Asia is a wonderful exotic paradise.
The continent houses some of the most nature-bound places you wouldn’t see anywhere else. Although only a few nations here are considered first-world, they’re a lot wealthier when it comes to ecosystems, maintained environments, and natural resources.
A lot of such are visually arresting—sights that you should see for yourself in the flesh in order to really appreciate its beauty. From tall waterfalls, exotic animals, and acres and acres of green land, Asia is home to some of the most stunning locations in the world. Fortunately, a lot of them are national parks that are protected by their respective governments.
There are so many amazing national parks in Asia that you wouldn’t know where to start. Some highlight the nature that surrounds them, while others are home to wild and most often endangered animals. If you’re planning on a trip to Asia, here are some national parks you’ve got to see while you’re there.
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park in Burma
If you want to visit an extremely vast land that’s still covered with trees and fresh grass, go to Burma’s Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park. This area is actually a religious location where pilgrims visit the pigs and tigers, which are religious beings, that live here.
There’s even a shrine guarded by monks where people worship and pray during their stay here. Formed in 1893, it’s one of the oldest conserved lands in the country, with many of its natural wonders still standing from that era.
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Bokor National Park in Cambodia
A visit to the Bokor National Park in Cambodia is a trip down memory lane. This 100-year old land houses ruins, monuments, and even rice fields that detail the country’s history since the park was established a century ago.
Ruins of the Black Palace, a former royal residence, as well as a monument dedicated to the mythical hero Lok Yeay Mao, are just some of the sights here that detail the culture and heritage of the Cambodian people. The park also serves as a reservation for elephants and leopards.
Jiuzhaigou National Park in China
In China’s northern province of Sichuan, you can find Jiuzhaigou National Park, one of the most beautiful patches of land in the superpower country, and arguably in the whole of Asia. Firstly, this national park experiences all four seasons of the world, and each one beautifies the land in their own unique ways.
During winter, for example, the forests become a winter wonderland with a vast frozen lake and sparkling ice-up trees. And for summer, visitors during this season will get to see the iconic Gian Panda in its natural habitat.
Fuji Hakone Izu National Park in Japan
Everyone knows the famous Mt. Fuji, one of the most picture-perfect mountains in the world. Around it are patches of lands and islands that comprise Japan’s Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Although it’s best to visit all of them, just a few is enough to get that one-of-a-kind experience full of natural wonders and amazing imagery.
You can also relax in the countless hot springs that can be found in most of the areas of the park. And of course, don’t forget to see the majesty that is Mt. Fuji in the flesh (or rather, dirt).
Phou Khao Khouay National Park in Laos
If wildflowers are more your thing, visit the Phou Khao Khouay National Park in Laos! This park boasts some of the most beautiful and exotic flowers in the whole world, particularly their sweet-smelling and stunning orchids.
During the rainy season is when this iconic flora blooms in all their natural splendor, so if you plan to visit here, do so during the latter months of the year. In other parts of the park, you can also see various animals, namely elephants and gibbons, running about within a preserved area where they are protected and well taken care of.
Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysia
The Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysia is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means this is a worthy destination for a little sight-seeing and some adventures. Their most famous features are the Sarawak chambers and Clearwater cave, unique mountainous structures that look like pieces of charred glass set up together.
Although beguiling form a distance, it’s actually dangerous to explore these caves alone and people are required to have a guide with them for safety reasons. But in other parts of the park, you can also go hiking and go on boat rides with little to no supervision needed.
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Ang Thong National Marine Park in Thailand
Not all parks in Asia are land-based and in the country known as the “Land Of Smiles,” Thailand, they have the Ang Thong National Marine Park. comprised of 40 islands across the South China Sea, all sorts of exciting adventures and beautiful wildlife await visitors here.
You can go scuba diving, snorkeling, or a peaceful boat ride just to experience the serene atmosphere of this marine reservation park. The animals you get to see here also vary, from the oldest of sea turtles swimming in the sea or waddling along the shore to the exotic monkeys and egrets that live within the islands’ many forests.
Asia is a magical place you must visit at least once in your life. And when you do, don’t forget to drop by some, if not all, of these amazing national parks that are sure to give you unique experiences.
Ranthambore National Park in India
India’s Ranthambore National Park boasts two major features that are both unique to the land. Firstly, there’s the flurry of wild and exotic animals that are preserved and protected in this area, This includes the famous Indian elephants, leopards, black bears, and macaques.
They all live freely here where people can watch them from a safe distance. Secondly, there is the abandoned French Hill station that is a unique European structure amidst an intrinsically Asian area. This stunning piece of classic architecture is a great juxtaposition from the natural wildlife that surrounds it.
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