Best Things to Do in Asia

1. The Great Wall of China in Huairou, China

Marked as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” the Great Wall of China is a testament to humankind’s architectural skills. Built over 1,000 years and spanning 4,000 miles of China’s most rugged landscape, the Great Wall was constructed to protect China from the invading Mongols. 

While you can visit the Great Wall in many different locations in China, the Mutianyu section in the Huairou District is one of the best preserved portions of the wall. This section of the wall protected the capital and royalty. Visitors to this section of the wall can either take the 4,000 steps or the gondola and chairlift rides to see the ruins. 

2. Taj Mahal in Agra, India

Another of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is love personified. The Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1648 by the Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The building is reknowned for its stunning Muslim architecture, white marble walls, and inclusion of different architecture styles from Asia. 

In addition to the mausoleum, the complex includes a mosque, living quarters, and expansive gardens. The Taj Mahal gets very busy during the day, so make sure to go right at dawn to capture the morning rays hitting the white marbled stones of the mausoleum. 

3. Forbidden City in Beijing, China

China’s and the world’s largest royal complex, the Forbidden City is everything great about traditional Chinese architecture. Built in the early 1400s by the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City was the royal home for five centuries and two royal dynasties.

The “Forbidden City” gets its name from history as the entrance to the city was restricted to royalty or invited guests and “forbidden” to commoners. The royal enclosure includes more than 900 buildings for servants, temples, and palaces. 

Today visitors can walk these hallowed and secluded grounds and explore the way of life the royalty of China once lived in. 

4. Mount Fuji in Japan

One of the top outdoor experiences in Asia, Mount Fuji is Japan’s largest mountain. This sacred volcano is one of Japan’s most cherished sites and a top destination in Japan.

Visitors can hike the trails around the volcano during the summer months or visit Fuji Five Lake to catch views of this snow capped mountain. However, if you want to catch amazing photos of Mount Fuji go during the winter months as there will be less clouds and fog obscuring the volcano. 

5. Ha Long Bay in Vietnam 

Another one of Asia’s outdoor wonders, and frequently included on Asia tour  itineraries, is Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam. Nestled in the Bay of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is a water network of limestone islands and tiny beaches.

Ha Long Bay cruises take your through these towering islands covered in green and drop anchor so you can swim or kayak through these calm waters. The bay is also known for its colorful Floating Market where locals live and catch fish as their way of life. 

6. Margush, Turkmenistan

Hidden in Central Asia is the home to many believe to be 5th great ancient civilization of the world. Archaeological digs of Margush have found a civilization dating back five thousand years that included extensive agriculture, a written language, temples, and a necropolis. This area would later on become an important stop on the Silk Road and the nearby city of Merv would be called the “Gate to Central Asia.” 

Travelers looking to explore a lesser-visited area of Asia will love touring Central Asia and all of his grand architecture, ancient history, and diverse landscape. 

7. Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Currently the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa represents the dramatic growth of the city of Dubai. Once a small fishing village, Dubai has become one of the economic and luxury centers of Asia. Towering at 2,722 feet, the Burj Khalifa was designed from traditional Islamic art and modern techniques. 

Visitors who want to see amazing views of Dubai and the surrounding area from the top of the tower can take the free option of climbing the stairs or pay to take the elevator to visit the observation deck. You can also enjoy the Dubai Fountain at the base of the tower where you can catch multiple water and music shows throughout the day. 

Far Reaching Asia

Though they may be associated more with Russia and the Middle East, these destinations geographically belong to the Asian continent. 

St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

Straight out of a fantasy, St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most recognized buildings in the world. Commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1555 to celebrate the defeat of Kazan, the cathedral stands as a colorful and distinct testament to Russian architecture. Legend says that Ivan had the architect blinded so he couldn’t construct anything like it. The Cathedral has faced destruction throughout the years from either war or it’s own government, but has remained.

The Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan

One of the most influential and mentioned seas in ancient history, the Dead Sea is a sight to see, if not a salty one. The Dead Sea has the lowest body of water in the world and it’s special chemical makeup led to its high salt concentration.

Sitting at the epicenter of some of the world’s oldest civilizations and longest conflicts, the Dead Sea has played an important role in history. One of the most important artifacts to come from the area around the sea are the Dead Sea Scrolls. These scrolls contain contain not only historical documentation but also lost Biblical writings.

Travelers visiting the lake can take a swim, or rather float in the lake, but it's recommended to wear clothes you don’t mind getting ruined by the salt.

Cave Dwellings of Cappadocia, Turkey

Head on over to Western Asia to see the amazing cave dwellings of Cappadocia, Turkey. Originally created by erosion, the cave dwellings of the Goreme Valley were further constructed by humans beginning in the 4th century. Below the surface of the valley is a network of tunnels, chambers, and even small cities that in some places stretch as far as eight stories below ground. 

Many of the caves are part of a museum, but some still act as restaurants or hotels where you can stay to experience living underground and catch Cappadocia’s famous hot air balloons.