Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in South Korea

 South Korea Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

South Korea offers tourists everything they can dream of in a single destination. The country has both a long and intriguing history, a beautiful culture, incredible food, hospitable people, and a superb tourism infrastructure such as the new lightning-fast rail system.

It's also a nation of contrasts, with top tourist attractions that range from the finest national parks, oldest mountaintop Buddhist temples, ancient enchanting palaces to the super-modern skyscrapers such as Lotte World Tower.

South Korea has an unusually unique attraction that no self-respecting tourist will want to dare miss: a no-man's land forming a rather high-tension military border where two nations technically yet at war. 

Discover the best places to tour with my South Korea travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in South Korea.

1) Changdeokgung Palace.  Of the five great palaces erected in the fifteenth century near Seoul via the Joseon Dynasty, this palace was the obvious favorite royal residence. Here, the king and his regal family resided daily.

The palace isn't only one single building, but a complex of structures, of which each serve a specific and different purpose. For example, some for dining, some for-meeting guests, some as libraries, and some for accommodations.

Be sure to tour through the massive 78-acre palace garden, lying just behind the palace. It's bursting with fabulous green spaces, lovely pathways, pagodas, lakes, and streams.

2) Busan.  Did you realize that you could head to South Korea and find great beaches? As the country's largest city, Busan's coast is filled with gorgeous beaches as well as resorts. There's much history and culture here, too.

Make it a priority to stop by the Beomeos Temple and the interesting hillside village called Gamecheon, which has a European style, sitting on the cliffs over the sea as if a Korean type of Santorini.

If you love seafood, visit Jagalchi Market, South Korea's biggest commercial seafood market. But only one section of the marketplace is currently open to the public, and there are several modest restaurants which will actually prepare your purchase, letting tourists to enjoy eating it right here.

South Korea's KTX extremely quick train will transport you to Busan from Seoul, taking a bit over two hours.

3) N Seoul Tower.  If visiting Seoul, you should definitely climb up in the iconic observation tower. It's positioned nearly on a mountaintop, and the structure's towering height itself takes you almost five-hundred meters into the sky with the city below appearing somewhat smaller.

But allow time for exploring the nearby mountain area. The tower is close to the peak of Mount Namsan, and the whole area happens to be Namsan Park that the city runs. Plus, you can explore hiking trails that extends for miles, and only a few minutes from downtown Seoul.

There's also a cable vehicle that transports visitors from Seoul to the base area of the tower. Here, you could then hike. After enjoying the beautiful panoramas from the tower and the cable car's ride, leave time to check out the Namsan Hanok village. These preserved historical villages that are scattered across Korea and Seoul, are actual re-constructions representing ancient Korean neighborhoods. The village also includes 5 restored hanoks (traditional Korean houses).

4) The DMZ.  Standing for demilitarized zone, DMZ is basically a no-man's spot bordering between two countries: North and South Korea. Although heavily mined and guarded fiercely, the odd area can still be visited, but permitted only with an authorized, guided tour. The whole area is approximately four kilometers wide, formally regarded as Joint Security Area, or just JSA.

A DMZ tour beginning from the capital, provides round-trip transportation. Official DMZ tours also allow you to visit the 3rd Tunnel, which the North dug to help make an invasion to the South easier, and the Dora Observatory, which permits you to gaze across DMZ into North Korea.

5) National Museum of Korea.  Acting like a global capital, Seoul is home to many museums, including the largest, the National Museum of Korea, and in comparison, to New York's Met, it's a place which truly cannot be explored in only one visit. The mega collection ambitiously combines archaeology, art, and history, displayed in order to tell the historical account of Korean Culture as well as the story of its people.

It's also a superb attraction to visit if you happen to be running on a tight time frame in Seoul. The collection can only be described as beyond vast, for it supposed to go as far back as more than a million years. It's truly fascinating, particularly for children and families as there is such a broad range of neat objects, from stone Age tools to Korean modern artwork.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

 Indonesia Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

As a collection of islands, the Indonesian archipelago conceals countless precious treasures in its vast diversity of landscapes, cultures, and cities. With almost 13,500 islands as if strung together by a thread, the country offers an exciting adventure for everybody, from diving in mostly untouched waters of varying lovely shades of blue and green colors, hiking near rumbling volcanoes to exploring ancient temples yet standing tall and proudly. Visitors are guaranteed to find countless top tourist attractions in Indonesia.

You could roam the lively streets of Jakarta, the country's political, cultural, and economic heart, or step way back in time by visiting the distant villages of Tana Toraja, confront the volatile Anak Krakatu, or explore the Bali's Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Whatever you decide, the adventure is certain to be one overflowing with appreciation and admiration for a country rich in natural beauty and history. Find the top tourist attractions in Indonesia with my Indonesia travel guide.

1) Beaches in Bali.  Undeniably Indonesia's wildly popular vacation site, Bali provides a decent number of cultural traditions and landmarks which guarantees a fun visit here. Without doubt, for a lot of people, Bali is the ultimate spot for beautiful beaches. If you're looking for a beach vacation, you should consider any of Bali's top luxury beach resorts so you can then soak up the sun. 

Any tourist traveling thus far, will have blue water and warm sand on their mind, and Bali never disappoint. Kuta is a fine beach, plus it's excellent choice for those who want to combine surfing, socializing, and sun all in one trip here. On account of its raging popularity, you'll have no scarcity of restaurants and activities to do while here.

If you're interested in something less crowded and quieter, Nusa Dua is yet a beauty and lures less visitors. But Sanur is the beach to go for a bit more culture and exciting water sports.

2) Borobudur.  This very old temple is both famously and culturally important landmark in the country. Built in the eighth century, Borobudur was constructed in the form of a conventional Buddhist mandala. It's not only a top UNESCO World Heritage site but also regarded as one of the world's greatest Buddhist sites.

Though forgotten for seemingly ages, with the firm belief that a lot of the population relocated to eastern Java because of volcanic eruptions, the massive temple was rediscovered in the eighteenth hundreds and, now, is a major draw in Java.

Come by at dawn to enjoy a climb up the temple with a torch-light and for the incredible experience of seeing the complex get bathed in sunlight. Borobudur sits close to Yogyakarta, an aged Javanese city famous for its rich historical and cultural contributions.

3) Orangutans of Borneo.  A trip to Indonesia can't be complete if you fail to see some orangutans, and Borneo is a fine place to appreciate these amazing and endangered animals. Despite orangutans yet live in the wilderness, many sanctuaries are actively rescuing and protecting them as new land development continues to encroach on their natural environment. 

Located in Kalimantan, Borneo, Tarjung Puting National Park today is home to the world's largest orangutan population, including reptiles, birds, and other primates.

If you can't go to Borneo, you could always see them at the Bohorok Orangutan Centre, located in Bukit Lawang, now a tourism village that lies in the Sumatran jungle.

4) Sacred Monkey Forest.  As Bali's cultural heart, Ubud is home to the Sacred Monkey Forest, a peaceful area where you could feel the island's ancient majesty all around you as if the ghosts of the long dead from ancient times are there observing you.

Here, at the Hindu temple, you probably will see several long-tailed macaques, which is a type of monkey typically found throughout Southeast Asia. The temple itself in addition makes a great visit since Balinese Hinduism unites aspects of many various religions, making it both unique and distinct among other kinds of Hinduism practiced these days.

The forest lies close to Pad Angtegal, a little village which has been luring artists of all types for several years, and the artistry, the temple, and breathtaking natural scenery make a visit to the village and forest a must-do in the island.

5) Pura Tanah Lot.  As an extremely popular temple in Bali, Pura Tanah Lot was constructed on a rock formation and in the sea. Since the original formation started deteriorating at some point, a part of the rock consequently is today artificial. Yet, it lures visitors in masses, especially during the dusk.

The temple site sits on the south coast of a nearby Beraban village, and you could stroll out at low tide to the temple. When the sun sets, consider browsing through Tanah Lot marketplace in order to buy unique Balinese souvenirs.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in India

 India Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

India is a lively land of surprising contrasts and where both modern and traditional worlds unite. As the world's 7th biggest country by area as well as the 2nd largest populated nation, India possesses a wealthy heritage resulting from centuries of various religions and cultures converging and making their enduring mark.

If you're looking for top-rated tourist attractions in India, you won't be disappointed--not once.

Activities to do in this country range from opportunities to experience a broad variety of spiritual encounters and holy sites, enjoy its verdant national parks, fun wildlife sanctuaries to sun-tanning on beautiful white sandy beaches.

From the sacred sites of Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, the impressive Tag Mahal in Agra, to the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, tourists arriving at this fascinating nation for the first time will discover an endless trove of historical, cultural, geographical, architectural, and spiritual treasures everywhere.

To assist you in mapping your next trip to make it the most memorable to this incredible country, refer to my India travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in India. 

1) The Taj Mahal.  Probably the most famous building ever made in India, the Taj Mahal in addition is the world's greatest testament to the might of pure love. Given the name Mumtaz Mahal, the Emperor Shah Jahar's favorite wife, this extremely lovely mausoleum was started after her demise in 1631, taking twenty thousand workers to complete in 1648.

Though incorporating several elements of Islamic style that includes from minarets, arches, black calligraphy inlaid surrounding the entry, and an onion-shaped dome, the building is mostly made of white marble. Adding to its beauty are elegant inlaid floral patterns and varying grades of precious stones like lapis, diamonds, mother of pearl, jade, and lazuli.

The most favorable time to tour is at sunrise or sunset when the atmosphere has brightly shifted due to the modification in lighting. If possible, attempt to catch a sight of the Taj Mahal's mirror-like reflection from the distant bank belonging to the Yamuna River, for it makes an unforgettable selfie.

2) The Holy City of Varanasi.  Dated to the eighth-century BC, Varanasi is a few of the world's oldest cities yet inhabited. As a chief Hindu pilgrimage center, Varanasi has long been connected with the great Ganges River, representing as one of the faith's most significant religious symbols.

The holy city offers several reasons to drop by, including exploring the Old Quarter, standing near the Ganges and where you'll locate the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, constructed in 1780. You may want to see the New Viswanath Temple boasting its 7 separate temples, a temple within a temple.

Since bathing in the Ganges amounts to great importance to Hindus, many sites called "ghats" now provide staircases that lead to the water for the devoted to bathe before actually praying. The biggest are Assi Ghat and Dasashvamedh. The former, at the convergence of the Asi and Ganges rivers, is regarded especially sacred.

In addition, worth visiting is Banaras Hindu University, being established by 1917 and reputed for its huge library sporting over a million books, and the excellent Bharat Kala Bhavan museum displaying great collections of sculptures, local history exhibits, miniature paintings, and palm-leaf manuscripts.

3) Harmandir Sahib.  Founding in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is a significant spot of Sikh culture and history. The chief attraction here is Harmandir Sahib, opening in 1604 and yet frequently called the Golden Temple because of its exquisite gold decoration.

As the most sacred of India's several Sikh shrines, the temple was constructed incorporating Islamic and Hindu style. While its bottom marble section displays flourishes like decorative inlaid animal and floral motifs, the big golden dome symbolizes purity to Sikhs via a lotus flower.

Besides its superb design, tourists are equally awed with the temple's calming and spiritual aura, an effect procured by the prayers constantly chanted from sacred books and echoed throughout the complex.

Enhancing the overall visit is the opportunity to partake in one of the fifty thousand free meals that the attraction offers to everyone daily.

4) The Golden City of Jaisalmer.  Called this for the yellow sandstone utilized in the majority of its structures, this city is an oasis of stunning old architecture rising from the Thar Desert's sand dunes. Though a strategic outpost once, now the city is bursting with exquisite old mansions; the enormous Jaisalmer Fort, a dominating 12th-century structure that towers above the town; and the impressive gateways.

Besides its fine old homes, temples, and palaces, the fortress houses 99 bastions together with huge gates that lead to its chief courtyard and where you'll see the tall Maharaja's Palace. Successive rulers began in the 1500s, and then added to it until the nineteenth century. This palace offers areas to be available to the general public.

You may also want to visit a few Jain temples ranging from 12th to 16th centuries, and each decorated with superb sandstone and marble images, brightly painted ceilings, and palm-leaf manuscripts. Also see the well-preserved ancient library, Gyan Bhandar that sports several antiquities and 16th-century manuscripts.

5) The Red Fort.  Constructed in 1648 by Shah Jahan as the base of Mughal power, maintaining it until 1857, the magnificent crescent-shaped fort, located in New Delhi, and named after the striking red sandstone employed in its construction, encompasses a massive area of over two square kilometers, and a large moat surrounds it.

Don't miss its two biggest gates: the stunning Lahore Gate and the lavishly decorated Delhi Gate, which the emperor once used for ceremonial processions.

An exciting perk for a visit is to explore Chatta Chowk. It's a 17th-century shrouded bazaar that sells everything from silk clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, to food. Though you may explore the fort alone, guided tours are available for improving your overall experience with fascinating insight into the Shah's life and times, plus a glimpse into the charming Hall of Public Audiences, exactly where he customarily received and addressed his subjects.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Russia

 Russia Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Home to the Soviet's most inspiring people in the world with a distinctive culture all of their own, Russia is where all great religions can pray as only one Europe. The world's largest country truly has it all--from valleys, warm lands, frozen terrains, glacier-covered mountains, earth's oldest lakes to steppes in Magnolia. Tourists here will find awe-inspiring attractions to last forever in their memories.

A few of Russia's oldest cities such as St. Petersburg and Moscow yet retain their royal splendor--conspicuous not just in their architecture but also obvious in their stunning parks, metro stations, and even shopping centers. 

With varying excellent accommodation options to satisfy all needs and tastes and convenient public transportation, Russia offers everything to guarantee an experience of a lifetime.

For unusually good ideas on what to visit and see, read my Russia travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Russia.

1) Kremlin.  As Moscow's hands-down most recognizable landmark, the Kremlin is a fifteen-century fortified complex covering a vast area of no less than 275,000 square meters and surrounded by walls erected in the 1400s. The palace contains more than 700 rooms, though once Tsar family's home, today it's where the Russian Federation president resides, but the majority heads of state have chosen to live elsewhere.

Also, the huge complex consists of several other buildings, of which some are open to the general public. Besides three cathedrals and a few towers, the Kremlin houses the Armory structure, a museum which exhibits the royal crown, imperial carriages, Faberge' eggs, and Ivan the Terrible's ivory throne.

2) Bolshoi Theatre.  The largest and the world's oldest opera and ballet companies call the Bolshoi theater home. Though it has undergone many major renovations during the past 100 years like in 2011 for restoring imperial architectural details, it yet retains remarkably all of its original Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater which you may see now opened back in 1824, but after many older versions have burned down. Inside, gilt moldings, red velvet, and a 3-tiered crystal chandelier grace the theater with a Byzantine-Renaissance grandeur feel.

Watching a performance from the opera troupes and the resident ballet is a sweet treat, for the theater frequently hosts a fair number of classical shows like Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini and Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa, both of which first premiered here.

3) GUM.  As the oldest and most modern shopping center at the same time, GUM is an architectural wonder. GUM, short for "Main Universal Store," was constructed in the 1800s using a neo-Russian style for showcasing an exquisite combination comprising 20,000 glass-panels and a steel skeleton shaping an arched roof.

Back then this ambitious construction project the glass had to be sturdy enough to withstand the Russian snow-heavy winters. But the structure is just as extraordinary inside, with granite and marble covering all three levels.

Though GUM has lost that status of being Moscow's largest and longest shopping center, it's yet without doubt the most beautiful. Home to famous brands such as Manolo Blahnik and Gucci, this may not be the perfect stop for cash-strapped tourists, but for the splendor of this massive building justifies a visit here.

Climb to the 3rd floor and you'll find fine dining options such as a Soviet-style canteen serving traditional Russian dishes, and even a stand that sells hand-made ice cream utilizing a genuine 1954 recipe the Soviet government approved. 

4) Lenin's Mausoleum.  As Russian leader Vladimir Lenin's last and final place of rest, the mausoleum now occupies a main place in Red Square. The mausoleum has been not only holding but also remarkably preserving his body since his untimely demise in 1924, and despite the original plan was to bury him after a brief period of public showcase for mourning, this plan rapidly changed.

After receiving more than 100,000 visits over the course of six weeks, a decision took place for a new sarcophagus as well as a more lasting display space for preserving Lenin's body better, and his mausoleum got built. Since then, the mausoleum together with its marble stairs all became the central spot from where Russian leaders observed events and parades unfolding in Red Square.

Today, visitors can see Lenin's embalmed body, resting behind a bulletproof glass sarcophagus like he's only sleeping. Though a tour here was not the common thing to do for many in the past, it's now a must-do for history lovers wanting to comprehend how Lenin's heritage really impacted the country. But come prepared to wait, for lines generally form to enter. 

5) Red Square.  Since all main streets in Moscow begin at Red Square, it's easy to realize why this site is regarded as the city's beating heart. An enormous space of 70 meters by 330 meters, the square is bordered by the State Historical Museum, two cathedrals, the Kremlin, and Lenin's Mausoleum. In 1945, a mega Victory Parade occurred here to rejoice the defeat of the Nazis by the Russian soldiers.

St. Basil's Cathedral, a really recognizable building that stands on the square, got constructed in 1555. The Asian and Byzantine inspiring design reflects on the cathedral's unique architectural details. The church houses nine separate chapels, each boasting colorful mural art.

The Kremlin and the square are confirmed UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In particular, on weekends, stalls at times sell traditional items and souvenirs here like matryoshka at the square's entrance.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Malaysia

 Malaysia Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

As a multicultural country, Malaysia offers tourists so much to see, despite their budge or what attractions they consider most appealing or what their concept of fun may be. The country's capital, Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan, bustling city bursting with stunning architecture and incredible shopping, and within only blocks, you'll locate colonial buildings like palaces and even ultramodern Petronas Towers.

Just a brief driving distance away from Kuala Lumpur, there are many activities to do, whether at islands with gorgeous golden beaches, mountains with amazing views, caves and caverns hiding all sorts of natural wonders, endless temples to an exciting opportunity to pretend you're a ruthless head-hunter as you tour through Borneo's fauna-rich jungle.

Malaysia also is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling, with soft sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs that consistently top destination lists.

For great ideas on what to explore, continue reading my Malaysia travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Malaysia.

1) Petronas Twin Towers.  As the world's highest twin towers, the Petronas soar a spectacular height of 452 dizzying meters into the far sky. These towers are eighty-eight floors tall and have a grand total of seventy-six elevators.

Constructed and reinforced with materials like glass, steel, and concrete, a double skybridge connects the two towers to each other on the forty-one and forty-second floors. Tourists could ascend up here for amazing sights of the huge KLCC Park just below, but the views are especially impressive at night.

Though the majority of the towers' floors are leased to companies, Microsoft, IBM, and Huawei Technologies have offices here, and the lowest floors rented to Suria KLCC, a massive shopping center, in fact, one of Malaysia's largest. With more than 300 stores, a fine art gallery, including a Phillharmonic Hall, the mega entertainment and retail area can easily trap visitors for hours.

2) Batu Caves.  Situated under one hour from Malaysia's capital, the complex of the Batu Caves comprises 3 chief caves and a series of little ones, of which contain statues and even one-hundred-year-old shrines in dedication to Hindu gods.

The chief cave, known better as Cathedral Cave, sits high up on an enormous colorful staircase, and when you climb all 272 steps, you'll discover a room decorated with lights, statues, and altars. At the foot of the staircase, a gold statue standing 43 meters tall, greets visitors with that unsmiling stoic-like gaze.

Tourists are permitted to wander through the caves either alone on a personal self-guided basis or with a guided tour in order to extract more information about the caves. 1000s of people throng to these caves in January to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Thaipusam.

3) Mount Kinabalu.  At a little more than four-thousand meters tall, Mount Kinabalu happens to be Malaysia's highest mountain, which is part of the well-known Kinabalu Park, one of Malaysia's oldest national parks, and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since its one-of-a-kind ecosystem combines shrublands, alpine meadows, and grasslands, Kinabalu provides a home to an admirable variety of animal and plant species, as well as the threatened orangutans.

Though Mount Kinabalu is a significant destination for many serious climbers, summiting here could be tricky. The park issues just 185 climb permits per day, and visitors must both reserve accommodation and pay for a mountain guide ahead to be permitted to use the trails. Despite people less than 16 years of age can join climbing groups, know that restrictions exist.

Climbers are advised to plan a short stay at the park prior to trying to reach the top, for the park itself sits at a high altitude of more than 1,800 meters, of which will go far to allowing much needed acclimatization, especially for novices, before actually attempting to climb to the peak.

4) Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.  Founded in 1964, the center assists in rescuing orphaned orangutan infants from illegal hunting or from pet trade. The center's chief goal is to teach these wonderful animals how to survive in their natural habitat, so then they could be finally allowed to roam freely in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, covering in unspoiled forest and stretching for 4,300 hectares that surround the rescue center. More than eighty orangutans presently live in the reserve.

Although tourists can't interact directly with them, nor approach them, however, they could come here to learn much more about orangutans such as the real challenges they face now, visit the nursery and climbing space, and even attend feeding sessions twice daily.

The boardwalk which cuts throughout the center provides many chances to observe these animals playing and climbing all over on the trees standing close by.

5) Kek Lok Si Temple.  As Malaysia's biggest Buddhist temple sitting on a hill, but at the base of Air Itam mountain, Kek Lok Si is quite new, for construction started in 1890, except the enormous 7-floored Pagoda, surrounded by ten thousand Buddha statues, have raised the overall status of this general area, making the striking destination impossible to miss.

Surrounded by prayer halls, fishponds, gardens, and stalls selling secular and religious items, the pagoda houses a very high Kwan Yin statue, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

In fact, the temple draws several tourists from all over Southeast Asia, who come here to earn "merits" and to see the most significant pilgrimage site. Chinese New Year festivities are especially lively at the temple, for the whole area gets decorated with a sea of lanterns.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Japan

 Japan Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Several first-time tourists to Japan are frequently surprised to find out that, as a first world advanced industrialized country, this rather little Asian nation also boasts a fascinating and rich history dating back 1000s of years.

Indeed, way before several of Europe's most impressive cathedral were ever conceived and constructed, Japan was ahead of everyone with its Buddhist and Shinto temples being already firmly-established and luring both pilgrims and patrons for often their intricate decor and designs. And around the same time, Japan was also already fine-tuning the trades and skills which would put it on the sure road to wealth, from fine ceramics and porcelains to textiles like silk.

A lot of this wealthy tradition has, in spite of natural devastation and wars, been preserved in one fashion or another, ensuring that a visit here becomes a memorable one. Boasting a ceaseless list of great attractions, exciting activities to do, and sites of interest worth exploring, a vacation, whether lasting one or two weeks, Japan is definitely a superb investment of both your time and money.

Learn which are the top places to see with my Japan travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Japan.

1) Mount Fuji.  As Japan's most readily recognizable landmark, the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji is in addition the nation's highest mountain peak. Soaring 3,776 meters above a contrarily mostly flat geography to the south and east, the fabled and majestic mountain rises high enough to be observed from Tokyo, over 100 kilometers away!

For centuries Mount Fuji has been exalted in literature and art and is today regarded as such an important icon that it received in 2013 UNESCO recognition for its world cultural significance. Because it belongs to the Fuji-Hakene-Izu National Park, over a million people climb Mount Fuji every summer as a sort of pilgrimage-related act, culminating in observing the sun rising from its summit.

Though a few yet start climbing from the foot, most climbers begin from beyond the midway part, specifically at the fifth Station, and the result is a more doable 6 or-longer-hour ascent. Those who do try to finish the climbing, are advised to leave in the afternoon, interrupting the climb with a reasonable overnight stay at a Mountain Hut, which was designed to accommodate such a practical need. A timely start the next morning gets you to the summit for the sunrise as a bonus.

2) Imperial Tokyo.  Tokyo's Imperial Palace, the city's most famous landmark, with its magnificent 7th-century parks bordered by moats and walls, is a definite must-see while visiting Tokyo. Don't be disappointed because most of the palace is restricted to the public, for there's yet more than enough to view just by taking a stroll through the grounds.

Besides several remarkable views of this palace from many angles in the parkland, tourists are allowed to enter the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden as well as other sections which are now open to the general public and part of a well-organized tour. The famed Nijubashi Bridge offers very romantic views, named on account of its watery reflection.

Another worthy attraction is the renowned Ginza shopping district, which contains the Kabuki-Za Theatre hosting its Kabuki performances and the Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre hosting traditional Bunraku performances and Azuma-odor dances.

3) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.  Although not much could be said about the horrors of an atomic bomb devastating Hiroshima towards the end of World War ll, a lot could be said about the admirable work this lively city has done to commemorate several deaths resulting from the unprecedented first nuclear attack in the world. Probably even more significantly, Hiroshima is now a place symbolizing enduring peace.

Visited by over a million tourists every year, and lying at the atomic explosion's epicenter where it used to be a bustling area of the city, in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park you'll see notable museums, memorials, and monuments relating to that fateful day.

Besides the gardens that show off their bright, blooming flowers, the park is home to the Peace Memorial Museum, displaying many exhibits that address the topic of world peace. Also, here you can visit the Atom Bomb Dome, which constitutes the remains of an administrative structure, standing at the heart of the blast; and the Memorial Cenotaph and the Flame of Peace. 

4) Historic Kyoto.  As one of the country's most visited cities, beautiful Kyoto happens to be among the few cities to survive WWll's vast destruction, and it's no wonder that over 10 million tourists visit each year. The majority come here to seek Kyoto's excellent architecture and old streets, much of it the same since the royal family started residing here over one thousand years ago.

Back then, Kyoto was the country's most significant cultural center. In fact, this legacy continues presently with is several art galleries and museums, each packed with important paintings, sculptures, and additional art forms.

Notable examples of the city's architecture, influenced by Buddhists, include its several well-preserved temples, of which 30 are yet in use, and significant buildings like the fourteen-century Golden Pavilion, renowned for its lovely gold-leafed exterior.

Do not dare overlook visiting Nijo Castle; it's a seventeen-century fortress that succeeded in retaining its original moat, walls, and towers. Also worth checking out are the castle's exquisite gates and its palace that boasts fine interior decor.

Another landmark to see is the genuine Kyoto Imperial Palace. Constructed in AD 74, it has become a major historical site attracting numerous tourists.

Indeed, your visit to Kyoto wouldn't be totally complete if you didn't explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This beautiful section of high bamboo is only under a ten-minute stroll from Kyoto's town center.

5) The Island Shrine of Itsukushima.  Only a quick ferry trip from mainland Hiroshima you'll find Miyajima island, world-famous as the country's Shrine Island. Encompassing an area of about thirty square kilometers in the Hiroshima Bay, today Miyajima is better known for containing Itsukushima Shrine, which is a Shinto temple and a dedication to the wind god Susanoo's princess daughters.

Dated from the 8th-century, most of the shrine's structures stand in a small Bay's waters and are supported just by piles of wood. The resulting effect of the high tides is truly amazing, causing these fragile buildings to seem as though they are just floating on water.

Connected together by a network of bridges and walkways, it's a great area to explore, particularly its bigger halls. These include the beautiful Honden, or Main Hall, Hall of a Thousand Mats, the Prayer Hall, and the Offerings Hall.

Another worthy feature happens to be the shrine's stage, and here musical performances and traditional dances entertain visitors. Other notable exploration includes the island's lovely grounds and gardens, where you might see many bird colonies and wild deer.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Thailand

 Thailand Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Popularly called the land of smiles, Thailand is a shining ruby in Southeast Asia. Thanks to a flourishing tourism industry, the country is well-developed and offers all types of modern conveniences--but it's also yet amply wild to provide off-the-beaten-track adventures and rare travel experiences. Whatever is your prime reason here, whether it's for the unmatched southern beaches or the northern mountains, or villages, Thailand can't possibly disappoint.

Cities such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok are bustling beehives of commerce and activity, but you haven't truly seen anything yet unless you've hiked in the beautifully winding mountain trails or enjoyed direct contact with elephants or dolphins or those daring cute monkeys always stealing your food and electronic items. Thailand's attractions vary but each will handsomely reward you with an unforgettable experience in a unique way.

For some serious dose of inspiration while planning your next trip, review my Thailand travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Thailand.

1) Railay Beach.  In Krabi province you'll find some of the country's most famous beaches, of which Railay tops this list as being the most breathtaking. Regarded by many fans as one of Thailand's best beaches, Railay promises turquoise-blue water, pretty white sand, and the strange impression that you've landed on a piece of paradise without your feet touching the sand.

A boat ride beginning from either Ao Nang or Krabi town will take you to the island, plus the sea journey on a traditional long-tail boat is as fabulous as the one used to reach the shores.

Though the beach may be the chief motivation for visiting the island, Railay also is a hot spot for rock-climbing, with karst peaks luring both novice and experienced adventurers, ready to tackle the soaring limestone cliffs.

Among the several other activities to do here, Railay is famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling, kayaking and ocean rafting. In addition, tourists could enroll in cooking classes as well as indulge in a pleasant massage.

Also, there's the tourist-oriented Diamond Cave which visitors can reach by a lovely trail with great views. Tours will accommodate anyone wanting to explore between periods of sunbathing.

2) The Grand Palace.  If you spend any amount of time in Bangkok, you certainly can't overlook the Grand Palace, which is the city's top-ranking attraction for two main reasons: staggering historical importance and craftsmanship.

The grounds happen to be a real maze of ancient relics, temples, and royal halls, the most significant being Wat Phra Kaeo, which is believed to have a fragment of bone or hair belonging to the enlightened Buddha.

Allow many hours to do full justice to the Grand Palace. If you're inclined for additional walking after the palace tour, you could easily enjoy other chief landmarks close by. Both the well-known Wat Arun and Wat Po, the Temple of the Dawn, are under a 10-minute stroll away.

3) Sunday Walking Street.  Every Thailand tourist anticipates cheap and tasty food, and that's precisely what they could find aplenty at Sunday Night Walking Street in Chiang Mai. Merchants sell all types of treats here, ranging from pad Thai, chicken satay, samosas, sweet roti, fried bananas to fresh fruit shakes, usually for under $2 each.

After satisfying your hunger, you can explore numerous stalls selling a fair selection of unique items like essential oils, incense, all-natural soaps, wall hangings, paintings, musical instruments, and more.

But know that the market always gets crowded each week, regardless when you're visiting. This is a must-do while in Chiang Mai, as well as an important part of experiencing Thailand.

Also, you can explore the Saturday Night Walking Street, Night Bazaar located on Chang Klan Road, or try the less touristy Warorot Market, close to Mae Ping River.

4) Wild Elephants at Khao Yai National Park.  Since elephants are clearly revered in Thailand, tourists will find paintings and statues of them everywhere, including in many temples and royal palaces. But for getting the ultimate, exciting experience, nothing beats the opportunity to observe elephants carrying on in their usual habitat, of which Khao Yai National Park now provides.

Here, you'll stumble across elephants wandering near rivers, monkeys, exotic birds, and many other tropical animals. Also, the park is home to several waterfalls of which include the 150-meter-high Haew Narok, but the better known one is Haew Suwat, featuring in the Leonardo DiCaprio's movie, The Beach.

If a single day is not nearly enough to enjoy it all, tourists can camp out at the national park and rise pretty early to watch the sun rising above the lush landscape.

5) Doi Suthep.  Probably the most famous wat found in Chiang Mai lies on Doi Suthep, a mountain that overlooks the country's second-biggest city. It's a major destination for devoted Buddhists and tourists coming from everywhere around the world. Doi Suthep is no less than a marvel of elaborate religious carvings, so stopping here means observing worship rituals, monks praying, and an opportunity for gazing out beyond the ever-growing city of Chiang Mai.

Be sure to have on yourself a water bottle and bring your best walking shoes, for you'll be climbing a rather steep staircase for ascending to the peak of the mountain where the temple stands. At the foot of the stairs, expect sellers to hawk from delicious local sweets to homemade items. A shop also sells masks, home furnishings, and elephant carvings.

You have the option for combining your journey to Doi Suthep with visits to Doi Pui, a little Hmong village located in the mountains. You'll come across the Bhubing Palace on your path to Doi Pui, and it's open to tourists.

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