Asia: Top Five Palaces
The most famous and beloved landmark of Asia, which has become its symbol, is the Taj Mahal. This classic fairytale palace, alas, was not included in our review today for a simple reason - it was built as the final resting place for the emperor's wife.

Palaces seem to be a European invention, from Bavaria or England. But Asia has plenty of them too - charming and sometimes too luxurious. Let's take a look at the most interesting palaces, these dream homes for which you don't have to pay rent or mortgage payments!

1. Tokyo Imperial Palace (Koke), Japan
The Japanese Imperial Palace, known as Koke, is the home of the Emperor of Japan. It occupies the most expensive square kilometer of land in the world and is located in the city center, in Chiyoda, near Tokyo Station. The palace is built on the ruins of Edo Castle in a park surrounded by a moat and defensive walls. The bridge that leads to the palace is so picturesque that it is the most photographed in Japan. To visit the palace, book a ticket here: http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/order/index_EN.html.

Well, it is worth mentioning one more special interesting place in Japan - the ancient Takeda Castle. It is definitely one of the most interesting sights in Japan.

2. Chan Chai Pavilion at the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The palace in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh is a series of buildings that serve as the home of the royal family. It was built on the site of the old Crystal Citadel after King Norodom moved the capital from Oudong (40 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh) back in 1860. Since then, the palace has rarely been empty. It houses a moon pavilion, a silver pagoda, and gardens.

3. Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
The Reunification Palace resembles a cross between a cricket pavilion and a banquet hall, but its history is grim. As a reminder, the palace is lined with military artifacts, including tanks that rolled through its gates when the city was captured by northern communists in 1975. The tanks still greet visitors at the entrance. The complex is an intimidating sight, unchanged since the end of the war.

4. Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok's Grand Palace has been home to Thailand's kings since the 18th century. Its construction began in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I, the first monarch of the current Chakri dynasty, when he moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in one fell swoop. The palace has been expanded several times since then. The current king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, resides at a different address, Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace remains the spiritual center of the Thai kingdom and home to the famous Emerald Buddha. Situated in the old city, it offers accommodation for travelers of all budgets, whether they want to stay in style and enjoy views of the Chao Phraya River at one of Bangkok's top hotels or save money and stay in a guesthouse on Khao San Road.

5. Palace of Light (Istana Nurul Iman), Brunei
The Sultan of Brunei's residence, a $400 million mansion, is located in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. With its mesmerizing golden domes and vaulted roofs, the palace is recognized as the largest in the world. The Sultan rules the country from his residence and receives foreign guests there. The Palace of Light was built in the symbolic year of 1984.