Some might agree that travelling is the pathway to knowledge – you can unravel the mysteries of culture and tradition through the places you visit. Did you know that there is an array of UNESCO World Heritage sites right here in Asia waiting to be discovered?
UNESCO World Heritage sites are handpicked by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their exceptional worth to humanity. Whether it is cultural, historical, scientific, or environmental, they are important for preserving cultural heritage, cultivating knowledge, be a source of inspiration, and drive sustainable tourism.
If you’re looking for a fun yet educational adventure, here are four must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia that are just a Scoot flight away!
A Serene Getaway to Botanic Gardens, Singapore
For those who are looking to get away from the bustling city and escape into nature, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens is for you. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colours and a breeze of floral fragrances in the National Orchid Garden. Home to the world’s largest orchid display, you will find yourself surrounded by a variety of unique and rare orchid hybrids.
If you are looking for a haven to admire the beauty of nature’s flora and fauna, the Eco Lake and Eco Garden are sure to captivate your interest. Here, visitors can take a stroll amidst the lush greenery or delight in birdwatching – keep your eyes peeled for the infamous elegant Black Swans too!
The fun doesn’t stop there, just like the name, Swan Lake is also home to a charming pair of mute swans as they glide graciously among an assortment of aquatic plants and fishes. Nearby, visitors can also find the Tembusu Tree as seen on the 5 dollar note.
For families with children, Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is a place for your little ones to frolic in nature. Specially made for children, this garden offers a series of adventures from a mini maze, flying fox, a sand play area, and even a treehouse.
World’s Largest Buddhist Temple in Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta
Embrace the spiritual ambiance of Borobudur Temple and marvel at the ancient engineering of its architecture. This temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, was crafted by the Syailendra Dynasty, entirely without the use of cement or mortar. For visitors looking to bask in its splendour, consider an early morning visit for a serene sunrise experience, or opt for a late afternoon adventure to witness the breathtaking sunset.
Just a stone’s throw away, be engulfed in the history and archaeological artefacts of the Borobudur Museum, also known as the Karmawibhangga Museum. Here, you can admire stone carvings, statues, inscriptions, and various objects of historical significance, making it perfect for all you history aficionados!
While you’re at it, don’t forget to also drop by the Samudra Museum where you can revel in a treasure trove of history of the Samudra Raksa Ship. If you’re looking for a sense of adventure, journey through time by exploring the interior remains of the Samudra Raksa Ship by paying an entrance fee.
Unearthing the History of the Ancient Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an
Step back in time as you enter the domain of the Terracotta Warriors in the First Qin Emperor’s Mausoleum. With thousands of life-sized clay warriors, each expertly handcrafted with unique attire and intricate facial features, they serve as a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of yesteryears, sure to captivate your interest.
Be entranced by the spectacle of ‘The Main Army’ over at Pit 1, where you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of thousands of warriors lined up. This site stands as the grandest and most mesmerising among the others.
Just 20 metres to the north, Pit 2, also known as ‘The Cavalry and Infantry’, secures its place as the second must-see sight within the mausoleum. This site serves as the compelling focal point of the mausoleum, housing an even wider variety of Terracotta Warriors.
If you have extra time on your hands, don’t forget to also check out the other sites this mausoleum has to offer. Starting off with Pit 3, also known as ‘The Commanding Post’ – the smallest pit but comes with the alluring sight of 68 clay figures – and a ‘heads’ up, most of them are headless. For all you ‘bling-bling’ lovers, The Bronze Chariots, primarily made of bronze, consists of two chariots embellished with 1,720 gold and silver ornaments on each carriage, deemed as China’s best-preserved early bronze artefacts, a testament to their fine and detailed craftsmanship. If you’re visiting in spring, you’ll be captivated with the endless stream of cherry blossoms surrounding the area and the perfect excuse to #DoItForTheGram!
Ayutthaya, Bangkok’s Captivating History and Culture
Travel into the captivating portal of history, culture, architectural, and artistic triumphs of the Historic City of Ayutthaya. Here, the striking image of the city’s former beauty can be seen in the archaeological ruins.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Wat Phra Si Sanphet, also known as the ‘King’s Temple’, known as one of the most impressive and historically important sites in the ruined city. Within its sacred grounds, you can admire the three majestic chedis (stupa), containing the ashes of three kings – King Trailok, King Borom Ratchathirat III, and King Rama Thibodi II.
While you’re there, immerse yourself in a spiritual ambiance by visiting Wat Mahathat. Known to be the creme de la creme in Ayutthaya, this site gives Ayutthaya’s charm a touch of spirituality, with the stone of a Buddha’s head entangled in a banyan tree’s root.
You can also visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the most visited attraction in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Located on the riverbank of the Chao Phraya River, this site will guarantee to intrigue both history buffs and those seeking a moment of peace amidst the ruins of the once-powerful empire. A quick tip to add that extra oomph to your photos – visit this site during late afternoons and watch the buildings glow from the sunset!
From nature to ancient grounds, you will find that it’ll be easier to uncover these treasures when you book your trips with Scoot.
Thanks to Scoot’s extensive network and seamless connectivity, they serve as your gateway to these UNESCO wonders. On top of that, with over 60 destinations spread across 15 countries and territories, you can even expand your adventures to places far beyond Asia – what more can you ask for?
Earn more on your next Scoot journey by becoming a KrisFlyer member. Customers can redeem flights and upgrades on Singapore Airlines and selected partner airlines, as well as convert miles to points for selected partner loyalty programmes. Visit here for more information on KrisFlyer.
Buckle up and get ready to fly off with Scoot and explore these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your adventure starts here, don’t forget to book your ticket today at https://www.flyscoot.com/en
