As you plan your trip to Asia, you may have an itinerary full of visiting ancient temples and trying out different cuisines. However, if you’re looking for a unique and spine-chilling experience, Asia has a darker side to offer. With some of the creepiest and best ghost stories in the world, Asia has inspired some of the most terrifying horror movies. Who can forget the original “Ring” from Japan or Thailand’s “Shutter”? If you’re brave enough, add a visit to some of the most haunted places in Asia, such as a World War II-era prison in Indonesia or a haunted fort in India, to your itinerary. But be warned, these places are not for the faint-hearted.
1. Bhangarh Fort in India
Located in Rajasthan, this centuries-old fort was once the residence of royalty but has now become known as one of the most haunted places in India, according to the Rajasthan Tourism Office. Abandoned in the 18th century, the fort and its surrounding town now contain empty temples and desolate marketplaces. There are various stories surrounding the reasons why people fled this once-great fortress, including one that claims a curse was placed upon it because it was casting a shadow over someone’s home, while another attributes its downfall to a love potion gone wrong.
2. Lawang Sewu in Indonesia
The building known as Lawang Sewu, which means “a thousand doors” in Javanese, was constructed in the early 1900s as an outpost for the Dutch East Indies Railway Company. During World War II, it was used as a prison by Japanese soldiers and was also the site of a violent confrontation between Dutch, Japanese, and Indonesian forces. Today, the building is known to be haunted by a number of ghosts, but the most famous is the spirit of a young Dutch woman who reportedly took her own life. Despite the building’s eerie reputation, its impressive façade with its numerous doors and windows is an architectural wonder that continues to mesmerize visitors. As the Indonesia Tourism Authority has noted, Lawang Sewu is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate stunning and historic architecture.
3. The Forbidden City in China
For over five centuries, the Forbidden City served as the residence of the Chinese emperors, making it one of the most renowned palaces worldwide. What adds to its eerie appeal is that the site is usually off-limits to the public during the night. An intriguing tale associated with the palace is that of the ghostly woman in white, whose weeping sounds have been heard echoing through the halls. This particular ghost has been reported since the 1940s, and her legend continues to captivate visitors to this day.
4. Old Changi Hospital in Singapore
The mere thought of abandoned hospitals sends shivers down our spines, and Singapore’s old Changi Hospital is no exception. This hospital, which operated from 1935 to 1997, is infamous for being one of the most haunted places in the country. It’s believed that the ghosts of former patients and victims of the Japanese Occupation still linger within its walls. As if that’s not enough, there are rumors of underground bunkers that add to the eerie atmosphere. Despite being off-limits to the public, people manage to find their way in and often leave behind graffiti as a testament to their visit.
5. Sathorn Unique Tower
The Sathorn Unique Tower in Bangkok is renowned as the “Ghost Tower” due to its haunting appearance and ghostly history. Initially intended as a residential building, the construction of the tower stalled during the 1990s financial crisis and never resumed. As a result, the skyscraper stands at only 80% of its planned height and lacks exterior walls. Despite being off-limits to the public and the numerous dangers it poses, the open-air structure attracts numerous daredevils. Moreover, stray dogs have taken over the ground floor, making it their home. Unfortunately, the building has seen at least one death, which adds to the rumors of it being haunted.
6. Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital in South Korea
Located in the province of Gyeonggi-do, an abandoned psychiatric hospital is believed to be the most haunted place in South Korea. The hospital was closed in the ’90s due to sewage issues, but rumors about mysterious patient deaths and doctors’ madness and suicide began to spread. Despite the truth behind its closure, urban explorers and paranormal enthusiasts continue to seek a glimpse inside. In 2018, a South Korean found footage-style horror film based on the hospital became the country’s third most-watched movie.
7. Khara Khoto, China
Located in the Gobi Desert, Khara Khoto was once a thriving Mongolian city along the Silk Road. However, during the 14th century, the city’s inhabitants met their demise at the hands of a rival Ming Dynasty army. According to legend, the invaders redirected water from a nearby river away from the walled city, leaving it uninhabitable. Today, the ruins of Khara Khoto are mostly buried beneath the sand, yet reports of strange noises and unexplained fires continue to surface. Tour companies, such as Silk Road China Tours, offer excursions to this remote location in Inner Mongolia from the city of Jiayuguan in Gansu Province. Although it takes approximately seven hours to reach Khara Khoto by car, the haunting ruins rising from the desert exude a desolate yet captivating beauty.
8. Himeji Castle in Japan
Located near Kobe, this castle is a well-known tourist spot that has a unique claim to fame. It served as the inspiration for the plot of “Ringu,” the original Japanese horror film that later became the basis for “The Ring,” one of the highest-grossing horror movies of all time. The castle is also infamous for the well where Okiku, a servant girl, tragically leaped to her death after being wrongly accused of a crime. Visitors can still see the well today, and legend has it that Okiku’s ghost occasionally appears on the castle grounds, dressed in a white gown with her long black hair cascading down.
9. Teacher’s Camp: A Hidden Gem in the Philippines
The city of Baguio in the Philippines is home to a place with an innocent-sounding name that many believe to be the most haunted location in the country. Originally built by Americans in the early 1900s as a training ground for teachers, the site continues to host events and retreats. However, during World War II, Japanese forces occupied the area and used it as a prison. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of ghost sightings, including a headless priest, a wandering lady in white, and a blood-covered woman who has been known to appear standing over unsuspecting visitors’ beds.
10. Genting Highlands
In Genting Highlands, a popular Malaysian resort town featuring an expansive 26-acre theme park, there are whispers of supernatural occurrences at Amber Court. This former hotel was constructed in the 1990s but was abandoned due to financial difficulties. During its period of neglect, algae grew on the building’s exterior, lending a foreboding appearance that contributed to its haunted reputation. Visitors have reported sightings of a woman who walks around before mysteriously vanishing. Despite being renovated and converted into an apartment complex, the ghost stories persist, much to the dismay of current residents.
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