Asia attractions

Check out the Buddhist temples hiding in the hills near Kanchanaburi, especially Khao Pun Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Pun), known as one of the best. Statues of the Buddha, Hindu deities, stalagmites, and stalactites all take residency in this impressive cave system.

Sunset brings strolling families to Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas Park, a 25-acre (10.2-hectare) riverfront green space in Bandar Seri Begawan, with views of the Kampong Ayer water village and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. It’s a great place to get a feel for local life whether you’re renting a 6-seat bicycle from on-site vendors, grazing nearby food stalls, or just catching an evening breeze off the water.

Formally known as Soniji Ki Nasiyan and often referred to simply as the "Ajmer Jain Temple," this 19th-century temple is dedicated to Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara (sage). Its key feature is a massive sculptural depiction of the city of Ayodhya gilded in brilliant and shining gold.

Though the tropical climes of the Caribbean are not something you’d usually associate with South Korea, the city of Yongin is home to Caribbean Bay, a water park and spa complex that seeks to recreate the laid-back vibes and water-based fun of the Caribbean.

One of over 500 temples in Prambanan Archaeological Park near Yogyakarta, Bubrah Temple (Candi Bubrah) dates to the ninth century. Its name means “destroyed,” but the restored structure reopened in 2017 and now stands 67 feet (20.5 meters) high. Bubrah Temple forms part of a Buddhist mandala group with Lumbung Temple and Sewu Temple.

India's largest amusement park, Essel World offers all sorts of rides for both children and adults, ranging from cute and gentle to intense and thrilling. The park is spread out over 64 acres (26 hectares), which it shares with a neighboring waterpark, Water Kingdom.

As well as serving as a center for marine research, Bang Saen Aquarium (Institute of Marine Science) is a creatively curated museum dedicated to underwater wonders. It’s split into three zones, where you can marvel at rock pools, watch films about the sea in a theater, see models of whales and sharks suspended from the ceiling, and more.

More than 500 temples adorn Prambanan Archaeological Park near Yogyakarta. Lumbung Temple (Candi Lumbung), a Buddhist temple complex, comprises one larger 9th-century temple with 16 surrounding smaller temples. It forms part of a group with Bubrah Temple and the substantial Sewu Temple complex.

The stained and moss-covered stone gate outside Bao Quoc Pagoda (Chua Bao Quoc) tells you you’re somewhere sacred—and ancient. Commissioned in 1670, this temple is the oldest in Hue, dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty. Though it’s undergone several renovations and distinct eras, it still signifies this ancient imperial city's beauty, mystery, and importance.

On Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture, the 3-tier Maryudo Falls drop 52 feet (16 meters) into the upper Urauchi River. While many of Iriomote’s waterfalls are difficult to reach, Maryudo Falls are easily accessible by boat and on foot. Set in the Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, visiting the falls is a must-do for nature lovers.

Nicolas G. Hayek Center is the 14-storey headquarters and flagship store of the Swatch Group Japan, where you can browse and buy its stylish watches. The building is an architectural wonder in itself, but also has plenty to explore inside, including boutiques dedicated to the group’s luxury watch brands—Omega, Longines, and Swatch. There’s also an exhibition hall and magnificent views from the top floor.

Enjoy a day at the beach—and endless waves—at Wave House Sentosa. Easily accessible from Singapore, the 70,000-square-foot (6,503-square-meter) beachfront complex located at Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island features a pool, wave rides, a surf shop, restaurant, two bars, and live music.

While Myanmar is one of the few places in Southeast Asia that still feels untouched by mass tourism, the Indein Village on the west banks of Inle Lake takes this seclusion to the next level. This tiny settlement is famous for hundreds of ancient pagodas, some of which have been painstakingly renovated and now glimmer gold, while others have been reclaimed by nature, which only adds to their appeal.

Located on Mt. Hokusei in Nakafurano, this small flower farm offers a hillside of lavender, marigold, sunflower, and salvia in the summer. The farm also features a chairlift—since it serves as a ski slope in the winter—that visitors can take to the top of the hill for views of the flower fields and the nearby mountains.

Boasting white sand and stunning views of the Son Tra Peninsula, Pham Van Dong Beach is Da Nang’s main beach; it’s hub of hotels, rooftop bars, watersports, and restaurants. Come to sunbathe and go parasailing over the ocean and stay to sip cocktails and sing karaoke at one of the many nightclubs with panoramic views of the city when it’s illuminated by night.

Asagiri Food Park, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, highlights the produce and other specialties grown and produced in the Fuji area. The park has a buffet restaurant, a milk factory, a sake (nihonshu) brewery, and a sweet potato shop, among other spots to complete the foodie experience with a view.

The Tomb of Wang Jian was the last resting place of 10th-century Chinese leader Wang Jian. Carved murals of musicians and dancers surround the bed where his coffin once rested and a statue of the man himself awaits in an adjoining chamber. The attraction is also known as Yong Ling, Yongling Museum, or Yongling Mausoleum.

A historical and architectural landmark, the Lukang Folk Arts Museum might be best-known for its looks. Primarily housed in a neo-baroque 1919 residence built by a Japanese architect, the museum opened in 1973. With sumptuous decorations and a wealth of Qing dynasty artifacts, it offers a view of turn-of-the-century Taiwanese life.

Ode to Art displays the works of contemporary artists from across the globe, representing mediums of sculpture, photography, painting and installation art. On any given day, you might see work from emerging Singaporean artists alongside the great works of Fernando Botero or Robert Indiana.

Ko Chang’s most popular waterfall, Klong Plu Waterfall tumbles down three tiers of rocks into a swimmable pool. But it’s not really the falls that are the star attraction here: It’s the fish. Freshwater critters, including tiny “doctor fish”, frequent the swimming hole’s clear waters. The doctor fish nibble on dead skin to deliver a natural pedicure.

Savor 360-degree views of Singapore while sipping a classic cocktail and listening to a local band or DJ. At 925 feet (282 meters) above sea level, 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar is the highest rooftop bar in Singapore and one of the highest alfresco bars in the world.

Also known as the Kakazu Takadai Park or Peace Park, this park in Ginowan marks the site of Kakazu Ridge, in memory of one of the bloodiest sieges of the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Visitors today will find a peaceful park and picnic spot, with views of the nearby airbase from an observatory on the hill.

Kitami once accounted for 70% of the worldwide mint production. Housed on the grounds of a former mint factory, the Kitami Mint Memorial Museum showcases the history of the mint industry in Hokkaido through videos and old equipment and includes a mint distillery hall where demonstrations and workshops are held.

Sea turtles have balanced marine ecosystems for around 100 million years, but humans threaten their continued existence. Bali’s Turtle Conservation and Education Center has been a hospital, hatchery, and information source since 2006. In season, travelers can pay to “adopt” a baby turtle and release it into the ocean.

Lush jungle backdrops the gold-topped mausoleum honoring a 15th-century sultan, Sharif Ali, which draws respectful crowds of locals as well as a few travelers. While there’s not all that much to do here, it’s a peaceful site and monkeys can often be spotted playing on the verdant grounds. Another handful of sultans are interred with their families in the nearby Royal Brunei Mausoleum.

The Kong Forest, or the Cemetery of Confucius (Kong Lin), is just north of Qufu. The thousands of gravestones and tombs here honor Confucius, his disciples, and his descendants—the Kongs. Their gravestones span the length of several dynasties. Confucius, the philosopher, educator, and politician, is revered by many as a profound thought leader bringing China into modern times.

The Cathedral Diocese of Can Tho (Nha Tho Chinh Toa Can Tho) in the city in the Mekong Delta is an active place of worship that serves local Catholics, but anyone can pay a visit to admire the architecture and peaceful ambience.

Go back more than 900 years on a visit to Bang An Tower, outside Hoi An. This Cham tower has a unique style with eight sides—unlike other Cham ruins from that period. It’s also known for resembling a Hindu lingam, which represents Shiva. There’s no mistaking this brick phallus shape for what it depicts.

The Norn Minakami Ski Resort is a ski field in the mountains of northern Gunma Prefecture. It’s suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and there’s a separate play area for families. It’s the closest ski resort to Tokyo, so it is a convenient place to experience snow sports close to the capital in the winter.

Rooted in Brunei’s age-old traditions, Kampong Sungai Bunga is a world away from the opulence of Bandar Seri Begawan. This modern water village features recently renovated houses on stilts, and offers insight into the unique water-based cultures of Brunei’s capital. You can only reach Kampong Sungai Bunga by boat, as it’s seven miles (11 kilometers) from the center.