Whatever your taste in films and whether you’ve been to Asia in the past or not, if you love films and also like to travel, these movie-inspired Asian destinations are just the thing for you.

Pick And Choose From These Asian Destinations From Famous Movies

Asia is gorgeous; we all know that even if we have never visited the place. Some of the most well-known films have contributed to the popularity of the biggest continent as a travel destination. Here are some of them.

“The King and I” (1956), “Anna and the King” (1999) – The Grand Palace, Bangkok

In 1862, Louis Thomas Leonowens was just a child when he visited majestic Bangkok. He spent 5 whole years in Thailand’s Royal Palace as a resident with his mother, Anna Leonowens.

It is his mother’s tales that became the inspiration behind not one but two films: the first, 1956’s “The King and I” and the most recent (1999) “Anna and the King”. Anna worked as a teacher at King Mongkut’s children for 5 years. The Grand Palace, where it all took place, and where the blackboard used by Anna and the kids still exists, is not one single building. It is a breath-taking, sprawling complex of intricate golden spires, carefully carved traditional temples, all set around open lawns, gardens and magnificent courtyards, all of which have undergone changes and additions by successive reigning kings over the place’s 200 years of existence.

“Indochine” (1992) – Vietnam

The mush-loved French language film narrates the story of a French plantation owner (the wonderful Catherine Deneuve) during the Vietnamese people’s struggle for French Indochina’s independence from France. It can be credited with putting Vietnam on travelers’ maps with its beautiful scenes. In Hanoi, you can still visit the café where Deneuve took her breakfast every morning during filming. The opening scene of a funeral procession of boats on Hue’s infamous Perfume River is so atmospheric you almost feel like you are there yourself.

Throughout the movie, there are a number of locations across Vietnam including Halong Bay, even though most of it is shot, Hue. There is also a wedding scene taking place in the magical palace of Emperor Dong Khan, and one with Deneuve and her on-screen daughter which is shot in a pavilion overlooking a lake in the city of Emperor Tu Duc. It is worth noting that there were a number of popular films shot in Vietnam before “Indochine”, but almost all of them were American war films that didn’t really do justice to this place of wild beauty and charm.

“The Beach” (2000) – Phi Phi Leh Island, Thailand

Danny Boyle’s 2000 adaptation of Alex Garland’s novel became a hit not just thanks to the amazing performance of its protagonist, Leonardo Di Caprio, but also because of the magnificent views of an extraordinary beach in Phi Phi Leh Island, close to Phuket, in Thailand. The area was one of those destroyed by the terrible 2004 tsunami but has managed to recover since and has regained its popularity among travelers who love exotic destinations.

“Kong: Skull Island” (2017) – Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

The latest film to hit cinemas in the King Kong saga “Kong: Skull Island”, was shot in various locations around the world, with many of its scenes taking place in northern Vietnam. Aerial shots and helicopter chases took place in the dramatic limestone mountains of Ha Long Bay. Filming locations also include UNESCO World Heritage site Tràng An and the impressive Tú Làn Caves System.

“The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957), “Tarzan, the Ape Man” (1981), “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984) – Sri Lanka

The island country of Sri Lanka, in South Asia, is one of the most attractive film locations. Despite the fact that the actual bridge in the film is in Thailand, “The Bridge on the Rive Kwai” shows a very costly bridge (reportedly $250,000 at the time) specially made for the film itself, 425 feet long and rising 90 feet above the water.

The film tells the story of a group of Japanese war-prisoner captors who were made to build a bridge over the River Kwai which, once completed, would help the Japanese connect Thailand and Burma (Myanmar). Director David Lean asked that the bridge is built in a small community called Kitulgala on the Masleliya Oya, a tributary of the Kelani River, between the Sri Lankan capital Colombo and Kandy.

“Tarzan, the Ape Man” was a remake of the homonymous, iconic 1932 film. The 1981 film was mainly filmed in different parts of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, but visitors who wish to swing on vines like the much-loved jungle hero will definitely appreciate the opportunities to do so in the Sinha raja reserve.

The second film in the blockbuster series, “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” was directed by Hollywood favorite Steven Spielberg and starred Harrison Ford in the legendary role of the brave archaeologist. When “Temple of Doom” was denied permission to film in Rajasthan (authorities thought the script was offensive), Spielberg opted for Sri Lanka’s second city, Kandy.

Today, Kandy is the gateway to the majestic Hill Country, and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is considered to be the country’s holiest spot, as it houses a tooth of the Buddha himself.

If we haven’t convinced you of the unique beauty of these exotic movie-inspired Asian locations, perhaps watching one of the silver-screen gems mentioned above will.

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From the history-loving traveler who is interested in learning how a country recovered from its ashes to finally find peace, to the nature-lover who likes to wander into virgin jungles and swim in pristine waters; and those who can’t wait to marvel at the stunning beauty of Hindu and Buddhist temples and learn about the culture of a place, everyone must visit Cambodia.

Visit Cambodia And You’ll See These Wonders

For most westerners, Cambodia was a place fairly unknown until the Tomb Raider film showed the world its amazingly wild beauty. These are the absolute must-dos for all its visitors.

Angkor Wat

Arguably Cambodia’s biggest tourist attraction, the famous ancient temple of Angkor Wat is absolutely breathtaking with its five lotus-like towers that rise 65 meters high. The temple took 30 years to build (in the 1100s) and its first function was to be the home of King Suryavarman II. It remained obscure and hidden until the colonization of Cambodia by the French, in the 1800s. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been recognized as one of the ancient wonders of the world. It is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park and the best time to visit the place is during sunrise. Be warned though, it is extremely popular and tourists arrive in drones from as early as 5.30a.m.

Pub Street and Siem Reap Night Market

For the night birds among you, Cambodia has the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourselves. The Pub Street and the Siem Reap Night Market are full of restaurants, bars, and spas. Do a fish pedicure, buy your – very reasonably priced – holiday souvenirs from the Night Market, grab yourselves an aptly-named “Tomb Raider” cocktail from one of the super-loud bars lining the streets and mingle with the colorful crowds, taking in the sounds and smells of the city.

Southwestern Beach, Koh Rong

One of the most idyllic beaches in Cambodia can be found in Koh Rong, a majestic island in the Gulf of Thailand. With close to 5 kilometers of white beach sand, exotic palm trees generously offering their shade and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Southwestern Beach is truly unmissable. For the snorkeling enthusiasts, the southern end of the beach has rocks where snorkelers can observe all kinds of colorful, exotic fish swim by peacefully.

Insect Eating

For the daring and adventurous types who like to experiment with their food choices, there are quite a few places that offer slightly “different” dishes. You can try fried tarantula spiders, crickets or some other insect; or if you are more traditional in your tastes, you can just watch others get brave as you munch on a mango or banana instead.

Whether you love the amazing nature of the place, have an interest in its cultural significance or want to know more about its tumultuous history, we advise you to visit Cambodia and find even more reasons to remember it forever.

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Japanese gardens (“nihon teien”) are traditional gardens that were masterfully created to symbolize the Japanese rituals and beliefs and create a perfect landscape. They started off as exclusive resting places for those in the upper classes, and thus most of them were closed to the public. Fortunately, things are different now and anyone can have the chance to admire their beauty. AsianDate takes you to the most renowned Japanese gardens: the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

Follow AsianDate To The Three Great Gardens Of Japan

Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Koraku-en in Okayama, and Kairaku-en in Mito are collectively referred to as the Three Great Gardens of Japan, (“sanmeien”). They were created to express the perfection of “setsugekka” which comprises of snow, moon, and flowers – 3 aspects of natural beauty at different times of the year that the Japanese absolutely adore.

Kairaku-en, Mito

Kairaku-en means “a park to enjoy with people”. The impressive garden was built in 1841 by local lord Tokugawa Nariaki. Unlike the other two great Japanese gardens ( Kenroku-en and Kōraku-en), Kairaku-en was open to the public from the start.

Kairaku-en looks unbelievable throughout the year but is at its best during the plum blossom season, from late February to March. The plum tree forest, where one can see 100 kinds of different plum trees with white, pink and red blossoms, is the biggest of its kind in Japan, with 3,000 plum trees.

In its 127,000 sq. meters (31.4 acres), Kairakuen also features a bamboo grove, cedar woods and the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese-style building.

Kenroku-en, Kanazawa

The “6 Attributes Garden” is located in Kanazawa, and it is a private garden. Kenroku-en is regarded as the perfect garden, as it combines everything: seclusion, spaciousness, artificiality, abundant water, antiquity and panoramas. Established in the 17th century by feudal lords, this wonderful garden is located in the heart of Kanazawa.

This intricate garden took various gardening techniques and 170 years to finish. Walk along its circular paths with their large ponds and serene streams, admire the rolling hills and the traditional tea houses, and find your peace of mind in the unique combination of natural beauty and man-made architecture in Kenroku-en.

The garden is open year-round during daylight. It is very famous among visitors for including the oldest natural-water fountain in Japan, Yūgao-tei, a teahouse that’s the oldest building in the garden, built in 1774, the Flying Geese Bridge, which is made with 11 red stones placed so as to look like flying geese, and the Karasaki Pine, which was planted from seed by the 13th lord Nariyasu from Karasaki.

Kōraku-en, Okayama

The 3rd of the Great Gardens of Japan in located in Okayama, to the north of Okayama Castle. It was created by the order of Tsunamasa Ikeda (the second lord of Okayama Clan) sometime between the 17th and 18th centuries.

The garden was originally created to entertain upper-class guests and it is famous for its vibrant colors throughout the year. In the spring, plum and cherry blossoms color the scenery and give off an intoxicating flowery smell in the air, while irises and lotuses beautifully decorate the garden in the summer, and maple trees have their leaves turned red in the fall, to have everything covered with a white blanket of snow in the winter.

It was made in the Kaiyu (“scenic promenade”) style, which is amazing because it means that the visitor gets a different view at every turn of the path connecting the ponds, hills, tea houses, lawns and streams that the garden hosts.

What are you waiting for? Follow AsianDate to the astonishingly serene gardens of Japan and marvel at the miracles performed where man and nature work in sync.

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There are few places in the world that can claim to have so many diverse characteristics as the capital of Taiwan. Taipei is a small city of contradictions – throughout its rich history, this place has undergone many different cultural, ethnical and political changes. So it’s about time you discover Taipei, which is very hard to resist.

The Melting Pot of Civilizations That Will Make You Want To Discover Taipei

To say that Taipei is a real melting pot of cultures and people would be an understatement. Its blend of Chinese culture with a strange fusion of Japanese, South-east Asian and American influences make it a truly unique place.

Things You Need To See And Do In Taipei

If you only have time to visit one museum, make it the National Palace Museum, the biggest museum of Chinese art. Get to see the ceramics, painting, objects of religious worship and all kinds of artifacts. Make sure to have a lot of time to explore the museum, as it consists of 3 levels of amazing art you will need enough time to appreciate.

Feeling peckish in the middle of the night? No problem. Taipei’s popular night markets, like Shilin Night Market – the biggest of them, offer a variety of street food snacks sold in stalls – from oyster omelets to Fried Lamb and Bubble Ice. Of course, you may also enjoy a square traditional meal in one of the housed eateries in the area. An added bonus? You can also buy fashionable clothes in most of those markets. Though you may not want to touch your new clothes with greasy tofu fingers.

Standing proudly in the skyscape of Taiwan’s capital is Taipei 101 Tower – a landmark that should be on your list of things see in this exciting city. From the first glance, you will be able to tell where its makers drew inspiration: the native Chinese bamboo plant. But it isn’t just pretty to look at. This marvelous building has been designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons. Taipei 101 Tower held the record for tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010 when Burj Dubai broke its record. At the base of 101, you will find a mall, and there are observation decks on some floors too.

The Best Temples In Taipei

No visit to Taiwan can be complete without a visit to its magnificent temples. Scattered among the city’s skyscrapers are Taipei’s numerous Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian temples, and picking which ones to visit can be a tall order. Thankfully, we have done the hard work for you, narrowing them down to 3 unmissable temples.

The first one is Longshan Temple, a grandiose temple originally built for the worship of the Goddess of Mercy. Today, however, you will find statues honoring more than 100 gods and you can pick your favorite to burn an incense stick for. Look out for the sculptures of mythical creatures that are said to be guarding the temple.

The second temple you shouldn’t miss is the one dedicated to Confucius, the famous Chinese teacher and philosopher. You will find that the architecture of Confucious Temple is a lot more minimalist, to reflect the great man’s philosophy. This temple was built in 1879 but was destroyed when the country came under Japanese rule. It was, renovated again in 1930 by Wang Yi-Shun, who also happens to be the designer of the previously mentioned Longshan Temple.

Last, but definitely not least, is the Bao’an Temple. This Temple has received a Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for being so well restored (from 1995 to 2002) and reviving traditions and rituals. The Temple holds a folk arts festival (Baosheng Cultural Festival) from March to June, which makes for a unique experience for those who happen to visit Taipei during that time.

There are, of course, so many other things to see and do in this fantastic, colorful and vivid city. But we want to let you discover Taipei for yourself too.

Did you find this article enlightening? Read about more amazing places, and choose your favorite, here. If you want to also want to do a little bit of research about the Asian place that has the most beautiful women, you can get a taste in AsianDate. If you like social media, you may want to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

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