Top 14 Must-See Ancient Villages in Asia

Wuyuan Village, located in Jiangxi Province, China, is famous for its unique ancient houses nestled among fields of vibrant rapeseed flowers. The best time to visit is from early March to mid-April when the village is enveloped in a golden sea of blooming flowers, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Known as 'China's most charming village,' Wuyuan's enchanting beauty captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. The combination of traditional architecture, a stunning natural landscape, and a peaceful vibe makes it a perfect destination for those who admire ancient Asian beauty.

Located in Jiangxi Province, Wuyuan offers a romantic and alluring atmosphere that mesmerizes visitors at first sight. The village’s ancient homes, with their distinctive design, blend traditional Asian architecture with subtle Western influences. The ideal time to visit Wuyuan is between March and April, when the golden rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, creating a fairy-tale setting.

Jiufen Village is a charming mountain village located on Keelung Mountain in Taiwan, about 50 km from Taipei. This ancient village is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and unique local culture, including its distinct food traditions. Jiufen has become a fairy-tale destination in Taiwan and across Asia, attracting many visitors. The village was also featured as the backdrop for several famous films, including the animated movie “Spirited Away” and the film “A City of Sadness.”

Like many other ancient villages, Jiufen is a place where you can experience traditional culture, architecture, and local lifestyle. The village offers a romantic atmosphere with its old houses perched on mountain cliffs overlooking the sea. Its serene environment makes it an ideal destination for those looking for peace and tranquility.

The village is built along the mountain slope in four distinct levels, with the name “Jiufen” originating from the nine families that once lived there. When villagers would purchase goods from the bottom of the mountain, they would divide them into nine portions, giving the village its name. Today, Jiufen remains a popular tourist spot, drawing visitors with its romantic charm, ancient houses, and breathtaking views of the sea.

Bukchon Hanok Village is considered the most beautiful ancient village in Seoul, making it a must-visit for those wanting to explore Korean culture. Nestled in the heart of Seoul, the village offers a peaceful and fascinating escape from the hustle of the capital. Bukchon Hanok is home to around 900 traditional Hanok houses that once served as residences for aristocrats and government officials during the Joseon Dynasty, preserved to this day. Visitors, including international students, will recognize the familiar sights featured in many popular Korean dramas. This charming village is a perfect destination for anyone interested in Korean culture or looking to capture beautiful moments steeped in history.

Located in Seoul, South Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village is a remarkable historical site that has maintained its cultural integrity over the centuries. The village’s serene atmosphere invites visitors to wander through narrow, traditional streets while admiring the beautiful architecture of centuries-old homes, teahouses, and museums. This village, perfectly preserved by South Korea, offers an authentic glimpse into the past, making it an unmissable destination for anyone exploring ancient villages in Asia.

Thailand is rightfully known as a tourist paradise, with a plethora of captivating destinations to explore. While cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket often steal the spotlight, there are countless other stunning spots waiting to be discovered. One such hidden gem is the picturesque tea plantations of Ban Rak Thai, where the breathtaking mountainous landscape and serene rivers create a scene straight out of a fairytale. This area is often affectionately called Thailand's version of the 'Phoenix Ancient Town' due to its enchanting beauty.

Ban Rak Thai Village, also known as Mae Aw, is a small village nestled in the highest region of Mae Hong Son province. Sitting at an elevation of 1,776 meters above sea level, this village, often overlooked and isolated, is a tranquil retreat that few people know about. However, over the last couple of years, it has started to open up to visitors, though most guests are still locals. The village, home to a large Chinese exile community, is unique in that the older residents mostly speak Chinese, while the younger generations are learning some Thai.

With over 1,000 Chinese residents making a living from tea cultivation and processing, the village is famous for its vast, lush tea fields stretching across the rolling hills of northern Thailand. The Ban Rak Thai village remains beautifully preserved, offering a glimpse into traditional life. Visitors will find it easy to capture stunning photographs of the picturesque green tea hills and the charming, ancient village that lies within the mountains.

Situated opposite the towering Marapi volcano, Pariangan is an elegant village surrounded by warm, year-round hot springs. Known as the most culturally rich and ancient village in Indonesia, it holds national heritage status for its historical value.

Located in West Sumatra, Indonesia, Pariangan faces the majestic Marapi volcano. This picturesque village is home to over 300-year-old houses made of bamboo and wood, intricately carved with traditional designs. The tranquil beauty of Pariangan is complemented by the soothing presence of hot springs that flow throughout the year. It is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant ancient villages in Asia, protected by the government as a national heritage site.

The village's unique bamboo and wooden houses, paired with its serene landscapes, make Pariangan an enchanting destination in Asia-Pacific. With the looming Marapi volcano in the backdrop, this peaceful village is steeped in historical and cultural significance, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through Indonesia’s past, surrounded by nature's serene beauty.

Lamayuru Village is a must-visit destination for those interested in learning about Asian culture, especially India. This village is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery, which serves as the main attraction and offers visitors a chance to explore Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery hosts various religious festivals throughout the year, with the Yuku Kabgyat festival being particularly notable for its mysterious mask dances performed by Lamas.

Located in a dramatic and mystical mountain range, Lamayuru Village is one of the top places to experience Indian and Asian Pacific culture, particularly Tibetan Buddhism. The village boasts several Buddhist monasteries, and visitors can immerse themselves in the annual religious festivals that take place here. A visit to Lamayuru also offers the chance to witness the fascinating mask dances performed by the Lamas, a truly unique cultural experience.

Hinoki Village is located to the east of Chiayi City, Taiwan. Known as the oldest forestry village and the best-preserved wooden architectural site in the country, it offers a glimpse into Taiwan's rich history. The village was originally a dormitory area for forestry workers under the Chiayi Forest Bureau. During the Japanese colonial era, the village was rebuilt, removing walls to open up space and create a more beautiful environment with lush greenery.

A visit to Hinoki Village is like stepping into a small piece of Japan amidst Taiwan's natural beauty. The entire village is constructed from wood, exuding an old-world charm and mystique. Today, it consists of 28 traditional wooden houses, each preserving its original design with simple and warm wooden elements. To support tourism, especially for budget travelers, Hinoki Village offers various amenities including food stalls, souvenir shops, public restrooms, and comfortable accommodations, providing an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

The architectural influences of Japan are evident throughout the village, especially in the shoji doors of the houses. These traditional sliding doors, made of translucent rice paper, allow soft natural light to flood the interiors, creating a serene and private atmosphere. You can also find lucky cat statues in the shops, a symbol of good fortune from Japanese culture. With its unique architectural charm, Hinoki Village is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Taiwan.

When it comes to ancient villages in Vietnam, Duong Lam is a name that everyone has heard of. Famous for its red-tiled roofs and walls made of laterite stone, the village stands out with its unique architectural design. The entire village, including its streets and alleyways, is built from this special material, following a fishbone pattern with a main path and smaller side alleys, creating a distinct identity that is unmatched anywhere else. Over the years, Duong Lam Village has managed to preserve its ancient charm, with iconic features like the village gate, the communal house roof, banyan trees, wells, lotus ponds, and beautifully carved wooden houses.

The most remarkable feature of Duong Lam is its ancient houses. The village is home to 956 historic homes, the majority of which are in the Dong Sang, Mong Phu, and Cam Thinh communes. Many of these houses were built as early as 1649, 1703, and 1850. The ancient homes are often covered with a layer of moss on their traditional 'muri' tiles, creating a curved roof shape. These houses are usually connected to a yard, kitchen, auxiliary buildings, and a well, showcasing traditional Vietnamese rural architecture. The houses are mainly built from wood, such as jackfruit and ironwood, and are decorated with intricate carvings. The typical structure includes five rooms, with the center room used for worship and adorned with traditional furniture like wooden chairs and 'sap gu' beds. The decorations and carvings reflect the cultural values and customs of the past.

Visitors to Duong Lam can enjoy the fresh, peaceful atmosphere while savoring authentic local dishes like bamboo chicken, fermented soybeans, sweet rice cakes, and other traditional treats. A visit to Duong Lam Ancient Village is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who comes.

The small and charming Miyama village is home to around 200 traditional houses, all with thatched roofs known as 'Kayabuki'. In the northern part of the village, you can find a traditional house that has been converted into the Kayabuki No Sato museum, showcasing the village’s heritage. The view of Miyama from the surrounding mountain peaks is absolutely breathtaking. Despite its simple, rustic beauty, Miyama is a place that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime.

Miyama is made up of several small settlements scattered around the base of the mountains. Most of the homes are surrounded by gardens, and the village is primarily inhabited by elderly farmers. There are no young people or children in sight. One of the houses open to visitors is the Sato Folk Museum, which displays traditional tools and household items from decades past, as well as photographs showing the process of maintaining the thatched roofs.

If you visit Miyama, you'll have the chance to enjoy some delicious local dishes like hot pot, seaweed soup, and rustic rice dishes that embody the essence of village life in Japan. After a long walk, you can rest and immerse yourself in the peaceful natural surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere is only broken by the distant sight of farmers working in the fields or a few tourists strolling through the village, but there's no chatter or noise. The Miyama Ancient Village is a serene and picturesque place, where the only sounds you hear are the rustling of leaves in the wind. The village is framed by wildflower clusters, vibrant gardens, and neatly arranged haystacks, with green moss covering the thatched roofs, creating a truly peaceful and beautiful scene.

Baguio is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, featuring long stretches of mountains and pine-covered hills. With its cool climate and rich cultural heritage, Baguio has solidified its place as not only a popular tourist destination for a refreshing getaway but also a cultural hub that invites exploration and connection with the roots of the Filipino people.

One of Baguio's cultural landmarks that both locals and tourists flock to is the Tam-Awan Village. Established in 1998 by National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab) with local government support, the village aims to preserve and promote the artistic and cultural heritage of Baguio. It was designed based on the traditional villages of the Cordillera region, home to the indigenous peoples of the Philippines.

Students studying in Baguio at institutions like Pines, Help, Talk, or Monol can't miss a visit to Tam-Awan Village. Located just 5 minutes by taxi or jeepney from Monol English school, or a 15-minute walk along Tacay Road, the village is easily accessible for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. Tam-Awan Village features nine traditional stilt houses showcasing the lifestyle of indigenous communities. These houses serve as art galleries, souvenir shops, coffee and art cafes, and spaces for meetings, research, and cultural events. The village's buildings blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountainous landscape, providing visitors with an authentic and immersive experience. Additionally, the village offers the chance to enjoy traditional dances performed by local tribes, each with its own unique cultural significance.

Oshino Hakkai Village is a historic village nestled at the base of Mount Fuji, Japan's famous mountain, in Kanagawa Prefecture, located 116 kilometers from Tokyo. Visitors to this peaceful village will immediately notice the tranquility, surrounded by vegetable gardens, lush tea fields, bright yellow rapeseed flowers basking in the sun, bonsai gardens, and crystal-clear lakes reflecting ancient trees.

The village has a unique custom where visitors, before entering, must use a ladle to scoop water from a small basin flowing from a bamboo pipe to wash their hands, face, and even drink from it. This custom, common in Japanese shrines and temples, is a way of purifying oneself. The village’s water comes from melted snow from Mount Fuji, making it incredibly pure and highly cherished by the locals. While exploring the village, visitors can also enjoy traditional dishes prepared by the villagers, such as stuffed tofu with rice, green tea rice cakes, and sweet potato tempura.

If you love the charm of ancient towns often featured in Chinese films, a visit to Xitang Ancient Town in China is a must. Located in Suzhou, Xitang Ancient Town is over 1,000 years old and is known as the "Heavenly Paradise on Earth." This town captivates visitors with its ancient houses, quaint bridges crossing over canals, and its incredibly peaceful ambiance. A boat ride through the town’s serene rivers is a must-do experience when visiting.

Xitang is a historic town that holds great cultural significance to China. Situated just an hour's drive from Shanghai, Xitang offers visitors the chance to stroll through its streets or take a leisurely boat ride along its waterways. The small, picturesque bridges that arch over the canals, the tranquil boat rides, and the stunning views of the ancient town make for a truly peaceful and memorable experience. As the sun sets, the sound of creaking boats fills the air, and many visitors line up to hop on boats for a serene tour of the town’s beauty, floating gently along the waters and admiring the picturesque surroundings.

Fenghuang Ancient Town is one of the most enchanting historic villages in Asia, located in the western part of Hunan Province, China. This ancient town is especially familiar to fans of Chinese historical dramas, often chosen as a filming location for its picturesque settings.

Fenghuang is a 1,300-year-old town, nestled between towering mountains and the Tuo River. It is home to a rich cultural mix of ethnic groups, including Miao, Han, Hui, and Tujia, each with its unique traditions and customs. The town preserves many ancient structures, including city walls, temples, and riverside houses, along with regional delicacies such as pickled red chili and ginger candy.

The beauty of Fenghuang Ancient Town is truly mesmerizing, with its blend of the past and present, offering visitors a glimpse into a world where history meets modernity. The town, built alongside the Tuo River, features rows of traditional wooden houses, set against a backdrop of mountains, all reflected in the river’s waters. The combination of architecture and nature creates a serene and picturesque scene, making Fenghuang a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

Known as the “fairy tale village,” Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s most stunning traditional villages. It is home to around 152 wooden houses with the unique Gassho-zukuri architecture, resembling two hands pressed together in prayer. This picturesque gem was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Shirakawa-go is a place of beauty throughout all seasons, offering a glimpse into the past and holding many secrets yet to be explored.

This village is home to about 900 hanok-style houses, once inhabited by officials and nobles during the Joseon Dynasty, many of which have been preserved to this day. Visitors and students alike will recognize the familiar scenery from popular Korean dramas. It's a delightful destination for those interested in culture and photography, especially for those wanting to capture the essence of ancient times.

The village is also the birthplace of the famous manga series “Doraemon” by Fujiko Fujio. The village’s unique charm comes from its wooden houses with thatched roofs, scattered across the edge of the forest. In winter, the snowy rooftops and frosted trees create a magical, dreamlike landscape. During spring, the village comes alive with blooming flowers, creating a poetic scene. The breathtaking winter landscape lasts until April, after which the village is cloaked in the vibrant green of rice paddies during summer, transitioning into the stunning golden-red hues of autumn. For those traveling to Japan, this is a destination you simply cannot miss.