SINGAPORE, May 18, 2016 – TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, has announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice™ awards for Landmarks. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for landmarks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
Angkor Wat in Cambodia clinches the third spot in the world list, while Taj Mahal in India, the only other Asian winner in the top ten, is ranked fifth globally. The awards also honour top landmarks in Asia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
“The Travellers’ Choice Landmarks highlight some of the world’s most iconic, must-see man-made attractions that have won the TripAdvisor community worldwide,” said Janice Lee Fang, Communications Director, APAC, for TripAdvisor. “Travellers who wish to immerse themselves in the rich history of these award-winning landmarks can also book experiences on TripAdvisor that sometimes include exclusive, private access that can make the trip more enjoyable.”
For those planning to visit a winning landmark this year, TripAdvisor has also identified the average bookable accommodation rates in each destination from June to August 2016, as well as top-rated tours bookable on TripAdvisor and upcoming events.
Top 10 Landmarks in Asia:
1. Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the pride of Cambodia. It stretches over 400km2 and saw over 2 million visitors arrive to witness its majestic beauty last year. Dubbed the “City of Temples”, the wat is a harmonisation of ancient architecture, intricate carvings and sophisticated structures. A TripAdvisor reviewer said: “The sheer magnitude of the temple – the detail, the sense of history – it’s breathtaking. Whatever the temperature or time of day, this place will move you.”
Did You Know? Walking through the complex is a magical experience in itself but it is surrounded with temple-mountains and visitors can find themselves in the midst of lush rainforests if they stray slightly off the walking path.
Discover this historic landmark by going on a cycling tour at sunrise.
2. Taj Mahal – Agra, India
Considered one of the most iconic wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal sees an increase in visitor arrivals from all over the world each year. A TripAdvisor traveller described it as “the world's largest monument to love.”
Did you know? The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage”.
Discover this historic landmark through a private Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour, exclusively by Viator.
3. Great Wall at Mutianyu – Beijing, China
Located approximately 70 km northeast of central Beijing, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall stretches over 5km and used to serve as the northern barrier to defend the capital and imperial tombs. Watch towers are densely placed along Mutianyu – a feature that is rarely found in other sections of the Great Wall.
Did You Know? Mutianyu is one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall that is open to tourists.
Discover this historic landmark through an intimate tour with a gourmet picnic and wine, exclusively by Viator.
4. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) – Bangkok, Thailand
Famed for its giant reclining Buddha gilded in gold measuring 15 metres tall and 46 metres long, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and remains as a must-visit for first-time visitors to Bangkok. “There is so much more to Wat Pho than just the reclining Buddha. That's the main draw, and it's suitably impressive, but plan to spend at least 60-90 minutes here at a minimum. Great experience,” said one TripAdvisor reviewer.
Did You Know? The temple compound is also home to the leading school of massage in Thailand with two massage pavilions located within the area.
Discover this historic landmark through a private half-day tour of the temple complex.
5. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine – Kyoto, Japan
Originally dedicated to the god of rice, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its tunnels of brightly painted red ‘torii’ (arches or gates) that frame the pathways through the forest. It now serves as a site where people come to seek blessings for prosperity, and remains as one of Kyoto’s most famous sights.
Did You Know? If you find the stunning ‘torii’ gates familiar, that is probably because the Fushimi Inari Shrine is also a popular location for movie and TV shoots – including “Memoirs of a Geisha”.
Discover this historic landmark and more through a Fushimi Inari and sake brewery tour.
6. Shwedagon Pagoda – Yangon, Myanmar
One of the most famous pagodas in the world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a majestic, gilded stupa that is 99 metres tall and sits atop of a hill – making it a prominent feature of Yangon’s skyline. Its golden glow mesmerising, the pagoda consists of hundreds of temples, stupas and statues that is a reflection of some of Myanmar’s best heritage.
Did You Know? The gold plating of the stupa is made of genuine gold plates attained from donations from Burmese and from previous monarchs.
Discover this historic landmark by going on a walking tour of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
7. Petronas Twin Towers – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
An iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur, Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers that dominate the city skyline. The towers held the records for the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004 and feature an upmarket shopping mall, a 50-acre park and a double decker skybridge that connects the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors.
Did You Know? It would have taken eight years to complete these towers but the budget only allowed for it to be completed in six. Two construction consortiums were then hired for each tower, and they raced each other to the top!
Discover this historic landmark by enjoying a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck. Booking online with TripAdvisor will help visitors skip the line and avoid queueing.
8. Amber Fort – Jaipur, India
Amber Fort is one of the finest example of stunning Rajput architecture. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Jaipur and known for the artistic Hindu style elements in its architecture.
Did you know? This fort along with Jaigarh Fort, is located immediately above on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) and connected by a subterranean passage. This passage was meant as an escape route in times of war to enable the royal family members to shift to the more redoubtable Jaigarh Fort.
Discover this historic landmark through a full-day private sightseeing tour of Jaipur that includes discovering the architectural masterpieces of Amber Fort.
9. The Grand Palace – Bangkok, Thailand
The Grand Palace was historically the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand). Today, it is still used for official events. The spectacular complex is divided into three main zones: The Outer Court is home to other structures including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha); the Middle Court houses the most important residential and state buildings and is used for important ceremonies; and the Inner Court is reserved for the king and his queen and consorts.
Did You Know? The Emerald Buddha that sits in the temple is carved from a single piece of jade and is considered the holiest religious object in Thailand.
Discover this historic landmark through a comprehensive guided tour with an alms-giving session with Buddhist monks, exclusive to Viator.
10. Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chin Minh, Vietnam
Built by local fighters during the Indochina conflict, the Cu Chi tunnels boast an extensive network of over 200 km of tunnels and remain as a reminder of the country’s past. Serving as a functioning underground cities, the tunnels included hospitals, schools, kitchens and meeting quarters. “… To see how these people were so clever with their survival tactics is not to be missed,” said one TripAdvisor reviewer about this landmark.
Did You Know? The extensive, secret tunnels, served as fortifications for Viet Cong and played a major role in North Vietnam winning the war.
Discover this historic landmark by exploring the network of tunnels built by the ingenious Cu Chi freedom fighters.
Top 10 Landmarks in the World:
1. Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu, Peru
Average bookable accommodation rates in Machu Picchu1: June: S$802 July: S$81 August: S$81
Discover this historic landmark with a day trip tour from Cusco.
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Average bookable accommodation rates Abu Dhabi: June: S$154 July: S$163 August: S$165
Discover this historic landmark by going on a sightseeing tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Heritage Village and Gold Souk.
3. Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Average bookable accommodation rates in Siem Reap: June: S$86 July: S$86 August: S$89
Discover this historic landmark with a bike tour around Angkor at sunrise.
4. St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City, Italy
Average bookable accommodation rates in Vatican City: June: S$169 July: S$148 August: S$140
Discover this historic landmark with an exclusive VIP breakfast experience in the Vatican.
5. Taj Mahal – Agra, India
Average bookable accommodation rates in Agra: June: S$45 July: S$47 August: S$47
Discover this historic landmark with a private Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour, exclusively by Viator.
6. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba – Cordoba, Spain
Average bookable accommodation rates in Cordoba: June: S$111 July: S$86 August: S$96
Discover this historic landmark with a walking tour of Cordoba Mezquita.
7. Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood – St. Petersburg, Russia
Average summer bookable rates in St. Petersburg: June: S$148 July: S$111 August: S$102
Discover this historic landmark with a tour of St Petersburg by night.
8. The Alhambra – Granada, Spain
Average bookable accommodation rates in Granada: June: S$114 July: S$92 August: S$97
Discover this historic landmark with a private tour of Alhambra and Generalife
9. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool – Washington, D.C.
Average bookable accommodation rates in Washington, D.C.: June: S$421 July: S$357 August: S$310
Discover this historic landmark with an insider VIP tour of the home of Congress, exclusive to Viator.
10. Milan Cathedral (Duomo) – Milan, Italy
Average bookable accommodation rates in Milan: June: S$194 July: S$185 August: S$207
Discover this historic landmark with a rooftop tour Milan’s Duomo in the evening.
For the complete list of winners from the 2016 Travellers’ Choice Landmarks, as well as reviews and candid traveller photos, go to: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Landmarks.
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site**. Travellers can read millions of reviews and opinions and book their next trip at:www.tripadvisor.com.
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Notes to editors:
1Average seasonal nightly rates of all bookable accommodations in each destination are based on TripAdvisor pricing data for June 1 through August 31, 2016, aggregated from booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.
2Prices have been converted from USD to SGD via xe.com on 17 May 2016.
