List of some of Asia's most stunning and charming places to visit and enjoy. Helpful to anyone planning a trip to India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam or Indonesia.

1. ASIAN STUNNING &
CHARMING PLACES

2. When we travel what we seek are new experiences. We are desperate for a break from our daily routine. A day
or a weekend away, a vacation or a long journey are all an opportunity to experience new landscapes, food,
architecture, and people. What we enjoy the most is the excitement the unknown brings us, that stimulus our
minds get when we face something novel. Although we don’t have to go afar to experience it, it is also true that
the probabilities of finding awe increase exponentially when we are in another continent, particularly in a very
different geography and culture to ours. People’s faces and cloths will fascinate us, new food will challenge our
risk-adverse attitude, exotic landscapes will stunned us, and old architecture and art will tech us an unfamiliar
history.
This list includes those places that are truly magnificent, those locations that produce awe in us, those that we
marvel at and recommend not to be missed. These are places you would never tire of contemplating. I’m basing
this in my own experience while traveling extensively through Nepal, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia,
Vietnam, Laos and Western Indonesia. Of course, there are going to be many stunning places that I missed
during my long journey through Asia; I'm looking forward to hearing yours.
STUNNING PLACES

3. NEPAL
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK
KATHMANDU TEMPLES
Kathmandu and its valley offer a great range of historic temples not to be
missed. Kathmandu, Patan and Bakhtapur Durbar Squares, plus
Boudhanath, Swayambhu and Pashupatinath are all stunning.
In terms of mountain ranges, The Himalayas are, literally, the top. The
trekking options in Nepal are abundant, but I’m recommending the
Annapurna Circuit because is a circular trek, which means trekkers don’t
go over the same path twice. It also offers the chance of doing it only in
part, until Jomson, where a flight to Pokhara is a possibility for those with
less time. My highlights of the circuit are:
- Crossing over the Marshyangdi River through suspension bridges
- The hospitality of the tea houses all along the route
- The last climbing day from Letdar to Thorung La
- Muktinath
- Marpha
- Tatopani's Hot Springs
- Sunrise at Poon Hill
Unfortunately, the violent earthquake that struck Nepal in April 2015
severely damaged all of them.

4. INDIA
AGRA & FATEHPUR SIKRI
The Taj Mahal is a must visit for everyone in Northern India, but don’t forget
to enjoy all the other wonderful sites in Agra and its vicinity:
- Agra Fort
- Akbar’s Tomb
- Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, also known as the Baby Taj
- Fatehpur Sikri, located 45km from Agra, has a wonderful set of sites to visit
AMRITSAR'S GOLDEN TEMPLE
JAISALMER
KHAJURAHO
Of all the beautiful forts Rajasthan offers, Jaisalmer’s is the most interesting.
The only one inhabited, its sandy walls paint the city with a very special
color. Book a camel trek and spend a night on the nearby desert dunes.
The set of temples with their artistic carvings is truly magnificent. But
Khajuraho is more than just the famous carvings of sexual content.
The temple of the Sikhs is not just a beautiful golden building surrounded
by a pool of water. Its mystic atmosphere is an oasis of calmness. Go to the
dinning room where food is served free non-stop to all visitors.

5. VARANASI
AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES
BANDAVGARTH NATIONAL PARK
HAMPI
You are here for the tiger. Book a jeep in advance through your hotel, or if
you are an independent traveler find other visitors to share a jeep with
because there's a daily visitors limit. A sight is not guaranteed, but two to
three entries might be enough to catch a glimpse of the beautiful beast.
Kanha National Park is also a great option.
One of the least knowns of India's wonders, Ajanta and Ellora caves will
awe you the moment you step in them. Ajanta's 30 caves were built by
Buddhist monks around a gorge, while Ellora comprises of 34 Buddhist,
Hindu and Jain caves. Kailasa, a rock-cut temple, is truly mind-blowing.
One of the world's oldest cities, Varanasi lays on the banks of the Ganges
River, and its known as India's holiest city, where Hindus go to purify their
souls and to be cremated and liberated when they die. Its maze-like streets
are colorful, lively and dirty. Varanasi is very intense and unforgettable.
In the state of Karnataka, Hampi and its ruins lie on a remarkable
landscape of huge boulders scattered along the Tungabhadra River. One
of the most important cities in South India until the 16th century, its stars
are the Vittala and Virupaksha temples.

6. MYANMAR
YANGON'S SHWEDAGON PAGODA
BAGAN
AMARAPURA'S U BEIN BRIDGE
Yangon's main attraction is an imposing compound comprised of the
main golden stupa and 82 other buildings. The stupa is over 2,500 years
old and it raises 98m/320ft from the ground, and its crown contains 5,448
diamonds and 2,317 rubies. It's the main pilgrimage site of Burmese
Buddhists, hence it gets plenty of visitors, including many Buddhist
monks and nuns.
The old capital of the Pagan Empire has today "only" over 2,000 temples
and stupas (it's believed it had over 10,000 in the 13th century). You need at
least 2-3 days to explore the vast area fully. My highlights are:
- Ananda Temple
- Shwezigon Paya
- Thatbyinnyu Patho
The world's longest teak bridge (1.2km/0.75miles) is built on 1060 teak
posts. A large Buddhist monastery nearby can be visited during lunch, and
at dusk the bridge gets plenty of visitors who stroll back and forth U Bein,
or hire a small boat to contemplate the sun setting on the river. The views
of Sagaing across the river are also worth the walk.

7. THAILAND
BANGKOK'S WAT PHRA KAEW & WAT PHO
CAMBODIA
SIEM REAP'S ANGKOR TEMPLES
Thailand's capital main architectural sites are two stunning temples set
next to each other in Bangkok's Ko Ratanakosin area. The first is also
known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and it's gilded walls shine
with splendour. Wat Pho houses Thailand's largest reclining Buddha.
Angkor temples near the city of Siem Reap date from an era when Angkor
was one of the most important cities in the world. At its peak in the 13th
century it's believed that around one million people lived there. Majestic
Hindu and Buddhist temples were built in a wide area that requires several
days to explore it in depth. The temples not to be missed are:
- Angkor Wat
- Angkor Thom
- Bayon
- Ta Phrom
- Preah Khan
- Terraces of the Elephants and of the Leper King

8. LAOS
LUANG PRABANG
VIETNAM
HALONG BAY
HANOI
Over 3,000 limestone islands mushroom from the sea in Northeastern
Vietnam, a natural spectacle worth staying a couple of days to fully enjoy it.
I recommend spending a night in a boat, which will give you plenty of time
to visit the caves, the floating villages, some beaches, swim and even kayak
around one of the most glorious landscapes on earth.
Vietnam's capital turned 1,000 years old in 2010 and its architecture
shows the influence China and France have had in the country's history.
Hanoi's Old Quarter is a joy to walk around. Must visits include:
- Ho Chi Ming Mausoleum
- Temple of Literature
- St Joseph's Cathedral
The old capital of the Luang Prabang kingdom sits on a peninsula formed
by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Its old quarter is full of gorgeous
temples and monasteries. It's Royal Palace is also very beautiful. Don't
miss the daily rite of Buddhist monks receiving alms at dawn.

9. INDONESIA
BOROBUDUR
BALI
MOUNT RINJANI
Indonesia is a land of volcanos: 150 in total of which 127 are considered to
be active. There are plenty of options to visit, from Krakatau in Sumatra, to
Bromo in Java, and Agung in Bali. But I'm going to recommend Mt Rinjani in
the island of Lombok, the country's second highest at 12,224 ft/3,700m.
You need at least two full days to go up to its rim, three if you want to
contemplate the stunning view of sunrise from its peak. The lake and the
baby crater inside the main crater make it an unbeatable scenery.
Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist temple. The base of the
pyramid is a square of 390ft/118m long, and its total height 116 ft/35m.
Built from about two million rocks, its total weight is approximately 3.5
million tons. The walls of its nine levels contain 1,460 scenic reliefs and
1,212 decorative reliefs, which, together with 504 statues of Buddha, give
an idea of the magnificence of Borobudur. On the last three levels, which
are circular, stand 72 stupas, each containing a sculpture of Buddha.
This small island east of Java is one of Southeast Asia top destinations due
to its sheer beauty and the unique Hindu culture preserved for centuries by
its inhabitants . The Southern part gets very crowded, so if you want some
tranquility head North to Lovina. Don't forget to explore the interior too.

10. If stunning places are those that trigger awe on us, charming places are those small towns or villages where you
feel enchanted the moment you set foot on them. Some can be popular with visitors while others might be off
the beaten track, but in all we feel relaxed and at ease spending a few days in them. Leaving them behind is as
difficult as saying goodbye to a summer love.
Here’s my list (I hope to discover more from your feedback).
CHARMING PLACES

11. NEPAL
BANDIPUR
MARPHA
Bandipur is a little village halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara
nested on top of a hill with stunning views of the Himalayas. Besides its
well preserved old architecture, the surrounding area is full of beautiful
fields to walk around. It's a great place where to spend a couple of days
away from the crowded touristy areas.
The Annapurna Circuit trek offers many wonders, mostly the possibility
of contemplating three of the fourteen peaks over 8,000m/26,247 ft
(Manaslu, Annapurna I, and Dhaulagiri). The villages of Manang, where
trekkers spend two nights to acclimatise before climbing to Thorung
La; Muktinath, the first village on the descend after reaching the peak; and
Pokhara at the end of the trek are all very cute places where to spend a
couple of days. Nevertheless, I'm going to suggest Marpha as the most
charming village in the trek.
Marpha's stone houses are all painted in white, their wooden doors and
windows in garnet. The village is nested between mountains in a
gorgeous valley of apple trees. An old Buddhist monastery at the end of
steep stairs offers wonderful views of Marpha and its valley. Besides, local
people are extremely friendly.

12. INDIA
BUNDI
KOCHI
DIU
PUDUCHERRY
Puducherry was French until 1954. Numerous churches and official
buildings such as the old Town Hall are all beautiful. The long promenade
by the sea becomes crowded late in the afternoons with locals.
Kochi has a long history as one of India's main ports. The Portuguese, the
Dutch and the English have all at one point controlled Kochi. St Francis is
India's oldest church, and the Pardesi synagogue dates from 1568. Stroll
along the top tip of its Fort to contemplate the Chinese fishing nets.
A former Portuguese colony, it was taken over by India in 1961. Diu is
actually an island off the coast of Gujarat. Its old fort and catholic churches
remain in good shape since the Portuguese left. There's a decent beach on
the island and the fishing harbour of Vanakbara is worth a visit.
This Rajasthani town is often ignored by tourists traveling this part of India,
the most visited because of its wonderful forts. Bundi's fort dominates the
town but it was abandoned and only recently some restoration work has
been carried out. The town houses are painted in indigo. There are many
old havelis where to stay and a cute lake too.

13. MYANMAR
MANDALAY
THAILAND
KOH PHANGAN
CHIANG MAI
Thailand's islands are some of the best not only in Asia but worldwide.
Due to the rainy season, I couldn't explore those on the West Coast and
had to go to the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Phangan, although infamous for its
Full Moon parties, is perfect in size to get lost on a beach for a few days.
Rent a motorbike to go around the island.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's Mandalay. The country's main Northern city, it's
very popular with travellers because its cool laid-back atmosphere. Its
Buddhist temples are all stunning, and its old quarter surrounded by the
old walls and a moat offers a wide range of cool hotels and restaurants.
Take a cooking class if you like Thai food.
Myanmar's second largest city has more the atmosphere of a big village
rather than the one of a huge urban area. Apart from its main sites (the
Palace, the Hill, and the Mahamuni Temple), Mandalay is the perfect base
from where to explore Amarapura, Inwa, Sagaing and Mingun, the four
ancient Burmese cities.

14. CAMBODIA
LAOS
BATTAMBANG
MUANG NGOI NEUA
LUANG NAM THA
Another of those little known places in Laos where to get lost, rent a
mountain bike and explore the beautiful countryside and the local ethnic
villages.
Some times you leave the beaten track and you find paradise. It's getting
more and more popular these days, but not many stopped at this charming
riverside tiny village with no electricity apart from what generators provide
from 6-10pm. Not much to do but to enjoy the river, the valley and the
peaceful setting. Forget about time in Muang Ngoi Neua.
Cambodia's second city is located on the banks of the Sangker River.
Despite not having any remarkable temples or great architecture, its
streets are lively and a joy to walk around. The boat from Battambang to
Siem Reap is one of the most beautiful journeys in Asia, first along the
river, then across Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest lake.

15. VIETNAM
PHU QUOC
CAN THO
HOI AN
THE HIGHLANDS
SAPA
One of Vietnam's main ports until 17th century, its old quarter shows
Chinese, Japanese and European influences, A gem of charming buildings
and pleasant streets, it's an ideal town where to go for few romantic days.
Mekong's perfect base from where to visit the delta's floating markets.
The city riverside promenade gets lively at dusk with numerous street
restaurants where to taste the delicious local food.
Vietnam's largest island is closer to Cambodia than to the country's
mainland. There are still some undeveloped areas and beaches, and some
cute small villages. Don't miss Duong Dong's market and eat at its street
restaurants.
Vietnam's Highlands is so different from the rest of the country, it feels like
another one. Dalat and its cool weather, the local ethnic tribes with their
unique culture, and the gorgeous landscapes makes it a very special area.
Sapa is a mountain town in Northern Vietnam, close to the Chinese border,
that has become the country's hiking main spot. Apart from the stunning
scenery, the diverse ethnic groups that inhabit the area makes Sapa a star.

16. INDONESIA
LAKE TOBA
UBUD
Ubud is considered the cultural capital of Bali. Despite its recent popularity
that has brought, for some, too many tourists, Ubud still remains a beautiful
town from where to explore the whole island thanks to its central location.
Every evening there are shows of traditional Balinese dance, some of them
truly spectacular. Several yoga and spa centers provide great services to
health conscious tourists. There are numerous Hindu temples scattered all
around Ubud. Check the local festivity calendar to witness the colorful rites
Balinese people performed to their divinities.
You can also rent a motorbike to get to the Northern coast, explore the
inland rice fields, or Danau Bratan lake.
Lake Toba is the world's largest volcanic lake. Around 70,000 years ago a
massive eruption took place that changed the Earth's climate significantly.
The lake sets today in the collapsed caldera (size 100x30km/62x19miles)
of the extinct volcano. It even has an island, Samosir (the largest island
within an island), of similar size to Singapore. Take time to enjoy the lake,
the island and its inhabitants, the Batak people and their curious wooden
houses.

17. A TRAVEL MEMOIR
"Out of Office... For Good"
About to turn forty, Carlos Peñalba quits his senior position at a
financial software firm in New York City to travel through Asia
for a year. Although his main objective is to explore a continent
almost unknown to him, he also intends to use his journey to
fulfill his dream of becoming a writer and a photographer.
Carlos’s original plan would take him from Nepal to Japan, but
unexpected circumstances force him to alter his route and
extend his adventure to eighteen months. After trekking high
peaks, reaching remote cultures, having some interesting
encounters and taking up vipassana meditation, the end of his
long journey would bring him (where he less expects it)
something much more important than a new career.
Find more details about the book on:
www.carlospenalba.com
All images © Carlos Peñalba Photography
www.carlospenalbaphotography.com