[Music] [Music] the largest continent on Earth Asia stretches all the way from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean its vast land mass encompasses everything from epic mountain ranges such as the Himalayas to the desolate Arabian and GOI deserts steamy jungle can also be found in Southeast Asia as well as Paradise Islands and beautiful beaches in addition to its colossal size Asia is remarkably home to more than half of the world's population with so many different cultures and languages the continent's dazzling diversity defies definition here's a look at the best places to
visit in Asia number 50 Shian although it is famous for being home to the world-renowned army of terracotta warriors Xian in the north of China actually has much much more to it not only the capital of 13 different Chinese dynasties it was also once the Terminus of the Silk Road as such trade wealth and people from all different walks of life poured into the city with each epic and generation leaving its mark on Xian with Incredible tombs and pagodas alongside Ming era City wall in the magical Muslim quarter this marvelous city is a delight to
explore [Music] number 49 Varanasi a city that may seem strange to many westerners Varanasi is of great religious importance the holy city sits on the banks of the Divine Ganges and is believed by Hindus to be a sacred place of pilgrimage the city is known for the religious practices that take place on the GS alongside the river pilgrims wash themselves in the waters of the Ganges and the bodies of Hindus are cremated the sights of life and death along the Riverside can be shocking but a visit to Varanasi is also contemplative and ultimately helps visitors
to further understand India's deep cultural and spiritual practices [Music] [Music] [Music] number 48 Kota Kota is an island in the Gulf of Thailand and it is accessible by high-speed ferry from the mainland city of chumon for TR Travers who enjoy diving the island of Kota is the perfect vacation destination around 7,000 new divers get certified on Kota each year making it one of the most popular destinations in the world to learn to dive diving allows you to see bull sharks underwater evolutionary sculptures at Ocean Utopia and plenty of turtles among many other marine species other
popular activities include cycling and sailing around the beautiful Island [Music] [Music] number 47 bukara steeped in history bukara is a magical place to visit with mams madrasas mosques and minettes wherever you look located on the old Silk Road the city has long welcomed Travelers and Traders to its ancient streets set amid the confines of a dry and Aid Desert in usbekistan the city of museums is home to several historic buildings that date back centuries the architecture is magnificent and losing yourself in the atmospheric old town is the best way to see its many sites the
ancient city still hums with life however and while wandering around town you'll come across lots of Market stalls selling amazing local handicrafts [Music] number 46 Mount Fuji located less than 2 hours from Tokyo Mount Fuji is Japan's most recognizable Landmark visited by millions and climbed by more than 300,000 people each year the climb up Fuji is so popular there's a post office at the top so that those who reach the summit can send a postcard back home from the crest of the 3800 M high peak it's a steep and arduous climb however Travelers looking for
a less taxing experience can enjoy spectacular views of Fuji from a nearby Mountain where a cable car takes visitors 1,000 M up to the Fuji viewing platform [Music] [Music] number 45 jackart Monastery lying on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Garney in Armenia jackart Monastery is a very popular day trip destination from the capital carved out of the Mountainside this Monastery dates as far back as the 4th centur but the stone carved building is from the 13th century the monastery's scenic setting is absolutely stunning it's no surprise that it has continued to be a
place of pilgrimage with people having visited the site long before Christianity first found its way to Armenia [Music] [Music] number 44 Zang XI national forest located in Northwest Hunan provins Zang X XI National Forest boasts some of the most impressive and spectacular landscapes in China part of the wooling mountain range the scenic area is particularly famous for the thousands of pillars and Peaks that punctuate the park often shrouded in Mist these CST formations look incredible and many of them Tower over 200 M High covered in subtropical rainforest they rise above plunging Ravines and deep Gorges
with sparkling rivers lakes and waterfalls found here and there [Music] [Music] [Music] number 43 Raja onat Islands an island cluster on the Northwestern tip of Papa new guini Raja aat is one of the most Sensational diving destinations in Indonesia meaning Four Kings Raja aat is made up of four major jungle clad Islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons and palm fringed beaches along with thousands of smaller Islands the archipelago is celebrated for its Rich marine life and underwater coral reefs these islands are also home to spectacular beaches with with shallow Blue Waters and fine white sand lagoons
provide protection from the wind and a special place to relax in Paradise [Music] [Music] [Music] number 42 candy candy the second largest city in Sri Lanka is the gateway to the central Highlands and its Tropical Plantations that grow both tea and rubber if you're driving from Columbo you'll pass by Rubber plantations on a road that is considered one of the country's most scenic the last capital of the ancient kingdoms Candi is home to the Temple of the tooth Relic one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world a major colorful Festival involves taking the
tooth Relic around the city muy Buffs may be interested to know Candy was a chief location in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom [Music] [Music] number 41 raay raay is a small Peninsula that is only accessible by boat due to with the high Limestone Cliffs cutting off Mainland access these Cliffs attract rock climbers from all over the world but the area is also a popular attraction in Thailand due to its beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere accommodation on Ray ranges from inexpensive Bungalows popular with Backpackers and climbers to renowned Jet Set resorts [Music] you
[Music] [Music] number 40 koala lumur very Multicultural in nature Malaysia's capital of koala lumur is a mesmerizing Melting Pot of Malay Chinese and Indian influences it is these diverse communities that have so profoundly impacted the city's identity consequently visitors will find Majestic minettes and mosques alongside ancient temples and the massive petronis Towers the city's defining featur gigantic shopping malls are also on offer as well as a thriving arts and culture scene its Multicultural makeup has also blessed koala lumur with lots of delicious Cuisines so no visit can be complete without sampling some of its brilliant
Street Food [Music] [Music] number 39 Taipei located in the north of Taiwan the island nation's capital of Taipei is a fascinating place to visit this is because the city boasts a rich and unique cultural heritage with American Japanese and Southeast Asian influences all on show as such you'll find TOS temples flying next to Japanese arom manions bustling markets and Myriad skyscrapers of its many museums the National Palace Museum is particularly worth visiting for the Insight it offers up on the Island's history and culture besides its many sites of Interest Taipei also has lots of fabulous
shops restaurants and bars for you to try out [Music] [Music] number 38 Komodo National Park located near Flores Komodo National Park is famous for one thing and one thing only its reptilian namesake the Komodo dragon spread across three main islands the park provides a sanctuary for this Strang looking creature reminiscent of the dinosaurs it's the largest living lizard on the planet and can reach a mighty 3 m in length the reptiles roam freely over the islands and visitors rely on experienced tour guides for sightings and to keep them safe but you'll also spot wild horses
water buffalo and longtailed maacs here offshore the park encompasses some of the richest Marine habitats in the world with a collidoscope of sponges Crustaceans and bony fish [Music] number 37 Chang maai located in the north of Thailand on the banks of the Ping River changai has long attracted Traders and travelers to its Shores once the capital of the landn Kingdom its historic Center is surrounded by ancient city walls enclosed within them you can find amazing temples pagodas stupas and museums with wat Pras sing being its most famous attraction while the city has a lovely laid-back
feel to it its marvelous night Bazaar bustles with life and is not to be missed out on surrounded by Lush rainforests and picturesque Countryside Chung maai is a great alternative or addition to bangkok's busy streets [Music] number 36 wahiba Sands the vast Barren landscape of wahiba Sands stretches for as far as the eye can see located in Eastern Oman this sprawling desert is easily one of the most stunning attractions in the entire country the copper Orange and golden yellow dunes form giant ripples some of which can be over 300 ft High spend the night camping
underneath the stars or explore the depths of the desert on the back of a camel for a more exhilarating experience rent a 4x4 and tour the desert along the massive Dunes at top speed [Music] [Music] number 35 Dubai rising from amid the desert Dubai's epic Skyline is a testament to human kind's creativity and Engineering press transformed by oil money the one sleepy season side settlement is not only one of the commercial and cultural capitals of the United Arab Emirates but the Middle East as well very Cosmopolitan Dubai constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible
as such it is home to the world's tallest skyscraper and the human-made Palm Islands in addition to this it is also a Shopper's dream while its culinary and nightlife scenes are just as fun and fresh in terms of what they offer [Music] number 34 pnom pen once known as the Paris of the East cambodia's Capital pom pen is slowly reemerging and Reawakening after Decades of war and revolution lying on the banks of the mikong river the bustling City boasts the breathtaking Royal Palace as well as a number of grand boulevards and French colonial buildings many
of its historic sites however are sadly related to the tragic events that took place in the country in the' 70s with lots of cozy cafes atmospheric bars and fantastic restaurants Pam pen is slowly putting its past behind it and once again turning into a popular tourist destination [Music] number 33 Lassa Lassa is the most important city in Tibet and one of the highest elevated in the world at 11,500 FT Lassa in spite of its absorption into greater China has retained much of its culture it is home to the Potala Palace which was the former home
of the Dalai Lama the palace was constructed on the Red Hill more than 300 60 years ago another Palace is norbulinka built in 1755 it was the Dalai Lama's Summer Palace before his exile [Music] [Music] number 32 Hanoi the second largest city in the country Vietnam's Capital Hanoi exhibits a fascinating mix of Chinese French and Vietnamese influences as such Splendid colonial era buildings can be spied alongside ancient temples and odas some of which date back a thousand years or more hoochi Min Mausoleum and one pillar Pagoda count amongst its most popular attractions the city also
hosts a number of excellent museums that offer interesting looks at the country's history Heritage and culture while Hano scooter field streets can be quite loud and chaotic peace and Tranquility can be found in any one of its cute and Charming cafes and restaurants [Music] [Music] number 31 Goa on the western coast of India is Goa a former colony of Portugal that blends Indian culture with Colonial influences and plenty of international tourism Goa is popular largely because of its spectacular beaches the busiest of all is kallum Beach where travelers from around the world flock to soak
up the sun anjuta beach by contrast is far less crowded it is also an amazing place where you can walk to chapora Fort and admire the Sandy Coastline from A New Perspective Palm is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Goa with its natural Bay surrounded by lofty Headlands on either side [Music] [Music] number 30 Kyoto widely reputed to be the most beautiful city in Japan Kyoto is a treat to visit the nation's capital for over a thousand years it Sports lots of incredible historical sites and cultural landmarks dotted around its ancient
streets you'll find wonderful palaces and idilic Gardens with 2,000 Shinto shrines and boot temples to check out in addition to this its historic district of gon is also well worth exploring it is here that you can find lots of geishas and traditional ins while Kyoto is lovely to visit at any time of year it is particularly magical when the cherry blossoms are in bloom [Music] [Music] number 29 Catman de stretching as far as the eye can see Catman do fills the valley in which it lies with its color ful and chaotic sprawl known as the
city of temples Nepal's Capital certainly has a wide array of centuries old historical sites and cultural landmarks the city's famous Derber square is still undergoing restoration after the recent earthquakes but there are many intact sites well worth exploring while history is all around you the country's Rich cultural heritage lives on in vibrant religious festivals that regularly take place the largest city in Nepal catmandu is an exhilarating but equally exhausting Place visiting is a must however before heading on to The Majestic mountains and towering peaks of the [Music] Himalayas number 28 GOI desert the largest desert
region in Asia the GOI desert covers an endless expans of Bleak yet beautiful landscapes in the south of Mongolia bounded by prominent Peaks plateaus and plains its Basin is home to everything from Scenic and secluded oases and salty rivers to ancient rock formations and dramatic Gorges due to its harsh and unforgiving yet undoubtedly alluring Landscapes and scenery the GOI desert is exciting to explore [Music] [Music] [Music] number 27 Tiger's Nest perched precariously on a Cliffside some 900 m above the floor of the parro valley the Tiger's Nest is one of bhutan's most sacred and spectacular
sites made up of four main temples it was founded in 1692 around the cave where an important Buddhist Master is said to have meditated the complex can only be reached by climbing up Stone steps and paths cut into the Cliff face and by navigating the small rickety wooden bridges that lie between them from the monastery you can enjoy incredible views over the valley and Forest below as well as learn more about bhutan's rich Buddhist culture number 26 Bangkok colorful and chaotic Bangkok is the cultural commercial and spiritual heart of Thailand the nation's capital is also
home to some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world this is in part what makes it so alluring the vast city has lots of different sides to it you can find ancient temples and palaces sitting alongside Lively Street Markets and a pulsating nightlife scene on top of all of this it also boasts one of the best culinary scenes on the planet rapidly modernizing yet still full of age-old traditions and Customs Bangkok is the best of what the land of Smiles has to offer [Music] [Music] number 25 borador crafted out of an impressive
2 million blocks of volcanic Stone Boro bador in Indonesia is the largest Buddhist temple in the world dating back to the 9th century it eventually fell into ruin until it was discovered again in the 1800s since then it has been restored to its former glory and is particularly popular at Sunrise the boru Bor Monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms a pathway of Enlightenment leads from the base of the pyramid up through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology the world of forms and the world of formlessness it's decorated with over 2,000
reliefs and 500 Buddha statues each one outlining a Buddhist [Music] teaching number 24 Beijing one of the largest and oldest cities on Earth Beijing teams with astounding historic sites and cultural landmarks that date back centuries if not Millennia while the Forbidden City and Summer Palace count amongst its most famous sites the city has much much more going for it as it was the capital of three Imperial dynasties the city is dotted with Splendid temples and Parks theaters museums and art galleries also abound while some of the nicest sections of the Great Wall of China lies
nearby the capital of present day China Beijing is a fascinating place with lots of Exquisite art culture and Cuisine to delve into [Music] number 23 Singapore lying at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula the city state of Singapore is a very compact convenient and cool place to visit one of the most densely populated cities in the world it is home to lots of skyscrapers modern shopping malls and bustling neighborhoods there is a surprising amount of nature however with the beautiful Botanic Gardens being particularly delightful to relax in as it is very Multicultural the city's
Chinese Malay and Indian influences can be seen wherever you go singaporeans are obsessed with food and the many eateries restaurants and street food stalls all serve up lots of local delices [Music] number 22 aora caves the allora caves are made up of a series of caves monasteries and temples carved into the side of a bassal cliff out of 100 caves only 34 are open to the public located in Maharashtra India aora dates back to 600 AD and took Buddhist Hindu and Jane monks over five centuries to craft the highlight of the allora caves is the
kyasa Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva it is the largest monolithic sculpture in the world other worthy sites include the large preaching Buddha in The Carpenter's cave so-called because of the Rock's resemblance to Polished [Music] wood number 21 gunung mulu National Park famous for its extraordinary Limestone C formations and phenomenal cave systems the gonu mulu National Park is one of the most awe inspiring natural attractions in all of Southeast Asia if you visit you want to check out the sarok chamber which is big enough to hold 40 Boeing 747 aircraft and you'll also want to hike
to the paku waterfall while longer multi-day tracks are possible there are also plenty of shorter hikes which are just as scenic number 20 Su a sprawling Metropolis Su is home to almost half of South Korea's population as such it bustles with life as people throng about its massive shopping malls and Lively night markets while it appears to be very modern at First Sight pockets of historic sites remain here and there the Royal Palace for instance is definitely worth visiting as are its numerous temples and Brilliant museums nature too is never far away as many magnificent
mountains lie nearby in two national parks renowned for its cuisine Soul also boasts lots of excellent restaurants and Street Markets for you to try [Music] [Music] out number 19 kofifi kofifi is possibly one of Thailand's most famous archipelagos it is most notable for a stunning natural Bay that was filmed in the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio but while many come here and have this renowned Bay at the top of their to-do list there are many more reasons to tempt you to Fifi Beyond Maya Bay the six islands of Fifi are jaw-droppingly beautiful with pearl
white sand beaches and emerald Waters spend your days swimming and snorkeling among extraordinary marine life or hire a longtail boat the surrounding eyelets like monkey Beach are worth a visit home to a plethora of cheeky tree swinging monkeys [Music] [Music] number 18 hoan hoan is a Charming Town known for its great atmosphere at the mouth of the tubon river on Vietnam's Central Coast the town boasts a well-preserved Southeast Asian trading Port which it once was until the river silted up the narrow winding Lanes of the Old Port are lined with beautiful old architecture traditional wooden
houses and hundreds of tailor shops selling everything from clothing to souvenirs [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] number 17 sagarmatha National Park sagarmatha is nothing short of exceptional this protected area is home to to the world's legendary tallest peak Mount Everest alongside this Behemoth The rugged Himalayan Mountain terrain is home to famed animals such as the snow leopard lyns Bears and the Himalayan thar the region surrounding the park has no roads which only adds to its remoteness and untouched Beauty Mount Everest itself is very important to the local people they call the mountain chalunga meaning the mother
goddess of the world and believe that Spirits live within the mountain [Music] [Music] number 16 searia WABE archaeologists need to put searia on their list of mustsee places in Sri Lanka this ancient city is built on a steep slope topped by a plateau almost 600 ft high this Plateau is known as lion's Rock and it oversees the jungles below the ancient Rock Fortress dates back to the 3rd Century BC when it was a monastery it was later turned into a royal residence access to the site is through staircases and rooms emanating from the lion's mouth
you'll also see ponds Gardens and fountains locals consider the site the eighth wonder of the world [Music] number 15 ban the ancient city of Bagan is a captivating Temple Town in Myanmar once the capital of a powerful Kingdom during the 11th and 13th centuries it had over 10,000 temples monasteries shrines pagodas and stupas in its Zenith in the years since these sacred sites have fallen into ruin as a result of Mongol invasions neglect and natural disasters just 2,000 temple ruins remain and are scattered Over the Horizon while you can explore the archaeological Zone on foot
the sheer volume of temples is best appreciated from the air a hot air balloon ride over Bagan is a worthy addition to the bucket list [Music] [Music] number 14 Palawan Palawan is an island province in the Philippines that stretches from Muro to Borneo between the South China and Sulu Seas Puerto Princessa which is close to the large kst formations with an underground river is the provincial capital Cordon Reese is one of the best diving spots in the world drawing divers who want to explore Japanese shipwrecks from World War II another popular destination is elnido a
town sandwiched between towering Limestone CS Cliffs and a beautiful Bay [Music] hold [Music] number 13 Samar famed for its fabulous blue tiled mosques and mausoleums Samar is undoubtedly the most popular place to visit in usbekistan conquered and ruled by everyone from Alexander the Great to GIS Khan the city is a must for art and history lovers one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia its important setting along the Silk Road saw it flourish for centuries dotted about are countless tombs and palaces that attest to its power and wealth highlights include the gorgeous registan
Square in the center and the stunning sha is Zinda Cemetery site both of these have tons of ornately decorated buildings to admire all coated in twinkling turquoise tiles [Music] number 12 Taj Mahal located in Northern India the Taj Mahal is an immense Mausoleum of white marble built by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife the Taj is one of the most well-preserved tombs in the world and one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture called a teardrop on the cheek of Eternity the monument is actually an integrated complex of structures
besides the white doed marble Mausoleum it includes several other beautiful buildings reflecting pools and extensive ornamental Gardens with flowering trees and bushes [Music] [Music] number 11 Hong Kong probably proclaiming itself to be Asia's world city Hong Kong is certainly very different and distinct from the mainland this is because the Harbor City was formerly a British colony and was only returned to China in 1997 attractive to both businesses and tourists alike It Sports many excellent restaurants bars and shops with historic and cultural sites also on offer in addition to this the city is home to Disneyland
and Ocean Park both of which are very popular with families remarkably much of Hong Kong is actually made up of mountains and parks with Victoria Park boasting incredible views of both the city's iconic Skyline and Victoria Harbor [Music] number 10 the malds made up of 1200 or so islands and atals the Maldives boast some of the best and most breathtaking beaches in the world nestled away in the Indian Ocean the Glamorous getaway is renowned for its luxurious Resorts many of them with their own private island while each idilic island in the archipelago appears more stunning
than the last the Maldives is also noted for its underwater riches as such it is a fantastic place to go scuba diving or snorkeling with lots of colorful coral reefs and shimmering shs of fish to discover [Music] number nine halong Bay located in northeastern Vietnam halong Bay resembles a scene from a fantasy story with its thousands of limestone cars islands of different shapes and sizes halong means descending dragons which is indicative of the silhouette of the Limestone outcrops that poke out from the water some of the islands contain Lakes while some are Hollow with a
colorful Fairyland of Grotto inside an overnight boat trip is a spectacular way to experience the beauty of the bay and to see as many of the islands as possible [Music] [Music] number eight jaur lying in the northeast of the country the pink city is one of India's most popular tourist destinations and with good reason although it is primarily known for the massive and Majestic Amber Fort the city boasts a whole host of beautiful palaces and temples of these Jantar mantar and the city Palace are the undoubted highlights the capital of Rajasthan state jaur is colorful
and chaotic in equal measure this is what makes it so fun to explore with Rick Shaw's whizzing past you and gorgeous rose-colored buildings wherever you look Jaipur serves as a wonderful introduction to India's many riches [Music] [Music] number seven [Music] Tokyo lying at the center of the world's most populous metropolitan area Japan's futuristic capital is an exhilarating place to explore renowned for its skyscraper filled Skyline and embracing cuttingedge technology the neon lit City stretches away endlessly before you interspersed amongst its towering blocks are awe inspiring temples and museums that proudly showcase toan's Rich Heritage and
history whether you're into calligraphy or cherry blossoms and consumer products Tokyo certainly has something for everyone to enjoy creative Innovative and quirky in equal measure the massive Metropolis is not to be missed out on when in Japan [Music] number six Petra The Rose City of Petra is an ancient desert town that was carved out of pink Sandstone Cliffs by Nomads thousands of years ago located in Jordan tucked between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea it's hard to believe the city was once filled with green Gardens palacial houses and bustling markets instead a walk or
camel ride through the ruins of Petra will reveal abandoned caves temples and tombs hidden within the city walls the two-story treasury carved into the rock face is one of the most beautiful landmarks in The Old City it's worth viewing for the facade alone but the interior with its Indiana Jonesy Royal tomb is worth a [Music] [Music] look number five capid doia situated in central antalia capid doia is best known for its fairy tale landscape of unusual formations resembling chimneys cones and Pinnacles natural processes such as ancient volcanic eruptions and erosion have all sculpted these odd
formations over the ages thousands of years ago mankind added remarkable touches to the landscape by carving out houses churches and underground cities from the soft rock today some of the caves in the region are actually hotels and cater to tourists [Music] number four Great Wall of China spreading through 15 Chinese provinces and autonomous regions the Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world it is made up of a series of separate sections of walls and moats that were built over the course of six Chinese dynasties as a defense from Invaders now
well over 2,000 years old some parts of the wall have fallen into ruin interestingly for those who wanted to attempt it walking the entire length of the Great Wall of China would take approximately 18 months [Music] number three langang prang lying in the north of La at the point where the mikong and Naman Rivers join leang prang is certainly set in a Scenic spot surrounded by mountains rainforests and waterfalls it has lots of incredible kayak trips River Cruises and tracks for you to enjoy while its natural wonders are a treat to explore the small City
also boasts a rich cultural and religious Heritage home to a number of important Buddhist temples and monasteries its name in Lao actually means Royal Buddha image long ruled by France the city also has some lovely old Villas that date back to Colonial times [Music] [Music] number two Anor when it comes to archaeological sites Travelers won't want to miss enor in Northern Cambodia it contains some of the world's most important cultural remains these include the enormous Anor wat Temple the beon temple with its multitude of massive Stone faces and T prom a Buddhist Temple Ruin entwined
with towering trees historically enor served as the Chim capital from the 9th to the 14th centuries which influenced art throughout southeast Asia many of the temples of Anor have been restored making it one of the wonders of the ancient world while offering an outstanding look at CH history [Music] number one Bali the Undisputed favorite of Indonesia's more than 177,000 Islands Bali lives up to its reputation as the quintessential Tropical Paradise the waters around Bali are known for its high Marine diversity and coral reefs while the Lush Rice Terraces provide a picturesque backdrop to its colorful
and deeply spiritual Hindu culture the island also has several great beach towns like couta as well as other areas such as ubu which are known for performing and artistic Arts [Music] [Music]