outlets to keep parents happy, too.

Akasaka Palace—the only neo-baroque building in Japan—was built in 1909 as the Crown Prince of Japan’s residence, but was remodeled and reopened as the State Guest House in 1974. As a result, many important international guests have stayed here, and continue to do so, but the central Tokyo palace is also open to visitors when dignitaries aren’t in residence. The grandiose French-style architecture contrasts with much of central Tokyo, making this a fascinating place to visit.

Just a short trip south of Taipei, the green, mountainous district of Wulai is a destination for its scenery and its history. An important center of Atayal Indigenous culture, the region also offers ample opportunity for relaxing in the great outdoors, from its many hot springs to the Wulai Falls and companion cable car.

One of Hanoi’s most vibrant, colorful, cheerful attractions, the Quang Ba Flower Market is a can’t-miss—unless you need your sleep. Believe it or not, the market goes from roughly 10pm to 6am, winding down after sunrise. If you can get here, bring your camera, bring your haggling skills, and bring your appreciation for all things bright and beautiful.

Toyosu Fish Market is one of the largest wholesale fish markets in the world. Having replaced the famed Tsukiji Fish Market, today’s site consists of three interconnected buildings on Tokyo Bay, featuring stalls selling wholesale fish, fruit, and vegetables. Toyosu is the place to witness lively early-morning tuna auctions and taste some of the freshest seafood in Japan at its on-site restaurants.

Auroville was birthed in the late 1960s by Mirra Alfassa, known to her followers as “The Mother,” as a global township in which people from across the world could live in harmony. Today, the UNESCO-recognized project has a population of over 2,000 people from dozens of countries, including many second- and third-generation Aurovillians.

Kasai Rinkai Park is a family-friendly green space dedicated to conservation and protecting Tokyo Bay’s natural habitat. Here, you can enjoy bird-watching, have a relaxing picnic, or ride the park’s popular Ferris Wheel for panoramic views. Unlike most of Tokyo, the park also offers access to the seashore, making it a rare spot to stroll along the water, take in city views, and relax in its peaceful natural surroundings.

Featuring works from American and European luminaries, such as El Greco, Picasso, Modigliani, Pollock, and Warhol, the Ohara is Japan's first museum of Western art. More than a typical art museum, its collections aim to bridge Western and Japanese aesthetics, mixing Western art with Japanese paintings, woodcuts, pottery, and works from the Mingei Folk Craft Movement.

Spend an evening watching Thailand’s national sport—Muay Thai, aka Thai kickboxing—at Thapae Stadium, one of the top spots in Chiang Mai to catch a few matches. Nearly every day of the week, the stadium puts on several show fights and traditional matches featuring a range of fighters, both men and women.

Chiang Mai’s original 3D art museum, Art in Paradise Chiang Mai, features different categories of optical illusion artwork designed by South Korean artists. The illustrations are interactive, designed for visitors to “step inside” them and feel like a part of the art. In addition to Thai and Lanna, Art in Paradise offers underwater, zoo, dinosaurs, surrealism, classic artwork, and Egyptian categories.