20 Must-Visit Spiritual Destinations in Asia for an Enlightening Journey

Embark on a journey through Asia, a continent renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, where you’ll encounter places adorned with intricate and unique architecture, all while basking in the fresh, cool air. Beyond that, you’ll be captivated by spiritual travel destinations such as renowned temples and shrines, offering a sanctuary of tranquility and serenity.

1 Angkor Wat Temple

Angkor Wat Temple

Quality Rating: 4.8/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Advantages: Beautiful, eye-catching architecture, impressive scenery.

Disadvantages: Entrance fees for foreign tourists are quite expensive, many areas are under renovation.

One of the world wonders—the Angkor Wat temple complex—is undoubtedly a travel destination you’ve heard of. Visiting Cambodia without exploring Angkor Wat would be a significant omission. The towers with their exquisite, extraordinary, and peculiar architecture, born from the creativity and intellect of ancient humans, embody the cultural essence and historical imprint of the Cambodian people.

2 Wat Rong Khun Temple

Wat Rong Khun Temple

Quality Rating: 4.6/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 60 หมู่ที่ 1 Phahonyothin Road, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 daily

Phone Number: +6653673967

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Advantages: Unique design, bright colors, intricate details, spacious surroundings.

Disadvantages: Entrance fees are quite high.

Thailand is renowned for its temples with incredibly unique, stunning, and serene architecture. When visiting Thailand, make sure to explore Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. It seamlessly blends traditional art with intricately designed religious architectures alongside contemporary art. The temple’s white color symbolizes liberation from darkness and temptation, aspiring to reach the divine realm.

3 Prambanan Temple – Indonesia

Prambanan Temple

Quality Rating: 4.7/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Jl. Raya Solo – Yogyakarta No.16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 06:30 – 17:00 daily

Phone Number: +62274496401

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Advantages: Beautiful culture, architecture, spacious, clean restrooms.

Disadvantages: Quite hot during exploration, entrance fees are quite high.

To worship the three sacred Hindu gods—Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu—under the Medang Kingdom, the Prambanan temple complex was constructed in 850. All sides of the temple face east—the direction of sacredness—surrounded by 250 temples, standing at a height of 47 meters with three main buildings dedicated to each deity. If you ever visit Indonesia, don’t forget to explore Prambanan to admire its unique architecture!

4 Golden Temple Punjab

Golden Temple Punjab

Quality Rating: 4.9/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab, India

Opening Hours: Open all day

Phone Number: +911832553957

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Advantages: Majestic architecture, serene atmosphere, hospitable, bus transportation available.

Disadvantages: Crowded and lacks orderly queuing.

The Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple in Punjab, India, is a highly sacred and renowned temple. Built on a sacred lake in the 16th century, its roof is adorned with gold and precious stones. Visitors can admire the temple’s grandeur, listen to the soothing chants, and find inner peace.

5 Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Quality Rating: 4.7/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Srirangapatna, Karnataka, India

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 13:30, 16:00 – 20:30 daily

Phone Number: +918197443378

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Advantages: Beautiful, eye-catching architecture, serene atmosphere.

Disadvantages: Restrooms are not very clean, quite hot during the day.

Located in Tiruchirapalli, India, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu deity. Spanning approximately 63 hectares, the temple boasts unique architecture and vibrant colors, featuring 21 pyramids and intricately carved motifs, attracting numerous visitors.

6 Tiger’s Nest Temple

Tiger’s Nest Temple

Quality Rating: 4.8/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Taktsang trail BT, Taktsang trail, Paro, Bhutan

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 13:00, 14:00 – 18:00 daily

Phone Number: +9752323251

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Advantages: Exquisite architecture, majestic natural scenery.

Disadvantages: Steep and dangerous ascent (approximately 45-degree incline) with a long journey. Lack of guidance or support for tourists.

Tiger’s Nest Temple is a must-visit when exploring Bhutan, a Buddhist country adorned with ancient temples and monasteries. Perched at 3200 meters above sea level, clinging to a sheer cliff face 1000 meters above the Paro Valley, it’s one of the most renowned spiritual destinations, attracting numerous visitors annually.

This temple is where Guru Rinpoche, also known as the “Second Buddha,” meditated. Tiger’s Nest Temple impresses visitors not only with its unique architecture and sacred Buddhist culture but also with the majestic mountain scenery of the Himalayas overlooking the Paro Valley. The journey to the temple is relatively easy, taking about 3 hours uphill (with a café stop midway) and 2 hours downhill. Horseback riding is available for two-thirds of the journey.

7 Gawdawpalin Temple

Gawdawpalin Temple

Quality Rating: 4.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Old Bagan, Myanmar

Opening Hours: 6:00 – 21:00 daily

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Advantages: Unique, captivating architecture, serene atmosphere.

Disadvantages: Temple information not translated into English.

Gawdawpalin Temple stands as the second tallest and most impressive temple in the central area of ancient Bagan. Built in the 12th-13th centuries, it features hollow architecture, ideal for meditation, worship, and Buddhist rituals. Gawdawpalin Temple is a renowned spiritual destination, attracting visitors with its ancient architecture, serene natural surroundings, and unique Buddhist culture.

8 Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar

Quality Rating: 4.8/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Shwedagon east gate west of the Royal Lake Yangon, 11201, Myanmar

Opening Hours: 4:00 – 22:00 daily

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Advantages: The temple walls are covered with gold, and the pathways are lined with white stones, keeping the area cool even in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.

Disadvantages: Entrance fees are quite high (approximately 120,000 VND per person).

Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, sits atop Singuttara Hill in Yangon and is considered Myanmar’s most sacred temple. Legend has it that the temple houses four sacred Buddhist relics: the staff of Kakusandha Buddha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana Buddha, a piece of cloth from Kassapa Buddha, and eight strands of hair from Gautama Buddha. The main stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda stands at 98 meters tall, adorned with gold and jewels.

Despite enduring natural disasters and wars, Shwedagon Pagoda has been meticulously restored multiple times, standing majestically atop Singuttara Hill. From afar, the pagoda gleams with golden splendor, illuminated by lights at night, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Visitors are required to dress modestly, and the temple uses candles instead of incense. The temple’s strict adherence to Buddhist traditions and its majestic architecture attract numerous spiritual travelers.

9 Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

Quality Rating: 4.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 1 Tiantan E Rd, Dongcheng, China, 100061

Opening Hours: 6:00 – 20:00 daily

Phone Number: +861067028866

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Advantages: Ancient, solemn architecture, serene surroundings akin to heaven.

Disadvantages: Entrance fees are quite high (approximately 170,000 VND per person).

The Temple of Heaven, a renowned temple complex in Beijing since 1420, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Covering an area of 2.7 million square meters, it consists of two parts—inner and outer—featuring circular buildings within a famous park. The southern wall symbolizes earth, while the northern wall represents heaven, reflecting the connection between the emperor and the cosmos.

10 Wat Arun Temple

Wat Arun Temple

Quality Rating: 4.6/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00 daily

Phone Number: +6628912185

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Advantages: Built with unique porcelain tiles, featuring impressive Khmer architecture.

Disadvantages: Entrance fees apply for foreigners (approximately 71,000 VND per person).

Wat Arun, constructed during the reign of King Taksin in 1768, is among Bangkok’s most beautiful temples, thanks to its prime location by the Chao Phraya River and its distinctive multi-tiered architecture, standing at an impressive height.

The temple boasts a towering prang reaching 70 meters, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River at sunrise and the Royal Palace across the river.

11 Lady Thien Hau Temple

Lady Thien Hau Temple

Quality Rating: 4.6/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 132 Châu Thị Tế, Núi Sam, Châu Đốc, An Giang

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Opening Hours: Open all day (usually busiest at 9:00)

Phone Number: 02963571676

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Advantages: Beautiful architecture, a major spiritual site in the Southern region.

Disadvantages: Surrounding vendors often overcharge tourists.

When discussing spiritual destinations in Southern Vietnam, Lady Thien Hau Temple in Chau Doc is a must-mention. Located in Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc, An Giang, the temple is steeped in mysterious legends. Constructed in 1824 and rebuilt in 1870, it showcases Eastern architectural influences with intricate Indian artistic motifs.

Devotees flock to the temple during the Via Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam Festival, held annually on the 23rd and 24th of the seventh lunar month, seeking blessings and protection.

Explore More: 8 Beautiful and Sacred Pagodas in An Giang You Shouldn’t Miss

12 Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains

Quality Rating: 4.3/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 81 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Hoà Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng

Price: Updating

Opening Hours: 7:00 – 17:00 (usually busiest at 12:00)

Phone Number: 02363961114

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Advantages: Surrounded by lush greenery, offering beautiful scenery.

Disadvantages: Poor services, lack of handrails on mountain paths.

Marble Mountains, also known as Non Nuoc, comprise five limestone peaks named after the five elements: Kim Son, Moc Son, Thuy Son, Hoa Son, and Tho Son. Within these mountains lie numerous caves with mesmerizing beauty.

The area is home to two historic pagodas from the Nguyen dynasty, Tam Thai Pagoda and Linh Ung Pagoda, along with ancient stone inscriptions and historical artifacts.

13 Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda

Quality Rating: 4.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Hương Hòa, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế

Price: Free entry

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00 (usually busiest at 15:00)

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Advantages: Beautiful, ancient architecture.

Disadvantages: Occasional harassment by street vendors.

Among Vietnam’s renowned pagodas, Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Linh Mu Pagoda) holds a special place. Founded in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang, the first lord of the Nguyen dynasty in Dang Trong, the pagoda’s architecture resembles other Vietnamese pagodas, with the notable feature being the seven-story Phuoc Duyen tower.

14 Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Quality Rating: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Gia Sinh, Gia Viễn, Ninh Bình

Price: Free entry

Opening Hours: 6:00 – 22:00 (usually busiest at 11:00)

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Advantages: Ancient architecture, electric tram services available.

Disadvantages: Poor services.

Bai Dinh Pagoda, managed by the Trang An Tourism Company, comprises two pagodas: Bai Dinh Ancient Pagoda (established in 1136) and Bai Dinh New Pagoda (established in 2003). With its rich history, the pagoda boasts grand architecture and traditional charm.

The pagoda holds numerous Vietnamese and Asian records, including the largest bronze Tam The statue in Vietnam, the largest jade well in Vietnam, and the tallest and heaviest bronze Buddha statue in Asia.

15 Yen Tu Scenic Spot

Yen Tu Scenic Spot

Quality Rating: 4.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Yên Tử, Thượng Yên Công, Uông Bí, Quảng Ninh

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Opening Hours: Open all day (usually busiest at 12:00)

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Advantages: Cool climate, beautiful scenery.

Disadvantages: Natural landscapes gradually replaced by modern designs.

Yen Tu boasts breathtaking natural scenery, intertwined with the legends of heroes, emperors, and monks. It’s home to numerous ancient pagodas, towers, and statues, including the meditation statue of Tran Nhan Tong, and the statues of Phap Loa and Huyen Quang.

Yen Tu also houses the Bronze Pagoda, the largest and most unique bronze pagoda in Asia, measuring 4.6 meters in length, 3.6 meters in width, 3.35 meters in height, and weighing 70 tons.

16 Huong Tich Scenic Spot

Huong Tich Scenic Spot

Quality Rating: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Hương Sơn, Mỹ Đức, Hà Nội 100000, Việt Nam

Price: Updating

Opening Hours: Open all day (usually busiest at 12:00)

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Advantages: Ancient, rustic architecture.

Disadvantages: Poor service attitude, staff shouting at visitors.

Located about 70 kilometers from Hanoi, Huong Tich Scenic Spot is surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and streams, offering a serene ambiance. It comprises three main routes: the first route includes Thien Tru Pagoda, Tien Son Cave, Giai Oan Pagoda, Cua Vong Temple, and Huong Tich Cave.

The second route, Tuyet Son, features Thuyen Long Mountain, Bao Dai Pagoda, Tuyet Son Cave, while the third route, Long Van, includes Trinh Temple, Long Van Pagoda, Long Van Cave, Khe Tree Pagoda, and Sung Sam Cave.

17 Phra That Doi Suthep Temple

Phra That Doi Suthep Temple

Quality Rating: 4.7/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 9 หมู่ที่ 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Price: Updating

Opening Hours: 6:00 – 20:00 (usually busiest at 11:00)

Phone Number: Updating

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Disadvantages: Steep and winding roads, ticket staff shouting at tourists.

Phra That Doi Suthep Temple is a revered site for Buddhists, attracting pilgrims during major festivals. With a history spanning 600 years, it’s a must-visit destination in Chiang Mai, known as the “unmissable temple of Chiang Mai.”

Visitors must climb 309 stone steps, flanked by two large dragon statues, to reach the temple. The temple is said to house a relic of the Buddha—a shoulder bone—along with legends of its discovery by a monk following the Buddha’s guidance.

18 Wat Pho Temple

Wat Pho Temple

Quality Rating: 4.6/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand

Price: Updating

Opening Hours: 8:30 – 18:30 (usually busiest at 12:00)

Phone Number: +66830577100

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Advantages: Beautiful architecture, spacious temple grounds, Thailand’s oldest temple.

Disadvantages: Extremely crowded with tourists.

Wat Pho, also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, covers an area of 80,000 square meters, making it one of Bangkok’s largest and oldest temples.

Inside, there are over a thousand Buddha images, including a reclining Buddha statue adorned with gold and jewels, measuring 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height.

The temple also houses a traditional Thai massage school established in 1962, offering courses ranging from 7 to 10 days, with fees starting at 100 baht for 30 minutes and 180 baht for 60 minutes.

19 Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Traimit)

Wat Traimit Temple

Quality Rating: 4.6/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 661 Charoen Krung Rd, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand

Price: Free entry

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 (usually busiest at 10:00)

Phone Number: +66890022700