20 Most beautiful places in Asia! Asia, the largest continent by size (44 million square kilometers) and population (over four billion), is full of amazing places to explore. How do you choose your destination? Start with volcanic crater lakes in South Korea, breathtaking flowers in Japan, and a majestic water palace in the Philippines. Here are 20 of the most beautiful places in Asia to inspire your travels.
20 Most beautiful places in Asia
This article discusses the most beautiful natural places in Asia.
El Nido, the Philippines
El Nido, in Palawan, is a stunning archipelago of 45 islands in the Philippines. It’s known for its rich biodiversity, with vibrant coral reefs, turtles, and countless fish species. Limestone cliffs surround hidden lagoons and coves, making it a top scuba-diving spot worldwide.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan
Kyoto’s bamboo forest is one of the city’s most beautiful sights. Watching the bamboo sway while hearing the wood creak and leaves rustle is an unforgettable experience. The Ministry of the Environment has named it one of Japan’s top 100 Soundscapes. No photo can fully capture its wonder.
Katong, Singapore
Katong, a village on Singapore’s east coast, is home to the city’s most charming shophouses. These two-storey terraces feature pastel pink and green facades, intricate designs, and ceramic tiles. It’s also a food lover’s haven—don’t miss Chin Mee Chin Confectionery for coffee and kaya toast with butter and coconut jam. Perfect for a picturesque and delicious visit! Katong, Singapore is one of the Most beautiful places in Asia.
Rainbow Mountains, China
Formed over millions of years by sandstone deposits and tectonic shifts, these vibrant peaks are painted with stunning magenta, yellow, and orange hues. These mountains are in the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gansu province, China. Truly a sight to behold!
Gokyo Lakes, Nepal
Nestled among snowy peaks and fed by the vast Ngozumpa glacier, these turquoise lakes, 136 kilometers east of Kathmandu, form the world’s highest freshwater lake system. Climbing the 5,356-meter-high Gokyo Ri offers breathtaking views and is a great alternative to the famous Everest Base Camp trek. For an adventurous combo, some operators, like Intrepid, offer both routes.
Chocolate Hills, the Philippines
Visit Bohol, a beautiful island in the Central Visayas, to see the famous Chocolate Hills. Over 1,200 grassy hills turn brown in winter, resembling giant Hershey’s Kisses. According to legend, these hills were formed when two giants threw boulders at each other during a long feud, only stopping when they became too tired to continue.
Erawan National Park, Thailand
Erawan National Park, near the Myanmar border in Kanchanaburi province, is only three hours from Bangkok. It’s a perfect nature getaway. The park’s highlight is the beautiful seven-tiered Erawan Falls, where you can swim. To escape the crowds, visit on a weekday.
Bukchon Hanok Village, South Korea
Step back in time at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, home to around 900 traditional 14th-century hanoks (Korean homes) connected by charming narrow alleys. Visit the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center for a calligraphy class, and stay in an Airbnb featuring the village’s distinctive wooden window frames.
West Lake, China
Just an hour by high-speed train from Shanghai, West Lake in Hangzhou offers a serene escape that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. The best way to explore its beautiful temples, pagodas, and gardens is by boat. Take a ride on a traditional wooden sampan, China’s version of a gondola, for a truly enchanting experience. West Lake, China is one of the Most beautiful places in Asia.
Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong is believed to be the world’s largest cave, stretching about nine kilometers. Some sections reach up to 200 meters high and 175 meters wide—big enough to fit a New York City block with 40-story skyscrapers. Currently, only Oxalis Adventure is authorized to guide visitors through this awe-inspiring cave.
Takachiho Gorge, Japan
Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki offers a tranquil escape from Japan’s busy energy, featuring lush greenery, serene waters, graceful arched bridges, and sheer cliffs up to 100 meters high. Enjoy panoramic views from the one-kilometer nature trail above or rent a boat to glide through the narrow channel for a close-up experience. Takachiho Gorge, Japan is one of the Most beautiful places in Asia.
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
In the hilly region of Pahang, 1,448 meters above sea level, emerald-green tea plantations stretch across the landscape. Visitors are drawn by the lush views and cool temperatures, which rarely exceed 30°C. Explore butterfly gardens and strawberry farms where you can enjoy strawberry waffles or scones topped with jam and cream.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, a peaceful town nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This place has a peaceful vibe, with well-preserved temples, saffron-robed monks, and lovely French colonial buildings. Wake up early to see the sacred alms-giving ceremony and visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls for a refreshing swim.
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
No visit to southern Vietnam is complete without exploring the Mekong Delta. This stunning network of rivers, islands, and villages is filled with rice fields and fruit orchards. Glide along mangrove-lined waterways in a small boat, visit local villages, and sample fresh fruits and snacks. For a deeper experience, consider a few-day Mekong River Cruise to immerse yourself in local life while enjoying some relaxation.
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Inle Lake, nestled in Myanmar’s Shan Hills, is a peaceful retreat renowned for its floating villages. Here, locals live in stilt houses and fishermen use their legs to row boats. Discover the calm waters, stroll through local markets, and watch the unique leg-rowing technique. Be sure to visit the ancient stupas of Indein for a touch of spirituality on your journey.
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ayutthaya, located just north of Bangkok, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the ruins of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Discover the historical park with its impressive temple ruins and statues, showcasing a blend of Thai and Khmer architectural styles. Ayutthaya’s rich history and cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for history lovers. Also, Thailand is one of the Cheapest Places to Travel in Asia.
Mount Kelimutu, Indonesia
On Flores Island, Kelimutu is a 1,639-meter-high volcano with stunning lakes in blue, green, and black. These lakes can shift to red, white, or blue at different times. From the highest point, Inspiration Point, you can see all the lakes. The colors shift because minerals dissolve, often within days.
Hallasan Mountain, South Korea
Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano, stands tall at the center of Jeju Island, South Korea. It’s the country’s highest peak. The 17-kilometer summit loop takes around eight hours and is a tough but rewarding hike. At the top, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of a sparkling crater lake.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The 1,500 islands off West Papua’s western coast offer crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and some of Indonesia’s top dive sites. These sparsely-populated islands are perfect for spotting manta rays, pygmy seahorses, and schools of iridescent parrot fish. You’ll find 75% of the world’s coral species here. It’s a top spot for divers and nature lovers.
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is a must-see, showcasing over 1.5 million plants from around the globe. Wander among 18 towering “supertrees,” with the tallest reaching 16 stories. Explore the vast Flower Dome greenhouse and visit the OCBC Skyway for stunning views 22 meters above the ground.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Asia offers a stunning array of natural wonders, vibrant cities, and ancient sites that highlight the region’s beauty and diversity. From the Philippines to Singapore are the most beautiful places to visit in Asia. You can prepare for a trip to Asia to make your trip fascinating.