The 23 Most Beautiful Places in Asia

Asia is one of the most popular travel destinations and for good reason! This part of the world is known for its beautiful beaches, reefs and islands, rugged jungles, inspiring temples, excellent food, and affordability. But Asia is a very big place on the map, how do you choose where to visit?

If you are looking for the best destinations boasting natural beauty, UNESCO world heritage sites, and beautiful temples, I'll help you choose with my list of the most beautiful places in Asia.

The 23 Most Beautiful Places in Asia

Angkor Wat Temples, Cambodia

Angor Archaeological Park covers 500 acres and is home to scores of ancient temples. The largest and most famous is the main temple with the same name Angor Wat, which was dedicated to Vishnu by the Khmer Empire in the 12th century. It features large reliefs of the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Other stunning temples in the complex include Bayon, which features a sea of colossal stone faces, Ta Prohm, which is covered in jungle tentacles that look like part of the structure, and Banteay Srei, made from rose-pink sandstone almost completely covered by decorative carvings.

Angor Wat became a popular tourist attraction after Angelina Jolie explored the temple in Tomb Raider (2001). There is a US$37 entrance fee for a 1-day pass to enter the complex.

If you want to stay near Angkor Wat, the nearby town of Siem Reap will be your best choice.

Palawan, Philippines

Palawan is an archipelago of 1,780 emerald-green forested islands that bridge across turquoise waters in the nature-rich Palawan province.

The region is often called the “last ecological frontier” and a magnet for nature lovers. Its waters, both the ocean and underground rivers, are a diver's paradise with unusual sea life and several World War II Japanese shipwrecks to explore. The forests are home to many endemic species, including pitcher plants and pangolins.

Easily accessible island-hopping adventures leave from Honda Bay, near the provincial capital Puerto Princesa. However, if you're up for some more adventure, head to El Nido or opt to stay in Coron. Some popular locations, such as the white sand beaches of El Nido, charge an environmental fee. It is only about US$3.50 per person.

Borobudur, Indonesia

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Originally constructed in the 9th century by Javanese Buddhists, it has six square and three circular stacked platforms, all topped by a central dome. It is decorated with 2,672 relief carvings and 504 statues of the Buddha.

Borobudur is both a pilgrimage site for devotees and a popular tourist destination in Asia. The entrance fee is approximately US$25, and I recommend you spend at least two hours exploring the site.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

Located in the west of Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove feels like an alien world in the center of the charming city. As you enter just a little to the north of the Tenryu-ji Temple, you will find yourself immersed in a natural moso bamboo forest that towers as high as 92 feet. It was certainly a hold-your-breath kind of moment when I visited!

There are several shines, tunnels of red tori, and a golden pavilion within the grove. The forest paths are always open, and there is no entry fee to visit one of the most beautiful sights in Kyoto.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, or “Descending Dragon Bay”, is a bay of clear, turquoise sea with thousands of limestone karsts and isles emerging from the water.

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, I recommend you either stay in Halong City and do day trips or, even better, book a place on an overnight boat or stay on one of the islands in Ha Long Bay. Then, rent a kayak to float between the impressive outcroppings.

There is an entrance fee for some locations within the bay. For example, there is a US$0.5 for Monkey Island, US$0.65 for Cat Ba National Forest, and US$1.30 for La Ha Bay.

Make sure to visit Cua Van Fishing Village, a floating village in the bay. It is a great place to eat and learn about local customs. For beautiful beaches, stop off on Tuan Chau Island, and for views, climb Bai Tho Mountain right in the center of the bay.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Located in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a collection of 58 adjacent villages, each with its own Buddhist temple. Located where the Mekong River and Nam Khan meet, it was the capital of the “Kingdom of a Million Elephants” from the 14th to the 16th centuries and the colonial capital in the 20th century, and both architectural styles are harmoniously present.

Visit Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Wisunalat to see the stunning temples and the dedicated Buddhist monks in their brightly colored robes. Cross the Nam Khan on its famous bamboo bridge and then trek around the surrounding rice paddies and farmland.

Gili Islands, Indonesia

The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three islands just northwest of Lombok. Idyllic resort islands with white sandy beaches and rich green centers, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air offer a laidback atmosphere for a peaceful vacation.

The islands are ideal for scuba diving, with exotic marine life and an underwater sculpture park. The beautiful islands are flat, so you can walk or cycle the green interior with ease and relax on the west coast for gorgeous sunsets.

You can read all about finding the perfect place to stay in the Gili's here.

Mt Fuji, Japan

Mt Fuji is one of the most famous volcanic mountains and most famous tourist destinations in the world. The snow-topped active volcano points 3776 meters into the air and last erupted in 1707. The Japanese have long worshipped Mt Fuji as a sacred mountain.

The best places from which to view Mt Fuji include Hakone National Park, Fujigoko (Fuji Five Lakes), and Shizuoka. They all offer stunning viewing points over lakes and fields of colourful blossoms. You can also climb the mountain during the July to September climbing season.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a historic trading port that has maintained its charm in the face of progress. Traders from China, Japan, and Europe all settled in the city between the 15th and 16th centuries, creating a unique fusion of architectural styles and culinary dishes.

When staying in Hoi An, you will find historical heritage sites, white sandy beaches, fresh delicious seafood, a green countryside characterized by vegetable farms and water buffalo, and the gorgeous My Son Sanctuary, a Hindu temple built over the period of a millennium. If you time it right, visit for the Lantern Festival, which is held once every month.

Kyoto, Japan

Those looking for traditional Japanese culture should head to Kyoto, where temples and teahouses line narrow streets and authentic arts are still practiced. The city is most beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms turn Kyoto pink.

Visit Shinto shrines, encounter Geishas, meditate in Zen Buddhist temples, walk the imperial palace, relax in an onsen bathhouse, and meet the wild deer in Nara Park. All this while sampling exotic tofu dishes, drinking matcha tea, and tasting mochi rice candy.

Chaing Mai, Thailand

When you plan a visit to Thailand, don't just get distracted by the beaches in the south. The mountainous region of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is home to traditional hill tribe culture, green rainforests, elephant sanctuaries, and some of the best food and night markets in the country.

Chiang Mai is honestly one of my favourite cities in all of Southeast Asia!

The Old Town of Chiang Mai is a walled city that contains 30 Buddhist temples, but beyond its walls are modern facilities for backpackers and digital nomads. It is not far from the city to the jungle, where you can go ziplining, climb Doi Inthanon, visit the sacred Chiang Dao Caves, and explore nature parks.

Paro Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan

Paro Taktsang Monastery is a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site in Bhutan. It is one of the places that ancient history says the tantric Buddhist Vayra taught. The current complex dates to 1962 and includes thirteen “tiger lair” caves for meditation.

Traveling to Bhutan requires you to pay a Sustainable Development Fee, which is basically a tourism tax of US$200 per day. There is also a US$25 fee to enter the monastery.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, the group of 30 islands that form the National Park are named for the giant Komodo Dragons that call the islands home.

The volcanic islands are considered among the new seven wonders of the natural world. The jungles, grasslands, beaches, and reefs are home to an array of animal species not seen elsewhere in the world. The park has an entry fee of approximately US$90 per person.

Georgetown Penang, Malaysia

Georgetown on Penang Island is an atmospheric Malaysian city with streets steeped in history. Over 500 years ago, Georgetown was a small village, and it is now the second most populous city in the country.

The whole city is considered a UNESCO world heritage site for its 12,000 historic buildings, including Chinese shophouses, private jetties, churches, temples, mosques, and colonial administrative buildings. It's absolutely worth visiting, and I highly recommend staying in Penang for a few days and spending some time wandering the streets of Georgetown.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay sits in the center of Singapore as a 360-hectare prime waterfront area built on reclaimed land. One of the most famous sites on the bay is the Marina Bay Sands, three 55-story skyscrapers that form an integrated resort in the shape of a boat with hotels, shopping, casino, and exhibition center.

The most dramatic part of the complex is the SkyPark infinity pool, two hundred meters up, extended on top of all three buildings. Singapore is, in my eyes, the most beautiful city in Asia, and the views of the surrounding skyscrapers are spectacular when visiting the top of the Marina Bay Sands.

Nine Arch Bridge, Sri Lanka

As one of the best Asian destinations, Nine Arch Bridge is a giant viaduct bridge in Sri Lanka that formed part of a colonial-era railway.

Flanked by thick jungle and tea plantations, the bridge now looks like an ancient relic in a lush gorge, but a slow blue train passes the bridge on a daily basis.

Sa Pa, Vietnam

Sa Pa is a remote village in northwestern Vietnam known for its cool mountain atmosphere, pristine rice terraces, green valleys, and distinctive ethnic community.

Trekk the paddies and visit the small villages spotted around the region, or ride the cable car up Fansipan Mountain for views out over the valley.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is an energetic and bustling city that is surrounded by history and culture. The city lies in a bowl-shaped valley hemmed in by a towering mountainous landscape.

Discover the spiritual heart of Kathmandu by visiting Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, the Kopan Monastery, the temples in Durbar Square, and Boudhanath Stupa, which is both a place of worship and offers views over the city. Everywhere you look, you will find prayer flags, mandalas, and religious totems, and it's really no surprise it's one of the most famous places in Asia.

Zhangjiajie National Forest, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest is home to the Avatar Mountains and thousands of giant sandstone pinnacles that stand 200 meters tall, piercing the sky. It is quickly becoming one of China's most popular tourist attractions.

Start at Golden Whip Brook and walk along the water's edge. Look up as you climb and eventually reach the same level as the tops of the sandstone javelins. There is a US$40 fee to enter the park.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island is a volcanic island where you can hike up South Korea's highest peak and watch the sunrise from a volcanic crater. At lower altitudes, you will find sandy beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, and citrus orchards.

Jeju Island is off the southern coast of Korea and separated from the rest of the country, resulting in a unique culture and experience. Visit the local markets for fresh dishes and produce and visit the Jeju Art Museum and the Ollusc Tea Museum.

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

The Phi Phi Islands are some of the most popular beach holiday islands in Southeast Asia, and for good reason! An archipelago of six islands in the Indian Ocean, they are known for pristine beaches, stunning rock formations, and vivid blue water full of colorful life.

Being one of the top 10 tourist destinations in Asia, you'll need to pay a small US$0.60 fee when you arrive at Phi Phi Don to help with rubbish removal. There is also a US$6 fee to enter the national parks at Maya Bay and Bamboo Island.

Boracay, Philippines

Boracay is considered by many to be one of the best vacation destinations in Southeast Asia, with long beaches of powdery white sand, azure waters, and spectacular sunsets. Book yourself into one of the many wonderful beachfront resorts and simply enjoy; it is the ideal location for a relaxing vacation.

Spend your time island-hopping around the nearby Western Visayas Island Group, snorkel with colourful sea life, engage in adrenalin-pumping watersports, or just relax on the wide beaches.

Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is an ancient city in Myanmar, which is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The former capital of the Bagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th centuries, the city contains the remains of more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries.

It's an absolute bucket list destination, and I am lucky to have visited as I truly believe Myanmar is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia.

Exploring the temple plain is an enchanting experience at any time of day, but it is transformed as their spires form a backdrop of sunrise and sunset. Highlights include the twin golden Buddhas in Dhammayangy Temple, the candlelit North Guni Temple, and a hot air balloon ride over the temple plain.

The Most Beautiful Places in Asia – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Asia worth visiting?

Yes, Asia is worth visiting. It is a region of the world with a rich culture based on Hinduism and Buddhism, delicious cuisine, untamed jungles, long sandy coasts, and tropical islands. It tends to be an affordable part of the world to visit, and for Westerners, it can feel like discovering somewhere truly “other”.

☀️ What is the best time to visit Asia?

It highly depends on where you go as geographically, as it spans widely and has so many climates and the ideal time to visit can vary significantly across different regions. The dry season from November to April is generally considered the best time to visit most of the above countries as it's cooler and rainfall is minimal. The weather also tends to be warm throughout the spring months between March and May and autumn around September and October.

📍 What is the most visited destination in Asia?

Asia's large cities tend to be the most visited, but they act as bases for exploring nearby natural treasures. Among the most popular cities are English-speaking Hong Kong, international Singapore, and colourful Bangkok.

💸 What's the cheapest country to visit in Asia?

The most affordable countries for travellers in Asia tend to be in Southeast Asia and include the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Here you might expect to pay US$10-20 for a private room in a hostel and US$1-2 for a local beer. The most expensive countries are Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.

❓ What are the most popular countries for tourists in Asia?

Thailand stands out as the most popular destination for international tourists. The Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia are popular among budget travellers, while Japan, South Korea, and Singapore attract more affluent travelers.

The Most Beautiful Places in Asia – Final Words

It would take more than a lifetime to discover all the most beautiful places in Asia. The region is full of charming cities, famous sites, gorgeous beaches, and spectacular scenery. Whichever countries you choose to visit, I am sure you'll find something to inspire you!