1. Bali, Indonesia
Of Indonesia’s 18,000 islands, Bali is the most popular, attracting over 5.6 million foreign tourists each year. In addition to its beautiful beaches, it also has many cultural attractions, including the stunning Ulun Danu temple pictured here. The temple is located 1,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by Bratan, the most beautiful lake in the world.
2. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is home to no less than 1,600 temples and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention a host of postcard-perfect sights, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple pictured here. This is also the reason why Kyoto is known as the embodiment of the heritage of the land of the rising sun, attracting a large number of visitors to visit and explore here every year.
3. Rajasthan, India
Originally a dry desert region in northwestern India, Rajasthan has long been known as the land of kings and color. Most tourists who choose Rajasthan head to Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City,” which also has floating markets and the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. Further afield, you’ll find Jodhpur (the Blue City), Udaipur (the Golden City) and the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, where the rare Bengal tiger rules.
4. Hong Kong (China)
A former British colony, combined with deep Cantonese roots, Hong Kong is the epitome of an urban fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. The architectural density here is among the densest in the world, with narrow streets and soaring skyscrapers interwoven, creating a fast-paced and rhythmic lifestyle. It is for this reason that visitors never cease to be amazed when exploring Hong Kong.
5. Maldives
Despite its remote location, the Maldives is always a top choice for honeymooners because of its surreal landscape and the romance it offers. Located in the Indian Ocean, this archipelago of 1,929 islands has a stable tropical climate with temperatures hovering around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) throughout the year. Here, you can relax at luxury resorts or participate in exciting sea activities such as snorkeling, surfing, paragliding...
6. Siem Reap, Cambodia
More than 2.5 million tourists flock to Siem Reap, Cambodia, each year for one reason: to see the ancient temple of Angkor Wat and its surrounding sites. This Khmer-style temple dates back to the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also within the Angkor Archaeological Park are two other major temples, Angkor Thom and Bayon. All are surrounded by dense tropical jungle.
7. Chiang Rai, Thailand
Located near the Golden Triangle (at the junction of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos) in northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is home to unspoiled natural landscapes and a slow lifestyle. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine and stunning temples, including the Blue Temple, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Rong Khun – 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 dramatic natural landscapes – dense forests, deep valleys and cloud-piercing peaks. One of its most notable attractions is Paro Taktsang (also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery), a sacred site built into the cliffs of the Paro Valley.
9. Penang, Malaysia
Located off the west coast of Malaysia, the island of Penang is a mecca for foodies and architecture lovers. The island’s main city, George Town, is a dynamic landscape punctuated by British colonial architecture, street art, Buddhist temples and ornate Chinese-style mansions. The mix is also the hallmark of Penang’s cuisine, a delicious fusion of Malaysian, Indian and Chinese cuisines.
10. El Nido, Philippines
Located on the northern tip of Palawan Island in the southwest Philippines, El Nido boasts turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, dozens of beaches and secret caves. Surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains, this is the place to explore hidden lagoons by kayak or spend the day snorkeling and admiring breathtaking coral reefs.
11. Hanoi, Vietnam
As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a hub of history, culture and endless energy. For first-time visitors, the Old Quarter is the best place to start your journey to explore the capital of Vietnam. The bustling streets with many motorbikes are also an interesting highlight that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
12. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
After soaking up the history of Hanoi, visitors can chase the sun to Phu Quoc. This archipelago of 28 islands located south of Vietnam is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia as well as excellent seafood restaurants. Whether you stay on the main island of Phu Quoc or the remote Hon Xuong Island, you will find white sand, clear blue water, and beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling.
13. Luang Prabang, Laos
The ancient capital of Laos is an ideal place for tourists to enjoy many different types of tourism. The UNESCO-protected ancient capital of Lan Xang Kingdom is surrounded by mountains, rivers and beautiful landscapes such as the Kuang Si waterfall pictured.
14. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the seven wonders of the world and a unique symbol of Chinese civilization. This magnificent structure stretches for between 1,500 and 13,000 miles in northwestern China. This photo 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 Xi'an, southwest of Beijing. It was a key location on the Silk Road during its heyday. The city's main attraction is the famous Terracotta Warriors, which are said to guard 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 been dubbed the "Cultural Triangle" through ancient natural wonders, including Sigiriya Rock - a palace fortress built on a dramatic rock plateau.
17. Kathmandu, Nepal
As the starting point for any adventure across Nepal, Kathmandu captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. The city's Bouda Stupa, pictured, is the spiritual center of Buddhism.
18. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is known as the "future city of Asia", but on the other hand, the capital of South Korea is also home to countless ancient sites, offering a rich slice of history about the land of ginseng.
19. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Located on the island of Java, the ancient city of Yogyakarta is considered Indonesia’s cultural capital thanks to its vibrant arts scene, independent shops, deep rituals and religious sites. This is where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Borobudur temples (pictured).
