Welcome to the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards. Our annual awards celebrate the very best in travel, dining and lifestyle – as voted for by you, our global community of members.
They say a picture can speak a thousand words, but nothing will move you like experiencing the splendour of a destination yourself. Asia is filled with unbelievably beautiful landscapes and awe-inspiring landmarks that must be seen to be believed.
Our expert panel has nominated five of the most Instagrammable places in Asia and we want to know if you agree.
Voting is open to Cathay members from Monday, 26 May to Sunday, 15 June. You can learn more about the nominees below.
Originally constructed as a Hindu temple in 1150 AD and later transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument ; its intricate wood carvings and temples attracting millions of visitors per year. Visit when the setting sun bathes Angkor’s five spires in golden light for a perfect photo of this culturally significant complex.
Credit: Ashit Desai/Getty Images
A visit to Kyoto isn’t complete without a pilgrimage to the Fushimi Inari Shrine and its famous vermillion torii gates. The path to the top is flanked by dense forest and guarded by fox statues – believed to be messengers of Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Once you’ve made it to the peak of Mount Inari, take in the far-reaching view of Kyoto before making your way back down through the gates, now glowing softly thanks to the lanterns lighting the way.
Credit: Grant Faint/Getty Images
Better known as Hongyadong, this remarkable structure – perched on the hillside overlooking Jialing River – interweaves history and modern life. Despite its name, it’s not actually a cave, but an impressive 11-storey complex built in the traditional Bayu architectural style and housing shops, hotels, food markets, restaurants and more. Come nightfall, it’s lit up in blazing orange neon, making for a spectacular photo opportunity.
Credit: onlyyouqj/Getty Images
One of Thailand’s natural treasures, Phang Nga Bay beckons travellers with its stunning limestone karst peaks that rise dramatically from emerald waters. Home to the famous James Bond Island, this slice of paradise is dotted with secluded lagoons, mysterious caves and lush jungle that gives way to white sand beaches. It’s all but impossible to resist sharing a snap of your longtail boat ride through this picture-perfect spot.
Credit: Angela Pesta/Getty Images
Step into a world of limitless imagination at teamLab Borderless , Tokyo’s groundbreaking digital art museum where science and creativity merge to create immersive dreamscapes, from psychedelic bubble universes to mesmerising light displays of stars, flowers and shifting patterns. It’s a sensory feast that words can’t fully capture but visuals bring to life.
Credit: TeamLab