Travel accommodation website Agoda recently revealed the top 10 destinations in Asia gaining in popularity with travelers from around the world. What’s popular: lesser-known destinations that promise unique experiences, tropical getaways, and more adventurous travels.
Don’t miss out on these gems as a potential choice for an unforgettable honeymoon! Leave the European tour for another time and hit these destinations before they get even more popular.
This story was first published on The Finder.
Niseko is the most famous ski resort in Japan, and for good reason – get your adrenaline pumping on light, powdery snow, with the majestic Mount Fuji serving as the backdrop. It’s incredibly foreign-friendly too, with English-speaking folks, English menues in eateries and helpful locals.
Fringed by dramatically chiselled rice terraces, this therapeutic oasis is sometimes termed the Eighth Wonder of the World. Walking up to the main view point takes about two hours or longer. You’ll be tempted with many stops along the way by the incredible views. The higher you go, the more beautiful the panorama! Want more? It’s easy to escape to even more remote villages, which have their own note-worthy natural wonders.
Ko Kut’s remoteness makes it tranquil and unspoilt, but it also takes quite a journey to get to. We aren’t complaining though – travelling across the Gulf of Thailand is a wonder in itself. Since you’re here, you must love the unconventional. Don’t miss dining at Soneva Kiri (pictured) – a floating tree pod restaurant where food is ziplined to you.
Thailand’s tourism may be booming, but Koh Lipe would still like to keep it raw and authentic. Here, locals treat you like friends in restaurants; Thais and tourists mingle on the unscathed beaches. Plus, they’re all about responsible tourism – leave the island more beautiful than when you arrived!
On this untouched Cambodian gem, you could just as easily live the local life as you could go all-out luxury. Not for long though, – which is why Koh Rong made the list. More tourists are flocking to discover the beauty that Nature has endowed on this island. Beat the crowd while you can!
Splendid stretches of beaches embrace Koh Lanta’s inland mountains and natural wonders. The beaches along the Northern coast in particular have gentle sand slopes and are thus popular with families. You’ll also want to get off your hammock to explore Koh Lanta National Park, spanning 152 square kilometers and 16 islands!
If not for signboards sporting Chinese characters – the only giveaway – you’d think you’re in a European city. There’s more to love: Harbin is infamous for its biting winters, but that doesn’t deter millions of sparkly-eyed tourists from flocking to the city for the iconic Harbin Ice Festival, the world’s biggest ice sculpture festival every December through February.
Sri Lanka probably wouldn’t be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of a beach getaway in Asia. That’s not to say they haven’t got their own answer to paradise. Case in point: Tangelle, where beaches stretch out to eternity. Tip: It’s best to visit in November to April, before it starts getting humid and rainy.
Siquijor Island (pronounced si-ki-hor) is an other-worldly destination even to most Filippinos. Pick your poison – or potion – from wellness treatments using the island’s famous traditional ointments to sipping cocktails by the cool waters. Make your way to the Cambughay Falls (pictured), an enchanting multi-tiered waterfall that’s also a popular swimming spot.
If you’rd rather trade Phuket’s large resorts for a more authentic Thai beach getaway, drive an hour north to the more sleepy Khao Lak, where secluded pristine white-sand beaches skirt foresty hills and trekking trails. Hotels are mostly boutique, while many of the restuarants, although family-run, may be touristy, nonetheless retain their homely appeal.
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