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.

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.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is probably one of the most recognised monuments in the world. Don’t you think so too? This wildly famous monument has a flawless white marble façade, symmetrical gardens, and surrounding water bodies create magical photo opportunities.

Great Wall of China, China

Easily one of the longest man-made structures in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles, snaking across mountains and rugged landscapes. Some believe that the structure can be seen from space. But now we know that that’s not the truth.

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.

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.

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.

Kyoto’s Historic Monuments, Japan

Kyoto’s ancient temples with their red torii gates provide picture-perfect opportunities. During the spring season, the city’s temples, gardens, and traditional architecture look even more special with cherry blossoms all around them.

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.

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.

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.