Top 5 Cities to Visit in Asia

Robert Hsu, March 27, 2008

In recent decades, Asia has become a hotspot for tourists. Asian cities offer an incredible experience for visitors, as they are often able to see first-hand the preservation of Eastern culture and the impressive modernization of the cities. Here are the top Asian cities to visit, and the attractions that you cannot miss:

Bangkok, Thailand, has grown to become a top tourist destination. In the city, visitors can tour the king's official residence, The Grand Palace, which has housed the royal family for over 150 years. Visitors can also experience the beautiful temples in the city, including the Wat Phra Kaew that houses the Emerald Buddha.

Hong Kong, China, has also become popular among tourists. The city it is often referred to where the East meets the West, so visitors are able to experience two worlds at once. While the city has historic temples and monasteries that preserve Eastern culture, there are also skyscrapers and businessmen filling the city.

If you are looking to visit a place unlike any other on Earth, Kyoto, Japan, is your choice. It's Japan's seventh-largest city, and it contains the country's most historical temples and shrines, as well as the Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. The city has so much historical value that huge efforts have been made to preserve the historical buildings.

Beijing, China, the site of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, is another must-see Asian city. Not only does the city embody China's booming growth with tall buildings and modern structures, but it also honors the city's historic culture. The top place to visit to experience this historic clash is Tiananmen Square, which is located at the center of the city, and is also the largest square in the world.

The beautiful city of Jaipur, India is also a top place to visit in Asia. It is often referred to as the "pink city" because of the red sandstone used to construct the city's buildings. Sites to visit in Jaipur include the Hawa Mahal ("the palace of winds"), the Jal Mahal ("the palace of water), and the Amber Palace.

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