I don't know about you, but Japan has been on my list of places to see for quite some time now. I've heard amazing vacation stories about the country, and I've seen some pretty cool pictures of Japan on my Facebook feed from a few lucky friends who've been able to go.
Japan isn't the only nation in Asia to offer complete satisfaction for your international wanderlust [1] — there are tons of magnificent destinations [2] on the continent that will astound you and your travel-loving heart. And so I present you 28 stops in Asia you simply must — no, really, must — make at some point.
Gyeongju, South Korea
Take a trip to Gyeongju [3], in which you can tour the Bulguksa Temple, the Cheonmachong Tomb, the Anapji Pond, and the Yangdong Folk Village.
Luang Prabang, Laos
The ancient small town of Luang Prabang [4] is surrounded by mountains and is Laos's number one tourist destination.
Agra, India
See the famed Taj Mahal [5] during a trip to Agra [6].
Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka
Horton Plains National Park [7] is ideal for hiking — you'll spot small tea plantation villages in the valleys below the 2,000-meter-high plateaus.
Banana Reef, Maldives
Described by one TripAdvisor [8] user as a "fantastic dive site," the Banana Reef [9], in all its exotic marine life, will provide you with the best pictures ever.
Guilin, China
Guilin [10] is a major tourist destination, what with its beautiful landscape, rich history, and crystal-clear waters.
Janakpur, Nepal
Rock climbing, horseback riding, bungee jumping, city tours, and mountain flights are among awesome things to do in Janakpur [11].
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
A pit stop at the Dream Mall — the biggest shopping mall in Taiwan, with an actual Ferris wheel on the roof! — in Kaohsiung [12] is completely necessary.
Sagada, Philippines
If you're an outdoorsy type of person, this is your ultimate paradise: the mountainous regions of Sagada [13] are downright stunning.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar [14] is a thriving metropolis amid remote lands — stop at the Tibetan-style Gandan Monastery, established before WWII and one of the few monasteries to withstand the Soviet eradication.
St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh
Coconut palm trees line the beaches of the peaceful St. Martin's Island [15] — it's a relaxing island vacation like none other.
Seoul, South Korea
Visit the Seoul City Wall, the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Dongdaemun Market in Seoul [16].
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
The tea estate on the hills and valleys of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia [17], provides incredible sightseeing for travelers.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Catch a sighting of the elusive Komodo dragon at Komodo National Park [18].
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Go zip-lining down treetops, explore a limestone cave, take a dragon boat river ride, and get lost in the beauty of an orchid and butterfly farm in Chiang Mai [19].
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket [20] is lovely in all its glorious, earthly wonder: the blue lagoons, gorgeous gardens, and spectacular villas will take your breath away.
Hokkaido, Japan
There are so many cool things to do in Hokkaido [21], but stopping at Farm Tomita [22] should be at the top of your list.
Shanghai, China
You must pay a visit to Shanghai [23], which boasts scenic parks, interesting museums, innovative architecture, fine dining, and cultural landmarks.
Langkawi, Malaysia
If a gorgeous seaside getaway is your goal, Langkawi [24] awaits your arrival.
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
A total of 544 species of birds, 126 species of fish, 68 species of mammals, and 56 species of herpetofauna have been observed in Chitwan National Park [25].
Bali, Indonesia
Lush beaches, scenic resorts, a thriving nightlife, and bustling daytime activities characterize Bali [26]. You'll have the best time — and the most breathtaking Instagram snapshots to date.
Davao City, Philippines
Take a tour at the Philippine Eagle Centre [27] in Davao City [28], which is working to save the quickly vanishing bird.
Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Mongolia
Nature-lovers, the caves, sand dunes, mountains, and rivers of Gurvan Saikhan National Park [29] will make your heart leap.
My Son, Vietnam
You'll have amazing views of Cat's Tooth Mountain when you visit My Son [30], set in a jungle valley with crumbling temples.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The most populated city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City [31] is a unique urban center with museums, food vendors, amusement parks, tea houses, and lively bars.
Andaman Islands, India
Long-standing jungles, opaque waters, white beaches, and flaming sunsets set apart the beautiful, 300-some Andaman Islands [32].
Bagan, Myanmar
Take a hot air balloon ride in Bagan [33]. You're guaranteed scenic views.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, Tokyo [34] is boundless when it comes to shopping, sightseeing, and dining. You'll get lost in the distinctive culture!