The Ultimate Asia Bucket List – The Top Experiences!

Asia is a continent on many people’s bucket lists and it’s not hard to see why. Home to beautiful islands, biodiverse national parks, jaw-dropping mountain ranges, and cultural landmarks, this part of the world really does have it all!

Whether you’re looking to explore Thailand’s beautiful islands or hike in the Himalayas, you won’t be short of options. Nature enthusiasts can look out for orangutans in Borneo, while cultural travellers can head to the Taj Mahal or Angkor Wat, and the list goes on…

If you’re planning an epic Asia bucket list then we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll cover our top destinations and experiences, ranging from Borneo to Sri Lanka.

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The Ultimate Asia Bucket List

1. Visit the Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic landmarks in Asia, attracting between 7-8 million visitors each year. An impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, this world wonder is a must for your bucket list.

The Taj Mahal is a huge mausoleum, made of white marble that dominates the skyline of Agra, India. This landmark was ordered by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was built between 1631 and 1648 in memory of his wife.

When visiting the Taj Mahal, it’s best to head there for sunrise. Although busy, it’s a magical experience and is far less crowded compared to later on in the day. Afterwards, head to Mehtab Bagh, a charming garden complex that also offers epic views of the mausoleum.

If you have the time, we’d also recommend staying in a hotel/hostel that overlooks this world wonder. Many properties, such as Joey’s Hostel Agra, offer a rooftop cafe where you can admire epic views of the Taj Mahal.

2. Spot orangutans along the Kinabatangan River, Borneo

Visiting the Kinabatangan River is one of the best things to do in Borneo! With a length of 560 km (348 miles), it’s the longest river in the state of Sabah and offers incredible biodiversity.

You’ll find a wealth of wildlife species here, including Bornean pygmy elephants, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and more. If you’re lucky, you might also spot hornbills flying above or Irrawaddy dolphins swimming beneath the surface. Additionally, this river is one of the best places to spot orangutans in Borneo.

Those visiting the Kinabatagan River should take the time to explore by river cruise. These cruises typically last for 1.5-2 hours and you can listen to relaxing jungle sounds as you look out for wildlife. River cruises here are also very affordable. During our trip, they were 60 MYR (£10) per person!

There are some fantastic jungle lodges located along the Kinabatangan River, many of which offer additional activities and excursions. We stayed in Sukau Backpackers B&B and can highly recommend this place.

3. Go island-hopping in Thailand

Island-hopping in Thailand is a must for any Asia bucket list. This beautiful country is famous for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and delicious food, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.

There are over 1,400 islands in Thailand to choose from. Phuket is the country’s largest island and attracts over 10 million people every year. However, you’ve also got the likes of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Lipe, and Koh Lanta – all of which offer natural beauty and plenty of attractions.

You could spend weeks exploring the Gulf of Thailand, hopping from one island to the next, or you could simply base yourself in one destination. Especially, as there are plenty of fantastic day trip opportunities!

This day trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket is a great example, as it offers snorkelling and a delicious lunch buffet. Alternatively, you can opt for this Phang Nga Bay tour.

4. Hike in the Indian Himalayas, India

One of our favourite Asia experiences has to be hiking in Himachal Pradesh. This state is located in northern India and is known for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. You’ll also find the Indian Himalayas here!

There are plenty of mind-blowing hikes you can do in this area, but we chose to explore Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. Thanks to the various species that live here, this place attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all over. Lucky travellers may spot ibex, barking deer, brown bears, and even the endangered snow leopard.

Hiking in this part of the world is something special and it’s a great addition to any Asia travel bucket list.

During our visit to Himachal Pradesh, we based ourselves in the charming town of Manali (specifically the area of Old Manali). Many of the hotels and guesthouses in this area offer mountain view rooms, including Zen Manali by Keekoo Stays. Some places even offer a private balcony!

5. Explore Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor is one of the must-see destinations in Asia. Located just outside of Siem Reap (Cambodia), it’s one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites. So much so, that Angkor has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stretching over approximately 400 sq km (154 sq miles), this complex is home to ruins that date between the 9th and 15th centuries. You’ll honestly step back in time as you explore the capital of the historic Khmer Empire.

It’s thought there are over 1,000 temples in Angkor Archaeological Park. Highlights include Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon, and Beng Mealea.

There are plenty of ways to explore Angkor, with private tours being very popular. You can also hire a private vehicle or tuk-tuk (with driver) to take you around. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle like we did. Just be cautious of the heat and take plenty of breaks if you’re cycling around.

6. Go jungle trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra

Sumatra is one of the most authentic places we’ve ever visited. Unlike Bali, this island is relatively undiscovered so is far less touristy, making it the perfect destination for adventure lovers.

While exploring one of the world’s largest islands, head to Gunung Leuser National Park. This World Heritage Site covers approximately 1 million hectares and is one of the richest tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia.

There are around 10,000 plant species found in the park, as well as 750 different animal species. Keep your eyes peeled for Sumatran tigers, sun bears, Sumatran elephants, gibbons, and the Sumatran rhinoceros. Gunung Leuser is also one of the only places in the world where you’ll find Sumatran orangutans.

Jungle trekking here is the best way to explore as you’ll have a local guide with you who knows the area. We stayed in a place called Fun Family Guest House (Bukit Lawang) and headed on a tour with them!

7. Spot blue whales in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

As you might have guessed by now, we’re huge wildlife enthusiasts. As such, the wonderful country of Sri Lanka just had to be on our Asia bucket list!

There are plenty of wildlife experiences to be had in this country, but whale-watching in Mirissa truly offers something special. Mirissa is a small coastal town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. From here, you can head out on a boat trip to explore the Indian Ocean and look out for marine life.

On these trips, you can spot various whale species, including blue whales, humpbacks, sperm whales, orcas, and pilot whales among others. You may even spot dolphins, turtles, manta whales, and whale sharks!

Raja & the Whales is the company we chose as they offer sustainable and ethical whale-watching trips. Boat trips start at 6:30 am and they can last anywhere between 2 and 8 hours. November to April is whale watching season in Mirissa.

8. Snorkel on the island of Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

Koh Rong Samloem is a beautiful island in Cambodia, located just off the coast of Sihanoukville. It’s the sister island to Koh Rong and is known for its relaxing vibe, natural beauty, and beautiful beaches.

However, Koh Rong Samloem is most famous for its snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. Underneath the waves, you’ll find a whole different world; a kaleidoscope of coral and tropical fish.

During our time in Cambodia, we spent days snorkelling on this island. As you explore, you may spot seahorses, clownfish, and parrotfish, among an array of other fish species. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for sea urchins!

The best snorkelling spots on Koh Rong Samloem include Saracen Bay, Sunset Beach, and Lazy Beach. M-Pai Bay is another fantastic option with Long Beach being a great spot to snorkel.

For the best experience, take along an underwater camera to snap some photographs and videos!

9. Release sea turtles in Bali, Indonesia

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Bali, then head to the resort area of Kuta. Although this area is very touristy, it does have something special to offer – baby sea turtles!

In Kuta, you’ll find the Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS). This non-profit organisation was founded by the Balinese people in 2011 and it works tirelessly to protect the turtles that call Bali home.

This charity works to protect sea turtle eggs from poaching, adverse weather conditions, and stray dogs. After they’ve hatched, the turtles are left to grow, and then a public release takes place!

Releasing baby sea turtles is a magical experience and the charity ensures that it’s all done ethically. Just make sure you stick to the regulations and avoid any flash photography.

You can check the Bali Sea Turtle Society’s Facebook page as this is where they announce their releases.

10. Cruise around Halong Bay, Vietnam

Located in northeastern Vietnam, Halong Bay is a must for any Southeast Asia bucket list. This World Heritage Site is famous for its emerald waters, towering limestone towers, and spectacular caves.

Halong Bay covers an impressive 1500 sq km (579 miles) and is home to over 1,900 islands and islets. Its name translates to ‘descending dragon’ in Vietnamese and refers to an old legend about a mother dragon and her offspring, who helped defend the local people against foreign invaders.

The best way to explore Halong Bay is by heading out on a cruise. Cruises typically last anywhere from 1-3 nights, where you’ll spend your days exploring the bay and taking in all it has to offer! Many companies also offer additional activities onboard such as cooking classes and cultural experiences.

Alternatively, if you don’t have much time, you can always visit on a day trip from Hanoi.

11. Find tigers in Ranthambore National Park, India

Ranthambore is undoubtedly one of the best national parks in Asia. Located in the state of Rajasthan, this park is famous for its Royal Bengal tiger population, making it a great safari destination.

Ranthambore National Park has 10 safari zones, with zones 1-5 believed to be the best options. Zone 2 is thought to offer some of the best sightings as there are numerous water holes.

You can explore Ranthambore via a 6-seater gypsy (jeep) or a canter safari, which is essentially an open-top bus that has 20 seats. While you drive through the park, keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife species too, such as leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, crocodiles, langurs, and more!

The city of Sawai Madhopur is often dubbed the ‘Gateway to Ranthambore’. We’d recommend that you stay here for a few nights. That way, you can head out on multiple safaris to increase your chances of spotting a tiger.

12. Summit an active volcano in Berastagi, Sumatra

While exploring north Sumatra, you’ll have the chance to summit an active volcano. Although this experience sounds scary, it’s still one of our favourite travel memories to date, making it a must for any Asia bucket list.

Gunung Sibayak (also known as Mount Sibayak) stands over 2,200 metres (7,218 feet) high, so hiking to the crater is no easy feat. However, the views from the summit are certainly worth the effort. Just try to time your hike on a clear day, so you can fully appreciate the surrounding scenery.

Gunung Sibayak overlooks the town of Berastagi, which is likely where you’ll stay to do the hike. There are a couple of different routes starting from here, and you’ll want to allow a good 3-4 hours for the trek.

If you’re planning to hike this active volcano, then we highly recommend staying at Kaesa Homestay. The owner used to work for the Indonesian Tourism Board so he certainly knows his stuff when it comes to this hike!

13. Hike in Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

Travellers looking to explore off the beaten track should head to Taman Negara National Park. Dating back around 130 million years, it’s one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests making this place a must-visit.

Hiking in Taman Negara is an amazing experience. The trek up to Bukit Teresk is certainly a highlight! From here, you’ll get jaw-dropping views. As you explore the park, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too. Elephants, leopards, tigers, rhinos, tapirs, and sun bears all call this rainforest home!

Not only is this national park great for wildlife enthusiasts but there are so many awesome things to do in Taman Negara. You can explore local caves, take a river cruise, and enjoy the canopy walkway.

We highly recommend staying in Kuala Tahan and allowing yourself at least 2-3 days to explore the park. Alternatively, you can hop on this day tour from Kuala Lumpur which includes transport and a guided tour.

14. Safari in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

Visiting Udawalawe National Park is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka! This national park offers fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities, making it an excellent safari destination.

Udawalawe is famous for its elephant population, as you can spot large herds roaming around. Thanks to the area’s lack of dense vegetation, they’re pretty easy to spot – we saw an elephant within 5 minutes!

This national park is home to a wealth of other wildlife species too. While on safari, look out for leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, and mongooses. Visiting Udawalawe is a great experience for bird watchers as well. In fact, over 200 bird species have been recorded in the park.

Those visiting the national park can stay in the nearby town of Udawalawa. Alternatively, day tours run from various destinations in Sri Lanka including Ella, Mirissa, Galle, and Hikkaduwa. Both morning and afternoon safaris are available.

15. Admire the rice terraces in Ubud, Bali

There are so many incredible destinations you could include on your Asia bucket list. If you have the chance, we’d highly recommend heading to the charming town of Ubud on the island of Bali.

This popular tourist destination offers lush green rice terraces, which you can explore. Tegallalang Rice Terrace is by far the most popular spot and is an incredible place to take photographs (especially if you have a drone).

For the best experience, we recommend heading to Tepi Sawah Waroeng. This eatery overlooks Tegallalang and you can sit right on the terrace, appreciating the views as you indulge in nasi goreng – a traditional Indonesian dish.

While in Ubud, you can also visit some of the other rice terraces in the surrounding area. Alas Harum Bali is another of our favourite spots and it’s located just up the road from Tegallalang Rice Terrace.

16. Spot proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park, Borneo

No visit to Malaysian Borneo is complete without heading to Bako National Park. Despite covering only 27 sq km (10 sq miles), this park offers some of Borneo’s best wildlife-watching opportunities.

Those visiting Bako National Park should keep their eyes peeled for proboscis monkeys – the park’s star attraction. These primates are endemic to Borneo and are known for their unique appearance, due to their large noses and pot bellies.

Various other mammal species also call this park home, including Bornean bearded pigs, macaques, pangolins, otters, flying lemurs, and mouse deer. Not to mention, there’s a wealth of reptile and bird species here as well. To spot wildlife, hike some of the park’s jungle trails (there are 16 colour-coded trails in total),

You can visit Bako on a day trip from Kuching, which is what we did. Public buses run to the park’s jetty terminal and full-day tours run from the city. Alternatively, you can stay overnight in the park.

17. Go on a boat ride through Tam Coc, Vietnam

Tam Coc is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam! This spot is famous for its towering limestone outcrops which are surrounded by serene rice paddies, making it a fantastic destination for landscape photographers.

Tam Coc actually means ‘three caves’ and refers to Ba Cave, Ca Cave, and Hai Cave, all of which are found in the area. The best way to explore Tam Coc is by boat.

You’ll head along the Ngo Dong River on a sampan (small wooden boat), and pass by some of the area’s caves. The scenery will blow you away, but the rowers are just impressive. They actually row with their feet, making the whole thing look super easy!

There’s plenty to do in Ninh Binh so we’d recommend spending at least 2-3 days here. If you’re short of time, this full-day tour from Hanoi includes a visit to Tam Coc, Mua Caves, Bich Dong Pagoda, and more!

18. Enjoy an ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand

There are so many incredible things to do in Chiang Mai. Whether you’re looking to explore historic temples, indulge in local street food, or wander around the local markets, there’s something for everyone.

However, this city also has something more special to offer. On the outskirts of Chiang Mai, you’ll find several sanctuaries which work to rescue and rehabilitate elephants from circus shows and other unethical practices.

Elephant Nature Park is one of Thailand’s leading elephant rescue and rehabilitation centres. This centre currently cares for over 100 elephants. Many of these animals have been rescued by the ‘Save the Elephant Foundation’.

Other popular ethical sanctuaries near Chiang Mai include Elephant Freedom Village and the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary. There are some great options to choose from, but just make sure you do your research first. Unfortunately, Thailand does have some unethical sanctuaries which you’ll want to avoid.

19. Ride on the iconic ‘Ella to Kandy’ train, Sri Lanka

While in Sri Lanka, you’ll want to ride the famous ‘Ella to Kandy’ train. This journey will see you experience some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, from stunning tea plantations to charming mountains.

As the name suggests, this train runs between Ella and Kandy, taking you through Sri Lanka’s hill country. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours. Additionally, there are different seat classes to choose from.

Third class is the most affordable option at around £1-£2. Whereas second-class tickets typically cost a bit more. First-class tickets are even more expensive, at around £7. Just be aware, that if you purchase a ticket through a local travel agency you’ll likely pay a mark-up.

The Ella to Kandy train is an extremely popular attraction so you’ll want to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the peak season. Tickets can be purchased either online at 12Go Asia or at the train station (either Kandy or Ella).

20. Visit Batu Caves, Malaysia

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Malaysia’s culture, then Batu Caves is the place to visit. This limestone hill consists of a series of caves which were formed over 400 million years ago.

The first thing you’ll notice about Batu Caves is the huge Lord Murugan statue, which is an impressive 42 metres (140 feet) tall. This makes it one of the world’s largest Hindu God statues! It’s dedicated to the Hindu God of War.

Batu Caves is also home to a beautiful Hindu temple which is nestled within one of the area’s caves. To reach the main cave, you’ll need to climb up 272 colourful steps. Afterwards, admire some of the other attractions here including Dark Cave, Cave Villa, and Ramayana Cave.

You can easily visit Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur, as there are plenty of transport options. Alternatively, you can take a tour. This private half-day cultural tour leaves from KL and is a great option. If you can, make sure you include this place on your bucket list for Asia!

Final Thoughts on this Asia Bucket List

As you can see, there are so many awesome places and experiences to include on your Asia bucket list. Whether you’re a keen hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or cultural traveller, there’s something for everyone.

To make the most of your visit to this amazing continent, ensure you prioritise the main landmarks/experiences. Whatever you do, just don’t rush your time in Asia as there’s so much adventure waiting for you!

If you have further questions about this Asia bucket list then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

Here are some other Asia guides you may find helpful:

• How To Spend 4 Days In Singapore
• Epic 2-Week Borneo Itinerary
• The Ultimate Sumatra Travel Guide

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