Top Instagrammable Spots In Asia

1. Plain of Jars, Laos

This unique and singularly bizarre formation of ancient jars is a pot-pourri of intrigue, mystery and folklore. While its origin and purpose remain unsure, there can be no doubt as to the powerful imagery generated by the hundreds of ancient cylinders which lie scattered across the countryside of the Xieng Khuang province of Northern Laos. Estimated to be over 2000 years old, they are fondly referred to as the Asian Stonehenge.

2. Hainan Island, China

When it comes to white sand beaches and sun-kissed coastlines, China is not a name that comes to mind; yet Hainan Island checks off all these and much more, without breaking the bank. Separated from the mainland, Hainan Island is a hidden paradise consisting of its very own volcano park, tropical rainforest, heritage village and unique cuisine. You can stay at one of several luxury hotels while taking day trips to the local monkey reserve and the neighboring islands, indulging in water sports at its spectacular beaches or simply soaking up the sun.

3. Old Town streets of Ipoh, Malaysia

Once the center of colonial Malaysia, Ipoh had seen tough times. But lately, the Old Town has experienced a renaissance of sorts with new life breathed into its streets with the completion of several restoration projects and the appearance of many contemporary art houses and cafes. Starting from the ornate architecture seen in the colonial triangle to the palace-like train station, the past is being brought back to life while several luxurious and modern hotels are taking up residence in the sprawling mansions of the town. Street art and murals dot the walls of Old Town and provide the perfect backdrop for Ipoh’s thriving cafes and local culture.

4. Rainbow Village in Taichung, Taiwan

Quite possibly the most colorful place in Asia, Rainbow Village is a living testament to the efforts of one man to brighten up the neighborhood. Moving from one home to the next, Huang Yong Fu ended up painting the entire village and soon the locality turned into a protected cultural area. Today, Rainbow Village is one of the top tourist attractions of the city and witnesses footfall of over a million people every year. Go crazy with your camera at this Instagram-worthy location and set some amazing travel goals.

5. Bai Hong Qiao @ Chinese and Japanese Gardens, Singapore

Hidden among the tall gleaming skyscrapers of Singapore lies a small but powerful reminder of its Chinese heritage. Part of the Jurong Lake Park, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens opened their gates in 1975 and are renowned for the manner in which they integrate traditional architecture with the natural surroundings. At the epicenter of these magnificent gardens, lies the Bai Hong Qiao or the White Rainbow bridge. A 13-arched bridge is a replica of a bridge in the Beijing Summer Palace and provides the perfect backdrop for a stunning photo opportunity. Be sure to capture similar memories at the Bonsai Garden - the Garden of Abundance and Museum of live turtles - during your visit.

6. High swings at Ubud rice terraces, Bali

If the red-hot Indonesian destination of Bali features on your bucket list, a visit to the high swings in the rice terraces is a must. Especially for that Instagram handle. While several high swings have popped up in and around Bali, the high swings at Ubud rice terraces are the originals. Seated on these perfectly safe swings at heights ranging from 10 meters (32 feet) to 78 meters (256 feet), one is afforded spectacular views of the surrounding rice terrace gardens and azure coastline. With options for solo or tandem swings, you are sure to get that perfect shot as you soar high into the sky.

7. Graham Street, Hong Kong

Even though it is home to some of the most exclusive art galleries in the world, locals will be quick to tell you that the heart and soul of Hong Kong’s art scene lies in the colorful graffiti on the walls all across the bustling city. But nowhere is this more evident than in the evocative cityscapes of Graham Street. Considered to be the “original” wall mural, this work of art shares a special love-hate relationship with the locals. Some would argue that there is more attractive art to be found in the city, but the gritty quality and kaleidoscopic canvas of the Graham Street mural has won itself an endearing fan following. It is as much a part of the fabric of Hong Kong as the busy street markets that surround it, and no image better signifies Hong Kong than this particular one.

8. Koh Tao view point, Thailand

Many enthusiasts visit Koh Tao in Thailand for the spectacular diving and scuba adventures but end up remembering the spellbinding viewpoints that this island paradise has to offer. These 360-degree viewpoints may take some time getting to, but the vistas that open up before you once you reach there are sure to take your breath away. Whether it’s getting the perfect shot of the sun setting over the hills or capturing the panoramic contrast of the lush dark green forests against the azure ocean, your holiday pictures will definitely cause some jaws to drop.

9. Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul

While South Korea has gained a progressive reputation for its sparkling and modern cities, it maintains a strong link to its rich and glorious heritage. The streets of Bukchon Hanok village located within the capital of Seoul, till this day, is preserved as it was 600 years ago. Literally translated as “Northern Village”, Bukchon used to be the residential quarters for the Korean nobility and government officials. Today, it houses several museums, tea houses and restaurants in traditional buildings providing both locals and tourists with a unique opportunity to experience and capture what Korea was like at its inception.

10. Halong Bay, Vietnam

The pride and joy of Northern Vietnam, Halong Bay is one of the biggest tourist attractions in this country and is deservedly designated as a world heritage site. Its unique landscape features towering pinnacles of limestone, cradled by thick tropical forests. These rock formations vary in size, with the largest one even featuring its own lakes and caves. The most popular way to view these natural beauties is to take a junk boat cruise over the bay. Some also opt for the overnight cruises to experience this surreal location that’s also a favorite with Hollywood. But, to get up, close and personal with limestone towers, many are known to rent their own kayak to visit these stunning natural wonders.

11. Shiretoko Goko lakes, Hokkaido, Japan

Shiretoko, which in the local dialect means “the end of the earth”, is probably the most remote area in Japan. This also means that the area, which is home to the five Goko lakes, is characterized by pristine and unspoiled nature views as far as the eye can see. There are several hiking trails available from where you might be able to capture the perfect photograph of a water lily in full bloom or the green fields where local bears feed on leaves and foliage. There are several observation decks that provide you with vantage point for some pure envy-generating shots.

12. Mudhdoo Beach for the ‘Firefly effect’, the Maldives

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The Maldives is home to some of the finest and luxurious resorts in the world and many tourists flock to its sun-drenched beaches to escape from the busy lives. At night, however, the beach on Mudhdoo Island near Baa Atoll comes alive due to a completely different kind of visitor. The presence of huge number of bio-luminescent creatures, including plankton, squid and fungi, causes the shallow waters and beaches to glow in the dark with what several call the ‘firefly effect’. Widely considered the best place in the world to experience this phenomenon, this location should be right on top of your Instagram to-do list.

Set your own #travelgoals for this year

We’ve handpicked the most affordable and Instagrammable locations in Asia for you to hit in 2019. Don’t follow the crowd when it comes to planning a trip in Asia. Instead discover hidden gems in unconventional locations. Make the crowd ‘follow’ you!