28 Stops You Simply Have to Make in Asia

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 — there are tons of magnificent destinations 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.

01
Gyeongju, South Korea
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Gyeongju, South Korea

Take a trip to Gyeongju, in which you can tour the Bulguksa Temple, the Cheonmachong Tomb, the Anapji Pond, and the Yangdong Folk Village.

02
Luang Prabang, Laos
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Luang Prabang, Laos

The ancient small town of Luang Prabang is surrounded by mountains and is Laos's number one tourist destination.

03
Agra, India
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Agra, India

See the famed Taj Mahal during a trip to Agra.

04
Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka
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Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

Horton Plains National Park is ideal for hiking — you'll spot small tea plantation villages in the valleys below the 2,000-meter-high plateaus.

05
Banana Reef, Maldives
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Banana Reef, Maldives

Described by one TripAdvisor user as a "fantastic dive site," the Banana Reef, in all its exotic marine life, will provide you with the best pictures ever.

06
Guilin, China
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Guilin, China

Guilin is a major tourist destination, what with its beautiful landscape, rich history, and crystal-clear waters.

08
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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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 is completely necessary.

09
Sagada, Philippines
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Sagada, Philippines

If you're an outdoorsy type of person, this is your ultimate paradise: the mountainous regions of Sagada are downright stunning.

10
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar 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.

11
St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh
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St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh

Coconut palm trees line the beaches of the peaceful St. Martin's Island — it's a relaxing island vacation like none other.

12
Seoul, South Korea
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Seoul, South Korea

Visit the Seoul City Wall, the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Dongdaemun Market in Seoul.

13
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
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Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The tea estate on the hills and valleys of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, provides incredible sightseeing for travelers.

15
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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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.

16
Phuket, Thailand
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Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is lovely in all its glorious, earthly wonder: the blue lagoons, gorgeous gardens, and spectacular villas will take your breath away.

17
Hokkaido, Japan
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Hokkaido, Japan

There are so many cool things to do in Hokkaido, but stopping at Farm Tomita should be at the top of your list.

18
Shanghai, China
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Shanghai, China

You must pay a visit to Shanghai, which boasts scenic parks, interesting museums, innovative architecture, fine dining, and cultural landmarks.

19
Langkawi, Malaysia
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Langkawi, Malaysia

If a gorgeous seaside getaway is your goal, Langkawi awaits your arrival.

20
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
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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.

21
Bali, Indonesia
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Bali, Indonesia

Lush beaches, scenic resorts, a thriving nightlife, and bustling daytime activities characterize Bali. You'll have the best time — and the most breathtaking Instagram snapshots to date.

22
Davao City, Philippines
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Davao City, Philippines

Take a tour at the Philippine Eagle Centre in Davao City, which is working to save the quickly vanishing bird.

23
Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Mongolia
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Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Mongolia

Nature-lovers, the caves, sand dunes, mountains, and rivers of Gurvan Saikhan National Park will make your heart leap.

24
My Son, Vietnam
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My Son, Vietnam

You'll have amazing views of Cat's Tooth Mountain when you visit My Son, set in a jungle valley with crumbling temples.

25
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The most populated city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a unique urban center with museums, food vendors, amusement parks, tea houses, and lively bars.

26
Andaman Islands, India
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Andaman Islands, India

Long-standing jungles, opaque waters, white beaches, and flaming sunsets set apart the beautiful, 300-some Andaman Islands.

27
Bagan, Myanmar
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Bagan, Myanmar

Take a hot air balloon ride in Bagan. You're guaranteed scenic views.

28
Tokyo, Japan
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Tokyo, Japan

Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis, Tokyo is boundless when it comes to shopping, sightseeing, and dining. You'll get lost in the distinctive culture!