This Region Is Home to the World’s Largest Religious Monument — and a Bridge Held by Giant Hands

Famous landmarks in Southeast Asia, like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, are some of the most iconic places in the world. Every year, 130 million tourists visit Southeast Asia for its mix of ancient temples, modern buildings, and beautiful landscapes.

Picture the sunrise over Angkor Wat, climbing the colorful stairs at Batu Caves, or standing under the giant Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. From Borobudur’s detailed carvings to Vietnam’s Golden Bridge held by giant hands, these landmarks show the amazing variety in Southeast Asia.

We chose these landmarks because they are special and unforgettable. From ancient temples like Prambanan and Uluwatu to modern attractions like Gardens by the Bay, these 12 famous landmarks will show you the best of Southeast Asia.

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Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia 

Angkor Wat is a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site in the jungles of Cambodia. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s most visited, photographed, and studied landmarks. It’s also an epic destination for history lovers. 

This ancient complex is the world’s largest religious monument. The hundreds of temples were built in the 12th century. On the walls are detailed reliefs of deities and important events in Hinduism and Buddhism. 

When you visit, get there early to enjoy the best sunlight and fewer crowds. Start in the main temple and make your way to the nearby Bayon and Ta Prohm Temples. Join a tour or hire a local guide to get the most out of your experience and get local photo tips. 

Travel Tips

• Dress Respectfully: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. 
• Hire a Private Tuk-Tuk Driver: Rent a private tuk-tuk to explore at your own pace and to have the flexibility to choose which temples to visit and when. 

Read also: Most Beautiful Beaches of Southeast Asia

Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Petronas Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. They are still the world’s tallest twin towers and attract over 20 million tourists annually. 

The Twin Towers stand an impressive 452 meters. They form two spirals that tower over the city. They have an iconic sky bridge that links them, the highest in the world. 

Take the elevator up to Tower Two’s 86th floor to enjoy the observation deck. You’ll get an impressive 360-degree view of the city of Kuala Lumpur. You can also check out the impressive sky bridge and get incredible photos of the city. 

Travel Tips

• Enjoy the Evening Light Show: The show typically starts at 8 PM, with music and lights dancing in sync with the fountain.
• Explore Suria KLCC Mall: The shopping mall located at the base of the towers offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Read also: Southeast Asian Spots for Digital Nomad

Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Indonesia

Borobudur is one of Southeast Asia’s most visited landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 9th-century Buddhist temple is made from intricate stonework. Its stupas contain intricate carvings depicting Buddhas and religious events. 

When you visit, book a tour to start before sunrise. You’ll be seated on the temple as the sun rises. Watch as the morning light illuminates the stupas and the mountainous scenery surrounding you. 

After taking in this epic experience, walk around the monument with your guide to learn about its history. After visiting, check out the educational Museum Kapal Samudraraksa to learn about the region’s history and art. Nearby, don’t miss the Bukit Barede observation deck to catch exciting angles of the temple.

Travel Tips

• Wear Comfortable Footwear: Since you’ll be exploring the temple’s steep steps and walking for extended periods, wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove. 
• Plan for the Weather: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Read also: Top Asian Countries for Residency by Investment

The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is the home of the Thai Royal Family and one of Southeast Asia’s most visited landmarks. In 2023, over 20 million people visited the city, with the Grand Palace as a common starting point. 

This massive complex of temples and palaces is home to some of Thailand’s most iconic relics. Start at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to see the precious green Buddha sculpture covered in gold. 

From here, visit the other temples and palace buildings. See the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Then, take your time in the Wat Phra Kaew Museum to see more impressive relics and art. 

Travel Tips

• Bring Water and Snacks: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and pack some light snacks to keep your energy up while exploring the vast grounds.
• Plan Your Visit Around Events: Check the official calendar for any special events or ceremonies. 

Read also: Must-see Landmarks in Thailand

Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Prambanan Temple is one of Indonesia’s top historical landmarks, attracting over two million visitors annually. This 9th-century Hindu temple features stunning stonework and carvings. 

Get there early to beat the crowds and walk through the ancient temples. Enter inside and take in the carvings depicting stories and events from the Ramayana Epic. Try booking a tour to learn about all the details and lesser-known tales of the complex. 

The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect place to spend the day. You can catch live gamelan performances and dancers several times a week. End the day in the city of Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia’s top destinations for culture and cuisine. 

Travel Tips

• Bring a Sarong: You can either bring your own or borrow one at the entrance.
• Capture Photos Early: The soft morning light is perfect for the intricate carvings and structures.

Read also: Tourist Traps To Avoid in Southeast Asia

Batu Caves, Malaysia

The Batu Caves are one of Malaysia’s most visited landmarks and an important religious site. The caves are just outside Kuala Lumpur, and you can reach them easily by train. 

When you get there, you’ll stare up at the towering stairs and statue of the Hindu god Murugan. Climb the massive stairs and enter the huge cave system. You’ll see temples and shrines and experience the scents of incense. 

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The three main caves all have something unique to see, from special carvings and reliefs to colorful art. You can join tours of the caves or coincide your visit with holidays. The biggest celebration happens during the Thaipusam Festival, during which thousands of devotees climb the stairs to balance the heavy offerings.  

Travel Tips

• Watch Out for Monkeys: Keep your bags closed and avoid bringing snacks to prevent any unwanted attention from the monkeys.
• Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Read also: Unmissable Southeast Asia Adventures

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

The Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular and Instagrammed landmarks. Since opening in 2010, this 5-star hotel has become the nation’s most famous landmark. 

The giant hotel is shaped like a ship floating in the sky. Inside is a luxury shopping mall. The rooftop boasts a luxury infinity pool, bar, and lounge area. Guests can hang out in the pool and enjoy the 360-degree views of the city. 

For most visitors, standing at the base of the hotel near Gardens by the Bay Park is enough. You can take incredible photos of the building from here before walking through the iconic green space. 

Travel Tips

• Explore the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: The Shoppes feature a wide range of high-end brands, restaurants, and even a canal where you can enjoy a gondola ride.
• Visit During the Light Show: The nightly light and water show “Spectra” typically starts around 8 PM and is a stunning display of lights and music.

Read also: Winter Sunshine Destinations in Southeast Asia

White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand

The White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is one of Thailand’s most famous landmarks. Artist Chalermchai Kosipipat built the temple from 1997 to 2008. When it opened, it became one of Southeast Asia’s most visited landmarks. 

The temple is all white, with beautiful reliefs depicting deities and epics. One of the quirkiest parts is the superheroes and pop-culture images you’ll see. Can you imagine seeing figures of Harry Potter, Michael Jackson, Superman, and other fictional icons on temple walls? 

Visit early to avoid the crowds from tour buses and buy your tickets online. After visiting, check out the Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat Museum and other nearby temples. 

Travel Tips

• Bring Cash for Souvenirs: Many stalls sell unique handmade crafts and delicious local snacks.
• Explore the Surrounding Area: After visiting the White Temple, explore nearby attractions like Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) and the Baan Dam Museum (Black House).
• You can visit Chiang Rai’s famous White Temple, Black House, and Blue Temple on a tour with round-trip transfers, temple admissions, and lunch. It costs about USD 47.

Read also: Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

The Gardens by the Bay is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular landmarks, receiving over 10 million visitors annually. The sprawling park is home to over 1.28 hectares of green spaces and museums. 

Enter the giant Flower Dome to see rare tropical plants growing inside an architectural marvel. Then, walk the OCBC Skyway, a modern canopy walk along vertical gardens known as supertrees. These structures collect water, generate solar power, and provide habitats for plants and animals. 

Every day, you can see the mind-bending Garden Rhapsody performance. This mesmerizing light show covers the entire park in synchronized lights and sound. This landmark is so fun that you’ll probably want an entire day here. 

Travel Tips

• Bring a Light Jacket: The indoor conservatories, especially the Cloud Forest, can be quite cool due to the mist and humidity.
• Capture Photos at Different Times: The morning light is great for bold colors, while evening visits are perfect for beautiful sunset views.

Read also: Most Dangerous Destinations in Southeast Asia

Temple of the Dawn, Bangkok, Thailand

The Temple of the Dawn, or Wat Arun, is one of Bangkok’s most visited and photographed monuments. Its pagodas stand 269 ft (82m) over the Chao Phraya River. 

The temple features intricate carvings and colorful mosaics. Stone sculptures of deities guard the temple’s entrance. Inside the temples are relics, golden Buddhas, and mosaics full of details. 

Visit the temple by taking the water taxi from central Bangkok. Try to visit early in the morning to catch the morning light radiating off the temple. Avoid visiting during the afternoon, when the hot sun makes walking almost unbearable. 

Travel Tips

• Climb the Central Prang: The central prang offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s skyline.
• Visit Nearby Wat Pho: Take a short boat ride to Wat Pho, home of the famous reclining Buddha. This highly rated walking tour covers these two, the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple for USD 40.

Read also: Affordable Beach Living Spots in Southeast Asia

Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most visited and renowned monuments. It is located on the southwestern tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, is a Balinese Hindu sea temple dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as Rudra and serves as one of the island’s nine directional temples.

It was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to the deities of the sea. It looks over a massive 230 ft (70m) cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. 

Visit the temple early to avoid the crowds. Walk along the cliff paths and take in the incredible views. It’s so beautiful you may not be able to resist taking selfies at each vantage point. 

Book a ticket to the special Kecak Dance performances in the evening if you can. These iconic performances involve dancers in elaborate costumes performing scenes from the Hindu Epic Ramayana. Be prepared for fire, chanting, and endless excitement. 

Travel Tips

• Visit During Special Ceremonies: If possible, plan your visit during a full moon or the temple’s anniversary (Piodalan)
• Enjoy Nearby Beaches: Explore nearby beaches like Padang Padang or Suluban Beach.

Read also: Iconic Places in the World

Golden Bridge, Da Nang, Vietnam

The Golden Bridge is a giant canopy walk and observation platform in Da Nang, Vietnam. Locals and visitors call it the ‘Bridge With Hands,’ and it sees over 2 million tourists annually. 

The monument stretches over the mountainside, held by two giant concrete hands emerging from the jungle. You’ll walk over the tops of the trees and see one of the best views in the country. 

The Golden Bridge is part of Ba Na Hills SunWorld theme park. Gardens, rides, and restaurants are made to feel like a medieval storybook. There’s even a giant castle full of wizard-like sculptures and adventures. 

Travel Tips

• Buy Tickets Online: This way, you can skip the ticket counter and head straight to the cable car station when you arrive.
• Ride Asia’s longest cable car to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, offering stunning forest views and access to over 90 activities at Fantasy Park with this full day tour for USD 65.
• Explore Other Attractions in Ba Na Hills: Visit other attractions such as the French Village and Linh Ung Pagoda.

Read also: UNESCO World Heritage Destinations

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