Offbeat Destinations: 10 Underrated Asian cities to put on your travel list

Karen GEORGE 10 Jun 2015 updated the 7 June 2016 à 09:57

1/10
Melaka, Malaysia
Melaka is one of those cities that tourists often skip in favour of bigger draws like Kuala Lumpur and Penang but they’re missing out on a whole lot of history and culture by doing so. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Melaka is a stunning riverside city known for its rich colonial history and architecture that reflects the multicultural influence of the Dutch and the Portuguese. The city is best explored on foot or if you must, a flower-festooned rickshaw is a unique way to see the sights in town.
2/10
Bandung, Indonesia
The crowds may be in Bali but that doesn’t mean Bandung, the capital of Indonesia’s West Java province has nothing to offer. A bustling city set amid volcanoes and tea plantations, Bandung is fast gaining a reputation as the place to go for shopping, food and R&R. Highlights include the stunningly beautiful Kawah Putih sulphuric lake which lies 2 hours away from the city centre. Another hidden gem? Towering rice terraces and rolling rice fields because no trip to South East Asia would be complete without a trip to one. Of course, the icing on the cake would be a visit to Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano last erupted in 1983.
3/10
Mui Ne, Vietnam
Think desserts are exclusive only to the Middle East and North Africa? Think again. Sandy dunes are a common sight in Mui Ne, a little coastal town that spans 15km south of Vietnam. The main attractions here are the Red Sand Dunes (orangey sand) and the White Sand Dunes (white sand), along with the Fairy Stream, so named for its magical beauty that a mere picture will not be able to capture.
4/10
Bagan, Myanmar
Ancient temples dot the landscape of Bagan which has the highest concentration of Buddhist relics in the world. An estimated 2,200 temples, pagodas and other religious structures can be found here so you’ll never be without something to do. When your temple runs have exhausted you, take a ride in a hot air balloon during sunset hours to truly appreciate the spectacular landscape of the city.
5/10
Chengdu, China
Chengdu is the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province which is well known the world over for its spicy cuisine. The famous Sichuan peppercorn is what flavours most hot-pot dishes and other local specialities. The city is home to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone seated Maitreya in the world at 71 meters high and 24 meters wide. The giant Buddha has found its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Another not-to-be-missed attraction is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where panda keeping programs allow participants the chance to take care of pandas for a bit. With amazing cuisine and so much to see, it’s no wonder that this ancient city was voted by the rest of the country as the happiest city in the Middle Kingdom
6/10
Nara, Japan
Just an hour away from Kyoto is Nara, home to some of Japan’s oldest temples and shrines. Bursting with ancient monasteries, fine Zen gardens, traditional neighbourhoods and museums, Nara is everything you want in a trip to Japan minus the tourist crowds. Take your time exploring historic wonders like the famous Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Isui-en garden (for the cherry blossoms) and Nara-koen Park, with its famous semi-wild deer.
7/10
Hua Hin, Thailand
If Bangkok is the New York of Thailand, then Hua Hin is the Paris of the country, a favourite romantic getaway destination for most Thais, being only a short drive away from the capital. Thankfully though, unlike Paris, you won’t have to jostle your way around town with swarms of tourists as Hua Hin is still an off the radar place. The town has maintained its charming old-world feel with the quaint Hua Hin Railway Station and the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace. Lovely seaside villas dot the surrounding beaches and there are plenty of markets to visit, the most popular being the Cicada Market selling art and homemade crafts. Culture wise, be sure to check out Wat Huay Mongkol which houses the largest statue in the world of Luang Phor Tuad, a legendary Thai monk revered for his ability to perform miracles.
8/10
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang doesn’t get much love, not with neighbouring Cambodia stealing all spotlight with Angkor Wat. But all that’s about to change soon. UNESCO named the place a World Heritage Site for its unique architecture that fuses Asian and European styles together. Here one can ride on elephants while exploring waterfalls, jungles a butterfly park and a living organic farm.
9/10
Busan, South Korea
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of touristy Seoul, Busan, Korea’s second largest metropolis located on the Southeastern-most tip off the Korean peninsula is your best bet. The city with the 5^th busiest port in the world has the largest fish market in South Korea. Jagalchi Fish Market is where you’ll be able to find an amazing variety of the freshest seafood on offer. While there be sure to check out Haeundae Beach, popular with the locals but fast being discovered by tourists as well.
10/10
Jaipur, India
Buzzing auto-rickshaws, busses and ever-honking motorbikes contrast heavily against the magnificent fortes and flamboyant palaces that dot the capital of Rajasthan. India’s most flamboyant state is home to many incredible works of architecture such as the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. If you only have time for one fort, make it the Amber Fort, Jaipur’s star attraction and the grandest of them all. And of course, don’t leave without a visit to the Dera Amer Elephant Safari where the elephant ride will take you through fields and fortresses in the middle of the stunning Aravali forests.

There’s more to Asia than Bali and Bangkok. Find out the alternative Asian destinations you should be heading to this summer.

You know Bangkok, Tokyo and Seoul. You’ve been to Hong Kong and Bali is practically your second home. But what about underrated Asian cities that barely get a paragraph or two in travel guides? The lesser known places that guidebooks, travel magazines and bloggers rarely mention?

As a traveller, the main appeal of these lesser known cities is authenticity. While Bangkok, Bali and the likes are thronging with tourists just like yourself, places like Busan and Bandung will be filled with locals where the food will be less commercial, the beaches less crowded and you won’t be jostling other holidaymakers on the 5 foot walkway or queuing up to visit a tourist attraction. Getting to know a country and its culture, sights, sounds and smells is best done far away from the tourist traps and the madding crowd.

Today we’re going to do justice to these underdog destinations and shine the spotlight on some of Asia’s more modest metropolises. Browse the gallery to find out where you should be heading to this summer!

Karen George

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Offbeat Destinations: 10 Underrated Asian cities to put on your travel list

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