The 11 most beautiful places in Asia, according to Time Out

It's a beautiful world out here. And with so many gorgeous spots in Asia alone to tick off, deciding where to go can be a bit of a headache.

Now, Time Out's travel editors and pool of globetrotters have done the hard work of ranking the most stunning destinations in the world. We're talking pinch-me views, from ethereal pink beaches in Indonesia to grand gold-leaf temples in Japan. You'll find classic must-see spots on this list, but we've also spotlighted lesser-known beauties we'd encourage you to spread your love to. 

Now, for the most beautiful spot in Asia (and the world): Komodo National Park in Indonesia. I can personally vouch for this one, having visited in 2024 for an unforgettable diving trip. It's considered a world-class diving spot for a reason, with the clearest waters I've ever seen just teeming with vibrant coral reefs and a dizzying volume of fish. Personal favourite sites? The Cauldron drift dive (with the famous 'shotgun' current that slings divers through a narrow channel), and the Crystal and Castle Rock pinnacle dives, where you can see giant trevallies, barracudas, sharks, and even manta rays. 

It's just as beautiful on land. I'd recommend taking a boat tour to visit Komodo, Padar, and Rinca Island. This one-day jaunt hits all the highlights: the breathtaking Padar Island viewpoint (with a view of three giant bays of black, white, and pink sand), an ethereal pink beach to frolic on, and a little trek to see the iconic Komodo dragons. Labuan Bajo, a fishing town that's your best jump-off point to the national park, is also known as "the city of a thousand sunsets". For good reason – there are multiple hills, cliffside bars, and seaside resorts where you can relax and watch the fiery sun sink into the blue, blue ocean. 

Komodo National Park is a hard one to beat, but Panukha Valley in Bhutan gives it a run for its money. Ranked the second-most beautiful spot in Asia and third in the world, it stands out for its gracefully terraced slopes. Time Out expert Rebecca Ann Hughes recalls hiking up "to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a four-floor Buddhist shrine with a waterfall of wisteria draped over the entranceway", where "elaborate frescoed walls depicting wrathful Buddhist gods" await. 

It's followed by Hà Giang in Vietnam, a mountainous province best explored on the back of a scooter. As our contributing writer Bella Gomes shares, "the winding mountain passes, terraced rice paddies and 43 different ethnic groups that call this place home, combine to give Hà Giang its otherworldly air". 

A total of 11 Asian destinations made our list – see them all below. For all 44 stunning worldwide destinations, check out our round-up here.  

The most beautiful places in Asia, according to Time Out:

1. Komodo National Park, Indonesia (#1)
2. Punakha Valley, Bhutan (#3)
3. Hà Giang, Vietnam (#10)
4. Zhangye National Geopark, China (#20)
5. Three Whale Rock, Thailand (#29)
6. Koh Rong Samloen, Cambodia (#32)
7. Ella, Sri Lanka (#33)
8. Kinkaku-ji, Japan (#39)
9. Registan Square, Uzbekistan (#40)
10. Jaipur, India (#42)
11. Hoi An, Vietnam (#44)

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