Thailand, India, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, and Malaysia Feature in Agoda’s List of Asia’s Most Haunted Destinations for Halloween 2025

Thailand, India, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, and Malaysia feature in Agoda’s 2025 list of Asia’s most haunted destinations for their fascinating mix of culture, myth, and supernatural lore that perfectly embody the Halloween spirit. Each country offers a unique brush with the paranormal — from Thailand’s tragic love tale at the Mae Nak Shrine to India’s mystical Living Root Bridges whispered to be protected by forest spirits. Japan’s Mount Osore, believed to be a gateway to the afterlife, mirrors the Philippines’ Siquijor Island, where ancient healers continue to practise rituals under moonlit skies. In South Korea, Jeju Island’s stone guardians stand as protectors against evil, while Malaysia’s Langkawi holds the sorrowful legend of Mahsuri’s curse. By featuring these eerie yet enchanting sites, Agoda transforms Halloween travel into a cultural exploration, inviting adventurers to experience Asia’s unseen world where ancient beliefs, haunting beauty, and timeless tales come alive.

From Thailand’s love-struck ghost shrine to India’s mystical root bridges and Japan’s mountains of spirits, Agoda’s curation invites travellers to explore the continent’s eerie side — places where myth and memory still linger in the air.

Bangkok’s Mae Nak Shrine – A Love That Never Died

The bustling city of Bangkok hides one of Thailand’s most enduring ghost stories — the legend of Mae Nak. According to folklore, she was a devoted wife who refused to let death separate her from her husband. Today, her shrine stands near the Phra Khanong canal, drawing visitors who offer flowers, toys, and incense. Locals come to seek blessings for luck, fertility, and protection. Her story has inspired countless Thai films and plays, with her tragic devotion symbolising eternal love. For spiritual travellers, this shrine offers both chills and cultural insight into Thai beliefs about loyalty beyond life.

India’s Meghalaya – Where Nature and Spirits Intertwine

Deep within the rain-soaked forests of Meghalaya, the Living Root Bridges continue to captivate travellers with their otherworldly beauty. Crafted by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes using living tree roots, these bridges are natural works of art — and, according to local folklore, protected by forest spirits. The whispering winds and thick mist that envelop these living pathways lend an air of mystery. Walking across them feels almost spiritual, connecting visitors to both nature and legend. These ancient creations also reflect India’s growing eco-tourism trend, where sustainability meets the supernatural.

Japan’s Mount Osore – The Sacred Mountain of Souls

Far in northern Japan, Mount Osore (meaning “Fear Mountain”) is regarded as a gateway to the afterlife. Surrounded by volcanic terrain and sulphur-filled air, the mountain hosts Bodaiji Temple, a place where priests perform rituals to console lost souls. Legends say spirits wander the desolate landscape, seeking peace. Despite its grim reputation, Mount Osore is strikingly peaceful — its hot springs and quiet lakes offering a serene reflection on life and death. Travellers who venture here experience a side of Japan few tourists ever see — where spirituality and the supernatural converge.

Philippines’ Siquijor Island – The Land of Healers and Mystics

Known in local folklore as a land of enchantment, Siquijor Island in the Philippines has long been associated with magic, mysticism, and healing. The island’s traditional healers, called mananambal, are famous for their herbal remedies and rituals said to cure ailments or ward off bad luck. During special gatherings, healers prepare ancient potions made from forest plants, attracting visitors curious about local spiritual traditions. Today, Siquijor blends mysticism with tourism, offering travellers pristine beaches, waterfalls, and a chance to experience a living culture shaped by centuries of myth.

Jeju Island, South Korea – Stone Guardians of the Spirits

Across Jeju Island in South Korea, giant stone statues known as Dol Hareubang stand guard over temples and villages. These ancient figures, carved from volcanic rock, are believed to protect the island’s people from evil spirits and natural disasters. Locals see them as symbols of fertility and strength. For travellers, encountering these watchful guardians among Jeju’s windswept cliffs and lava landscapes adds a layer of mystique to the island’s natural wonders. They serve as a reminder that every stone and legend carries the soul of Jeju’s cultural identity.

Malaysia’s Langkawi – The Curse of Mahsuri

On the island of Langkawi in Malaysia, the story of Mahsuri is told with reverence and sorrow. A woman falsely accused of infidelity, Mahsuri was executed unjustly, cursing the island for seven generations before her death. Her tomb, surrounded by peaceful gardens and lush greenery, draws visitors from around the world who come to pay respects and reflect on the tale of love, betrayal, and justice. Today, Langkawi thrives as a tropical paradise, yet the legend of Mahsuri remains at the heart of its identity — a blend of myth and morality that enriches its tourism heritage.

A New Wave of Haunted Tourism in Asia

These destinations highlight how Asia’s folklore continues to shape modern tourism. What was once local legend now fuels a growing travel trend — haunted tourism. Travellers are increasingly drawn to experiences that blend culture, mystery, and meaning. Visiting such places allows them to explore more than landmarks — they uncover beliefs, emotions, and the timeless connection between humans and the unseen world.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, “Agoda is thrilled to guide travelers to these enchanting destinations where history and mystery intertwine. Whether you’re drawn to the eerie beauty of Meghalaya’s root bridges in India or the mystical aura of Siquijor Island in the Philippines, Agoda is here to make your Halloween travel adventures as seamless as possible with great deals on accommodations, flights, and activities.”

Through Agoda, explorers can easily plan these eerie adventures, with over six million stays, 130,000 flight routes, and hundreds of thousands of experiences available. From ghostly shrines to mystical islands, Asia offers countless ways to make Halloween travel both thrilling and transformative.

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