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1. Bali, Indonesia
Of Indonesia's 18,000 islands, Bali is the most popular, attracting over 5.6 million foreign tourists annually. Besides its stunning beaches, it boasts numerous cultural attractions, including the magnificent Ulun Danu Temple, pictured here. Located 1,200 meters above sea level, the temple is surrounded by Lake Bratan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
2. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto boasts no fewer than 1,600 temples and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention a plethora of stunning, postcard-perfect landscapes, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple as pictured. This is why Kyoto is considered the embodiment of Japan's heritage, attracting a large number of visitors each year.
3. Rajasthan, India
Originally a barren desert region in northwestern India, Rajasthan has long been considered the land of kings and color. Most tourists choosing Rajasthan visit Jaipur, also known as the "Pink City," which boasts a floating market and the UNESCO-recognized Amber Fort. Further afield, you'll find Jodhpur (the Blue City), Udaipur (the Golden City), and the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, home to the rare Bengal tiger.
4. Hong Kong (China)
As a former British colony with deep Cantonese roots, Hong Kong embodies a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Its architectural density is among the highest in the world, with narrow streets and towering skyscrapers interwoven, creating a fast-paced and vibrant lifestyle. It is for this reason that visitors are never ceased to be amazed when exploring Hong Kong.
5. Maldives
Despite its remote location, the Maldives remains a top choice for honeymoons due to its surreal landscapes and romantic atmosphere. Located in the Indian Ocean, this archipelago of 1,929 islands enjoys a stable tropical climate with temperatures hovering around 86°F (30°C) year-round. Here, you can relax in luxurious resorts or participate in exciting water activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and paragliding.
6. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Over 2.5 million tourists flock to Siem Reap, Cambodia, each year with a common goal: to see the ancient Angkor Wat temple and its surroundings. This Khmer architectural masterpiece dates back to the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the Angkor Archaeological Park, you can also visit two other major temples: Angkor Thom and Bayon. All are surrounded by lush tropical forests.
7. Chiang Rai, Thailand
Located near the Golden Triangle (at the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos) in northern Thailand, Chiang Rai boasts pristine natural landscapes and a slow-paced lifestyle. The city is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and stunning temples, including the Blue Temple, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Rong Khun – considered the most beautiful temple in the world (also known as the White Temple).
8. Bhutan
Nestled at the eastern end of the Himalayas, Bhutan boasts breathtaking natural landscapes – dense forests, deep valleys, and peaks that pierce through the clouds. One of its most notable attractions is Paro Taktsang (also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery), a sacred site built on a cliff in the Paro Valley.
9. Penang, Malaysia
Located off the west coast of Malaysia, Penang Island is a haven for foodies and architecture lovers. George Town, the island's main city, boasts a vibrant landscape, punctuated by British colonial architecture, street art, Buddhist temples, and ornate Chinese-style mansions. This blend also defines Penang's cuisine, a superb fusion of Malaysian, Indian, and Chinese culinary traditions.
10. El Nido, Philippines
Located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, in the southwestern Philippines, El Nido boasts turquoise waters, mysterious lagoons, dozens of beaches, and hidden caves. Surrounded by impressive limestone mountains, it's the perfect place to explore the hidden lagoons by kayak or spend a day snorkeling and admiring the breathtaking coral reefs.
11. Hanoi, Vietnam
As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a center of history, culture, and boundless energy. For first-time visitors, the Old Quarter is the ideal place to begin exploring Vietnam's capital. Its bustling streets, filled with motorbikes, are also a unique and interesting feature not found anywhere else in the world.
12. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
After immersing yourself in Hanoi's history, travelers can chase the sun to Phu Quoc. This archipelago, comprising 28 islands of varying sizes in southern Vietnam, boasts some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful beaches and fantastic seafood restaurants. Whether you stay on the main island of Phu Quoc or the more distant Hon Xuong, both offer white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving.
13. Luang Prabang, Laos
The ancient capital of Laos is an ideal destination for tourists to enjoy a variety of tourism activities. The former capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and stunning landscapes such as the Kuang Si waterfall shown in the image.
14. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the seven most famous wonders of the world and a unique symbol of Chinese civilization. This magnificent structure stretches from 1,500 to 13,000 miles across northwestern China. This photograph shows the sun setting over a section of the Great Wall in Jinshanling, Hebei Province.
15. Xi'an, China
Another notable location in China is the city of Xi'an, southwest of Beijing. It was once a key location on the Silk Road during its golden age. The city's main attraction is the famous Terracotta Warriors, considered symbols protecting the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the founder of the Qin dynasty.
16. Sri Lanka
This teardrop-shaped island nation lies off the southeastern coast of India. In the north of the country, you'll find what's known as the "Cultural Triangle," featuring ancient natural wonders, including Sigiriya Rock – a palace-like fort built on an impressive rocky plateau.
17. Kathmandu, Nepal
As the starting point for an adventure across Nepal, Kathmandu captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. The city's Bouda Stupa, pictured, is a spiritual center of Buddhism.
18. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is famously known as the "future city of Asia," but the South Korean capital is also home to countless ancient landmarks, offering a rich glimpse into the history of the country.
19. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Located on the island of Java, the ancient city of Yogyakarta is considered the cultural capital of Indonesia thanks to its vibrant art scene, independent shops, profound rituals, and religious sites. This is where you will find the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Borobudur temples (see picture).
