Gardens by the Bay, a popular tourist attraction in Singapore, topped the list as part of Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best, based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings collected on its website over the past year.
The nature park spans 101 hectares and consists of three waterfront gardens, the largest of which is the Bay South Garden, which houses two cooled conservatories, as well as so-called super trees.
Traveler reviews for Gardens by the Bay called it "stunning" and "out of this world."
Photo courtesy of Marina Bay Sands
Angkor Wat, a temple complex and tourism symbol in Cambodia, came in second.
Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it spans an area of 162 hectares and is home to ancient temples and monuments. It is considered the largest religious structure in the world by Guinness World Records.
Entry costs US$37 for a one-day pass.
Photo by Shutterstock
Located 70 kilometers away from Beijing, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is one of the more famous sections of the Great Wall of China and represents the essence of the Ming Dynasty's contribution to the architectural feat.
"There are many hiking routes along the Mutianyu Great Wall to choose from. But a guided walking tour is recommended to learn about the history and architecture," according to Tripadvisor's website.
There are some restaurants near the entrance, but the food they provide is quite expensive, according to tourist reviews.
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
The Taj Mahal Complex in India ranked fourth.
The funerary-religious complex, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 CE to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
The mausoleum is at the center of 17 ha of formal gardens that include a mosque and guest house.
Although mobile phones are allowed now, tourists cannot carry other items throughout the structure.
According to Tripadvisor, visitors can also explore the outer complex areas surrounding the mausoleum via tuk tuk or electric buggy ride.
Photo by Vy An
Japan’s Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, came in fifth place on the list.
It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings.
The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.
Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization
The Royal Selangor Visitor Center in Malaysia ranked sixth.
Located in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, the tourist site boasts a modern urban design and helps tourists discover the founding in 1885 of Royal Selangor, maker of the world's finest pewter, according to its website.
“You’ll find an intriguing blend of history, craftsmanship, and interactive fun. With guided tours, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops, it's a great way to learn about pewter-making while creating your own unique souvenir,” Tripadvisor wrote.
Photo courtesy of Royal Selangor Visitor Center's Facebook
Hoi An’s historic old-quarter Ancient Town ranked seventh.
Since 2004, the town has pioneered pedestrian-friendly streets.
Motorbikes and cars are banned from some areas of the town center for large parts of the day – from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Once a convergence point for Chinese traders, it's not difficult to see historic temples and assembly halls with a touch of Chinese architecture that worship red-faced General Quan Cong (Guan Yu), an eminent figure in the Three Kingdoms legend and China's ancient civil war.
Photo by Dac Thanh
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a nature reserve and temple complex on the island of Bali in Indonesia, came in eighth place.
It is home to over 1,260 long-tailed macaques that are considered sacred by the local Balinese people.
“Stroll through the well-maintained pathways of the sanctuary and get up close with its playful, agile residents. The peaceful park offers an incredible chance to observe wildlife, from monkeys climbing on visitors to monitor lizards swimming in the river,” Tripadvisor wrote.
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
Wat Phra Chetuphon Pagoda located on Maha Rat Road next to the Grand Palace in Thailand’s Bangkok came in ninth.
Wat Pho has a large reclining Buddha statue that was constructed during the reign of King Rama III and covered with gold.
Its length is 46 meters and height is 15 meters. On the sole of each foot, there are 108 auspicious images decorated with pearls, which is one characteristic of a great man, according to the principles of some predominant Indian traditions that have historically held sway and influence over the region’s cultures.
The pagoda is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with entry fees costing 300 baht (US$8.21).
Photo courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
The War Remnants Museum on Vo Van Tan Street in HCMC's District 3 was ranked 10th on the list.
Founded in 1975, the museum is a must-see for anyone who wants to know Vietnam's history.
It has more than 20,000 artifacts, images and documentaries that highlight the atrocities of the imperial wars on Vietnam.
"With powerful exhibits and informative displays, you'll gain an eye-opening perspective on the emotional impact these events had on countless lives," Tripadvisor wrote.
Photo by Quynh Tran
