As dawn breaks over Hoi An’s ancient streets, I adjust my camera settings while watching the interplay of morning light on yellow-painted walls.
Asia has always been a photographer’s dream, but the rise of social media has unveiled countless new perspectives on this vast continent’s most photogenic locations.
From centuries-old temples to futuristic cityscapes, these destinations don’t just make great photos – they tell stories that capture hearts and inspire wanderlust.
1. Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
The Magic of Vietnam’s Yellow City
Walking through Hoi An’s narrow lanes, it’s easy to see why this UNESCO World Heritage site has become one of Southeast Asia’s most photographed destinations.
The ancient port town’s distinctive yellow buildings, adorned with cascading bougainvillea and colorful lanterns, create an almost surreal backdrop that seems designed for Instagram.
Best Photo Spots
- Japanese Covered Bridge at sunrise
- An Bang Beach during golden hour
- Lantern-lit streets after dusk
- Traditional wooden boats on Thu Bon River
- Colorful morning market scenes
Practical Information
When to Visit: February to April offers the best weather and lighting conditions
Getting There: Fly into Da Nang International Airport, then take a 45-minute taxi ride (around $15)
Cost: Mid-range daily budget $40-60
Where to Stay: Ancient Town hotels ($50-100/night) or nearby beach resorts ($80-150/night)
Local Tip: Purchase a tailor-made outfit for unique photos in traditional settings. Local phrase to know: “Xin chào” (hello)
2. Tokyo Skytree District, Japan
Where Tradition Meets Future
In a city where the ultramodern and traditional coexist in perfect harmony, the Tokyo Skytree area offers perhaps the most striking visual contrasts.
Standing at 634 meters, this architectural marvel has transformed the city’s skyline while creating countless photo opportunities.
Best Photo Spots
- Skytree reflection in the Sumida River
- Sensoji Temple with Skytree in background
- Asakusa traditional district
- Sumida Park during cherry blossom season
- Observation decks at sunset
Practical Information
When to Visit: March-April for cherry blossoms, October-November for autumn colors
Getting There: Direct trains from Narita or Haneda airports to Asakusa Station
Cost: High-end daily budget $100-150
Where to Stay: Asakusa area hotels ($120-200/night)
Local Tip: Purchase a combined ticket for both observation decks early morning to avoid crowds. Local phrase: “Sumimasen” (excuse me)
3. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
A Paradise of Rice Terraces and Ancient Temples
The cultural heart of Bali offers a photographer’s feast: emerald rice paddies cascading down hillsides, ancient temples shrouded in morning mist, and sacred monkey forests where light filters through ancient banyan trees.
In my experience, Ubud’s magic lies not just in its obvious beauty, but in those unexpected moments – like catching a traditional ceremony procession or witnessing a dramatic sunset over the paddies.
Best Photo Spots
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces at sunrise
- Saraswati Temple water gardens
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Sacred Monkey Forest pathways
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Practical Information
When to Visit: April to October (dry season)
Getting There: 1-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
Cost: Mid-range daily budget $50-80
Where to Stay:
- Boutique hotels near rice fields ($70-150/night)
- Luxury villas with private pools ($200+/night)
- Guesthouses in town center ($30-60/night)
Local Tip: Visit Tegalalang before 8 AM to avoid tour buses and get the best light. Local phrase: “Suksma” (thank you)
4. Jaipur, India
The Pink City’s Royal Grandeur
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur’s palatial architecture and rich history create a backdrop that seems almost too perfect for photography.
The capital of Rajasthan state offers a sensory overload of colors, textures, and patterns that make every frame worthy of your feed.
Best Photo Spots
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) facade
- Amber Fort from Jaigarh Fort viewpoint
- Patrika Gate’s colorful archways
- City Palace courtyards
- Stepwells (especially Panna Meena ka Kund)
Practical Information
When to Visit: October to March (avoid summer heat)
Getting There: Direct flights to Jaipur International Airport or train from Delhi (4-5 hours)
Cost: Budget-friendly daily expenses $40-70
Where to Stay:
- Heritage hotels in old city ($100-200/night)
- Modern hotels near MI Road ($50-100/night)
Local Tip: For the iconic Hawa Mahal shot, visit the Tattoo Cafe opposite the palace early morning. Local phrase: “Dhanyavaad” (thank you)
Food Recommendations
- Breakfast at Sarhad Restaurant for authentic Rajasthani cuisine
- LMB for traditional sweets and snacks
- Peacock Restaurant for rooftop dining with fort views
- Street food at Masala Chowk (evening only)
5. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Where Nature Meets Futuristic Architecture
Standing beneath the towering Supertrees at dusk, watching their solar-powered lights begin their nightly dance, I’m always struck by Singapore’s ability to blend nature with innovation.
This 101-hectare nature park has become the city-state’s most photographed location, offering compositions that seem pulled from a sci-fi movie.
Best Photo Spots
- Supertree Grove during evening light show
- Cloud Forest waterfall
- Flower Dome seasonal displays
- Marina Bay Sands reflection pools
- OCBC Skyway at sunset
Practical Information
When to Visit: Year-round, but February-April has less rainfall
Getting There: MRT to Bayfront Station, then follow underground linkway
Cost: Admission to outdoor gardens is free; conservatories from SGD 20
Where to Stay: Marina Bay area hotels ($200-400/night)
Local Tip: Visit during the Garden Rhapsody show (7:45 PM and 8:45 PM daily) for spectacular light displays. Local phrase: “Shiok” (excellent)
6. Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia
Dawn of the Ancient Kingdom
There’s something magical about watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat’s iconic spires, reflected in the lotus ponds before it.
This vast complex of ancient temples offers endless opportunities for unique shots, from root-covered Ta Prohm to the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple.
Best Photo Spots
- Angkor Wat reflection at sunrise
- Tree-embraced ruins at Ta Prohm
- Stone faces at Bayon Temple
- Terrace of the Elephants
- Pre Rup Temple at sunset
Practical Information
When to Visit: November to February (dry season)
Getting There: Fly to Siem Reap International Airport
Cost:
- One-day pass: $37
- Three-day pass: $62
- Weekly pass: $72
Where to Stay:
- Luxury hotels in Siem Reap ($150-300/night)
- Boutique guesthouses ($40-80/night)
Local Tip: Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the entire day ($15-20) to maximize photo opportunities. Local phrase: “Orkun” (thank you)
7. Rainbow Mountains, Zhangye, China
Nature’s Living Canvas
The Zhangye Danxia Landform, often called the Rainbow Mountains, presents one of Asia’s most surreal landscapes.
These striped mountains, formed by mineral deposits over millions of years, create otherworldly compositions that seem almost too vibrant to be real.
Best Photo Spots
- Viewing Platform 4 for sunset
- Platform 2 for panoramic views
- Northern viewing area for close-up details
- Binggou Rock Area for unique formations
- Pingshanhu Grand Canyon
Practical Information
When to Visit: June to September for best weather and clearest skies
Getting There: Fly to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, then take shuttle bus
Cost:
- Park entrance: CNY 74
- Shuttle bus: CNY 20
- Daily budget: $50-80
Where to Stay:
- Zhangye city hotels ($40-100/night)
- Guesthouses near the park ($30-60/night)
Local Tip: Visit during both morning and evening as the colors change dramatically with different lighting. Local phrase: “Xièxiè” (thank you)
8. Nara Park, Japan
Where Sacred Deer Roam Free
Just when you think you’ve captured the perfect shot of Nara’s ancient temples, a curious deer wanders into your frame, creating that magical moment every photographer dreams of.
This expansive park, home to over 1,200 free-roaming deer and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, offers a unique blend of nature, history, and culture.
Best Photo Spots
- Todaiji Temple’s massive entrance gate
- Deer against cherry blossoms (spring)
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine’s lantern-lined paths
- Kofukuji Temple’s five-story pagoda
- Autumn leaves at Nara Park (fall)
Practical Information
When to Visit: March-April (cherry blossoms) or November (autumn colors)
Getting There: 45-minute train from Kyoto or Osaka
Cost: Most temples ¥500-800 entrance fee
Where to Stay: Central Nara hotels ($80-150/night)
Local Tip: Buy deer crackers (¥200) early morning when the deer are most active and photogenic. Local phrase: “Konichiwa” (hello)
9. Santorini-Inspired Cuiwei Oil Painting Village, Xiamen, China
A Mediterranean Dream in Asia
While technically inspired by Greece, this artistic village has become one of Asia’s most photographed locations, offering a unique fusion of European and Asian aesthetics.
The pristine white buildings cascading down the hillside create stunning compositions at any time of day.
Best Photo Spots
- White-washed stairways
- Blue-domed buildings
- Seaside walkways
- Sunset viewing platforms
- Art gallery district
Practical Information
When to Visit: March to May or September to November
Getting There: 30-minute drive from Xiamen International Airport
Cost: Entrance fee CNY 60
Where to Stay: Xiamen downtown hotels ($80-150/night)
Local Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid local tourist crowds. The light is best for photography in late afternoon.
10. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Paradise Found
The limestone cliffs of El Nido rising from crystal-clear turquoise waters create some of Asia’s most dramatic seascapes.
Whether you’re shooting from a boat, a beach, or a viewpoint, it’s almost impossible to take a bad photo here.
Best Photo Spots
- Twin Beaches viewpoint
- Big Lagoon entrance
- Las Cabanas Beach sunset
- Nacpan Beach aerial view
- Island hopping spots (Snake Island, Hidden Beach)
Practical Information
When to Visit: November to May (dry season)
Getting There: Fly to El Nido Airport or Puerto Princesa
Cost: Daily budget $50-100
Where to Stay:
- Beachfront resorts ($150-300/night)
- Town proper hotels ($40-80/night)
Local Tip: Book a private boat tour for more flexibility with photography timing. Local phrase: “Salamat” (thank you)
Nearby Places Worth Exploring
Before wrapping up, consider extending your photo journey to these nearby gems:
- From Hoi An: Marble Mountains, My Son Sanctuary
- From Tokyo: Kamakura, Hakone
- From Ubud: Nusa Penida, Mount Batur
- From Jaipur: Pushkar, Ranthambore
- From Singapore: Pulau Ubin, Sentosa
- From Siem Reap: Tonle Sap Lake, Banteay Srei
- From El Nido: Port Barton, Coron