Asia is the largest and most diverse continent in the world, and there’s so much to explore, from ancient history, rich culture, and the beauty of nature. Full of busy cities, tranquil landscapes, serene beaches and all the adventures, Asia will give you the most unforgettable experiences. When most people think of Asia, they think of Bangkok, Bali and Tokyo, but Asia is full of so many hidden gems that are beginning to gain attraction among tourists. These incredible places offer unique cultural experiences and lots of untouched natural beauty – they are not to be missed!
If you’re planning a trip to Asia and struggling to decide on where to go first, here are the top emerging tourist destinations that should be on your travel radar:
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is quickly becoming one of Vietnam’s most lusted-after destinations, the city can be found along the central coast and offers the perfect balance of relaxed beach vibes, rich culture and so much adventure. Da Nang is home to My Khe and Non Nuoc, two beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing and surfing.
It also has the Golden Bridge in the nearby Ba Na Hills with its giant hand structure lifting the walkway above the serene landscape. Nearby, you can also find the ancient town of Hoi An, which is a world heritage site known for its well-preserved old town with stunning lantern-lit streets and traditional Vietnamese architecture. It’s the perfect location for some beautiful photography. You can also take a private plane to the coast to make the visit and views even more special!
Siargao, Philippines
Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is becoming a huge hotspot for beach lovers and surfing enthusiasts. With its super laid back vibe, it really is an unspoiled paradise. Cloud 9 is the most famous surf spot on the island, with its powerful waves, it attracts surfers from all over the world.
Siargao also has absolutely breathtaking lagoon pools, silky smooth white-sand beaches and beautiful mangroves. For the ultimate day of relaxation, Naked Island and Guyam Island offer pristine sands and turquoise seas. If you fancy a bit more of an adventure, Sugba Lagoon and the rock pools at Magpupungko are ideal for swimming and cliff diving.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is a beautiful city in northern Laos that brings any of its visitors the ultimate peaceful retreat. It’s known for out of this world architecture, golden temples and spiritual history.
Luang Prabang was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 due to its unique combination of traditional Lao and colonial French architecture. If you’ve ever wanted to visit some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Asia, including Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai, then Luang Prabang is the place for you.
If you take a stroll through the old town, you’ll find an abundance of colourful buildings, a night market, and charming little streets filled with cafes, art galleries, and boutique guesthouses.
Kuang Si Falls can also be found here, which is a multi-tiered waterfall with bright blue exotic pools, and you can also take an adventurous boat ride along the Mekong River to explore caves and villages. It’s perfect for adventurers who enjoy a spot of swimming or hiking.
Kobe, Japan
Kobe is located in the Kansai region of Japan, which is a vibrant city nestled between Rokko mountains and the shores of the Seto Inland Sea. Kobe offers rich cultural heritage, modern city life and lots of stunning natural beauty. It is renowned for its Kobe Beef which is one of the most luxurious types of wagyu beef in the world. The cattle are bred on a high-quality diet which results in meat that’s incredibly tender and super rich in flavour. It quite literally melts in your mouth. Mouriya, Steakland Kobe and Wakkoqu are three of the most popular spots to enjoy an authentic Kobe beef dining experience.
Kobe is also known for its sake (rice wine) production, the Nada District is one of Japan’s most famous sake-producing regions. The area’s pure water and favourable climate are the reason for such excellent quality sake! There’s lots of tours in Nada where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy sake tastings.
A short trip from Kobe will have you finding yourself in Arima Onsen, which is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts. The rich waters are incredibly therapeutic and it offers a bit of relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city. The springs are known for their healing properties and are world-famous.
Which City Catches Your Fancy?
I’d highly recommend exploring all of these insanely beautiful hidden gems before they become overly popular and swarmed with thousands of tourists. If you’ve got to the end and read about each one, which one has taken your fancy first?
