Summary of Haunted Places in Asia
You might be looking forward to seeing ancient temples and trying diverse cuisine on your trip to Asia; however, there’s a spookier side to the continent. If ghost stories are what you’re after, Asia boasts some of the best and creepiest. After all, some of the scariest horror movies were dreamt up by Asian filmmakers, including “Shutter” from Thailand and “Ring” from Japan—the originals, of course. From a World War II-era prison in Indonesia to a haunted fort in India, adding some of the most haunted places in Asia to your itinerary could be an unforgettable experience—if you dare.
Bhangarh Fort, India
This impressive centuries-old fort, located in Rajasthan, was once home to royalty. Today, the Rajasthan Tourism Office reports, it is known as one of the most haunted places in India. In the 18th century, the fort and its surrounding town were abandoned, leaving behind empty temples and desolate marketplaces. Several stories explain why people fled this once-great fortress. One alleges a curse was placed upon it due to it casting a shadow over someone’s home, while another attributes its ruin to a love potion gone wrong.
Lawang Sewu, Indonesia
This structure, built in the early 1900s as an outpost for the Dutch East Indies Railway Company, was later taken over by Japanese soldiers and used as a prison during World War II. It became the site of a bloody altercation between Dutch, Japanese, and Indonesian forces. Among the spirits said to haunt the site is a young Dutch woman who died by suicide. The Indonesia tourism authority points out that the building’s name means “a thousand doors” in Javanese, reflecting the numerous doors and similar-looking windows that line the facade, creating a mesmeric architectural effect.
The Forbidden City, China
The Forbidden City was the home of Chinese emperors for five centuries and is one of the world’s most famous palaces. The site is typically closed to the public at night, adding to its mystique and spooky allure. One of the most popular legends involves a ghostly woman in white who is reported to be heard crying inside the palace. Reports about this specific ghost date back to the 1940s.
Old Changi Hospital, Singapore
There’s hardly anything spookier than a derelict hospital. Singapore’s old Changi Hospital, operational from 1935 to 1997, is one such place. Known to be haunted, locals believe it is teeming with the ghosts of former patients and victims of the Japanese Occupation, during which it served as a military hospital. The rumored underground bunkers beneath the hospital add to the spookiness. Though it’s closed to the public, people often find their way in and leave graffiti behind.
Sathorn Unique Tower, Thailand
Bangkok’s unfinished Sathorn Unique Tower has been aptly nicknamed the “Ghost Tower.” Originally intended as a residential building, construction halted in the ’90s amid a financial crisis and never resumed. Now, the skyscraper, only 80% finished, is devoid of exterior walls. Despite risks and being off-limits to the public, the open-air structure attracts daredevils and stray dogs said to roam its ground floor. The building has seen at least one death, which contributes to its haunted reputation.
Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, South Korea
Believed to be the most haunted place in South Korea, this abandoned psychiatric hospital was located in the province of Gyeonggi-do. It closed in the ’90s due to sewage issues, but legends about mysterious patient deaths and doctors driven to madness abound. Urban explorers and paranormal adventurers frequently attempt to venture inside. In 2018, a found footage-style film based on the hospital became South Korea’s third most-watched horror movie.
Khara Khoto, China
This ancient site in the Gobi Desert was once a prominent Mongolian city along the Silk Road. Many of its citizens perished in the 14th century due to a rival Ming Dynasty army. The invaders diverted water from a nearby river away from the walled city, making it uninhabitable. Today, Khara Khoto is largely covered by sand, yet stories persist about strange noises and inexplicable fires. Tour companies operate excursions to this remote spot in Inner Mongolia, offering an opportunity to explore the eerie ruins immersed in desert beauty.
Himeji Castle, Japan
Located near Kobe, Himeji Castle is a popular tourist attraction and known for inspiring the plot of “Ringu,” the original Japanese film leading to “The Ring,” one of the top-grossing horror films. The castle site includes the infamous well where a servant girl, Okiku, dove to her death after being falsely accused of a crime. Visitors can see the well during their tour, and Okiku’s ghost is reputed to sometimes appear on the grounds.
Teacher’s Camp, Philippines
Despite its innocent-sounding name, many Filipinos believe that Teacher’s Camp in Baguio is the most haunted place in the country. Originally built by Americans in the early 1900s to train teachers, it later hosted events and retreats. During World War II, it was occupied by Japanese forces who held prisoners there. Reports of ghost sightings include a headless priest, a roaming lady in white, and a blood-covered woman who may appear standing over sleeping patrons.
Genting Highlands, Malaysia
In the Malaysian resort town of Genting Highlands, known for a 26-acre theme park, perhaps something paranormal stirs at Amber Court. Abandoned due to a financial crisis in the ’90s, algae grew on the building’s facade, contributing to its sinister reputation. Visitors report encountering a woman walking around and vanishing into thin air. Despite renovations and reopening as an apartment complex, the ghost stories continue to haunt current residents.
