Asia attractions

Originally constructed in the 11th century, Do Temple (Den Do) in Dinh Bang Village is dedicated to the deities of the eight male kings of the Ly Dynasty. Known for its beautiful architecture, the temple was destroyed in 1952 by the French, and reconstructed in 1989 according to the original layout.

Also called the International Buddhist Museum, the World Buddhist Museum in Kandy is the world’s first museum dedicated to the international story of the religion. Located within Kandy’s UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth complex, its exhibits chart the history, art, and practices of Buddhism worldwide, from China to Sri Lanka.

Sunrise seekers and those looking for a quiet alternative to some of Havelock's busier beaches should consider a visit to Kalapathar Beach. This small, eastern-facing beach features a mix of powdery sand and large dark rocks, making it a particularly picturesque place to swim, sunbathe, or simply take in the scenery.

Nestled at the foot of Mandalay Hill, this grand wooden monastery is decorated with intricate carvings depicting Buddhist parables, animals, and flowers. Made entirely of teak, the building has been painstakingly reconstructed since it was engulfed in flames during World War II, and remains the only wooden structure in the Mandalay Royal Palace complex.

With spectacular views over limpid Dian Lake and the city of Kunming, Kunming Dragon Gate is an extraordinary network of tunnels, paths, gates, and shrines hacked out of a cliff face more than 200 years ago. Above and below it, the Dragon Gate scenic area offers tranquil temples and pavilions, plus hiking trails through shady trees.

An airy stilt house built from now-rare tropical hardwoods in 1920, Mrs. Bun Roeung’s Ancient House is one of a few traditional houses that still stand in Wat Kor village. Although it was damaged when used as a communal kitchen during the Khmer Rouge period, vintage and antique furnishings add to its charm.

The largest of the Yaeyama Island group in the East China Sea, Iriomote Island (Iriomote-jima appeals to visitors with its lush jungle and mangrove forest, the home of the rare Iriomote wildcat. The whole island is a designated national park and offers opportunities for kayaking and trekking through its unspoiled landscape.

Occupying a regal position beside Istana Nurul Iman (the palace of the Sultan of Brunei), Damuan Recreational Park is an outdoor space featuring exercise areas and six ASEAN sculptures, which are scattered among the tropical flora that the island of Borneo is so famous for.

The MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys) Museum of Toys opened in 2006 as the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to toys and children’s memorabilia. The private museum is owned by Mr. Chang Yang Fa, a citizen of Singapore and passionate collector of toys.

Eastern Tokyo’s Shibamata neighborhood retains an old-fashioned, traditional charm, in a city dominated by sleek skyscrapers and flashing neon. At its heart is the Shibamata Taishakuten Temple, famous for its wooden carvings similar to those at Nikko’s UNESCO–listed Toshogu Shrine. The neighborhood is also home to a handful of other attractions, so it’s worth making the trip from central Tokyo.

On an island already known for its natural beauty, Da Ban Stream (Suoi Da Ban) is a Phu Quoc highlight. Perhaps more helpfully known as Dan Ban Spring—after all, many travelers come here to play in the pools—Da Ban offers a quiet respite in a spectacular slice of Mother Nature, with wildlife viewing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, and more.

Daming Lake, continuously fed by natural springs, is one of Jinan’s most defining landmarks. The city’s largest lake, with Lixia Pavilion in its center, is surrounded by willow trees. Over centuries, Daming Lake has been the inspiration for authors, artists, poets, and scholars. Invite inspiration as you wander among temples, pavilions, gardens, and scenic bridges.

Most people visit Aso—a town in the middle of a volcanic caldera—for the natural attractions. But for anyone seeking a dose of culture and history, the ancient Aso Shrine (Aso-jinja) is a must-visit. The origins of this Shinto place of worship are believed to date back about 2,000 years, although much of the current complex is new.

Up until 1909, there wasn’t a permanent bridge across the massive Yellow River, but rather a system of unstable rafts tied together. With the help of a German businessman and imported materials for construction, the Zhongshan Bridge (Yellow River Iron Bridge) was built. It makes an impressive backdrop for photos, and is well worth a visit when you’re in Lanzhou.

In a city better known for its beaches—and its Chinese casinos and high-rise development—Sihanoukville’s Wat Leu Temple is a peaceful Buddhist enclave. Set atop a forest-covered hill with sweeping views over the city, Wat Leu is especially good to visit around sunset. Visitors can also admire the ornate exterior and the colorful Theravada Buddhist murals inside.

Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, part of Aomori Public University, is an architecturally innovative space for making and appreciating art. Designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando and opened in 2001, the center is set within woodland and follows the concept of unseen architecture, blending into the environment. Art and architecture-loving travelers will enjoy visiting this serene place.

Among Hampi's best-preserved historical sites is its Elephant Stables, a long dome-topped structure that was originally used to house elephants during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. Most of the elephants housed here appeared in regal processions and military parades.

Formally known as the Raja Hamidah Grand Mosque of Batam, Batam Grand Mosque (Masjid Agung Batam) is a contemporary religious landmark. Completely transformed after a renovation in 2022–2024, the airy structure has space for an impressive 10,000 worshippers as well as community activities, with green spaces also set to open.

If you’ve been in Vietnam long enough to have eaten one meal, you’ve probably eaten rice noodles. At Can Tho’s Sau Hoai Rice Noodle Factory, you can see how this Vietnamese favorite is made by hand, then dried in the sun on straw mats. It’s a popular fixture on many Mekong Delta tours that visit Can Tho, and provides a fun and educational experience.

Located on the nature-shrouded mangrove island of Pulau Luba, Makam di Luba is home to the mausoleum of Sultan Husin Kamaluddin—the 16th sultan of Brunei and a significant figure in the small Asian country’s history. The golden-dome-topped memorial is a peaceful place to reflect and soak up the natural beauty that Borneo is so famous for.

Perched on a hilltop high above Gorkha town in central Nepal, Gorakhnath Temple offers wonderful views of the Himalayas on a clear day. The red-brick, slate-roofed building is also a fine example of Nepali architecture, and visitors who have spent any time in Kathmandu may recognize the ethnic Newari artisanship in its intricately carved screens, doors, and window frames.

Curving stone walls and foundations make up the remains of this ancient UNESCO-listed Ryukyu castle, one of Okinawa's oldest historic sites. Climb the steep hill, read information plaques for the lowdown on Lord Amawari and the castle, and soak up fine ocean views all around.

Walking paths wind past lakes, playgrounds, landscaped gardens, and recreational areas within 247-acre (100-hectare) Yuexiu Park (Yuexiu Gongyuan) at the heart of Guangzhou. The park’s most recognizable landmark, the Five Ram Statue, depicts the five immortals who legend says came on the back of rams to deliver grain and prosperity to the starving people.

The Shanti Stupa in Leh is a pointed white dome on a rocky hill behind Ladakh; you can see it from many parts of the popular Changspa neighborhood. It’s not centuries-old like many of Ladakh’s Buddhist sites, but it’s a must-visit attraction for the views across Leh and the mountains beyond.

The Akbari Fort is a 16th-century fort housing the Rajputana Museum. It's also known as Ajmer Fort or the Government Museum of Ajmer. It was established in 1908 to display collections of coins, religious sculptures, miniature art, and arms, much of which came from excavation sites.

The Imperial Vault of Heaven, one of three main structures of the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven, is a top Beijing attraction. Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1530 and rebuilt in 1752, the Imperial Vault of Heaven once housed the tablets of the emperors’ ancestors, used in rituals and ceremonies, and the tablet of the God of Heaven.

Travelers in North India will probably have seen a few of Akbar the Great’s grand designs before they reach Prayagraj (Allahabad), including Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. If you’re passing through Prayagraj, add 16th-century Allahabad Fort to your list. Although largely dismantled now, the solid riverside walls hint at its past as the largest of Akbar’s constructions.

With a history dating back to 686 AD, Kaiyuan Temple is Fujian’s biggest Buddhist temple and is inscribed on Quanzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage listing. Ancient trees enfold twin stone pagodas, which are symbols of the city; the main hall incorporates stonework from a Hindu shrine; and a museum houses the hull of a medieval junk that sank off Quanzhou.

Miaoying Temple (Miaoying Si, White Stupa Temple, or White Dagoba Temple) features a famous white dagoba, or stupa, that towers 167 feet (51 meters) over the neighboring hutongs in Beijing’s Xicheng District. Although the present temple was built in the Ming Dynasty, the stupa itself dates from the late 1200s and is the oldest and tallest such structure in China.

Head into the mountains surrounded by lush scenery as you drive along National Road 6, then stop at the Thung Khe Pass for extraordinary views of Hoa Binh province’s Mai Chau. It’s about 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) high, where misty clouds often roll in. It’s a magical, enchanting sight, and well worth the drive.