Asia is the largest continent by size and population. It also has some of the most popular tourist destinations, with major Asian cities recording millions of visitors annually. This high number is due to the wide range of fascinating cultures, landscapes, and cuisine the continent offers. Travelers can decide to visit picturesque remote islands, spend their vacation in megacities, or combine both. With so many famous and exciting destinations to choose from, deciding the ideal one can be a bit of a problem. That is, however, a welcomed problem for all tourists as anyone would want to choose from the best possible alternatives.

1. A Look at the Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Asia
Harry Gamble

2. Introduction
Asia is the largest continent by size and population. It also has some of the most popular
tourist destinations, with major Asian cities recording millions of visitors annually. This
high number is due to the wide range of fascinating cultures, landscapes, and cuisine the
continent offers. Travelers can decide to visit picturesque remote islands, spend their
vacation in megacities, or combine both.

3. With so many famous and exciting destinations to choose from, deciding the ideal one
can be a bit of a problem. That is, however, a welcomed problem for all tourists as anyone
would want to choose from the best possible alternatives.

4. One of these alternatives is Singapore City, Singapore. A truly cosmopolitan city with
millions of expatriates from all over the world, Singapore is also one of the cleanest urban
centers globally. With an estimated 18.5 million international tourists in 2018, the city is
the second most visited in the Asia Pacific and the 5th in the world. It is home to the
Singapore Botanic Garden, the only tropical garden listed by UNESCO.

5. One of the city's most popular tourist sites is the Orchard Road district, where visitors can
assess many multi-story shopping complexes and hotels. It is the go-to spot for tourists on
shopping sprees. Other popular sites include the Night Safari (the world's first nocturnal
zoo), River Wonders (a river-themed zoo and aquarium), and the Singapore Zoo.

6. Other important sites include Marina Bay Sands, an integrated resort, the Merlion (the
official mascot of Singapore), and Gardens by the Bay, a large nature park in central
Singapore.
The notable downside to Singapore is that it is an expensive city which often makes budget
travelers avoid it.

7. Another popular Asian destination for tourists is Thailand's foremost city, Bangkok. The
city consistently ranks among the top-visited destinations worldwide, with over 20 million
visitors overnight in 2017. With diverse sites, historic sites, shopping, cuisine, nightlife, and
several attractions, Bangkok appeals to a wide range of tourists with varying interests.

8. The most popular tourist attraction site is the Grand Palace, the official residence of the
Kings of Siam since 1782. The Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha), the most
sacred Buddhist temple in the country, is also another widely popular attraction. Other
popular Buddhist temples which draw visitors include Wat Pho (temple of reclining
Buddha) and Wat Arun (temple of dawn).

9. The city also boasts of some significant museums that show visitors a glimpse of Thai
architecture and history in general. These museums include the Jim Thompson House, the
Bangkok National Museum, and the Royal Barge National Museum.

10. In addition, lovers of street food can get it from Yaowarat, a place known for its shops and
restaurants. Other places to shop include the Chatuchak Weekend Market, considered one
of the largest street markets globally, and the Taling Chan Floating Market.

11. Hong Kong is also a central tourist hub in Asia. Being a British colony until 1997 and home
to millions of expatriates, Hong Kong blends both western and eastern culture to appeal to
millions of annual visitors from different parts of the world. The city is home to the largest
number of skyscrapers of any city in the world, with 518 skyscrapers, many of them sited in
Victoria Harbor, an area with one of the best coastal skylines in the world and one of the
most visited places in the city.

12. Another popular spot for tourists in the city is Victoria Peak, the highest hill in the city
where visitors climb to get amazing views of the city. Victoria Peak also has both a leisure
and shopping mall. Visitors can also visit one of Disneyland's parks situated in the city.

13. Another major tourist attraction in Hong Kong is Lantau Island, known as the city's
spiritual area. The Island houses one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, a 34-
meter-tall Tian Buddha Statue. Street markets are also commonplace in the city, providing
visitors with a plethora of options when shopping.