10 UNESCO world heritage sites to visit in Asia

Travelling around the world leads to you to inevitably seek out landmarks, national parks, historic sites that invite and demand your attention. Intentionally visited or a curious sense of discovery these outstanding feats of human ingenuity and spectacular natural environments are part of the joy of what makes travelling great. While it may not be in the best interest of everyone concerned these sites are of significant importance and visiting these locations helps preserve them for future generations. Outlined as part of UNESCO’s mission statement ” The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. “

Within Europe their are hundreds of UNESCO sites, some of which are instantly recognizable and some you’ve probably visited. The list below is a just a snapshot of the wonders you have at your disposal that may not spring to mind when planning your vacation. From natural rock formations, ancient monuments to waterways and quaint towns the sites and scenery are just waiting to be discovered.

Petra – Jordan

Put in-front of a global audience in the film ” Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” The lost city of Petra has become a pilgrimage for adventurers, travelers, geologist and budding archeologists. Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and inhabited since prehistoric times, the rock-cut capital city of the Nabateans, became during Hellenistic and Roman times a major caravan center for the incense of Arabia, the silks of China and the spices of India, a crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world’s richest and largest archaeological sites set in a dominating red sandstone landscape.

The 1.2km Siq, or canyon, with its narrow, vertical walls, is undeniably one of the highlights of Petra. Walking through this magical corridor, as it snakes its way towards the hidden city, is one full of anticipation for the wonders ahead. Just as you start to think there’s no end to the Siq, you catch breathtaking glimpses ahead of the most impressive of Petra’s sights, the Treasury, known locally as Al Khazneh. Our guide pointed out to keep left until 50 ft approximately from the end and take one step to the right. The treasury appears in frame by the exit of the gorge, a truly inspiring experience. For a small price you can climb a narrow path leading to the top of the gorge for a panoramic view of the treasury and its nearby surroundings, the Petra Instagram hotspot. From the Treasury, the way broadens into the Outer Siq, riddled by more than 40 tombs known collectively as the Street of Facades. Just before you reach the weather-worn 7000-seat Theatre, notice a set of steps on the left. These ascend to the High Place of Sacrifice, a hilltop altar, an easy but steep 45-minute climb. Descend on the other side of the mountain via the Garden Tomb, Roman Soldier’s Tomb and Garden Triclinium and follow your nose back to the Street of Facades, not far after the Theatre.

Venturing off into the hills, the Monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra. Similar in design to the Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m high), it was built in the 3rd century BCE as a Nabataean tomb. It derives its name from the crosses carved on the inside walls, suggestive of its use as a church in Byzantine times. The ancient rock-cut path of more than 800 steps starts from the Basin Restaurant and follows the old processional route. The easy-to-follow trail from the Basin Restaurant to the Monastery takes about 40 minutes. The trip is best started in mid-afternoon when there is welcome shade and the Monastery is at its most photogenic. The path follows the old processional route and is a spectacle in its own right, with flights of eroded steps scooped out of the weird and wonderfully tortured stone.

Cost – Entrance Ticket

Entrance to Petra is only permitted with a valid entry ticket and these can be purchased at the ticket office at the entrance to the site. The proceeds of the Petra Entry Fees are used to preserve and develop the visitor infrastructure at the site which is one of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entry Fees to Petra for those sleeping one or more nights in Jordan

1-day entry to Petra – 50 JOD
2-day entry to Petra – 55 JOD
3-day entry to Petra – 60 JOD

Entry fees to Petra for those visiting Jordan for one day
(via the borders)

1-day entry to Petra – 90 JOD

Entry fees to Petra for those sleeping one or more nights in Jordan – visiting on their first day in Jordan

If you visit Petra on your first day in Jordan, arriving from the border, the entry fee will be as if you did not stay in Jordan, and then after staying overnight in Jordan you will receive a refund of the difference.

Private Full Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Amman

2. Angkor Archaeological Park – Cambodia

Thrust into the limelight by the movie Tomb Raider, Siem Reap is home to the world famous Angkor Archaeological Park. Located in Cambodia, the Angkor complex is one of the stand out destinations in South East Asia and a must visit for any traveler. Located 6km north of Siem Reap the huge complex is made up of several man-made temples varying in size and structure spread out over a vast distance. Exploring the temple complex in one day is possible for those with limited time and having a local guide that will transport and wait for you at different sites is well worth the small fee. Start you exploration early so you catch the magnificent sunrise that emerges behind the iconic temple. Even in South East Asia the mornings can be a little crisp so bringing a thin jacket or fleece would be recommended. After exploring Angkor Wat you guide will drive you to the other temple ruins imbedded in the overgrown jungle surroundings. Be sure to check out Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Pre Rup, Bayon Temple, Preah Khan and round the day off by viewing the sunset from the top of Phnom Bakheng.

Full-Day Angkor Wat Sunrise Private Tour with Guide from Siem Reap

3. Kiyomera – deru – Historic Sites of Ancient Kyoto – Japan

Japan’s ancient capital is home to many UNESCO sites and arguably one that stands out the most is the temple of Kiyomera-deru. Kiyomizu-dera’s most famous aspect is its wooden stage complex, made of 168 pillars. This structure was built using a rather special method: 12-meter high keyaki (Japanese Zelkova) pillars made from thick, centuries-old trees and a floor made of 410 cypress boards was assembled and installed without using a single nail, instead relying on locking wooden joints. The temple’s wooden stage is undoubtedly what the temple is most famous for, offering an outstanding panoramic view of Kyoto rising out of a sea of maples. It’s also known as a magical temple, where you can find true love or drink from streams symbolizing love, success, or a long life.

10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people)

The name of this popular Buddhist temple translates as “pure water temple”, a nod to the sacred Otowa Waterfall. Spilling into the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera, the falls are split into three sections, and drinking from them is said to bestow either longevity, academic success, or luck in love depending on which stream you choose. For extra help in your love life, head to Jishu shrine behind the main hall. In front of it are two large stones, and walking between them with your eyes closed is said to bless you with true love.

4. The Great Wall – China

No trip to China would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose it’s still one of the country’s most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Its main body consists of walls, horse tracks, watch towers, and shelters on the wall, and includes fortresses and passes along the Wall. Trekking the great wall is a strenuous activity to say the least, steep inclines and triecious paths require a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy walking boots.

Badaling Great Wall Tickets Booking

The wall sweeps majestically as far as the eye can see with stunning panoramic views rewarding each strenuous ascent. You will undoubtedly see images of mass crowds holding umbrellas crammed like sardines scrambling for a half decent photo, don’t let this deter you from visiting. Taking an small organized tour with a local guide will place you far away from the mass crowds, only a handful of people are likely to be present leaving you to fully enjoy the view and walk along the great wall.

Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour

5. Ellora and Ajanta Caves – India

India has notable UNESCO sites such as the Taj Mahal or Golden Temple in Amritsar which are ever present on most travelers itinerary to this intriguing country. So a suggestion by a group of geologists staying at a the same hostel a visit to Ellora and Ajanta caves was met with some interest and excitement. A bold claim reiterated as a must visit with the precedence its stature is more impressive than Petra.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Same Day from Aurangabad

Ellora Caves

Ellora is composed of 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.

Ellora Caves Guided Day Tour with Other Attractions

Ajanta Caves

The caves at Ajanta are excavated out of a vertical cliff above the left bank of the river Waghora in the hills of Ajanta. They are thirty in number, including the unfinished ones, of which five (caves 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are chaityagrihas (sanctuary) and the rest, sangharamas or viharas (monastery). The caves are connected with the river by rock-cut staircases. The excavation activity was carried out in two different phases separated by an interval of about four centuries. The first phase coincides with the rule of the Satavahana dynasty from about the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century BCE, while the second phase corresponds to the Basim branch of the Vakataka dynasty with their Asmaka and Rishika feudatories in the 5th to 6th centuries CE.

Day tour of Ajanta caves

6. Chitwan National Park – Nepal

Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan has a particularly rich flora and fauna and is home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and is also one of the last refuges of the Bengal Tiger. Chitwan National Park (CNP), established in 1973, was Nepal’s first National Park. Located in the Southern Central Terai of Nepal, it formerly extended over the foothills, the property covers an area of 93,200 hectares, extends over four districts: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa and Makwanpur. The journey from Kathmandu to the Chitwan is an adventure in itself traversing steep mountain roads passes and rivers with breathtaking views.

3 Nights 4 Days Comfortable Chitwan Safari Tour

This World Heritage–listed reserve protects more than 932 sq km of forests, marshland and grassland containing sizeable animal populations, making it one of the best national parks for viewing wildlife in Asia. You’ll have an excellent chance of spotting one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, warthogs and some of the more than 500 species of birds. If you’re extremely lucky, you may spot a leopard, wild elephant or sloth bear – though it’s the once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot a majestic royal Bengal tiger that is the premier attraction. Whether its riding or bathing elephants, canoeing across a river or trekking through the jungle like a scene from Jurassic Park the Chitwan won’t disappoint.

Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour

7. Philippines – Puerto Princesa

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park encompasses one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, featuring spectacular limestone karst landscapes, pristine natural beauty, and intact old-growth forests and distinctive wildlife. It is located in the south-western part of the Philippine Archipelago on the mid western coast of Palawan, approximately 76 km northwest of Puerto Princesa and 360 km southwest of Manila.

Puerto Princesa: UNESCO Underground River Day Tour

The highlight of this 8.2 km subterranean river system is that it flows directly into the sea, with its brackish lower half subjected to tidal influence, distinguishing it as a significant natural global phenomenon. The river’s cavern presents remarkable, eye catching rock formations. The property contains a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem which provides significant habitat for biodiversity conservation and protects the most intact and noteworthy forests within the Palawan biogeographic province. Holding the distinction of being the first national park devolved and successfully managed by a local government unit, the park’s effective management system is a symbol of commitment by the Filipino people to the protection and conservation of their natural heritage.

Full-Day Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

8. Sigiriya – Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to many ancient ruins scattered across the island, no more famous than Sigiriya, also called Lion Rock or Lion Mountain. The site in central Sri Lanka consisting of the ruins of an ancient stronghold that was built in the late 5th century CE on a remarkable monolithic rock pillar. The rock, which is so steep that its top overhangs the sides, rises to an elevation of 1,144 feet (349 meters) above sea level and is some 600 feet (180 meters) above the surrounding plain. The Sinhalese king Kashyapa I (reigned 477–495) built a palace in the shape of a monumental lion on the several acres of ground at the summit, intending it to be a safeguard against his enemies. However, the king was defeated in 495, and the palace fell into ruin.

Private Dambulla Sigiriya Tour from Kandy with Lunch

The site soon became a pilgrimage destination and now a popular tourist spot. The site is surrounded by ingenious garden and water systems at the foot of the rock are what make it a national treasure. The gardens at Sigiriya are not only the best-preserved water gardens in South Asia but some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Visitors begin the final ascent to the top through the open paws of the lion, one of the few remaining portions of the palace that are still intact. The view from the summit is a full 360 breathing panorama surveying the jungle, paths and landscape gardens that lead up to the entrance. As the sun sets you get that Lion King Moment and iconic line springing to mind “everything the light touches….” placing the whole experience in perspective.

9. Ayutthaya – Thailand

The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce. Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting the city to the sea. This site was chosen because it was located above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam as it existed at that time, thus preventing attack of the city by the sea-going warships of other nations. The location also helped to protect the city from seasonal flooding.

UNESCO’s Ayutthaya Historical Park Full Day: Small Group Tour

Once an important center of global diplomacy and commerce, Ayutthaya is now an archaeological ruin, characterized by the remains of tall prang (reliquary towers) and Buddhist monasteries of monumental proportions, which give an idea of the city’s past size and the splendor of its architecture. Ayutthaya was the final stop on a UNESCO discovery across Asia and despite seeing many temples, ruins and monuments the splendor of the location never diminished. The temples also provided a filming backdrop for several scenes in Mortal Kombat movie during the 90’s.

Full-Day Private Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace from Bangkok

10. Ha Long Bay – Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site’s outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. The islands are best explored by boat cruise or sea kayak if your feeling adventurous. Most tours will include sailing through the island archipelago where you will experience shear cliffs, local fisherman and unique floating markets, bars and settlements. Explore the longest, biggest and the most beautiful grotto of Ha Long bay(Sung Sot Cave – Surprising Grotto). ” Sung Sot cave is the largest, perhaps the most renowned, and likely the most visited of all. ” Vietnam has a rich history and while the remnants of the war are scattered across the country, the beauty found in Ha Long bay is tells its own story about the people and culture of this country.

Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour – best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch