When it comes to planning a holiday, Asia may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, this diverse continent has so many beautiful places to explore and discover. From historic temples to breathtaking natural landmarks and bustling cityscapes, Asia has something for everyone. Here are 20 places in Asia that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

1. Tiger’s Nest Temple, Bhutan

Located 3,000 feet above the Paro valley, the Tiger’s Nest Temple, also known as Taktsang, is a sacred monastery built on a rocky cliff. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche materialized on the back of a flying tigress and converted the Bhutanese to Buddhism here over 1,300 years ago. The unique location and mesmerizing view of this temple make it a must-visit place.

2. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. The famous Angkor Wat temple is a must-visit site, but there are many more temples, museums, and cultural villages to explore. Despite its many tourist attractions, Siem Reap doesn’t feel overcrowded, providing the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture.

3. Bokeo Nature Reserve, Laos

The Bokeo Nature Reserve in Laos was created to protect the black-cheeked gibbon. You can experience the beauty of the forest and see the gibbons by taking the Gibbon Experience or Waterfall Gibbon Experience, which includes a three-hour trek along the Nam Nga River.

4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, has a wide variety of things to do and see, from traditional architecture to modern buildings. The most popular tourist sites include China Town, the Petronas Twin Towers, and the Batu Caves. It’s a city with something for everyone.

5. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is a must-visit destination, with over 3,000 islands and 1,600 people living in floating villages. The best way to experience this stunning natural beauty is to take a cruise, and witness the incredible landscapes from the water.

6. Danxia Landform, China

The Danxia Landform in China was formed from red sandstone and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. These beautiful landscapes are truly unique to China and should be seen in person to be believed.

7. Rainbow Family Village, Taiwan

In Rainbow Family Village, an old man named Huang Yung-Fu, also known as Grandpa Rainbow, began painting the village to make it more colorful. The vibrant, unique art makes for a touching and inspiring visit.

8. Taj Mahal, India

Built between 1632 and 1648, the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum in India that was constructed as a tribute to the favorite wife of an emperor. The beautiful gardens, which symbolize paradise, are worth the visit alone.

9. Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall of China is the longest wall on Earth at 3,945 miles. Built as a defense wall, it has been damaged in many places, but visitors can still see the wall in its full glory at places like Qinhuangdao or Beijing.

10. Shinjuku Gyoen, Japan

This beautiful park located in Tokyo was completed in 1772, with the current layout formed in 1906. With over 20,000 trees and the greenhouse displaying over 1,700 different tropical and subtropical plant species, it’s one of the most stunning parks in Asia.

11. Yolyn Am, Mongolia

The unique, deep and narrow Yolyn Am gorge in Mongolia is known as the Valley of Eagles due to its thick ice field. Located in the Gobi Desert, it’s an oasis in the desert which always remains cool.

12. The War Memorial of Korea, South Korea

This former site of the army headquarters has six indoor exhibitions and over 13,000 memorials outside. In the combat experience room, you can experience different situations that soldiers went through during the Korean war.

13. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a tropical paradise, with sun, sea, and long beaches. The island is also home to many caves, diving sites, and temples, making it perfect for both adventure and relaxation.

14. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise, with malls like the Landmark Mall and street markets offering everything from designer fashion to local souvenirs.

15. Daehan Dawon, South Korea

Boseong is the home of green tea plantations in South Korea, and Daehan Dawon is a tourist plantation providing 40% of the country’s green tea. With the beautiful scenery of these tea fields, it’s a must-visit destination.

16. The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

The Mekong River provides ways for the locals to sell their crops, with floating markets selling a variety of tropical fruits. The view from the river is stunning and tropical, providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

17. Patong, Thailand

If you’re looking for a great nightlife, Patong is the place to go. With over 100 restaurants, bars, and discos, the main focus is having a good time.

18. Phewa Lake, Nepal

Phewa Lake is the second-largest lake in Nepal, located near the Tal Barahi Temple and Baidam, known as the Lakeside. Take a tour to Pokhara, the most tourist-friendly city in Nepal, from here.

19. Banaue, Philippines

Banaue is a small town in the Philippines known for its rice terraces, which were painstakingly crafted and are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beauty of these terraces must be seen in person to understand their majesty.

20. Shwedagon Pagoda, Maynmar

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the biggest, most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Maynmar and is covered in gold with over 7,000 gems. Thought to be over 2,500 years old but with no existing construction papers, it’s a magnificent building that must be seen in person.

In conclusion, these 20 places in Asia are just a handful of the many beautiful destinations that the continent has to offer. From stunning natural landmarks to historic temples and bustling cityscapes, Asia is filled with endless beauty and adventure. So, pack your bags and get ready for a journey of a lifetime!