Looking for the best places to travel in asia? Think bamboo paths, lantern-lined streets and bright blue water surrounded by cliffs.
These pictures give you plenty to dream about, whether you’re leaning toward a city break or a trip with more mountains than skyscrapers.
You can build your plans around one destination or save a few for later. Some landmarks are recognizable straight away; others are inspiration for a region rather than a confirmed stop.
Start with the views you love, then work out the details.
Read also: 20 Hudson Valley Day Trips and Scenic Ideas to Inspire Your Next Outing
Beautiful Asian Destinations Worth Saving
A lantern-lit bamboo path
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous bamboo scene. I love the yellow-and-orange umbrella against all that green.
The little lights along the path make it even prettier.
If this is your kind of view, consider Kyoto’s bamboo groves for your shortlist. Check the specific location and any evening events before expecting this illuminated setup.
Lotus flowers in Bali
How pretty is that pink lotus? This scene resembles the Saraswati Temple in Ubud, with ornate gateways rising behind a pond full of broad green leaves.
If you’re looking for places to travel in asia with beautiful temple courtyards, Bali is worth considering. Leave room in your plans to appreciate the smaller details rather than just taking a photo at the entrance.
Vietnam’s island-filled bays
I am obsessed with the green islands scattered across this water. The steep cliffs and little boats give you so much to look at.
Ha Long Bay and nearby Lan Ha Bay are places to research for scenery like this. Choose your boat route carefully rather than assuming every trip visits the same part of the bay.
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Seoul’s tiled rooftops
Want old streets and a big-city skyline in the same view? This Seoul scene has both.
The curved rooftops lead your eye down the lane toward tall buildings and N Seoul Tower.
Consider Bukchon for a walk among traditional houses. Keep your voice low and respect residential access signs while exploring.
A sky full of lanterns
Those glowing lanterns are so beautiful against the dark sky. Fireworks fill one corner while people hold larger lanterns below.
If this scene has you thinking about Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng celebrations, check current dates and official viewing arrangements. Don’t assume lantern releases are allowed everywhere or that every event looks like this.
Golden skies at Angkor Wat
This Angkor Wat view may just be one of my favorites here. The sun sits above the central tower while the causeway is packed with visitors.
Save this for a Siem Reap trip if temple architecture is high on your list. Just don’t plan around having that famous sunrise view all to yourself!
Hoi An by the water
I love this Hoi An riverside scene with its glowing boat lanterns. The covered bridge and yellow buildings look so pretty behind the reflections.
Leave an evening free for a riverside stroll rather than squeezing it between other stops. A boat ride is another option if you want to spend a little longer on the water.
Little islands and blue water
Don’t want a city skyline anywhere in sight? This chain of green islands might be more your thing.
I especially love the pale beach circling the island in front.
The Maldives is worth researching for this kind of island scenery, though the exact islands pictured aren’t confirmed. Check your chosen island’s setting and transfers before booking.
Singapore’s glowing gardens
How gorgeous are these curved conservatories? Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay pairs those huge glass structures with winding paths and illuminated Supertrees.
If you love gardens but still want a city trip, this is a lovely place to start. Consider an afternoon visit that leaves you time to see the grounds as the lights come on.
Rainy lights in Shibuya
Not every travel photo needs a blue sky. Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing looks so striking here, with bright billboards reflected across the wet stripes.
I love the pink and blue reflections most. If you’re taking photos on a rainy visit, keep to pedestrian areas and leave space for everyone crossing.
A turquoise cliffside cove
Okay, that turquoise water is gorgeous. A pale beach curves beneath tall cliffs, with palms on one side and a dark opening in the rock on the other.
For a trip inspired by this view, research Thailand’s Andaman coast. Treat this as scenery inspiration rather than a confirmed beach location, especially when comparing boat tours.
Mountain peaks and prayer flags
If you’re looking for mountain inspiration, this one is for you. Colorful prayer flags cross above a rocky stream with snowy peaks rising behind the valley.
Nepal is a place to consider for Himalayan scenery, though this image doesn’t establish a specific trail. Choose a route around your experience and allow for altitude rather than picking by the photo alone.
A quiet almsgiving moment
This scene shows monks carrying bowls past seated people offering alms. The bright orange robes stand out against the muted street.
If you’re considering Luang Prabang, learn about almsgiving etiquette before attending. It’s a religious practice, not a photo setup, so observe respectfully and avoid interrupting participants.
hong kong’s hillside tram
I love this red Peak Tram surrounded by greenery. Behind it, Hong Kong’s tall buildings fill the background with distant hills beneath the clouds.
This is a fun idea if you want a city break with a hillside outing. Check the weather before heading up if the skyline is your main reason for going.
A train above the trees
The blue train and those tall bridge arches are such a pretty combination. Mist hangs between the green hills while the track curves around the slope.
If this makes you want a scenic rail journey, look into Sri Lanka’s hill country. The exact bridge shown isn’t verified, so use confirmed route photos when deciding where to go.
Jaipur’s pink palace
I am obsessed with the details on Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal. The pink facade, pale outlines and rows of little windows are so beautiful together.
Give yourself a moment to look beyond the full-building photo. The tiny green accents and patterned window screens are worth noticing too.
Red lanterns in Jiufen
How pretty is this lantern-lined corner of Jiufen? Dark buildings climb beside the steps, with red lanterns hanging under the eaves and the sea visible beyond.
If you’re adding Jiufen to a Taiwan trip, leave room for a tea stop. I’d choose a seat with an outlook if one were available.
A lagoon between steep cliffs
This is another blue-water view, but it’s a little different from the open bays above. Tall cliffs enclose the lagoon, with small boats scattered across the darker center.
Read also: 20 May Vacation Destinations in the US and Scenic Trip Ideas
For similar scenery, research Palawan in the Philippines and Thailand’s Andaman islands. Confirm the actual stops with your operator rather than treating this unverified aerial view as a promised destination.
Read also: 20 Beautiful Places to Visit in North Carolina and Views Worth Saving
Mount Fuji and pink blossoms
The red Chureito Pagoda, pink blossoms and snow-capped Mount Fuji are so pretty together. This is a lovely one to save if you’re planning time around Fujiyoshida.
If blossoms are your priority, check seasonal updates before settling on dates. Clear mountain views and flowers aren’t something any itinerary can guarantee.
Bhutan’s cliffside Tiger’s Nest
Last but definitely not least, we have Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest monastery. I love the red-and-gold roof details against the huge gray cliff.
The forest below makes the setting even more striking.
If this is going on your travel list, build your Paro plans around the uphill visit and your fitness. It deserves more thought than a quick photo stop.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily