Asia is a mosaic of peoples, cultures and religions. It’s not easy to know where to go. If you’re planning a road-trip, we suggest a few must-see destinations.
Discover the 12 most beautiful places in Asia.
1. Angkor temples in Cambodia
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, these ruins attract over a million visitors a year, making them Cambodia’s main tourist attraction. The trees have taken over. South Asia has no shortage of temples, but few are as memorable as Angkor Wat. Dating back to the 12th century, this temple houses the world’s largest religious edifice, which is still very active today with Buddhists and people of all faiths.
2. The Bagan Stuppas in Myanmar, Burma
Bagan is the world’s largest Buddhist temple center, with hundreds of pagodas and stupas concentrated here. The site impresses with its richness and scale, and is often compared to Angkor.
More generally, in Burma, the 2,500-year-old Buddhist sanctuary of the Shwedagon pagoda, Aung San Suu Kyi’s residence and the national museum are already must-sees. The nearby Ngwe Saung beach is also one of the best and most unspoilt in South Asia.
3. The rice fields of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia
Between rainforest and steep ravines, in the center of the island of Bali, the province of Ubud is considered the center of the island’s cultural and artistic tourism. Dams, diverted rivers, hillside terraces… This region is home to many panoramic views of sublime rice paddies, amid dense jungle and lush greenery.
4. The Candi Borobudur temple on the island of Java in Indonesia
Borobudur temple is one of the world’s greatest Buddhist monuments. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries, it is located in central Java, Indonesia.
5. Java’s Bromo Volcano in Indonesia
Bromo is a volcano located on the east coast of the island of Java. He is considered a deity by the Hindu people. Every year, during a ceremony called Kesada, the population makes offerings to the crater. It is one of the most spectacular to see, set in the middle of a 10 km diameter plain of grey sand with 300 metre high walls and smoke that gives the impression of seeing an apocalyptic or prehistoric landscape.
6. Tad Saé Falls in Laos
Far less touristy than the Kuang Si Falls, they offer an exceptional spectacle and bathing experience with their multitude of staircase “bathtubs” bordered by unspoilt nature. We don’t recommend elephant rides, and recommend more ethical activities.
7. Halong Bay, Vietnam
A breathtaking place, with limestone islands and rocks jutting out into the sea. Over 3,000 islands of different shapes and sizes in Vietnam. It’s possible to descend into the cracks and caves of its hidden lagoons to discover unthinkable parts of this magnificent place.
8. Boat Quay in Singapore
Boat Quay is one of the oldest and most historic places on the island. As in most of the country, it’s very inexpensive and well worth a visit. Night-time offers breathtaking views of Singapore ‘s financial powerhouse, with its skyscrapers lighting up the city.
9. Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand has beautiful beaches, smiling people and delicious food. And the capital is a place you can’t find anywhere else, it’s magical. While the center of Bangkok (Khao San road) is a must for any backpacker, it’s also worth paying attention to other historic sites such as the 19th-century temple of Wat Arun.
10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia’ s capital is one of South Asia’s most cosmopolitan locations and a booming hub of art, incredible architecture and shopping malls and stores to blow your budget. Fewer green landscapes, but it’s an unavoidable aspect of Malaysia.
11. The colorful Gansu mountains & Mount Huang Shan in China
Mount HuangShan is China‘s most beautiful mountain. Unlike other climbs, this one is accessible to all (only 1800 m). You’ll see gigantic granite peaks between which clouds float.
12. The ancient city of Hampi in India
India’s last Hindu capital of Vijayanagar, whose palaces and temples were ransacked and then abandoned, lies in a landscape of imposing rocky hills. You’ll see the monkeys scurrying towards the few tourists to get your bananas!
