The most beautiful paradise islands to visit in Asia

With crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, palm trees and lush green hills, surfing spots, incredible underwater life and some of the best diving sites, Asia’s beautiful islands are close to being heaven on Earth. They are the perfect answers for those seeking moments of relaxation and freedom out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

1. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Located in Northern Vietnam, the stunning Cat Ba National Park is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the park, and the town itself is rather touristy, with many karaoke bars attracting Vietnamese weekenders. But take a little ride out of town, and find the many golden beaches, boat ride options, dense jungles and lush green mountains offering plenty of treks with incredible views of the famous karst scenery of Cat Ba National Park.

2. Komodo, Indonesia

If you thought dragons didn’t exist, think again. Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo Dragon. Located between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa in eastern Indonesia, Komodo is a secluded and untamed Jurassic Park-like island part of the National Park. Besides being well known as the home to the giant lizard, Komodo is also known as a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous mountains to climb and amazing diving sites around the stunning coral reefs.

3. Jeju, South Korea

Considered the Hawaii of South Korea, Jeju Island is a long-time favorite amongst South Korean travelers and honeymooners. Iho Beach stands out in the region with its combination of grey and yellow sand. It is a shallow beach, perfect for a good swim. Downtown Jeju is also a great spot for people watching and having a beer at one of the numerous bars.

4. Baros Island, Maldives

Baros Island is part of the North Malé Atoll and home to the luxury Baros Maldives hotel. The peaceful and stunning beaches circling the perimeter are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. With facilities such as a dive center (courtesy of the hotel), tourists can make the most of the clear, warm ocean lapping the island. Or guests can simply submit to pure relaxation through the variety of spa treatments, complimentary morning yoga classes and infinity pools offered by the resort.

5. Akajima, Japan

Akijima, often referred to as ‘Aka’, is part of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands in Japan. In the summer, it becomes popular with Japanese tourists, but even in peak season, Akajima retains its charm with spotless beaches and welcoming locals. Offshore, it is possible to snorkel, dive and kayak in waters rich in tropical sea life.

6. Cebu Island, The Philippines

Located in the Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu consists of a beautiful, long and narrow island with upland areas offering stunning views of mountains and seas and 167 surrounding islets. There are high-end resorts in tourist areas such as in Malapascua, Badian and Camotes, but also more modest resorts in fishing villages such as Moalboal.

7. Similan Islands, Thailand

Consisting of a group of 11 archipelagos located off Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are stunning islets protected by the Thai government. Under the crystal-clear waters of this marine nature reserve lies a paradise for divers and snorkelers. With warm weather all year, this is the perfect spot to see gorgeous corals, imposing boulders and beautiful tropical fish in a peaceful setting.

Read more: The most spectacular dining locations in the Maldives

Source theculturetrip

Top 10 tourist attractions in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, and for a reason, you can find almost anything here: crystal blue beaches, thick jungle, great food, cheap beachfront bungalows and some of the best luxury hotels in the world.

1.Similan Island

Located just 84 km northwest of the bustling crowds of Phuket, Similan Island is made up of nine primary islands and two far-flung ones, and also is one of the most popular diving destinations in the country. The word "Similan" is derived from the Malay Sembilan, means "nine" and each of the Similan island has a number as well as a name.

2. Ayuthaya Historical Park

Also known as Ayutthaya Historical Park, this popular tourist attraction contains the ruins of the second capital of Siam, which was founded around 1350. By 1700 Ayutthaya had become one of the largest cities in the world with a total of 1 million inhabitants. In 1767 the city was destroyed by the Burmese army, resulting in the collapse of the kingdom. Fortunately, renovations that began in the late 1960s restored the once-vibrant city too much of its former glory, allowing visitors to experience the eclectic array of architectural styles that can be found amid its grid-like patterns of moats, roads, and canals.

3. Phanom Rung

Sitting on an extinct volcano in northeastern Thailand, Phanom Rung is a Hindu temple regarded for its outstanding architecture. Located near the village of Nang Rong, this temple sanctuary was built by the Khmer culture between the 10th and 13th centuries. Constructed of sandstone and laterite, Phanom Rung was built to represent Mount Kailash, the sacred home of Shiva.

4. Wat Arun

Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location but also because the design is very different from the other temples you can visit in Bangkok. Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn, is partly made up of colorfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water.

5. Prasat Hin Phimai

Prasat Hin Phimai boasts some of the most impressive Khmer ruins in Thailand. Similar in style (if much smaller) than those at Angkor, the temples were built during the 11th and 12th century, during which time the area was part of the Khmer empire. Though built as a Mahayana Buddhist temple, the carvings also feature many Hindu deities as explained in the visitor center.

6. Railay

Also known as Rai Leh, this popular rock-climbing destination is located in the Krabi Province on the coast of the Andaman Sea. Accessible only by boat, Railay boasts a variety of exciting attractions. Its more than 700 bolted rock-climbing routes are a major draw. However, there are also several stunning beaches, and visitors can also explore a series of caves. Accommodation on Railay ranges from inexpensive bungalows popular with backpackers and climbers to the renowned jet-set resort of Rayavadee.

See more: A perfect getaway in Railay, Thailand

7. Grand Palace

As the official residence of the kings of Siam and later Thailand since 1782, the Grand Palace is perhaps the most famous attraction in the bustling city of Bangkok. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the walled-in complex contains a compelling series of pavilions, halls, wats and other buildings interspersed with vast lawns, lavish gardens, and stately courtyards. Of the many sights here, Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is probably the most memorable.

8. Ko Phi Phi

A beautiful archipelago located in the Krabi Province not too far from Phuket is the only island in the group with permanent inhabitants. It has become the main tourist attraction because of the appearance in the film "The Beach" in 1999. Travelers go here to enjoy the beach and participate in a variety of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking.

9. Lamphun

Lamphun was once the northernmost outpost of the ancient Mon Dvaravati Kingdom. There is an old fortress that guards ancient temples against when the city was an important defensive post for Queen Chama Thevi, one of Thailand’s most beloved rulers. The city does not promote or celebrate this ancient history too much, but it is quite a charming place as it sits on the Mae Kuang River. The most beautiful attraction might be the scenic 26-km (16-mile) country drive from nearby Chang Mai that gives tourists a visual taste of the beautiful river valley landscape.

10. Khao Sok National Park

Home to the largest expanse of virgin forest in Thailand, Kao Sok National Park is a must-visit destination for people who want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Thailand. The remnants of an ancient rainforest stretch across the park, which is split by a dramatic limestone mountain range. More than 5 percent of the world’s animal species can be found in this lovely national park, which also boasts networks of dirt trails, soaring waterfalls, and a beautiful lake.

Source Internet