Did you know that the most visited attraction and the oldest national park in the world are both in Asia?
Being the world’s largest continent, Asia has an abundance of travel sights and experiences to offer the avid traveller. From having the most visited attraction in the world to the oldest national park in the world, there are many interesting facts about Asia that will simply make you want to explore the wonderful region.
Here are 11 facts that you may or may not know about Asia’s remarkable travel destinations (swipe left to see more).
Tallest building in the world - Burj Khalifa, UAE
Standing at an astounding 828 metres (2,717 ft.), the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest skyscraper in the world. The view from the observation deck located 555 metres above ground gives visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the luxurious ultramodern city. Plus, the tallest hotel in the world is just next door - the JM Marriott Marquis Dubai, which has 76 storeys and stands at 355 metres high.
Most visited attraction in the world - Grand Bazaar, Turkey
Believe it or not, according to a study by Travel + Leisure, the most visited attraction in the world isn't the Las Vegas Strip (30.5 million per year) or the Eiffel Tower (7 million per year) - it's the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. With over 91 million visitors every year, the bustling shopping bazaar boasts more than 3000 shops sprawled across 61 covered streets. Both locals and tourists alike swarm here to witness or try a hand at bargaining for the hand-crafted ceramics, lanterns, jewellery, spices, and many more available for sale in the market.
Largest temple in the world - Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat remains the largest temple in the world today, spanning across 500 acres. Whether you're a Hindu, Buddhist or neither, the temple complex is a stunning architectural and archaeological sight to behold. Its intricate decorations, tall sculptures and detailed carvings display the country's rich religious heritage, making the structure the face of Cambodia.
Tallest mountain in the world - Mount Everest, Nepal-China-Tibet
You probably knew this already, but did you also know that Everest grows 4mm higher each year due to geologic uplift? That's right, the tallest mountain in the world (currently 8,848 metres above sea level) is only getting taller with every year, but that doesn't mean you should wait to pay a visit. If you're not too keen to take the risk in climbing the mountain, you can also witness the mountain grandeur from a plane or from Shigatse Valley at the foot of the mountain.
Fastest roller coaster in the world - Formula Rossa, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ironically, the Formula Rossa rollercoaster is faster than the supercar it was named after, reaching 100km/h in merely two seconds. It takes five seconds for the Formula Rossa to reach its top speed of 240 km/h and under 2 minutes to cover the entire 2km track. Though not for the faint-hearted, it might make for a good challenge in your next game of Truth or Dare.
Largest freshwater lake in the world - Lake Baikal, Siberia
Not only is Lake Baikal the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world (22,013 cubic kilometres), it is also the deepest lake in the world at a maximum depth of 1,632 metres. Located in south-central Russia, the lake is sometimes referred to as the Sacred Sea and attracts over 500,000 visitors every year. Rich and deep in oxygenated water, the lake is one of the world's richest freshwater ecosystems and exclusively home to the nerpa seal.
Tallest tower in the world - Tokyo Sky Tree, Japan
While Burj Khalifa takes the title of tallest building, Tokyo Sky Tree bears the name of the tallest tower in the world, at 634 metres high. The SkyTree Tembo deck features a 360-degree view of Tokyo from 350 metres above ground, allowing visitors to see from the foot of the tower up to 70 kilometers away in the distance. As you walk through the Tembo deck see-through glass floor, be prepared to feel like you're walking in the sky.
Oldest national park in the world - Bogd Khan Uul, Mongolia
Most would think that the Yellowstone National Park in Idaho is the oldest national park in the world, but the Bogd Khan Uul national park in Mongolia predates it by over 100 years. Established in 1778, the area surrounding Bogd Khan Uul mountain located south of the country's capital, Ulaanbaatar, forms the oldest national park in history. It encompasses many cultural sights, including the ruins of Manzushir Monastery, Buddha Park, and Zaisan Memorial.
City with the most skyscrapers in the world - Hong Kong, China
A major business and financial hub, Hong Kong boasts a skyline with 7867 high-rise buildings and 303 skyscrapers. The tallest building in the city - the Hong Kong International Commerce Center - stands at 484 metres high, and is the 8th tallest building in the world. Taking advantage of the impressive skyline, there is a dazzling light show combining lasers and music held at 8pm every night. Simply make your way to Victoria Harbour for an unparalleled view and experience of the show.
Largest cave in the world - Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Vietnam is known to be the second largest export of coffee in the world, but that isn't its only outstanding feat. Situated within the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, the Hang Son Doong Cave is more than 200m high, 150m wide, and 5km long, and has its own river and jungle. In fact, it is so big that it could fit a 40-storey skyscraper within its walls. What's more, its magnificent stalagmites, cascading waterfalls and cave pearls promise to awe you to humility.
Largest ferris wheel in Asia - Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is the largest ferris wheel in Asia and the second largest in the world after the Las Vegas High Roller. At 165 metres tall, it falls just three metres short of the High Roller but holds spectacular views and experiences of its own. Offering a premium sky dining experience, multimedia showcase, shopping outlets, and a reflexology & spa, there's more to the Flyer experience than exceptional views of the iconic Marina Bay Sands and the beautiful Singapore city, though the latter is a compelling reason on its own to pay a visit.