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Travel

Top destinations in Asia

Published 9:36 PM EDT, Sun June 2, 2019
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<strong>Bali, Indonesia: </strong>Of Indonesia's 18,000-some islands, Bali is easily the most famous, drawing more than 5.6 million foreign visitors every year. In addition to beautiful beaches, it offers plenty of cultural attractions, including the stunning Ulun Danu temple, pictured. Keep clicking for more incredible Asia destinations.
Bali, Indonesia: Of Indonesia's 18,000-some islands, Bali is easily the most famous, drawing more than 5.6 million foreign visitors every year. In addition to beautiful beaches, it offers plenty of cultural attractions, including the stunning Ulun Danu temple, pictured. Keep clicking for more incredible Asia destinations.
Marka/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images
<strong>Luang Prabang, Laos: </strong>This ancient Laos capital truly does offer it all. Surrounded by mountains, the UNESCO-protected ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom is surrounded by golden wats, rivers and stunning scenery such as the Kuang Si Falls, pictured.
Luang Prabang, Laos: This ancient Laos capital truly does offer it all. Surrounded by mountains, the UNESCO-protected ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom is surrounded by golden wats, rivers and stunning scenery such as the Kuang Si Falls, pictured.
Courtesy Nomadasaurus.com
<strong>Kyoto, Japan: </strong> Kyoto is home to no less than 1,600 temples and 17 UNESCO sites, not to mention postcard-worthy scenes everywhere you go. These include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, pictured.
Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto is home to no less than 1,600 temples and 17 UNESCO sites, not to mention postcard-worthy scenes everywhere you go. These include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, pictured.
Getty Images
<strong>Rajasthan, India: </strong> An arid desert region in northwestern India, Rajasthan has long been considered the land of kings and colors. Most first-time travelers trace the rainbow through this regal region, starting with Jaipur, aka the "Pink City."
Rajasthan, India: An arid desert region in northwestern India, Rajasthan has long been considered the land of kings and colors. Most first-time travelers trace the rainbow through this regal region, starting with Jaipur, aka the "Pink City."
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Hong Kong: </strong>A former British colony with deep Cantonese roots, Hong Kong embodies the urban jungle archetype. <br />The architectural density, narrow city streets, soaring skyscrapers and fast-paced way of life set the tone for an action-packed visit.
Hong Kong: A former British colony with deep Cantonese roots, Hong Kong embodies the urban jungle archetype.
The architectural density, narrow city streets, soaring skyscrapers and fast-paced way of life set the tone for an action-packed visit.
Andy Yeung
<strong>Great Wall of China: </strong>A remarkable feat of engineering, the Great Wall stretches anywhere from 1,500 to 13,000 miles (estimates vary) across northwestern China. This photo shows the sun setting over a section of the Great Wall at Jinshanling, in Hebei province.
Great Wall of China: A remarkable feat of engineering, the Great Wall stretches anywhere from 1,500 to 13,000 miles (estimates vary) across northwestern China. This photo shows the sun setting over a section of the Great Wall at Jinshanling, in Hebei province.
MARK RALSTON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Xi'an, China:</strong> Another China highlight, located southwest of Beijing, Xi'an once played host to merchants, poets and warriors in the heyday of the Silk Road. Its most popular attraction is the famed Terracotta Warriors, which serve as guardians of the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the founder of the Qin dynasty.
Xi'an, China: Another China highlight, located southwest of Beijing, Xi'an once played host to merchants, poets and warriors in the heyday of the Silk Road. Its most popular attraction is the famed Terracotta Warriors, which serve as guardians of the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the founder of the Qin dynasty.
Shen Lu/CNN
<strong>Maldives: </strong>Remote and romantic, the Maldives is a top choice for honeymooners for a reason. Located in the Indian Ocean, the 1,929-island archipelago is home to consistently tropical weather with temperatures hovering around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) throughout the year.
Maldives: Remote and romantic, the Maldives is a top choice for honeymooners for a reason. Located in the Indian Ocean, the 1,929-island archipelago is home to consistently tropical weather with temperatures hovering around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) throughout the year.
Karla Cripps/CNN
<strong>Siem Reap, Cambodia: </strong>Over 2.5 million tourists descend on the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia every year with a common purpose: to see the ancient Angkor Wat temple and its surrounding sites, including Angkor Thom, pictured.
Siem Reap, Cambodia: Over 2.5 million tourists descend on the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia every year with a common purpose: to see the ancient Angkor Wat temple and its surrounding sites, including Angkor Thom, pictured.
Ian Walton/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
<strong>Sri Lanka: </strong>This teardrop-shaped island nation can be found off the southeast coast of India. Up north, you'll find what's dubbed the Cultural Triangle for its ancient and natural wonders, including the iconic Sigiriya Rock -- a former palace-fortress built atop a dramatic rock plateau.
Sri Lanka: This teardrop-shaped island nation can be found off the southeast coast of India. Up north, you'll find what's dubbed the Cultural Triangle for its ancient and natural wonders, including the iconic Sigiriya Rock -- a former palace-fortress built atop a dramatic rock plateau.
ALEX OGLE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Yogyakarta, Indonesia: </strong>Located on the island of Java, the ancient city of Yogyakarta is considered the cultural capital of Indonesia thanks to its vibrant art scene, indie boutiques, deep-rooted rituals and religious sites. This is where you'll find the UNESCO-listed Borobudur temples, pictured.
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, indie boutiques, deep-rooted rituals and religious sites. This is where you'll find the UNESCO-listed Borobudur temples, pictured.
Oscar Siagian/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
<strong>Chiang Rai, Thailand: </strong>Located near the Golden Triangle (at the confluence of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos) in northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Rai offers easy access to unspoiled natural scenery and a slow-paced lifestyle. Among the highlights is photogenic Wat Rong Khun, aka the "White Temple."
Chiang Rai, Thailand: Located near the Golden Triangle (at the confluence of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos) in northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Rai offers easy access to unspoiled natural scenery and a slow-paced lifestyle. Among the highlights is photogenic Wat Rong Khun, aka the "White Temple."
Taylor Weidman/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
<strong>Bhutan: </strong>Anchoring the eastern end of the Himalayas, Bhutan showcases the very best of mother nature -- picture dense forests, deep valleys and cloud-piercing peaks. Among its most notable attractions is Paro Taktsang (also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery), a sacred site that seems to cling to a cliff in the upper Paro Valley.
Bhutan: Anchoring the eastern end of the Himalayas, Bhutan showcases the very best of mother nature -- picture dense forests, deep valleys and cloud-piercing peaks. Among its most notable attractions is Paro Taktsang (also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery), a sacred site that seems to cling to a cliff in the upper Paro Valley.
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
<strong>Penang, Malaysia: </strong>Set off the western coast of Malaysia, the island of Penang is a mecca for food and architecture lovers. George Town, the island's main city, makes for an ideal home base thanks to a dynamic cityscape that's punctuated by British colonial architecture, street art, Buddhist temples and ornate Chinese manor houses.
Penang, Malaysia: Set off the western coast of Malaysia, the island of Penang is a mecca for food and architecture lovers. George Town, the island's main city, makes for an ideal home base thanks to a dynamic cityscape that's punctuated by British colonial architecture, street art, Buddhist temples and ornate Chinese manor houses.
ED JONES/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Kathmandu, Nepal: </strong>As the most likely starting point on an adventure through Nepal, Kathmandu captivates travelers from the moment they touch down. The city's Bouda Stupa, pictured, is the center of Buddhist spirituality.
Kathmandu, Nepal: As the most likely starting point on an adventure through Nepal, Kathmandu captivates travelers from the moment they touch down. The city's Bouda Stupa, pictured, is the center of Buddhist spirituality.
Frank Bienewald/LightRocket/Getty Images
<strong>El Nido, Philippines: L</strong>ocated on the northern tip of Palawan Island, in the southwestern Philippines, El Nido plays host to turquoise waters, mysterious lagoons, dozens of beaches and secret caves.
El Nido, Philippines: Located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, in the southwestern Philippines, El Nido plays host to turquoise waters, mysterious lagoons, dozens of beaches and secret caves.
Jonas Gratzer/LightRocket/Getty Images
<strong>Hanoi, Vietnam: </strong>As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a hub of history, culture and endless energy. For first-time travelers, the Old Quarter is the best place to start.
Hanoi, Vietnam: As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a hub of history, culture and endless energy. For first-time travelers, the Old Quarter is the best place to start.
CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Phu Quoc, Vietnam:</strong>  After soaking up the history of Hanoi, travelers can chase the sun to Phu Quoc. The 28-island district, located off the coast of Cambodia but still part of Vietnam, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia as well as excellent seafood restaurants.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam: After soaking up the history of Hanoi, travelers can chase the sun to Phu Quoc. The 28-island district, located off the coast of Cambodia but still part of Vietnam, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia as well as excellent seafood restaurants.
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Seoul, South Korea: </strong>Seoul might have a well-deserved reputation as one of Asia's more futuristic cities, but the capital of South Korea is also home to a wealth of ancient landmarks that provide a peek into the past.
Seoul, South Korea: Seoul might have a well-deserved reputation as one of Asia's more futuristic cities, but the capital of South Korea is also home to a wealth of ancient landmarks that provide a peek into the past.
Korea Tourism Organization

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