The Best 20 Asia Travel Destinations & Attractions
Asia continent, the most extensive, most populous, and diverse continent on Earth has the highest and lowest points on the Earth; it also has the most varied climate, varied forms of vegetation, and animal life on Earth. First, humans settled in Asia. Each country and region in Asia has a unique history and culture. Following, the top 20 travel destinations in Asia are listed; destinations that are worth traveling.
1- Terracotta Army, China
One of the most iconic cultural symbols of China is called the “Terracotta Army.” This funerary art included a collection of terracotta sculptures, 150 cavalry horses, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 8,000 soldiers was buried with the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang in approximately 209 B., The soldiers, have a different height that shows their status; For example, the generals are the tallest ones. There are still many statues in the pits close to Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, including strongmen, acrobats, musicians, and various officials. It is possible to see the various parts of the Terracotta Army from above the pots. If you like to read more about things to do in China then do not forget to see our post about the best attractions in China.
2- Ocean Park Southern District, Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong or simply Ocean Park as the largest theme park in Asia and the 13th most visited theme park in the world is located in Nam Long Shan and Wong Chuk Hang in the Southern District of Hong Kong. This park in 226 acres includes an animal theme park, marine mammal park, oceanarium, and an amusement park—opening of this park dated back to 1977. Since 2005, many programs have been started in this park: more than 80 attractions, such as four roller coasters and two water rides. Every year nearly 7.6 million visitors are attracted to this park; half of them are from mainland China. This park has two sections: The Summit and The Waterfront. There is a mountain between these two sections, and visitors should use the 1.5-kilometer cable system.
3- Kenting National Park, Taiwan
Kenting National Park, as Taiwan’s oldest national park, was opened in 1984. This southernmost park on the island is on the Hengchun Peninsula of Pingtung County in Taiwan, covering the Townships of Hengchun, Manzhou, and Checheng. This park’s tropical climate is known, and a scenic mountain is the main point in this park. It has an amazing beach. This park is one of the major tourist destinations in Taiwan every year and has 5.84 million visitors. Spring Scream rock-band festival is held annually in this park in March. People like to be closer to nature, so they visit this park. You can find 15 species of mammals, 59 species of reptiles and amphibians, 21 species of freshwater fish, 216 species of butterflies and insects, and 310 species of birds.
4- Amer Fort, India
Amer Fort in Amer in India is the main tourist attraction in the Jaipur region. This fort, in 4 square kilometers, overlooks Maota Lake. Meenas built this fort by marble and red sandstone. Amer Palace is located in this fort above the Eagles hill. Rajput Maharajas and their families lived there. Each of the four wealthy levels in the palace has its courtyard. This fort is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, so this attraction was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
5- Petronas Towers, Malaysia
Petronas Towers is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur are the tallest twin towers in the world. Its instruction began in 1996. The connection between the two towers is a double-decker sky-bridge. Argentine architect Cesar Pelli designed these towers, and its design has changed to the contemporary symbol of Kuala Lumpur. Below the tower, you will see a park with a fountain incorporated with a light show. You can experience wading pools, a children’s playground, and jogging and walking paths. There is also an underwater aquarium, an art gallery, a science center, and a philharmonic theatre.
6- Borobudur, Indonesia
The world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur is located in Java, Indonesia. Instruction of this temple began in the 9th-century. There are nine stacked platforms; six square and three circular ones in this temple, and there is a central dome on top of them. The Indonesian government has done an extensive restoration program with the help of UNESCO. After the restoration was finished, the temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is a popular destination for pilgrimages, especially Buddhists during the Vesak celebration.
7- Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo, Japan
The tallest building in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world, Tokyo Skytree is located in Sumida, Tokyo. This structure was built as a broadcasting tower. Visitors can visit this observation tower to have a spectacular view of Tokyo. There is also a restaurant in this structure. If you are going to stay at one of the best hotels in Tokyo, Don’t forget to see our list before book your hotel.
8- Kiyomizu-Dera, Kyoto, Japan
Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto on Honshu Island is called one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple was built by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro in 778, and later in 1633, some buildings were added to the site. You can find love stones 18 meters away from the Jishu Shrine. There is a belief that if you successfully walk between the stones while your eyes are closed, you will find love.
9- Petra, Jordan
Petra is a historical and archaeological area in southern Jordan known as the ‘Rose City’ because the color of the stones used for carving buildings is red. Petra, the former capital city of Arab Nabataeans, was founded in the VI century B.C. by the Edomites. Still, Nabateans prospered this city and changed it to an important trading hub. UNESCO expressed Petra as one of the most important cultural heritages globally; it was unknown for the Westerners until its exploration by Johann Ludwig Burkhardt in 1812.
10- Forbidden City, Beijing, China
Surprisingly, the Forbidden City is not a city at all. It is a complex consisting of 980 buildings within central Beijing. Instruction of the Forbidden City dated back to 1406. These buildings are good symbols of Chinese palatial architecture. In the past, it was the home of the Imperial Chinese Dragon Throne between the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty from 1420 to 1912. Today it is a Palace Museum, including a collection of artwork and artifacts. In the UNESCO list, this city has the largest collection in the world of ancient wooden structures.
11- Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Burj Khalifa or previously known as Burj Dubai, is a very tall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is 2,772 feet in height. Its instruction was begun in 2004 till 2008. This building is part of a mixed-use development designed to recognize Dubai to the world. You can find Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa Park outside the building, and there are two observatory decks and a restaurant inside the building.
12- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia in Southeast Asia, is the world’s largest religious complex. This Hindu monument standing on 402-acre height was constructed for honoring the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire. This monument is a main symbol of Cambodia; it is also used in the national flag of Cambodia.
13- Great Wall, China
The Great Wall of China is constructed alongside China’s northern border to protect the Chinese states and empires from attack and invasion. This series of fortifications were built by materials like brick, stone, Earth, and wood. Its instruction started in 7th-century B.C., but later it has been added to over the country. As one of the most significant landmarks of china nowadays, this wall attracts a lot of tourism every year. This massive structure with 3945 miles length is the longest wall on Earth.
14- Taj Mahal, India
We can name the Taj Mahal as the most iconic structure in Asia. Instruction of this mausoleum started in 1632 by the emperor Shah Jahan for housing the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, his favorite wife, who had passed away. This tomb in 42 acres includes a mosque, guest house, and formal gardens. Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We can consider this place as the best symbol of Mughal architecture in the world.
15- Tiger’s Nest Temple, Bhutan
Tiger’s Nest Temple or Taktsang is a sacred monastery in Paro valley. This monastery on 3000 feet height was built 1300 years ago.
This temple has a unique view, so it’s worth visiting this fantastic place! According to the old legend, Guru Rinpoche materialized on the back of a flying tigress and converted the Bhutanese into Buddhism.
16- Bokeo Nature Reserve, Laos
This nature reserve in Laos is a protected place for Black-cheeked gibbon. There are lush tropical jungles, craggy bridges, footbridges, and funky tree houses in this reserve. The primary task of this nature reserve is the protection of 123,000 hectares of primary tropical forest. This forest is the home of animals with rare biological diversity like tigers, gibbons, bears, elephants, and buffalo. You can experience staying on cottages on the top of the tree, moving the cable to the trees, and anger on the rope bridge.
17- Yolyn Am, Mongolia
Yolyn Am or the Valley of Eagles is known with its thick ice field. This deep and narrow gorge like an oasis in the desert is always cool. These ice fields are located in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National park. You can see especial birds like Mongolian finch, black redstart, barred warbler, wall-creeper, white-winged snow finch, rose finches, Alpine accentor, Kozlov’s accentor, bearded vulture, Himalayan griffon and twite there.
18- The Dead Sea – The Lowest Point On Earth
The Dead Sea or Salt Sea with the Arabic name Al-Baḥr Al-Mayyit, and Hebrew name Yam HaMelaẖ is a salt lake between Israel and Jordan in southwestern Asia. This lake in Palestine and Jordan is the one with the highest salt density globally; 430 meters below sea level, so with this low elevation, is considered the lowest point on Earth. No type of animal or plant can live in this lake just because of its high concentrations, but only the northern basin was inhabited during biblical times. Sinking in this lake is impossible because the water’s density is so high swimming in this lake is a good experience. This lake
19- Luxor, The Most Excellent Open-Air Museum
Luxor is considered as the world’s most excellent open-air museum. It is located among the mango plantations and deserts on the shore of the great Nile River. Most famous pharaohs like Tutankhamun were born in this place. The history of this place dates back to 3,200 B.C. to 1,500 B.C. Today, most temples have good conditions or are perfectly restored. It’s worth visiting Luxor with its vast complex of ancient monuments from the time of Thebes. Researchers have called this place the world’s greatest open-air museum located on the Nile River’s east bank in southern Egypt, about 500 kilometers from Cairo. It was also the capital of pharaohs from 16th to 11th centuries B.C.
20- Persepolis (Takht-E-Jamshid), Iran
Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Achaemenid Empire that UNESCO announced in 1979 as one of the world’s most magnificent ancient sites. After Darius the Great took power, he began to build Persepolis in 520 BC, Darius the Great’s son, Xerxes embellished this city; it took 150 years to complete this city. This city was built primarily as a showplace and a spectacular center for kings and their empire’s receptions and festivals. The remaining ruins of this ancient city are all symbols of its once glorious and majestic condition. This city was lost for hundreds of years under dust and sand. Apadana’s eastern staircase is the noblest part of Persepolis. Pictures on this staircase represented all 28 subordinate nations under the rule of the Achaemenid Dynasty, giving their gifts from their regions to the kings. Alexander destroyed this place.
