5 Most Instagrammable Places in Asia: Capture Stunning Travel Photos
Asia is a continent that cannot be defined by one access point.
As someone who travels alone, posting these pictures on Instagram is more than just sharing my trip.
Something about capturing the beauty and heart of each destination.
With that in mind, I am going to share with you my favorite 5 most Instagrammable places in Asia, each of which is unique in their own right.
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
At the heart of this journey lies Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument — a mesmerizing intersection of spirituality and grand architecture.
This historic temple complex, located in the center of Cambodia, is a top place to visit for anyone looking for amazing pictures.
Sunrise Splendor
Sunrise is the most earth-shattering Angkor Wat shot.
You arrive well before dawn, joining a throng of other eager photographers at the reflecting pool.
As the first rays of day illuminate the temple’s elaborate carvings, the tableau becomes a magical chiaroscuro silhouette with a brush of pink and orange skies.
Temple Carvings
Farther into the temple grounds, there are endless photo opportunities.
The richly detailed bas-reliefs and soaring spires create a perfect backdrop for portraits.
Make sure you take a snap with the quirky faces of Bayon Temple, there is one to suit every mood.
Practical Tips
> When to Go: November to February, the cool, dry season.
> What to Pack: A wide-angle lens (to fit the sprawling temple in a frame) and a tripod (for steady sunup shots).
> Instagram Tip: Apply a polarizing filter on your camera to get rid of glare and bring out the rich colors of the sunrise.
2. Kyoto, Japan
With tranquil temples, tearooms and cherry trees galore, Kyoto is a photographer’s dream.
This city perfects the balance of traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
One path that seems like it goes on and on forever are the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Going in the early morning will see you fewer crowds, while you photograph the uninterrupted shots of this colorful, linear marvel.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is like walking into another world.
Towering bamboo stalks conjure a spiritually charged mood, ideal for capturing otherworldly photos.
Soft light filters down through the leaves, imparting a magical quality to every shot.
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms in springtime are associated with Kyoto.
Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path are ideal spots for photographing those delicate blossoms.
The fleeting life of sakura makes it even more special to capture them in the frame.
Practical Tips
> When to Visit: Late March to early April for cherry blossoms; October to November for fall foliage.
> More Advice: Bring a prime lens for taking photos in low light in the bamboo grove, and a neutral density filter for long exposure shots of the torii gates.
> Instagram Tip: Capture the various paths of Kyoto from a different angle as it is so naturally beautiful.
3. Banaue Rice Terraces, Phillippines
Philippine Banaue Rice Terraces are a proof of human ingenuity and symbiosis with Nature.
These terraced slopes, etched out of the mountain face, provide breathtaking, sweeping views ready for Instagram.
Overlook Points
There are numerous viewpoints along the path that offer stunning views of the terrace landscape.
The most iconic sighting, however, happens at Banaue Viewpoint, which gives you a sweeping view of the terraces as they tumble down the mountainside.
Local Life
Capturing the Ifugao people, who have maintained these terraces for centuries, provides a cultural element to your photos.
The daily clothes and chores give an idea of the life that nourishes this beautiful agrarian wonder.
Practical Tips
> Best time to visit: April to May, when the terraces are lush and green after the planting season.
> What to Bring: A zoom lens to take in distant details and a rain cover for your camera, as the weather can be unpredictable.
> Instagram Tip: If the terraces use leading lines to draw viewers’ eyes through the terraces, highlight their scale and magnificence.
4. Bagan, Myanmar
With thousands of ancient pagodas and temples dotting the plains, Bagan feels like stepping back in time to a very surreal place.
“If you’re a photographer, this archaeological wonder is a photographer’s paradise.”
Hot Air Balloon Rides
One of the most classic ways to see Bagan is from a hot air balloon at sunrise.
Watching the sun rise over the many balloons dotting the temple-riddled landscape is enchanting.
Photo opportunities like this from a bird’s eye view.
Temple Hopping
The temples are best explored on foot or on an e-bike, which allows for close-up shots of the intricate architecture and detailed carvings.
The exquisite interiors and exteriors of temples like Ananda and Shwezigon are also picture perfect.
Practical Tips
> Best Time to Go: November to February when the weather is cooler and dry.
> What to Come With: A drone for aerial shots and a wide-angle lens to take in the expansiveness of the plains.
> Insta tip: The golden hour, which is just after sunrise and just before sunset, is considered the best time to capture the temples in all their glory.
5. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
The emerald waters and towering limestone islands of Ha Long Bay is so much of a natural wonder, it could come right out of a fantasy novel.
Perfect for photographing dramatic seascapes, this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cruising the Bay
Boat cruises: The best way to see and photograph Ha Long Bay
Contrasting limestone karsts of different shapes and sizes shoot up from the water, creating a landscape both dramatic and picturesque.
Sunset and sunrise cruises provide the best lighting for photos.
Kayaking and Caving
If you prefer a more intimate experience, the best way to get up close to the karsts and explore hidden caves and lagoons is to kayak through the bay.
Photo opportunities are also unique with the significantly large stalactites and stalagmites in Sung Sot Cave.
Practical Tips
> Best Time to Visit: October to April, the dry season with cool temperatures.
> What to Pack: A waterproof camera for kayaking excursions, and a polarizing filter to minimize glare on the water.
> Tip for Instagram: Get reflections of the karsts in the serene waters for mirror images that add depth and symmetry to your photos.
Conclusion
Asia, with its rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and histories, presents a myriad of Instagrammable moments.
The experience of culture rich in monumental scales of the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the calm beaches of Ha Long Bay offers some of the best travel memories.
Whether you’re photographing the sunrise over Buddhist temples in Bagan or tracking the cherry blossoms around Kyoto, here are five destinations sure to make your Instagram feed as inspiring as the journey itself.
