There’s something magical about villages. They hold the beauty that no skyscraper can ever replicate. From cobbled streets to centuries-old traditions,
villages carry stories that cities have long forgotten. And when it comes to beauty, Asia is no stranger to show-stopping landscapes and hidden gems. While India itself has villages that look like they’ve been plucked out of postcards, Forbes has now revealed that ten Asian villages have made it into the world’s 50 most beautiful villages to visit in 2025. The ranking, based on data curated by Unforgettable Travel Company, shines a spotlight on quiet destinations that deserve more love than bustling tourist hubs. The best part? Many of these villages welcome Indian travellers without the headache of long visa processes. Pack your bags, because these places aren’t just villages—they’re living museums of culture, history, and scenery.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
Perched in Japan’s Gifu region, Shirakawa-go is famed for its steep, triangular-roofed farmhouses designed to shrug off heavy snowfalls. What’s fascinating is that many of these homes were built without nails—using only wood and straw. Dating back to the 1800s, some of them now double as guesthouses and museums. Fun fact: in winter, the village lights up with a mesmerising illumination festival, turning the snow-covered roofs into glowing gingerbread houses. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a fairy-tale corner of Japan far away from Tokyo’s neon chaos.
Batad, Philippines
Imagine rice terraces so grand they look like green stairways to heaven. That’s Batad in the Philippines. These terraces are a UNESCO-listed marvel as they are hand-carved into the mountainsides over 2,000 years ago. You read that right! The village has roads or cars and bikes — only stone paths and wooden houses that will take you to a simpler time. Waterfalls nearby make trekking irresistible. Thanks to the Philippines’ visa-free policy for Indian tourists (up to two weeks), this emerald paradise is now within easy reach.
Mrauk U, Myanmar
It was actually the bustling capital of the Arakan Kingdom but now Mrauk U is a tranquil village where history whispers from every corner. Dotted with ancient stone pagodas and temples, the landscape feels like a forgotten archaeological park where locals still go about daily life. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Bagan, Mrauk U remains relatively crowd-free, giving you the luxury of exploring its ruins in peace.
Zhouzhuang, China
Often dubbed the "Venice of the East", Zhouzhuang is a watery wonderland with canals, arched bridges, and Ming and Qing dynasty houses that are older than some countries. Founded centuries ago, the town still feels remarkably alive. You can hop onto a wooden boat, sip jasmine tea, and drift past stone houses with laundry fluttering from the balconies. The Shen House, built in 1742 by descendants of a wealthy merchant, remains the crown jewel—imagine a mansion with over 100 rooms, and you’re still underestimating its grandeur.
Ghandruk, Nepal
For trekkers wandering through Nepal’s Annapurna region, Ghandruk feels like the perfect halfway hug. Known for its stone houses and warm Gurung hospitality, the village opens up spectacular views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks. It’s easily accessible from Pokhara, making it an ideal choice for Indian travellers craving a Himalayan fix without going on an Everest-level expedition. Fun fact: the Gurung community here has a strong tradition of military service, with many having served in the British and Indian armies.
Cam Thanh, Vietnam
Just outside Hoi An lies Cam Thanh, a riverside village swaddled by coconut forests. The best way to explore? A ride in a quirky round basket boat that looks more like a giant soup bowl. The village also offers cooking classes where you’ll master the art of Vietnamese cuisine, from rolling fresh spring rolls to preparing spicy seafood. Hop on a bicycle and you’ll stumble upon shrimp farms and the daily rhythms of village life.
Ubud, Indonesia
Ubud, the heart beat of Bali, is known as the cultural capital. It has beautiful temples, yoga retreats, art galleries, and rice terraces. Traditional dance shows are performed nightly, while its famous Monkey Forest keeps visitors entertained (and occasionally chased). If you’re tired of Bali’s party scene, Ubud’s calm spirituality and creative buzz make for the perfect antidote.
Ban Rak Thai, Thailand
Located in the misty hills of northern Thailand, Ban Rak Thai is a lakeside beauty with a Chinese soul. It was founded by Yunnanese settlers, Ban Rak Thai. It is known for Chinese-style clay houses, tea plantations, and a lake that mirrors lanterns released by locals at dusk.
Arang Kel, Pakistan
Arang Kel feels like a village painted by a poet. Lush meadows, clear streams and wooden cottages, it is the kind of scenery that postcards fail to do justice. Reaching the village involves a chairlift ride followed by a trek, but the reward is pure magic. In summer, wildflowers bloom across its meadows, while in winter, snow turns it into a white wonderland.
Hahoe Folk Village, South Korea
Rounding up the list is Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has preserved Korean traditions for centuries. Here, the Nakdong River curves gracefully around traditional hanok houses. Visitors can watch mask dance performances, sip herbal teas, or stroll through Confucian schools that have been teaching since the 16th century. It’s living history with a riverside backdrop.
From Japan’s snow-dusted rooftops to Pakistan’s flower-filled meadows, these Asian villages prove that beauty thrives away from skyscrapers and expressways. Whether you want to step into a rice terrace, glide through a canal town, or sip tea by a lantern-lit lake, 2025 might just be the year to ditch the obvious tourist trails and wander into stories tucked inside villages.
