Asia Travel Bucket List: 20 Challenges You Must Complete

In 2025, Asia’s travel scene has evolved into an ever more dynamic playground of culture, nature and innovation. From immersive virtual-reality previews of heritage sites to community-led eco-treks and farm-to-table dining experiences, discovering the continent’s most unforgettable moments has never been more seamless, or more sustainable.

Whether you’ve already savoured Myanmar’s dawn-lit temples, relaxed in a Korean jjimjilbang or caught a Thai dance performance, this curated list of 20 bucket-list experiences goes far beyond the usual highlights. Each entry invites you to engage more deeply, with local communities, with pioneering conservation initiatives and with fresh twists on timeless traditions, so you can collect memories rather than souvenirs. Ready to add some truly once-in-a-lifetime adventures to your Asia itineraries? Let’s go!

Also read: 5 Important Asian Taboos You Must Know

1. Ride on a motorcycle taxi at peak hour in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is notorious for its traffic jams. It is a great test of endurance, patience, and not pulling your hair out. Trust me, I’ve tried it. A taxi ride that would have taken me only 10 minutes to reach my destination ended up being a 2-hour nightmare. This is where motorcycle taxis come into play.

Motorcycle taxis are the quickest way to get around in peak-hour rush Bangkok. Your orange-clad drivers will do anything to get you where you want to be in the shortest time possible, whether it be weaving through people on sidewalks, or riding against the flow of traffic in the opposing traffic lane. Fares are relatively low, and vary depending on how far you go. Do remember to wear a helmet and agree on the price before you get onto the motorcycle though. You don’t want to be an easy target for rip-offs.

Also read: The Bangkok Bucket List: 17 Challenges for Your Next Trip

2. Scale the Great Wall of China

I’m pretty sure most guided tours do include this as part of their Beijing itineraries, but if you’re going to China sans a guide, be sure to include this in your plans! What better way to declare that you’ve been to China than a picture of you looking out at the vast expanse of land beyond the Great Wall?

There are several sections you can scale. I climbed the Badaling section of the Wall, and the view was breathtaking. Oh, and it was very cold too, since I was there during winter, but that’s alright, because the view and satisfaction more than made up for the lack of warmth. It does help if you go with friends who can spur you on to reach the top. I do suggest that families with young children might want to wait till your kids are slightly taller or older though — the slopes of the Great Wall of China are steep, not to mention its steps. Some of them were shin-high!

3. Dance under the cherry blossoms in Japan

It’s springtime now in most countries, and what does that mean for flora junkies? Cherry blossoms! Japan is almost synonymous with the sakura that beautify the country in spring. From Naha to Sapporo, the cherry blossoms can be found in nearly every city. The majority of the blossoms reach full bloom in April, dusting the country in a soft, down-like coat of pink and white petals. Just imagine you and your significant other, dancing under the falling petals of the cherry blossoms.

4. Cruise around Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

Asia has many UNESCO World Heritage sites, and this picturesque bay in Vietnam is one of them. Found just east of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is best explored via a cruise. Tourists to the area get to see how the 1600 people live in the floating villages, as well as marvel at the 1600 limestone pillars naturally formed over millions of years. Largely left untouched by the government and protected by Mother Nature, the area has become somewhat of a giant conservation zone, translating into a paradise for that nature lover!

5. See Tarsier monkeys in Bohol, Philippines

Orangutans, gorillas, gibbons: What do they have in common? Yep, they’re all primates. So what is so special about the Philippine Tarsier? Nothing much, except that they are one of the smallest known primates on earth. Excluding its tail, it only measures around 12-15 cm, and weighs approximately 113-142 grams. That means it fits into an average male’s hand, and is about as heavy as your mobile phone!

They are classified as an endangered species, and efforts are underway to conserve the species in its natural habitats, as they do not survive well in captivity. So, be sure to visit these primates in its natural habitat at The Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Bohol!

6. Marvel at the breathtaking sculptures in Harbin, China

Mention Asia, and tropical beaches and rainforests come to mind. Come winter, however, Harbin becomes home to the world’s largest Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Ice and snow sculptures can be found all over the city, though the main exhibitions are on Sun Island and Ice and Snow World, both situated near the Songhua River. Huge ice blocks are taken directly from the river and sculpted into beautiful, intricate works of art, lit up by stunning coloured lights that give these sculptures their ethereal beauty.

Held from early January to March, the festival also includes activities such as winter fishing, fashion shows, competitions, and ice lanterns, as well as ice sport games. It’s the best way to escape the heat of Southeast Asia! Well, for a short while at least. I think I’m going to start planning for a trip to Harbin!

7. Get down and dirty in mud in Korea

Tens of thousands of tourists descend upon Boryeong, a town about 200km south of Seoul in July for the Boryeong Mud Festival. Activities include mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud massages, and even swimming in a huge pool of mud!

Yep, you read that right. This is a great activity for families. Children get to play around in mud, mothers can enjoy massages, and fathers can play-fight in the mud, all with the intention of getting down and dirty, literally. It’s also great for anyone who’s ever wanted to experience how being a pig feels like. Just kidding (not really). It helps that all that mud is scientifically proven to be rich in minerals, and is often used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Getting dirty in the name of beauty, y’all!

8. Visit the Tonle Sap floating villages, Cambodia

Ever seen a basketball court on water? No? Then you must come to Lake Tonle Sap, where entire self-sufficient towns of stateless Vietnamese live here. The lake itself is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, housing more than 300 species of marine animals, and supporting more than 3 million people with food. Depending on how much water from the Mekong Delta enters the lake, it changes in size every wet season. One can see schools, shops, churches, and of course, those water basketball courts, and farms built on bamboo stilts.

For a quick view of life on water, take the passenger ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, though I suggest you take more time to view the area. After all, there aren’t many of these floating villages around anymore. And who knows, maybe if you ask nicely, the children may let you play basketball with them! On the water, no less.

9. Scale Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan

At nearly 4000m, Jade Mountain is Taiwan’s highest peak. Yeah, it probably sounds like a midget when you compare it to the world’s tallest peak at 8850m, but not all of us have the funds or the stamina to climb the Everest giant. So why not go for an easier option?

Situated near the Alishan National Scenic Area, the mountain is a huge favourite with locals. It is possible to reach the peak of the mountain in a day, with some good stamina and a whole lot of determination. After 10-12 hours of hiking, you’d probably be rewarded by this postcard-like view. You should probably stay for a night, and rise early to watch the sunrise too. There is an option to do the ascent in 2 days, which is, of course, more manageable and less taxing on the body.

10. Take in the view from Taipei 101

Before the opening of Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010, Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building. Opened in 2004, it comprises 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground. It boasts a 360-degree observation deck on the 89th floor, and an outdoor one on the 91st floor. Don’t want to go up? That’s alright; trying to fit the entire building in a selfie will guarantee lots of frustration and laughter too! Go ahead, I challenge you to try it and show me!

Another great time to visit the area is on New Year’s Eve, when the building is prominently featured in a spectacular fireworks display that gets bigger and better every year, when the clock hits twelve. Go several hours earlier to get a good spot for viewing the fireworks though; locals and tourists alike flock to the area for a whole night of partying and celebration, and it’s near impossible to go anywhere at 11pm.

11. Get lost in Angkor Wat

What monument was first Hindu, then Buddhist, and is situated in Cambodia? That’s right, Angkor Wat. Hailing from the Khmer Empire of the 9th to 15th centuries, Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, and, you guessed it, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites as well. One of the largest religious monuments in the world, Angkor was first built to honour the Hindu god Vishnu. It was abandoned in the 14th century, until unknowing Buddhist monks stumbled upon its ruins centuries later, and propagated legends of the monument. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, both local and foreign.

Admire the intricate carvings of the stone figures,  soak in the ambience of Angkor Wat under the full moon, or wake up early to view the sun rise over the temple: You won’t regret any of them. With 74 accessible sites in the temple complex, you could lose yourself in the area for days!

12. Hug a baby panda in Chengdu

Pandas are so revered in China that they are given on loan to countries as gestures of friendship and goodwill. Singapore has two of these cuties, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, as attractions of the River Safari, though they are very well protected. So why not hop on a plane and travel to the land of their birth to enjoy some hands-on experience with these national treasures in their natural habitats?

China has 3 panda bases, with 2 in and around Chengdu. All are aimed at increasing awareness of the endangered pandas, and promoting conservation efforts, as well as educating visitors on their evolutionary history. Although there are cages and fences, but visitors can come up so close to the pandas, it feels as though there is nothing holding them back from you. For a small donation to the panda base, you can even touch or hug a baby panda in your arms!

13. Take a night cruise around Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to Victoria Harbour. Famed for its magnificent skyline at night, the only way to do it justice is to take a harbour cruise at dusk on board a 1920s style double-decker ferry. Enjoy the light sea breeze as you see the bustling city bathed in a soft glow of orange and pink, then blanketed with a dark coat of black with twinkling lights from the buildings that surround the area.

For those with cash to spare, try a leisurely 3-hour dinner cruise, or a special Symphony of Lights show, which involves 45 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Other types of craft that you can consider for a truly unique experience include refurbished Chinese junks.

14. Swim with whale sharks in Donsol, Phillippines

Marine life meets adrenaline rush in this bucket-list item. Sharks come right up to the surface in Donsol Bay, which makes it the ideal place for snorkelling amongst them. The best time to visit is from December to May, when large schools of whale sharks migrate to the area to feed on the huge numbers of plankton and krill.

Most visitors to the area see at least five, though there have been reported sightings of up to 45 of these huge fish. You get to kill several birds with one stone too, since the marine life you see is not limited to whale sharks. Sometimes you get to see hammerhead sharks and manta rays, as well as reefs and other fish!

Also read: 20 Best Islands in the Philippines for Beach Getaways

15. See the sunrise at Shwedagon pagoda, Myanmar

A country which only recently opened itself to tourism, Myanmar has loads to offer tourists in the form of breathtaking views and largely untouched culture. One of these breathtaking views is that of the Shwedagon Pagoda at sunrise.

Most people view the sunset, and that is equally stunning, but personally I feel sunrises always seem to bring with them a sense of calmness, serenity, and a fresh start to a new day. As the sky turns from dark blue to a vivid orange-yellow, the pagoda slowly transforms from a dark silhouette to a spectacular gold, made even more precious and blinding by the sun rays that ricochet off the gems and golden-leaf exterior of the architectural wonder. It makes for a great Instagram photo, or a time-lapse video. And after that, continue this calm and serene streak amongst the Buddhist relics and treasures housed within the pagoda.

16. Have dinner in the sky in Singapore

Ever wanted to have dinner amongst the stars in the sky? Well, then you should try the sky dining experience atop the Singapore Flyer. It probably is the nearest you’ll get to dine with the astronomical stars! Set against the backdrop of the stunning night view of Singapore’s skyline, Southeast Asia’s largest observation wheel lets you enjoy a luxurious 4-course dinner with a full butler service, the world’s very first.

The package starts from 2-to-go, and you either share a capsule or get a private capsule to yourselves: Great for celebrating those special occasions with your loved ones! Of course, these dinners don’t come cheap. But fret not, you can still view the Singapore skyline in the same capsule for a fraction of the price, and enjoy a romantic dinner by the alfresco waterfront dining promenade, after which you can take a walk along the F1 race course by the bay!

17. Wander around the Borobudur Temple in Indonesia

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Borobodur Temple Compounds is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, so it is a sort-of pilgrimage for devout Buddhists. Dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, it consists of 3 temples, the iconic Borobodur Temple, and two smaller ones, Mendut Temple and Pawon Temple. On the day of the full moon in April or May every year, pilgrims from all over the world take part in a walk-in procession, starting from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobodur for the Waisak Day Festival.

The main temple is built similar to a pyramid, with five concentric square terraces and three circular platforms. At the top is a monumental stupa. A total of 504 Buddha statues can be found here, and many more carved in the decorative panels and reliefs, in the various meditative positions of the Buddha. The local belief is that if you manage to successfully touch the Buddha’s figure inside the bell-like stupa at the top of the temple, the one wish deep in your thoughts as you ascended the temple will come true. Why don’t you try it and tell me if it rings true?

18. Chill out at the lovely beaches in Phu Quoc island, Vietnam

Looking for a short beach getaway? Forget about Phuket and Bali, those place are just too touristy. The latest trend in beach getaways is right in Vietnam. Just 50 minutes by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, there exists a peaceful, pristine, postcard-worthy paradise: Phu Quoc island.

It has been gaining popularity in the past couple of years for its untouched natural environments and the wonderful water activities one can partake of here. The island is open all year round, with the peak season from November to March. There are also beaches galore here, some more popular, and some more remote, but all with waters that are so clear and blue you can literally see the sandy seabed! As yet, the island is still largely untouched, and nature lovers will love the virgin forests, sandy beaches, coral gardens and hundreds of wildlife species it has to offer.

19. Sleep in a traditional hanok in Jeonju, Korea

To experience how Koreans lived in ancient times, one needs look no further than Jeonju. With more than 700 traditional hanok houses and majority of them offering rooms to stay in, the Hanok Village is the perfect place for visitors to experience life in a traditional house. They may be slightly more expensive than regular hotels or backpacker hostels, but hey, where else do you get to live in a traditional Korean hanok?

The village itself is host to a whole slew of activities, festivals and events, so even if you don’t want to stay a night, you will still get to have hands-on experience with Korean traditional culture and history. Learn how to make Korean paper, play their instruments, dye some cloth naturally, play some games, and try on the Hanbok (Korean traditional clothing). Then with a cup of traditional tea in hand, take in the sunset against the many curved roofs typical of hanoks.

20. Dance on the Banaue Rice Terraces in Philippines

They first came into existence approximately 2000 years ago, carved into the natural contours of the Philippine Cordillera mountains by the Ifugao indigenous people. Till today, the Ifugao depend on the Ifugao Rice Terraces as their main source of income and food, the most famous of which are the Banaue Rice Terraces. While rice for export is cultivated in the lowlands, with the help of fertiliser, rice grown on the higher terraces are for personal consumption by the Ifugao. In a day and age where conservation and sustainable living are the buzzwords, the rice terraces are a perfect example of striking a harmonious balance between nature and the human community. Visitors to the area are constantly amazed by the sheer magnitude of the rice terraces.

Every season brings with it differently coloured terraces, though I think the best periods by far are during April and early May, when the terraces are at their greenest, and in August, when they are golden with ripened grain. Just imagine the sight: Rolling hills and mountains of emerald or gold. Other activities one can do here include visiting the tribes at the foot of the terraces and visiting a Mumbak, a traditional Ifugao witch doctor, who performs spiritual healing rituals.

Your Next Unforgettable Asia Adventure Awaits

From weaving through Bangkok’s traffic on a motorcycle taxi to dancing beneath Japan’s cherry blossoms and hugging a baby panda in Chengdu, these 20 experiences showcase why Asia remains the ultimate bucket-list destination in 2025. As you plan your journey, remember to support sustainable operators and tap into local guides for off-grid insights. Which adventure will you tick off first? Share your own must-do experiences with your friends and family, and let’s inspire each other to explore Asia in the most authentic, responsible and exhilarating ways possible.

Also read: 20 Reasons Why You Must Visit The Philippines in 2025