The Top Landmarks in Asia

Topping our list of landmarks to visit in India, the Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic structures on earth. Famously constructed as an homage to the late wife of the Mughal emperor who built it, this majestic marble palace is the primary attraction in the city of Agra and perhaps all of India.

The building is especially magical when illuminated by the rich light of dawn or dusk; it opens just before sunrise and closes right after sunset. For a few nights each month when the moon is full, you can also visit it after dark for a different perspective.

There’s nothing else quite like the Great Wall of China, which consists of various types of fortifications covering more than 21,000 kilometres (13,000 miles) in northern China (as well as Mongolia). Visiting it is one of the best things to do in China – especially for active travellers who want to hike alongside (and atop) it.

Various parts of the wall are easy to reach from Beijing, but we especially like the remote Jinshanling section and the more accessible Mutianyu section. The latter is particularly well preserved and ideal if you’re visiting China with children.

There are literally thousands of ancient temples in Cambodia, each with its own intriguing history and aesthetic. But none is more legendary than Angkor Wat: the absolutely enormous temple complex that draws travellers from across the globe to the city of Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat is one of the most popular attractions in Asia for good reason; you could easily spend several days exploring its towers, temples and carvings. That said, we suggest combining it with a larger tour of Cambodia to see some lesser-known treasures too.

Holding the title of the world’s tallest peak above sea level, Mount Everest has captured the imagination of explorers and ambitious climbers for generations. You don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy your own Everest experience in Nepal, whether it involves speaking with local sherpas and summiteers or tackling the ten-day Everest Base Camp Trek yourself. 

If you’re headed to Mount Everest, the best time to visit Nepal is autumn (September to November) or spring (March to April) when the weather conditions are optimal for hiking.

Many of the best things to do in South Korea involve delving into the county’s fascinating past, and visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is the perfect example. Located on the northern side of Seoul, it’s more than six centuries old and was the most important palace during the Joseon dynasty, which lasted from 1392 to 1910.

In addition to its grand pavilions, halls, gates and gardens, Gyeongbokgung Palace has all kinds of interesting details. Look up to admire the buildings’ intricate and colourful ceilings, and time your visit with the Changing of the Guard for a glimpse into South Korea’s royal history.

The biggest Buddhist temple on earth can be found in Indonesia, and more specifically on Java (one of the archipelago’s largest islands). Borobudur is a massive tiered structure composed of six square levels, three circular levels and one large stupa at the very top of the temple.

The most iconic aspects of Borobudur include its hundreds of stone Buddha statues, dozens of stupas and detailed carvings that depict some of the religion’s most important stories and teachings. Ascending each of the levels to reach the temple’s apex is among the best things to do in Indonesia – especially at sunrise.

The small and relatively isolated country of Bhutan boasts one of the most breathtaking landmarks in all of Asia: Paro Takstang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This building occupies an extraordinary location on the side of a towering cliff, perched picturesquely between the dark granite crags and sweeping views of the mountains beyond.

The path to the monastery is steep but unquestionably worth the effort, taking about two to three hours each way. If you’re interested in making the journey, the best time to visit Bhutan is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) to avoid both snow and the rainy season.

Along with Mount Everest, Mount Fuji is another of the most recognisable mountains in Asia. With its perfectly symmetrical shape and snow-capped peak, this natural landmark holds sacred meaning in the Shinto and Buddhist religions, and is also a treasured symbol of Japan.

Inexperienced hikers and experts alike can summit Mount Fuji during the climbing season from July to September. Stay at Hoshinoya Fuji for luxurious glamping at the foot of the mountain, or at one of the traditional Japanese ryokans nearby like Yoshimatsu or Gōra Kadan.