Travel + Leisure has compiled a list of well-known “haunted” locations throughout Asia, including abandoned psychiatric hospitals, historic forts, and derelict hotels.
1. Bhangarh Fort, India: Constructed in the 16th century in Rajasthan, this fort is one of India’s most infamous “haunted” sites, according to the Rajasthan Tourism Office. By the 18th century, the fort’s inhabitants had relocated, with legends suggesting that a sorcerer cursed the site when its shadow fell upon his place of meditation. The Archaeological Survey of India now prohibits visitors from entering the premises between sunset and sunrise due to local beliefs that wandering spirits roam the grounds at night.
2. Lawang Sewu, Indonesia: Originally built as a railway company outpost in the early 1900s, Lawang Sewu later served as a prison under Japanese control during World War II. It became the scene of violent conflicts between Dutch, Japanese, and Indonesian forces. Locals believe that the site is haunted by numerous spirits, most notably that of a young Dutch woman. The Indonesian tourism authority ranks it among the country’s most haunted locations.
3. Old Changi Hospital, Singapore: Abandoned after operating from 1935 to 1997, this former hospital is reputedly haunted by the ghosts of patients and wartime victims. The building’s underground tunnels only add to its chilling reputation. Although it is no longer open, it continues to attract the curious and thrill-seekers alike.
4. Sathorn Unique Tower, Thailand: Known as Bangkok’s “ghost tower,” this unfinished skyscraper gained notoriety after appearing in the horror film The Promise. Originally intended as a luxury residential building, construction was halted in the 1990s due to the financial crisis. In 2014, a foreign tourist died while exploring the 43rd floor.
5. Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, South Korea: Located in Gyeonggi Province, this abandoned hospital is one of South Korea’s most infamous haunted sites. After closing in the 1990s, rumors of ghost sightings and eerie occurrences spread, fueled by tales of a doctor driven insane and unexplained patient deaths. The real cause of its closure was due to sewage issues. The 2018 horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum brought renewed attention to the site, becoming one of South Korea’s top-grossing films.
6. Khara Khoto, Mongolia: Once a flourishing city along the Silk Road, Khara Khoto was abandoned after a military defeat in the 14th century. Today, the remnants are mostly covered by the shifting sands of the Gobi Desert. Local folklore speaks of strange sounds emanating from the ancient city, adding to its mystique.
7. Himeji Castle, Japan: Known as the “White Heron Castle,” this 400-year-old fortress is not only renowned for its beauty but also for its ghost stories. The most famous tale is that of Okiku, a servant executed after losing a valuable golden plate. It is said her spirit rises from a well each night, screaming and counting the plates. The story served as inspiration for the Japanese horror classic The Ring.
8. Teacher’s Camp, Philippines: Built in the early 1900s by the Americans as a training center for teachers, this site was later used as a prison by the Japanese during World War II. It has since become notorious for ghost sightings, including reports of a headless priest and a blood-soaked woman in white.
9. Genting Highlands, Malaysia: Amber Court, located in Malaysia’s popular Genting Highlands resort area, is often associated with ghostly activity. Built in the 1990s, the hotel fell into disrepair after the developer faced financial difficulties. Over time, its dilapidated state, moss-covered exterior, and rusting cars in the parking lot have added to the rumors of hauntings, with many reporting sightings of ghosts and strange sounds.
