Are you looking for something more from your next holiday destination? Something along the lines of spiritual retreat, a place to reflect and rediscover yourself? Then look no further than Asia – the center of spirituality you will want to discover regardless of your religious beliefs.   

Experiencing Asia is pretty much like time traveling. You can see centuries-old temples and sacred places, monuments, villages where time seems to have stopped. You can reconnect with Mother Nature and find your life’s balance once again. 

Traveling to Asia means traveling not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well. Asia is a continent where you’ll find serenity and peace. It’s a place you will want to visit again and again. 

So, without any further ado, let’s see which places in Asia will leave you with that incredible sense of peace. 

India

We can’t begin this journey without starting off with India. India is the cradle of some of the greatest religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, to name a few. For this reason alone, India should be the first on any list of spiritual destinations. 

• Varanasi

Varanasi or Banaras is an ancient city which is considered to be the spiritual capital of India. The Ganges River that runs through Varanasi is regarded as sacred and is personified as the goddess Ganga. The water of this river is considered to be very pure. Varanasi is the city of hundreds of temples and sacred places. You can practice yoga and other rituals in basically every part of this holy city. 

• Bodh Gaya

As Varanasi is very important to Hinduists  so is Bodh Gaya to Buddhists. And both of these places are located in India. Bodh Gaya is an important religious and pilgrimage site for Buddhists. This village is the home of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha found enlightenment. Today, in this place there is a Buddhist temple complex which covers the sapling of the original tree.    

• Dharamshala      

Dharamshala also know as the place of residence of Dalai Lama, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. This place is full of Hindu and Buddhist as well as Christian monasteries. Apart from all the temples that you can visit, there is also a breath-taking nature surrounding this place. From Kareri Dal lake to Bhagsu waterfalls, you will be mesmerized by the natural beauties of Dharamshala. 

Myanmar (Burma)

If you are searching for spirituality and meditation, then Myanmar is an ideal place for you. Myanmar is the country where you will get to see magnificent architecture in combination with spirituality.   

• Yangon

Yangon is one of the most beautiful cities in Myanmar. Buddhist temples and their impressive gilded pagodas adorn the skyline from every side of Yangon. Buddhist rituals can be seen every morning and evening. And we recommend you check out Yangon’s famous Chaukhtatgyi Paya (Buddhist temple) housing the biggest (65-meter-long) reclining Buddha. 

• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Not so far away from Yangon is an important Buddhist shrine known as Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. This pilgrimage site consists of a small pagoda and a golden boulder built on the edge of the cliff.  It is believed by the Buddhists that the boulder is anchored to the mountain by Buddha’s hair strand. This place should definitely be on your list just after Yangon. 

• Bagan Temples

Another interesting destination in Myanmar are the Temples of Bagan. An ancient city (second largest temple complex, the first being Angkor in Cambodia) which was once the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. The best way to take in this incredible landscape is from a hot air balloon at dawn.    

Indonesia

Thousands of volcanic islands make up a country called Indonesia. One of the top must-see countries of the world, Indonesia offers breathtaking and bewitching sights. An unforgettable experience from Bali to Jakarta.  

• Bali

When people think of Indonesia, they think of Bali and its idyllic landscapes. Although Bali is just a province of Indonesia, it has gained world popularity for its majestic nature and spiritual retreats. It has thousands of temples including the nine most important ones. Regardless of whether you’re planning a honeymoon in Bali or a spiritual retreat, you might think of using one of the numerous Bali villas for accommodation. Here you can have your own slice of heaven while enjoying the indescribable beauties of Bali.

One of the most popular and spiritual destinations of Bali is the Gitgit Waterfalls. If you are an adventure seeker you will most definitely love the hike to these falls. Another tourist attraction is the oldest temple on Bali – Lempuyang Temple. This temple is on the top of a mountain which means more hiking – but you won’t regret it. At the top, you can see breath-taking sights and the magnificent Agung temple.     

• Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It’s located on Java island and it dates back to the 9th century. This ancient temple offers the most magnificent sunrises you’ll ever get to witness. The temple itself consists of nine platforms topped with a central dome which is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues placed on stupas. Borobudur is surrounded by forests, mountains, and two volcanos. 

China

Asia without China is not Asia. China, one of the largest countries in the world, must have some of the greatest spiritual destinations in the world. Let’s see some of the greatest spiritual places China has to offer:

• Leshan

This Chinese city is worldly famous for the giant carving of the Buddha. The Leshan Buddha is 71-meters tall and it’s carved in a cliff. It’s one of the most sacred destinations in the world, both for pilgrims and tourists. 

• Fengdu

Fengdu the Ghost City can be found on the Ming Mountain in China. This city contains a large complex of temples, shrines, and monasteries dedicated to death and the afterlife. The Ghost City got its name during the rule of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and the people who live here practice Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. City’s buildings and sculptures all depict concepts from both Chinese mythology and Buddhism that signify the underworld. If you’re on a spiritual journey in China, Fengdu the Ghost City is a must-see place. 

• Mount Emei

Mount Emei is one of the four sacred Buddhist Mountains of China which houses the largest of all four monasteries. The Golden Summit Temples will surely take your breath away together with the views surrounding them. Witnessing the sunrise from this place is once in a lifetime experience. 

• Temple of Heaven

Located in Beijing, Temple of Heaven is the UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple was built by Emperor Yongle for personal use – praying, worshiping and sacrificing. Today, this magnificent architectural masterpiece is visited by many tourists. Apart from fascinating altars, there is also a great garden to explore. So, if by any chance you’re visiting Beijing, make sure to visit this iconic temple.   

Cambodia

Cambodia is best known for its world’s heritage temples of Angkor Wat. However, other similar sacred cities and temples can be found all over Cambodia. If you are on the spiritual journey, Cambodia should definitely be on your list.

• Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex in the world. This mystical place is well known to almost everyone. The ancient temple complex became the national symbol of Cambodia, and it even appears on its flag. Angkor Wat takes up over 500 acres and unlike most Angkorian temples it’s oriented to the west rather than the east. Originally, Angkor was dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, but at the end of the 12th century, it was transformed into Buddhist temple. Every little part of Angkor Wat is mystical and magical. Just by being there you will feel as if you are in another time and in another world. 

• Phnom Kulen

Another popular place of pilgrimage in Cambodia is Phnom Kulen. When you reach the top of this most sacred mountain in Cambodia, you will see gold and silver shrines dedicated to Buddha. But that’s not all, on your way up the mountain you will be greeted by spectacular views, waterfalls, and rivers. Definitely one of the greatest destinations in Cambodia.

Thailand

Not mentioning Thailand in this article would be a huge mistake. Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world that has ancient ruins, temples and spiritual places on every step. Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s most popular cities, offers many quiet sanctuaries. Here you can practice yoga, meditate and learn how to calm yourself – and who knows maybe even reach nirvana!

• Phraya Nakhon Cave

The unearthly beauty of Thailand can only be summed up by this mysterious cave. The sinkhole cave can only be reached by a long hike through forests and when you reach it, be prepared to be wowed. The cave is home to the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion dedicated to King Rama V. We can assure you that there is no place on earth like this one!  

• Wat Rong Khun 

Once you reach this place, you won’t be sure whether this place is real or you just stepped onto the set of a fantasy movie. Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple is just that, a contemporary white temple with the ornate architecture. A very controversial building indeed, to some quite horrendous and to some mesmerizing. One thing is sure, it is a must-see destination!

• Tiger Cave Temple

This mesmerizing temple can be located near Krabi. Tiger Cave Temple is best known for the tiger paw prints in the cave, thus the name of the temple. To reach this temple you will need to climb a serious number of stairs. However, all that hike will be worthwhile once you reach the top of the summit. You will see the breath-taking views and feel the peace that this sacred place brings.   

 

Finally, the vastness of Asia and its spiritual destinations couldn’t fit into this article. This is why we decided to choose only a few awe-inspiring destinations. 

If your next holiday is going to be about meditation, relaxation and spiritual finding, then Asia is the right place to start. Whichever of these destinations will do. You just need to be ready to immerse yourself in the world of legends, ancient stories, and mystical beings. You need to get out of your comfort zone in order to spiritually find yourself.

What a better way to learn something new, than by traveling and discovering not just other countries but yourself as well.