Few places on Earth are as stunning and geographically diverse as Asia, so if you’ve been itching to explore the continent but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone.
That’s why data-backed rankings like the latest edition of Travelers’ Choice Awards released by Tripadvisor are so essential to making a well-informed decision.
They bring tried-and-true destinations that millions of travelers have already loved to the limelight.
What caught our eye this year, though, was the fact that all of the five destinations that topped the list of the fastest-growing destinations in the world were located in Asia, which proves, once again, that the continent’s insane popularity among traveler circles isn’t going away anytime soon.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the five Asian destinations people are loving the most right now:
5. Sapa
Sapa (or Sa Pa), is a mountainous town in northern Vietnam whose natural allure and breathtaking views are truly unmatched.
Known for its terraced rice fields that cascade down the mountainside, dreamy hamlets, and serene waterfalls, this criminally underrated Vietnamese gem looks like something straight out of a fairytale, so if you’ve been looking to add some incredible new pictures to your travels album, you can stop reading now – you’ve already found your destination.
The only thing more fascinating than the jaw-dropping vistas is the local culture, and seeing the creations, festivals, and traditions of the people living here will give you some authentic insight into the Vietnamese way of living, which is more than what can be said for bigger hotspots.
4. Palawan Island
If you’re dreaming of a more beachy getaway instead, Palawan Island, one of the Philippines’ most naturally gorgeous destinations (and remember, the competition is stiff) is the perfect choice for you.
While there’s a lot to love about Palawan, the island’s crown jewel is definitely El Nido, a dreamy coastal town complete with limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoon, and small, intimate beaches that feel like they were made especially for you.
I can’t recommend going on an island-hopping excursion enough – the karst formation along the Bacuit Archipelago alone are unlike anything else you might’ve seen before.
3. Halong Bay
Let’s go back to Vietnam for a bit to explore the wonder that is Halong Bay, a mosaic of emerald waters, hidden caves, and pristine beaches that are guaranteed to take your breath away.
This is the perfect destination for those who want to take in the gorgeousness of the Asian coastline without the chaotic crowds since the tranquil, laid-back vibe in Halong Bay is intoxicating.
The floating villages you’ll get to see here don’t even seem real at first, so if you do make the (very smart) choice to visit Halong Bay this summer, be prepared to get mesmerized.
2. Seoul
OK, so now that we’ve gone through a couple of quieter destinations, it’s time to explore a livelier hub for those who actually crave the fast-paced energy of Asian metropolises – Seoul.
South Korea has made news these past couple of weeks for its incredible tourism growth pace, and its capital is the main hub travelers just can’t seem to get enough of.
It boasts the kind of tradition-modernity blend that most travelers are after – you get to explore places like Gyeongbokgung Palace that shed some light on the country’s incredible history while also enjoying the modern, fast-paced vibe of neighborhoods like Gangnam or Myeongdong – it’s a win-win!
1. Tokyo
You might’ve seen this one coming.
Tokyo has topped yet another list of the trendiest, fastest-growing destinations on Earth, and by the looks of it, the Japanese capital will only get bigger and more beloved as time goes on.
The juxtaposition of ancient temples and gardens and futuristic skyscrapers is just something you don’t get to see often, and when you combine all that with the iconic culture so many of us are fascinated by, you get a timeless hub that’ll never cease to amaze visitors (me included) with its one-of-a-kind experiences.
Between the serene ambiance of Meiji Shrine, the perfect chaos of Shibuya Crossing, and the mouth-watering sushi served along Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo truly offers something for everyone.
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