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Best scenic drive destinations in Asia

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Hue
Imperial Vietnam on the Perfume River
7.2
Hai Van Pass climbs about 13 miles to 1,627 feet on the border of Hue and Da Nang. It crosses a spur of the Annamite Range that juts into the sea. Jeremy Clarkson called the road a deserted ribbon of perfection on Top Gear in 2008. A tunnel now carries trucks.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Tour the ornate Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh
  • 🛕 Visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda by Perfume River
  • 🏯 Explore the vast Imperial Citadel of Hue
Lijiang
Ancient Charm and Mountain Majesty
7.2
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reaches about 18,360 feet and lies roughly nine miles from the city. Drivers heading north can reach Baisha village in about nine miles. Baishui Terrace is around 22 miles away. Lashihai Lake lies only five miles from the urban area. The G5611 expressway links Lijiang with Dali.
Highlights:
  • 🏔️ Take a cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • 🌊 Admire the stunning Black Dragon Pool views
  • 🏘️ Wander the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
Japan's lowest population density leaves Hokkaido roads wonderfully open. Daisetsuzan National Park covers 875 square miles and rises to Asahidake at 7,510 feet. Shiretoko earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005 and has Japan's largest brown bear population. Volcanic interiors and wetlands reward unhurried driving.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Ha Giang
Vibrant terraced rice fields and misty mountains
The Ha Giang Loop runs about 220 miles through Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. Riders cross mountain passes often wrapped in clouds. Ma Pi Leng was cut through rock by hand over nearly two years. The route threads Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Hike to the Dragon's Tail viewpoint
  • 🍤 Taste fresh seafood at Ha Giang night market
  • 🛶 Explore Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest by kayak
India
Palaces, temples, backwaters and Himalayan peaks
7.5
The Leh to Manali Highway runs 266 miles and crosses Baralacha La at 15,910 feet. Tanglang La tops out at about 17,480 feet. The Atal Tunnel has bypassed Rohtang Pass since October 2020. Snow usually closes the route outside a season of roughly May to October.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Sail on the serene backwaters of Kerala
  • 🛺 Take a colorful rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s lanes
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over the majestic Taj Mahal
Pakistan
Land of ancient heritage
6.0
The Karakoram Highway took from 1962 to 1979 to build and opened to the public in 1986. It peaks near Khunjerab Pass at 15,466 feet, among the highest paved roads anywhere. It follows the Hunza River through Gilgit. A 2015 bypass with five tunnels skirts Attabad Lake.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Lahore Fort and stroll through Shalimar Gardens
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-Daro
  • 🏔️ Admire the stunning mountain views of Hunza Valley
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