Most Visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast and South Asia

1 May 2025 Umesh Paneru

Most Visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast and South Asia

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) acknowledges the landmarks or areas that are man-made or natural, holding great value to humanity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These sites may possess cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance. As of 2024, China has 59, and the Southeast and South Asia region has 113 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it 14.06% of the global total of 1223 sites. Asia Experiences presents the Most Visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast and South Asia and China, which include cultural and natural sites attracting millions of visitors annually.

Nepal

The landlocked South Asian nation of Nepal has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most visited World Heritage Site in Nepal is Kathmandu Valley.

Kathmandu Valley

  • Honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
  • Home to 7 monumental zones, all of which have great historical and cultural significance.
  • A great testament to the fusion of Buddhist and Hindu religions.
  • Showcase authentic beauty through its incredible architectural structures that highlight the Newar locales’ artistry.
  • UNESCO-listed sites include Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Changu Narayan.
boudhanath stupa kathmandu

India

India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the second-highest number in Asia. The Taj Mahal, Qutb Minar and its Monuments, and Kaziranga National Park, a natural site, are the most visited sites.

1. Taj Mahal | Agra

  • Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
  • An ivory-white marble mausoleum is referred to as the symbol of love.
  • An architectural magnum opus illustrating Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture with intricate marble work. 
  • Detailed and delicate interior design features impressive false sarcophagi, calligraphic cenotaphs, and motifs.
  • Elegant exterior design features a marble symmetrical layout, central dome, arches, and a reflecting Mughal garden showcasing incredible craftsmanship.
taj mahal

2. Qutb Minar and its Monuments | Delhi

  • Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1993.
  • The tallest brick Minaret, Qutub Minar (72.5 m), and Alai Darwaza are great examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.
  • The Qutb Minar and its monuments exemplify the power and artistic innovation of the Delhi Sultanate era.
  • The cultural landmark Quwwatu’l-Islam mosque is a perfect example of classic Islamic architecture, blending Hindu and Jain temple elements.
  • The royal tombs (Tomb of Iltutmish, Tomb of Imam Zamin), Alai Minar, Madarsa, and other ruins etc. are essential other landmarks.

3. Kaziranga National Park | Assam

  • Granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1985.
  • It is home to over 2,200 Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, covering approximately. 2/3rd of their global population.
  • Wildlife Hotspots of elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, etc.
  • Varied avifaunal species include lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous duck, Baer’s pochard duck and lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-necked stork, and Asian Openbill stork.
  • Station of the diverse ecosystem as it has expansive tall elephant grass, marshland, alluvial savanna woodlands, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests shaped by the Brahmaputra River.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh has 3 World Heritage Sites, where the most visited cultural site is the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur, and the natural site is the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest.

Paharpur

1. Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara or Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur

  • Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985.
  • The extensive ruins of the Buddhist monastic complex are Bangladesh’s most significant pre-Islamic Buddhist monument.
  • The architecturally incredible ancient Buddhist Vihara are the second-largest in the south of the Himalayas.
  • The monastic layout features a large quadrangle with 177 cells, with a unique design of a central shrine.
  • Important Archaeological sites include Cultural Artifacts such as terracotta plaques and Hindu stone sculptures.

2. The Sundarbans

  • Officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
  • The Largest Mangrove forest in the world boasts rich biodiversity, supports both terrestrial and marine life.
  • Home to diverse species, including endangered species such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, dolphins, and river terrapin.
  • The rich ecosystem consists of islands, water channels, and tidal forests, which further enhances the scenic beauty of the Sundarbans. 
  • It acts as a natural coastal buffer that protects inland areas from cyclones, tidal surges, and coastal erosion.

Sri Lanka

With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, the cultural sites are the most visited. These sites include the Ancient City of Sigiriya, Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, and Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications.

1. Ancient City of Sigiriya

  • Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since
  • A significant historical and archaeological site, marked by a towering granite column.
  • An iconic 5th-century fortress and palace complex often referred to as the ‘Lion’s Rock’.
  • Features architectural marvels such as unique frescoes and the remnants of a royal citadel.
  • The oldest landscaped gardens feature 3 distinct water, boulders, and terraced gardens.
Sigiriya rock

2. Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple

  • Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1991.
  • A major pilgrimage site with over 2,000 years of living religious heritage, highlighting Sri Lanka’s artistic and spiritual traditions.
  • Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is Sri Lanka’s biggest cave temple complex.
  • Best-preserved cave complex features over 80 documented caves in the surrounding area.
  • The rich artwork features over 150 Buddha statues and vibrant murals illustrating Buddha’s life.

3. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications

  • Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
  • Holds great Historical Significance as a well-preserved European fortified city in South Asia.
  • It features impressive colonial architectural characteristics with ramparts that follow the natural rocky terrain.
  • A Dutch-style street grid and internal courtyards reflect the distinct sense of urban planning.
  • Popular landmarks include Groote Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church), the National Maritime Archaeology Museum, Clock Tower, Galle Lighthouse, etc.

China

China is the first-ranked nation in Asia with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a total of 59. The most visited sites in China are the Forbidden City (Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties), The Great Wall, the Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace (Lhasa), and a natural site of Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries.

1. Forbidden City (Imperial Palaces) | Beijing

  • A globally significant site recognized by UNESCO since 1987.
  • Rise in cultural integration, such as Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan Buddhism.
  • The Forbidden City’s design embodies philosophical and religious principles that symbolize the majesty of Imperial power.
  • Architecturally impressive imperial palaces also feature the world’s largest preserved ancient wooden structure.
  • Its historical significance is exhibited through royal artifacts and records in the Palace Museum.

2. The Great Wall | Beijing

  • Inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987.
  • Holds great historic importance as the world’s largest military structure that spans over 20,000 km.
  • Culturally significant through culture exchange between the nomadic and agricultural societies in ancient China.
  • It consists of walls, horse tracks, watch towers, fortresses, and shelters on the wall.
  • The greatest example of ancient China’s civilization.
great wall with happy visitors

3. Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries | Sichuan

  • Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2006.
  • Largest sanctuaries for the endangered Giant Pandas, covering over 30% of their global population.
  • The most significant site for captive breeding and conservation of the Giant Pandas.
  • The richest botanical site with over 5,000 flora species also shelters global endangered species such as red pandas, snow leopards, and clouded leopards.
  • Naturally diverse sanctuary with eight nature reserves and nine scenic parks in the Qionglai and Jiajin Mountains spans over 9245 sq. km.

4. Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace | Lhasa

  • Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1994, extended in 2000 & 2001.
  • Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka Palace symbolize Tibetan Buddhism playing a key role in Tibet’s governance and culture.
  • Architecturally notable Potala Palace boasts 698 murals, nearly 10,000 painted scrolls, valuable artifacts, and jewelry.
  • The well-built Tibetan Buddhist style Jokhang Temple houses over 3,000 Buddha images and other deities, mural paintings, and manuscripts.
  • Norbulingka Palace displays an impressive artistic layout with a large garden, four palace complexes, and a monastery.
Potala Palace

Cambodia

Angkor Archaeological Park is the most visited site among the 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cambodia.

1. Angkor Archaeological Park | Siem Reap

  • Holding UNESCO World Heritage status since 1992.
  • Showcase the Khmer Empire’s remnants from the 9th to the 15th century, reflecting a remarkable civilization.
  • Home to artistically stunning, various ancient temples, monuments, and archaeological sites.
  • The Temples, such as Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, etc., depict cultural, religious, and symbolic values.
  • Rural life inside the park still exists, and people practice traditional farming, particularly rice cultivation.
SiamReap-Angkor-Wat-sunrise

Laos

Laos has 3 World Heritage Sites, where the town of Luang Prabang is the most visited site.

1. Town of Luang Prabang

  • Officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
  • The best example of the combination of traditional architecture and European-influenced Lao urban structures.
  • Daily alms-giving rituals show their religious significance.
  • Cultural attractions include Wat Wisunarat, Wat Xieng Thong, Phra Bang, Royal Palace Museum, etc.
  • Natural attractions include Kuang Si Falls, Pak Ou Caves, Mount Phou Si, etc.

Myanmar

Among the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Myanmar, the cultural site of Bagan is the most visited.

1. Bagan

  • Honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
  • It houses over 2200 temples, stupas, monasteries, and pagodas as well as archaeological remains, frescoes, and sculptures from the 9th –13th centuries.
  • Features a remarkable range of Buddhist art and architecture.
  • Exhibits the century-old cultural tradition of Theravada Buddhism.
  • Layered cultural heritages including Shwezigon Pagoda, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Ananda Temple, Bupaya Pagoda, Bagan Archaeological Museum, etc.
Bagan myanmar

Thailand

Thailand is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where the most visited sites are the Historic City of Ayutthaya and the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site.

1. Historic City of Ayutthaya

  • Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
  • It is home to 67 temples.
  • Ayutthaya Historical Park features the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya.
  • Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre displays reconstructions from the past and historical details of Ayutthaya from 1351 to 1767.
  • Most Iconic Buddhist temples (Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, etc.)

2. Ban Chiang Archaeological Site

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.
  • The most significant prehistoric settlement dates back to 1500 BC in Southeast Asia.
  • The evolution of agriculture, technology, and culture, with proof of wet rice agriculture, metalworking, and burial customs.
  • Earliest evidence of antique items such as ancient tools, pottery items, artifacts, and household items.
  • The excavation sites at Wat Po Si Nai display cultural artifacts and replicated skeletons as they appeared during excavation.

Vietnam

Ha Long Bay and Hội An Ancient Town are the most visited sites among the 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam.

1. Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago

  • Designated in 1994, extended in 2000 and 2023 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • It features 1,133 islands of islets, where most are limestone karst formations.
  • Rich in biodiversity, which is home to 60 endemic faunal species and 14 endemic floral species.
  • Abundant lakes, caves, and features unique fengcong (conical peak clusters) and fenglin (isolated towers) formations in Marine Karst.
  • Ancient cultures of the Soi Nhụ (18,000–7,000 BC), the Cái Bèo culture (7,000–5,000 BC), and the Hạ Long culture (5,000–3,500 years ago).
ha-long-bay-day-tour-from-hanoi

2. Hội An Ancient Town

  • Inscribed in 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Also recognized as a UNESCO Creative City for its rich cultural heritage.
  • Features Historic Architecture (1,107 timber-frame buildings, the iconic Japanese Bridge, etc.)
  • 4 museums managed by the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation showcase the region’s history.
  • Fusion of indigenous cultures with Chinese, Japanese, and European influences.

List of UNESCO Heritage Sites in South and Southeast Asia and China

Country NamesUNESCO World Heritage Sites
Nepal- Cultural Sites: 2, Natural Sites: 2  Kathmandu Valley
Sagarmatha National Park
Chitwan National Park
Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha
India- Cultural Sites: 35, Natural Sites: 7, Cultural & Natural Sites: 1 Agra Fort
Ajanta Caves
Ellora Caves
Taj Mahal
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Sun Temple, Konârak
Kaziranga National Park
Keoladeo National Park
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Churches and Convents of Goa
Fatehpur Sikri
Group of Monuments at Hampi
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Elephanta Caves
Great Living Chola Temples 13
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
Sundarbans National Park
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
Mountain Railways of India
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
Red Fort Complex
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Western Ghats
Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
Khangchendzonga National Park
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement *
Historic City of Ahmadabad
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
Dholavira: a Harappan City
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
Santiniketan
Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty
Bangladesh- Cultural Sites: 2, Natural Sites: 1  Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat
Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur
The Sundarbans
Sri Lanka- Cultural Sites: 6, Natural Sites: 2  Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Ancient City of Sigiriya
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Sacred City of Kandy
Sinharaja Forest Reserve 30
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
China- Cultural Sites: 40, Natural Sites: 15, Cultural & Natural Sites: 4 Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
Mogao Caves
Mount Taishan
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
The Great Wall
Mount Huangshan
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa 8
Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde
Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu
Lushan National Park
Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
Ancient City of Ping Yao
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
Old Town of Lijiang
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
Dazu Rock Carvings
Mount Wuyi
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Longmen Grottoes
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Yungang Grottoes
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom
Historic Centre of Macao
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries – Wolong, Mt Siguniang, and Jiajin Mountains
Yin Xu
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
South China Karst
Fujian Tulou
Mount Sanqingshan National Park
Mount Wutai
China Danxia
Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
Chengjiang Fossil Site
Site of Xanadu
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
Xinjiang Tianshan
Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor *
The Grand Canal
Tusi Sites
Hubei Shennongjia
Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
Qinghai Hoh Xil
Fanjingshan
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er
Badain Jaran Desert – Towers of Sand and Lakes
Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital
Cambodia- Cultural Sites: 4  Angkor
Temple of Preah Vihear
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar
Laos- Cultural Sites: 3 Town of Luang Prabang
Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape
Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars
Myanmar- Cultural Sites: 2Pyu Ancient Cities
Bagan
Thailand- Cultural Sites: 5 Natural Sites: 3 Historic City of Ayutthaya
Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex
The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments
Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sīma stone tradition of the Dvaravati period
Vietnam- Cultural Sites: 5 Natural Sites: 2 Cultural & Natural Sites: 1 Complex of Hué Monuments
Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago
Hoi An Ancient Town
My Son Sanctuary
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
Trang An Landscape Complex

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