10 most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage sites in Asia
What inspired you to travel every corner of Asia? Is it the food, culture, people, or a little bit of everything? For us, it’s always the latter. The continent is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning visual beauty. These sites in Asia are not only cultural treasures but also visual wonders, offering endless inspiration for photographers seeking beauty, history, and unforgettable images.
As per Times Travel, these are the world’s top 10 most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage sites in Asia, with Cambodia’s incredible Angkor Wat topping the list.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
02
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
What do you do when you visit the largest religious monument in the world? Of course you stare at it and make an attempt to capture the essence of the site in your camera. The temple site looks stunning at dawn. The intricate carvings, vast moat, and the awe-inspiring temple complex offer countless opportunities for stunning photos, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
03
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is arguably one of the most iconic landmarks globally. Wouldn’t you agree? This world-renowned monument, with its pristine white marble exterior, perfectly symmetrical gardens, and surrounding water features, offers enchanting photo opportunities.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
04
Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China, one of the longest man-made structures in the world, spans over 13,000 miles, winding through mountains and rugged terrain. While some have claimed it can be seen from space, we now know that’s not true.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
05
Bagan, Myanmar
The best way to experience Bagan is from up in the air. When visiting Bagan, go for a hot-air balloon ride to see the site from up above. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. The vast plain of Bagan is dotted with thousands of ancient temples of all shapes and sizes. The hot-air balloon ride is best done early in the morning.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
06
Borobudur, Indonesia
You should see the world’s largest Buddhist temple at dawn. Borobudur is simply stunning. The temple has hundreds of Buddha statues, bell-shaped stupas, and intricate reliefs that make for captivating shots.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
07
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Your Vietnam trip is incomplete without a visit to the famous Halong Bay. The bay’s emerald waters are dotted with towering limestone islands, together creating the perfect backgrounds for your incredible vacation photos.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
08
Kyoto’s Historic Monuments, Japan
Kyoto’s historic temples, adorned with red torii gates, offer picture-perfect scenes. In spring, the city’s temples, gardens, and traditional architecture become even more enchanting, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
09
Petra, Jordan
Petra, also known as the “Rose City,” carved into vibrant red and pink sandstone cliffs, is one of the most dramatic archaeological sites in the world. From the narrow passage that leads to the site, to the architectural works you get to see, Petra is unforgettable. The iconic Treasury building is especially photogenic.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
10
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, Philippines
The Banaue Rice Terraces are carved into the mountains of Ifugao by the ancestors of the indigenous people. The site is so much more than farming. In fact, the terraces are an agricultural engineering marvel. The green slopes are incredibly photogenic.
Photo courtesy: Canva |
11
Hampi, India
The ancient city of Hampi has the most unique landscape in India. There are boulders of all shapes and sizes for as far as one can see. Add to that the majestic temple ruins of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Kingdom. Hampi offers an otherworldly photography experience. The sunset scenes are simply unforgettable.