Top 15 Asia Destinations to Visit in 2026 According to TripAdvisor

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - It's 2026, and it's another great year to travel and explore the world. Asia is still one of the most popular destinations for travelers. This beautiful, big continent offers countless of exciting places to explore. From beautiful islands to busy cities, choosing the perfect Asia destinations for your next trip can be a problem.

If you are having the same problem, don't worry. TripAdvisor has picked the best destinations in Asia for 2026. These places got high ratings from millions of travelers who visited them. Here are the top 15 Asia destinations you should add to your travel list.

The Island of Gods takes the top spot as the number one destination in Asia for 2026. This Indonesian island is known for its green rice terraces, white sand beaches, and warm local culture. Among its many attractions, the Hindu temples of Tanah Lot and Uluwatu are must-see places that sit dramatically by the ocean. If you're looking for activities, the island offers everything from surfing and yoga to traditional Balinese cooking classes. Adventure seekers can also join a sunrise trek to Mount Batur or swim with manta rays at Nusa Penida.

As Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi offers a mix of rich history and lively street culture. The Old Quarter is where you'll find narrow streets filled with traditional shops and some of the best street food in the country. This is the perfect place to try famous Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi without spending much money. For history lovers, the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum show important parts of Vietnam's past. When you need a break from the busy streets, Hoan Kiem Lake provides a peaceful spot to watch locals doing morning exercises.

Bangkok is a city that truly never sleeps, where you'll find amazing street food on almost every corner. The Grand Palace stands as one of Asia's most stunning buildings, with its golden decorations and detailed architecture. Shopping options here range from ultra-modern malls to traditional floating markets where vendors sell from boats. One sight you shouldn't miss is Wat Pho, home to a giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters long. After dark, the city comes alive with rooftop bars that offer incredible views of the skyline.

Most people come to Siem Reap for one main reason: Angkor Wat, the world-famous temple complex built in the 12th century. This ancient wonder is even more impressive in person than in photos. Thanks to a new airport that opened recently, getting to the city has become much easier than before. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap offers comfortable hotels at budget-friendly prices. While you're here, make sure to explore the local food scene and try traditional Khmer dishes that you won't find anywhere else.

Tokyo is where ancient traditions and modern technology exist side by side in perfect harmony. In this city, you might see a 400-year-old temple standing right next to a building covered in bright neon lights. One of the most exciting experiences is watching the crowds at Shibuya Crossing, known as the world's busiest intersection. Food lovers will be happy here too, as the city has everything from small family-run ramen shops to high-end sushi restaurants. What also makes Tokyo special is how clean and organized it is, plus the shopping districts like Harajuku where you can find unique fashion and culture.

If you're planning to explore the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu is your starting point. This city is deeply spiritual, and you'll notice it everywhere you go. At the heart of the city, Durbar Square displays ancient palaces and temples that tell stories of Nepal's fascinating past. Another famous spot is the Swayambhunath temple, sitting on top of a hill and often called the Monkey Temple because of the monkeys living there. For those interested in trekking or mountain climbing, Kathmandu serves as the base before heading into the mountains. Don't leave without exploring the colorful local markets where vendors sell everything from handmade crafts to aromatic spices.

Hoi An is often called one of Asia's most charming small cities, and once you see it, you'll understand why. The old town is painted in shades of yellow and decorated with thousands of colorful lanterns that create a magical atmosphere. Walking through the narrow streets, you'll discover a beautiful mix of Vietnamese and French colonial architecture. One thing Hoi An is famous for is its tailor shops, where you can get custom-made clothes at reasonable prices. The Japanese Covered Bridge, built over 400 years ago, remains one of the town's most photographed landmarks. When evening comes, the entire town transforms as thousands of lanterns light up the streets and river.

The Maldives is made up of tropical islands surrounded by some of the clearest water you'll ever see. Imagine beaches with powder-white sand and water so blue it almost doesn't look real. This makes it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving among colorful fish and coral reefs. Many resorts here offer a special experience: water villas built over the ocean, so you can literally step from your room straight into the sea. If what you're looking for is a peaceful beach holiday away from busy city life, the Maldives delivers exactly that.

New Delhi, India's capital, is a city where history meets the energy of modern urban life. One of its most impressive sights is the Red Fort, a massive palace built from red sandstone back in the 1600s. Not far from there, you'll find India Gate, a war memorial that has become an important symbol for the country, and the Lotus Temple, which is known for its unique flower-like design. The city's many markets are perfect for shopping, whether you're looking for colorful spices, beautiful textiles, or traditional handicrafts. When it comes to food, New Delhi is hard to beat, offering everything from delicious street snacks to restaurant meals that showcase the best of Indian cuisine.

Seoul has become famous worldwide for its technology, K-pop culture, and amazing Korean food scene. While exploring the city, you should visit Gyeongbokgung Palace to see traditional Korean architecture and catch the changing of the guard ceremony if you time it right. Shopping is a big part of the Seoul experience, with options ranging from luxury boutiques in the trendy Gangnam area to busy street markets in Myeongdong. Korean barbecue restaurants are everywhere you look, and the quality of the food is consistently excellent. Getting around is easy too, thanks to one of the world's best public transport systems.

Kyoto is often called Japan's cultural heart, and with over 2,000 temples and shrines scattered throughout the city, it's easy to see why. The Golden Pavilion is probably the most photographed temple here, covered in gold leaf that shines beautifully when the sun hits it just right. For a peaceful experience, head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest where tall bamboo trees create a quiet green pathway that feels almost magical. Another must-see is Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of bright red gates that form a trail leading up the mountain. Beyond temples, Kyoto is where you can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and maybe even spot geishas in certain historic districts.

Phuket holds the title of Thailand's largest island and draws beach lovers from around the world. Patong Beach is the most well-known spot, packed with water sports, restaurants, and entertainment options. However, if you prefer something quieter, beaches like Kata and Kamala offer a more relaxed atmosphere. One of the island's most recognizable landmarks is the Big Buddha statue that sits on a hilltop and can be seen from many parts of the island. Many visitors also take day trips by boat to the nearby Phi Phi Islands, where the scenery is absolutely stunning.

Singapore earned the top spot as Asia's best culture destination for 2026, which is quite impressive for such a small country. What makes this city-state special is how clean and well-organized everything is, with modern skyscrapers standing alongside carefully maintained parks. Marina Bay Sands has become the city's most iconic building, and its rooftop infinity pool offers some of the best views you'll find anywhere. When hunger strikes, head to one of the many hawker centers where you can taste food from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other cultures without spending much. In the evening, Gardens by the Bay puts on a spectacular light and music show around its futuristic tree structures.

Located in Rajasthan state of India, Jaipur is famous for its pink-colored buildings that earned it the nickname "Pink City." One of the most popular icons of the city is Hawa Mahal, a beautiful palace with 953 windows that was originally built so royal women could watch street life without being seen. Another great place you need to visit is the Amber Fort, a large hilltop palace decorated with stunning mirror work and colorful paintings inside. While you're in the city, don't forget to check out the local markets where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani jewelry, textiles, and handmade crafts. Jaipur gives you a real taste of India's royal history and culture.

Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and serves as a gateway to the rest of this beautiful island nation. The city brings together modern city life with reminders of its colonial past in interesting ways. Along the coast, Galle Face Green offers a long stretch of park where locals and visitors gather to enjoy ocean breezes, watch the sunset, and try popular street food snacks. For a more peaceful experience, temples like Gangaramaya provide beautiful spaces for quiet reflection. If you enjoy shopping and want to experience local life, Pettah Market is a lively area where you can find almost anything, from aromatic spices to electronics and traditional Sri Lankan goods.