Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the #1 landmark in the world for the second consecutive year.
SINGAPORE – TripAdvisor, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice awards for Landmarks in Asia and the world.
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the #1 landmark in the world for the second consecutive year. The landmark clinched the number one spot in Asia as well, with India’s Taj Mahal and Thailand’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) coming in second and third respectively in the region.
“The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Landmarks showcases some of Asia’s most historical attractions that are highly recommended by TripAdvisor’s global travel community,” said Janice Lee Fang, Director of Communications, Asia Pacific. “From awe-inspiring temples and ancient forts to magnificent architectural structures, Singaporean travellers can use this list if they’re looking for a bit of awe and wonder on their trip.”
TripAdvisor has also identified highly-rated tours and experiences at these award winning landmarks. TripAdvisor has more than 100,000 bookable tours, activities and experiences worldwide to help travellers see and learn more of a place than they would on their own.
Top 10 Landmarks in Asia:
1. Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
At Angkor Wat, travellers witness the remnants of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire that ruled between the 9th and 15th century. Stretching over a 400 square kilometres complex, the temple displays a harmonisation of ancient architecture, intricate carvings and sophisticated structures. The sunset and sunrise view from the temple is regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
2. Taj Mahal – Agra, India
Commissioned over 300 years ago by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is now considered a symbol of India’s rich history. The iconic landmark, covered in white marble with fine Islamic calligraphy, neat floral motifs and gemstone inlaid, is one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture, which combined Indian, Persian and Islamic influences.
3. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) – Bangkok, Thailand
Famed for its giant reclining Buddha gilded in gold measuring 15 metres tall and 46 metres long, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples. The spiritual landmark houses a school of Thai medicine and is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, where it continues to be taught and practiced.
4. Mutianyu Great Wall – Beijing, China
Located approximately 70 kilometres northeast of central Beijing, the five-kilometre long Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the best-preserved sections of the landmark. This area of the wall is surrounded by mountain scenery and was used to serve as the northern barrier to defend the capital and imperial tombs. Watch towers are densely placed along Mutianyu – a feature that is rarely found in other sections of the Great Wall.
5. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine – Kyoto, Japan
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its seemingly unending path of over 5,000 vibrant orange ‘torii’ (arches or gates) that frame the pathways through the forest. Originally dedicated to the god of rice, it now serves as a site for people to seek blessings for prosperity and remains as one of Kyoto’s most famous sights.
6. Shwedagon Pagoda – Yangon, Myanmar
Standing tall at 110 meters atop of a hill, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a majestic, gilded stupa encrusted with thousands of diamonds. The pagoda complex consists of hundreds of temples, stupas and statues and forms a prominent feature of Yangon’s skyline. Home to relics from four previous Buddhas, the pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar.
7. Petronas Twin Towers – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The iconic 88-floor Petronas Towers dominate the Kuala Lumpur skyline with its twin skyscrapers and a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art. The towers held the records for the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004 and features an upmarket shopping mall, a 50-acre park and a double decker skybridge that connects the two towers.
8. Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chin Minh, Vietnam
Dug by hand or simple tools by local fighters during the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi tunnels remain as a reminder of the country’s past. It boasts an extensive network of over 200 kilometres of tunnels which functioned as underground cities that included hospitals, schools, kitchens and meeting quarters.
9. Amber Fort – Jaipur, India
Situated 11 kilometres from the city of Jaipur, the Amber Fort stands grand on top of a mountain next to Maota Lake. Constructed using red sandstone and white marble, the fort blends Rajput and Hindu style of architecture and a mixture of Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation.
10. Harmandir Sahib – Amritsar, India
Visited by over 100,000 people daily for worship, Harmandir Sahib, informally known as Golden Temple, is one of the most revered spiritual sites of Sikhism. The landmark was made with the intention to provide a place of worship for everybody, regardless of cast, creed or race. A key attraction of the temple is the community kitchen that provides free food to visitors from all walks of life.
Top 10 Landmarks in the World:
- Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Plaza de Espana – Seville, Spain
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City, Italy
- Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba – Cordoba, Spain
- Taj Mahal – Agra, India
- Duomo di Milano – Milan, Italy
- Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, USA
- Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, USA
- 10. Parliament – Budapest, Hungary
Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for landmarks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. This year’s awards recognised 759 landmarks across 67 countries and eight regions across the globe.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
