The Ultimate Guide to Asia’s Top 12 Cultural Sights

• The Icons: We guide you to the cities housing the world's greatest wonders, from Beijing's Great Wall to Agra's Taj Mahal.

• Japan in Focus: Discover the contrast between the futuristic neon of Tokyo and the ancient traditions of Kyoto.

• Southeast Asian Gems: From the street food of Bangkok to the spiritual cliffs of Bali, we reveal the region's most sensory experiences.

If you are dreaming of discovering the Far East, a cruise is arguably the best way to do it.

The sheer scale of Asia can be overwhelming, but a ship allows you to connect the dots between diverse cultures, ancient landmarks, and futuristic cities without the hassle of internal flights or packing and unpacking.

But with so many wondrous places to choose from, where should you start?

From the Seven Wonders of the World to jungle-covered temples, here is our guide to the top 12 cultural destinations in Asia, ranked by their "bucket-list" status.

1. Beijing, China

Home of the Great Wall & The Forbidden City

No list of Asian landmarks is complete without the Chinese capital. Accessible via a full-day shore excursion from the port of Tianjin, this is the ultimate travel icon.

• The Highlight: The Great Wall of China. Stretching over 13,000 miles, seeing the wall snake over the mist-covered mountains is a moment that puts everything into perspective.

• Cruise Tip: Most cruise lines offer excursions that combine a walk on the wall with a visit to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex that was off-limits to the public for 500 years.

2. Agra, India

Home of the Taj Mahal

While often part of a dedicated Indian itinerary or a "Golden Triangle" pre-cruise extension (from ports like Mumbai or Cochin), Agra is the jewel in Asia's cultural crown.

• The Highlight: The Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, this white marble mausoleum is widely considered the most beautiful building in the world.

• The Moment: Try to visit at sunrise. Watching the marble change colour from soft pink to blinding white as the sun ascends over the Yamuna River is a spiritual experience that photos simply cannot capture.

3. Tokyo, Japan

Where traditions and tech dance together

Tokyo is indisputably one of the most exciting cities on earth, offering a dizzying blend of the past and the future.

• The History: Head to the historic Asakusa district and the iconic Sensoji Temple, the city's oldest spiritual site. Wander down Nakamise Shopping Street - a 250-metre stretch of traditional crafts and lanterns.

• The Future: In stark contrast, immerse yourself in the neon glow of Shibuya. Witnessing the famous Shibuya Crossing - where up to 3,000 people cross at once - is a rite of passage for any visitor.

4. Kyoto, Japan

Geishas, gardens, and golden pavilions

If Tokyo is the futuristic brain of Japan, Kyoto is its traditional heart. Accessible from the ports of Osaka or Kobe, this is the Japan of your imagination.

• The Culture: This was the imperial capital for over 1,000 years. It is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the shimmering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the endless vermilion gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

• The Atmosphere: Keep your eyes peeled in the Gion district; you might just spot a Geisha or Maiko (apprentice) hurrying to an appointment in their exquisite kimonos.

5. Bangkok, Thailand

Traditional temples meets tuk-tuk chaos

Topping the list for sensory experiences, Bangkok draws everyone from luxury travellers to backpackers. It is hot, loud, and utterly brilliant.

• The Temples: The Grand Palace is non-negotiable. The intricate architecture of Wat Pho (home to the Reclining Buddha) and the riverside Wat Arun are architectural marvels.

• The River: Navigate the bustling canals (klongs) of the Chao Phraya River on a long-tail boat to see a quieter side of local life often hidden from the main streets.

6. Singapore

A captivating melting pot of cultures

Singapore packs a cultural punch disproportionate to its size. It is a clean, green, and incredibly diverse city-state.

• The Neighbourhoods: You can walk from the vibrant red lanterns of Chinatown to the colourful temples of Little India and the golden domes of the Arab Quarter (Kampong Glam) in a single afternoon.

• The Icons: Don't miss the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. Catching the light show here in the evening, with the Marina Bay Sands hotel towering above, is a spectacular end to the day.

7. Hanoi, Vietnam

Gateway to Halong Bay

Stepping ashore in Northern Vietnam is like stepping into a different world. Hanoi offers a sensory overload in the best way possible.

• The City: Wander the enchanting Old Quarter, where the buzz of scooters and the aroma of pho mingle with the serenity of the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake.

• The Natural Wonder: Hanoi is the gateway to Halong Bay. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cruising past these thousands of limestone karsts rising from the emerald water is an experience that will stay with you forever.

8. Hong Kong

Sensational shopping beneath a spectacular skyline

As your ship docks in Hong Kong, you will be greeted by one of the most famous skylines in the world. This city is a true melting pot of East and West.

• The Views: Take the tram (or the trail) up Victoria Peak. Standing 396 metres above the harbour, it offers panoramic views that define the city.

• The Culture: Visit the atmospheric Man Mo Temple, with its giant incense spirals, before settling into a traditional teahouse for some of the world's best dim sum.

9. Bali, Indonesia

Zen vibes and endless charm

If you need a break from the manic energy of Asian cities, Bali provides the perfect antidote.

• The Spirituality: Visit the dramatic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff edge 70 metres above the crashing waves - the sunsets here are legendary.

• The Arts: Head inland to Ubud, the island's cultural heart. Here, traditional handicrafts and art markets sit amidst verdant jungles, hidden waterfalls, and terraced rice paddies.

10. Xi'an, China

Home of the Terracotta Warriors

Often available as an overland extension on Far East itineraries, this is one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.

• The Highlight: The Terracotta Warriors. Discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, this army of 8,000 life-size clay soldiers was built to protect the First Emperor in the afterlife.

• The Detail: No two faces are the same. Walking around the vast pits and locking eyes with these silent sentinels from 210 BC is an eerie and unforgettable encounter.

11. Seoul, South Korea

Eclectic experiences and contemporary cool

South Korea is rapidly becoming a cruiser favourite, offering an alluring harmony between ancient dynasty history and cutting-edge design.

• The Palace: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a sprawling complex of ornate architecture and tranquil gardens that transports you back to the Joseon Dynasty.

• The Modern: Switch gears at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic silver bean made of 45,000 aluminium panels.

12. Luang Prabang, Laos

A serene riverside retreat

The jewel of the Mekong River, this UNESCO-listed city is a serene blend of French colonial architecture and golden Buddhist temples.

• The Rituals: Rise early to witness the daily Alms Giving Ceremony, where hundreds of barefoot monks walk silently through the streets to collect rice from locals.

• The Nature: Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Kuang Si Waterfalls for a refreshing end to your temple hopping.

As such a captivating region with an immense variety of cultural and historical wonders, deciding where to go can be the hardest part.

Hopefully, this list has given you the inspiration you need to start planning your Far Eastern adventure.