Catching sunrises is a breathtaking experience that transcends mere sightseeing. When in Asia, from the ethereal mist enveloping the ancient temples to the tranquil beaches, each dawn paints the sky with a palette of vibrant colours, igniting the landscape with a sense of serenity and wonder. These five locations across Asia testify to the surreal beauty of incredible sunrises.
Bordering the Pacific Ocean to its west, Vietnam is home to one of the world's most natural wonders, the Ha Long Bay. It is the nation's most popular tourist location with gigantic limestone pillars rising from the clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Visitors come in abundance to this stunning location with many opting for cruise tours where you can sleep on board. The sunrise at this gorgeous location is for certain worth its weight of gold. You wouldn't want to sleep through this moment of magic as the rays of the sun hit limestone pillars and the turquoise waters creating an unforgettable memory.
While many itineraries of Bali include its temples which hold a deep connection to Hindu mythology, one should make time from the busy schedule to watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur. To get to the top, a challenging trek of two-three hours is required, but believe us, your effort would be worth it. From the peak, you'll get a vision of the sunrise from above the clouds. Observe the stars in the sky fade as the vibrant rays of the sun spread their elongated wings. There is a small shrine at the top and locals trek up to set up small stalls serving snacks and tea to the visitors.
The ancient plain of Bagan is covered by more than 2,000 temples. So, just imagine yourself sitting on top of a pagoda, which is several centuries old, as the orange and gold rays of the sun sweep across the blanket of darkness. While the sun rises to its peak, watch hot air balloons lift off and fill the skies. The most popular location to witness this epic sunrise is the Dhammayangyi temple, which is almost always flooded with people. You can also go to the Low ka Oushang Pagoda which happens to be less busy.
Surrounded by acres of hills, the Pidurangala Rock is one of the most beautiful sunrise locations in all of Asia. Before you see the sunrise, you need to trek to the summit of the Lion rock in Sigiriya, which requires some amount of grit. From the pinnacle of the hill, one might feel as if they are on the roof of the world as scores of trees and shrubs lie beneath what seems like an unending jungle covered by a layer of mist. As the sun rises, the deep mist lying over the jungle rises giving way to a panoramic view of the Pidurangala Rock which stands tall and proud overlooking the rest of the forest.
At the summit of Tungnath, which happens to be the highest Shiva temple in the world, the Chandrashila Parvat has a place among the Hindu legends. Believed to be the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana, the Chandrashila stands for the 'Moon Rock'. Offering a view of the Himalayas, the sunrise from here is one you wouldn't want to miss. Requiring a trek of around 5 kilometers to reach the top, one can witness the sun rise from the mountains and disperse its light across the Himalayas turning the night sky into different shades of orange and yellow over time.
