Gardens by the Bay Ranked Top Attraction in Asia, Beating out Angkor Wat & Taj Mahal
Asia’s most-loved attraction is just a MRT ride away!
In a newly released ranking of the Top 25 Attractions in Asia (2026) by Tripadvisor, Singapore’s very own Gardens by the Bay has claimed the number one spot, beating out global icons like Cambodia’s Angkor Wat (#2) and India’s Taj Mahal (#3).
That’s right. Right in our backyard (or a short MRT ride away), lies Asia’s most-loved attraction!
For Singaporeans, this is more than a point of pride. It is a reminder that world-class wonders do not always require a long-haul flight.
Top attractions in Asia
1. Gardens by the Bay (Singapore)
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Why it won: Supertrees that glow at night, two cooled conservatories (Cloud Forest and Flower Dome), free light and sound shows, and rotating floral displays that rival any seasonal garden in the world.
Weekday evenings just before sunset are the best time to visit as a local. Don't forget to catch the light show at 7:45pm or 8:45pm, then head to Satay by the Bay for supper.
2. Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
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Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, ranks second in the list. Sunrise over the lotus-shaped towers is a spiritual experience, even for the non-spiritual.
This attraction is best for history buffs, temple runners, and anyone who has ever wanted to feel like an explorer for a day.
Travel note from Singapore: Direct flights from Changi to Siem Reap take about 2.5 hours. Visit between November and February before the dry season heat peaks.
3. Taj Mahal (India)
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Taj Mahal is a timeless mausoleum built from love, marble, and 20,000 workers. It is even more stunning in person than any photograph can capture. Romantics, photographers, and Mughal architecture enthusiasts would love this place.
Travel note from Singapore: Fly from Changi to Delhi (around 6 hours), then take an express train to Agra. Go at sunrise to avoid crowds and haze.
4. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (Japan)
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Japan's Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is magical: Thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up a mountain. Walking through them feels like stepping into another world.
It's an attraction best for hikers, photographers, and anyone interested in Japanese folklore.
Travel note from Singapore: Take a direct flight to Osaka or Tokyo, then the shinkansen to Kyoto. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
5. War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
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Unflinching, sobering, and essential. This museum in HCMC, Vietnam, presents the human cost of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. History learners should definitely not miss out.
Travel note from Singapore: A two-hour flight to Saigon. Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours here, then go for a bowl of pho to process the experience.
6. Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
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The iconic twin towers in KL ranks number 6 in the top attractions in 2026. Two 452-metre towers connected by a skybridge, the view from the 86th floor is breathtaking. Not to mention the view at night!
Travel note from Singapore: Take a bus, train, or one-hour flight. Book tickets online in advance for the skybridge and observation deck.
7. Sigiriya Lion Rock (Sri Lanka)
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A 5th-century fortress perched on a 200-metre rock column, Sigiriya Lion Rock in Sri Lanka, is epic. Climb to the top for ancient frescoes, lion paws, and endless jungle views. If you're an adventurer who does not mind stairs, this is for you, since there are over 1,200 of them.
Travel note from Singapore: Fly to Colombo, then drive about four hours. Arrive at 7am to beat the heat and the crowds.
8. Hoi An Ancient Town (Vietnam)
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Why it is charming: Lantern-lit streets, yellow-walled buildings, and a river full of floating candles. It feels like stepping into a living postcard.
Best for: Tailor-made clothing, banh mi hunting, and lazy coffee afternoons.
Travel note from Singapore: Fly to Da Nang, then drive 40 minutes. Visit on the 14th day of the lunar month for the full lantern festival.
9. Mutianyu Great Wall (Beijing, China)
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Why it is the one to pick: Less crowded than Badaling, fully restored, and features a toboggan slide down the mountain.
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants Great Wall photos without crowds in the background.
Travel note from Singapore: Fly to Beijing, around six hours. Hire a private driver or join a half-day tour. Go on a weekday.
10. Wat Pho (Bangkok, Thailand)
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Why it is a must-see: Home to the legendary Reclining Buddha, 46 metres long and plated in gold. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Best for: Temple hoppers, massage lovers, and first-time visitors to Bangkok.
Travel note from Singapore: A 2.5-hour flight, then a quick ferry or taxi ride. Combine with the Grand Palace, which is next door.
This list proves that you do not have to travel far to experience the best of Asia. Now, with so many attractions, which one would you love to visit next?
About Author
Born in a new village in Selangor, Malaysia, Cecelia loves three things in life: Good food, good views, and good deals. She also enjoys exploring new places and experiencing new things on her travels.