Historical Tourism Sites to Visit in Asia

UNESCO World Heritage sites offer an opportunity to learn about Asia’s rich cultural history. These places also inspire wonder.

From temples carved into cliffs to a town that was once the richest trading hub in the world, these sites are well worth a visit. Head to these historic destinations before it’s too late.

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Angkor Wat in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat, built by the Khmer king Suryavarman II in the 12th century, is a stunning complex of religious art and architecture and an enduring source of national pride. It is a must-see for anyone with an interest in history, culture, religion, and architecture.

Its vast temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws over two million visitors each year. Because of this heightened tourism, the sandstone monuments need to be carefully managed and preserved in order to retain their integrity.

A good way to see the complex is by visiting during the cooler months, at sunrise or at sunset. Those who wish to explore every nook and cranny should plan to spend half a day or more at the site.

The Angkor archaeological park also includes the ruins of the city of Angkor Thom and several other impressive temples, including the Bayon Temple. The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is dry and cool, although the hottest month is March.

Tiger’s Nest in Paro

Located in the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest is a monastery perched dramatically on the side of a cliff. Known locally as Paro Taktsang, this iconic landmark is the highlight of any visit to the country, and it’s a place that has to be seen to be believed.

The monastery is accessible via a 2 to 4-hour hike up a steep trail. While a horseman can be hired to take visitors up halfway, you’ll have to walk the rest of the way on your own to get to the temple. It’s a strenuous climb, but the views over Paro valley make it well worth the effort.

Whether you’re looking for spiritual enlightenment, an adventure challenge, or simply some stunning natural scenery, the Tiger’s Nest is a must-visit on every traveler’s bucket list. It’s an iconic symbol of Bhutanese culture and Buddhism, and it offers a glimpse into the mystical allure of this fascinating kingdom. So grab your walking shoes and get ready to take on one of the world’s most stunning historical sites! Follow Alice is a Wander Woman with a passion for languages, big cities and bronzer. She loves to discover new cultures and places, and enjoys sharing them with others through her blog.

Borobudur in Central Java

Borobudur is one of the world’s most remarkable ancient temples. It’s an awe-inspiring testament to Buddhist philosophies of the impermanent nature of human life and transcendence through self-discovery. It also reflects Javanese culture, which blended Indian and indigenous aesthetics.

The temple’s ten levels represent the division of Buddhism’s cosmos, and its 1,460 narrative relief panels guide pilgrims through them. The inscriptions and statues depict a variety of Buddha’s teachings.

Archaeological evidence suggests that it was built between 750 and 825 CE, during the Buddhist Sailendra Dynasty’s rule over Central Java. During this time, Central Java was home to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindu Sanjaya dynasty’s construction of the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, Prambanan, around this time may have been a response to Borobudur.

After the British occupied Java, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles heard rumors of this magnificent structure and arranged for its excavation in 1814. While the excavations revealed its treasures, it also triggered a period of decay as the stones were exposed to the elements and locals liberated parts for building materials or sold them to collectors. It was not until the 1970s when a new preservation effort began. The Indonesian government and UNESCO launched a massive project to stabilize the foundation, install drains, and clean the temple’s statues and 2,672 relief panels.

Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh

The Taj Mahal is India’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A visit to this incredible structure is a must for anyone traveling to India.

The Taj Mahal features a mausoleum, mosque and guest house that are constructed out of white marble. It is a truly stunning sight that was described by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as “a tear-drop on the cheek of time”. The monument also reflects the emperor’s keen attention to detail and desire for perfection. To construct the Taj Mahal, artisans were brought in from across the empire and Central Asia to work on calligraphy, carvings, gardening and woodwork.

The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors each year and is a cherished symbol of India. Because of this, steps are being taken to protect the Taj Mahal and ensure that it remains intact for generations to come. This includes a ban on cars entering the area, air quality monitoring and measures to reduce visitor numbers.

Great Wall of China in Qinhuangdao

The Great Wall of China is perhaps the most recognized symbol of China and Asia as a whole. Its primary function however, was to protect the country from invasion/raids from nomadic northern peoples. Visitors to the Shanhaiguan section of the Great Wall are treated to a number of exhibits that remind them of this military role. The museum’s Military Hall showcases cannons and scaling ladders for this purpose.

Those visiting the Great Wall of China in Qinhuangdao should also be sure to visit Old Dragon’s Head (Laolongtou). This section of the wall was once part of an elaborate defense system and features a square watchtower that looks uncannily like a reptilian skull, as well as a seaward wall extension that resembles a mouth.

In addition to the tower, the area also includes the historic Chenghai Pavilion. This two-story structure was used by five different Qing dynasty emperors to worship their ancestors.

Temples in Bagan

The temples in Bagan (alternatively spelt Pagan) are an awe-inspiring testament to the religious fervour of its inhabitants and rulers over the centuries. With a total of more than 2200 temples and pagodas, this extraordinary archaeological site offers an insight into the Buddhist faith that was so deeply rooted in the country’s people and culture.

Visiting the temples of Bagan is like stepping back in time. The whole place is dotted with bricks and stupas that range from small ones in people’s gardens to giant looming temples soaring hundreds of feet into the sky. It’s a fascinating place to visit, especially because most of the temples are still intact.

A big earthquake in 1975 damaged some of the structures but the majority were rebuilt and many of them are now open to visitors. One of the most impressive temples to see is the Ananda Phaya Temple. Its exterior is modeled after an Indian style and the inside has fantastic frescoes. Another must-see temple is the Pyathatgyi Temple where we watched the sunset from. It was a fun way to end the day. It’s best to hire a car or motorbike with a driver to get around Bagan.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Founded in 1350, Ayuthaya was the second capital of Siam which later became modern day Thailand. It flourished from the 14th to 18th century becoming one of Asia’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas as well as a center for global diplomacy and commerce. Its ruins, characterized by prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries, provide a glimpse of the grandeur this once mighty kingdom enjoyed.

In 1767 the city fell to the invading Burmese army who ransacked and burned it. It was never rebuilt although today the city is considered a historical park with a large number of temples and palace remains as well as a few prang.

The best way to explore Ayuthaya is on a guided tour which will help you get the most out of your visit. There are many tours available ranging from a quick day trip to multi-day excursions that will help you see all of the main attractions. It’s also worth spending some time at the Chankasem National Museum which will give you more background on the significance of this historic site.