Asia’s top slow travel destinations offer a chance to embrace local cultures and escape the crowds at your own relaxed pace. Thailand leads the list for 2024.
Travel is evolving, with slow travel emerging as a popular new trend. Gone are the days of fast-paced travel, running across the city to cover as many tourist attractions as possible in one day. Tourists now travel at a relaxed pace, seeking immersive experiences, cultural connections, and escape from crowded tourist hotspots. This trend recognises underrated vacation ideas and makes them mainstream by highlighting slow travel destinations. Asia is being reinvented through slow travel, with international travellers focusing on less explored places rather than conventional tourist destinations.
Travel booking platform Agoda analysed data to identify Asia’s top slow travel destinations for you to discover. Thailand’s Khao Lak leads the list, followed by South Korea’s Seoul and Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands. Ahmedabad has been identified as the best slow travel destination in India.
Beyond the obvious: 8 best slow travel destinations in Asia 2024
Khao Lak, Thailand
This small village in Phang Nga province is a surfer’s paradise, promising white sand beaches, crystal clear water and fewer crowds.
Seoul, South Korea
The fast-paced capital city has quaint spots, like the backstreets of Bum-dong, Baeksasil Valley, and Seongbuk-dong, which make you want to take it slow and embrace the beauty and Korean culture.
Plan your Korean itinerary to include the top free things to do in Seoul, South Korea.
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Off the Terengganu coast is this slow tropical paradise, ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving through the coral reefs around Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar.
Tokyo, Japan
As a slow travel destination, the lesser-known neighbourhoods of Japan’s bustling capital, like Yanaka, Koenji, Shimokitazawa, and Sangenjaya, offer out-of-this-world experiences that make you forget you are in the city.
Explore more with our first-timer’s guide to exploring Tokyo.
Siargao Island, the Philippines
Besides being the surfing capital of the Philippines, wonders like Sohoton Cove and Hagukan Cave inspire you to immerse yourself in the lap of nature.
Pekanbaru, Indonesia
Malay culture, history and nature beautifully blend with the vibrant city of Pekanbaru. You can relax at Kayangan Lake, Kampung Bandar and Muara Takus Buddhist temple.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Slow down and feel the rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City, where experiencing the local culture and cuisine is one of the major attractions.
Ahmedabad, India
The list takes a surprising turn with Ahmedabad emerging as India’s top slow travel destination. Navigate the streets of this city to experience rich Gujarati culture along the Manek Chowk market and learn about the nation’s history and industries through Sabarmati Ashram and the Calico Museum of Textiles.
(Feature Image Credit: Shifaaz Shamoon/Unsplash)
This article first appeared on Travel+Leisure India.