Top 10 Underrated Places in Asia You Need to Visit

Top 10 Underrated Places in Asia You Need to Visit It looks like your bucket list just got a little bit longer. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Underrated Places in Asia You Need to Visit. For this list, we’ll be taking a look at the most relatively underappreciated places throughout Asia that travelers would be wise to add to their must-visit lists in the coming years. #10: Busan, South Korea Located on the southern end of the Korean peninsula, this tragically underrated port city is home to picturesque mountains; scenic beaches and a rich cultural history. Temple-hoppers will love exploring Busan’s many religious sites, with each one offering up something unique. Take a stroll through the Jagalchi Fish Market – the country’s largest - before visiting the colorful and eclectic Gamcheon Culture Village. Watch the sunset on Haeundae Beach before choosing one of Busan’s many culinary institutions. If you’re looking for a uniquely South Korean experience but want to avoid the dense sprawl of Seoul, head to Busan! #9: Pai, Thailand Far removed from the sun-soaked beaches of Thailand’s south is a tiny mountain town that’s well worth the winding, three-hour bus ride it takes to get there. Pai is slowly becoming a tourist hot spot thanks to its fantastic night market, endless rows of shops and restaurants and its proximity to some truly great sites. Just a quick scooter drive out of town you’ll find a ton of great spots such as the Pai Canyon, rice fields and even a giant white Buddha! Pai is still relatively new to the Thailand tourist trail but seems poised to make a big leap in popularity in the coming years. So get there soon! #8: Luang Prabang, Laos Luang Prabang is Laos’ cultural and spiritual capital, home to breathtaking temples, a fantastic array of food and some of the best natural wonders in the world. The first thing you’ll notice upon arrival is the architecture, which feels less like South East Asia and more like South East France. Climb to the top of Luang Prabang’s centrally located hill for a 360-degree view of the city’s many sites! Take a day trip to the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfall and bathe in one of its many pools. P.S.While in Laos, don’t forget to check out the Plain of Jars, an archaeological area strewn with many-centuries-old stone jars with a mysterious past! #7: Palawan, Philippines Water lovers rejoice! Palawan is an archipelagic province unlike any in the world. It is home to some of the most beautiful stretches of beach on earth, making it the perfect place for a little R&R. Rent a kayak and explore some of the region’s water caves; or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not do a little scuba diving? Palawan is surrounded by spectacular coral reefs that are guaranteed to dazzle even the most seasoned of underwater veterans. Palawan is slowly become a favorite destination of backpackers the world over so you’d be wise to pay it a visit sooner rather than later! #6: Bagan, Myanmar Due to its tragic modern history, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) as a whole is very underexplored and underrated, but we only have time to focus on one place: and Bagan is an easy choice. It’s located smack dab in the middle of the country, which only opened itself up to tourists in 1992. The town is best known for the stunning array of temples that dot the surrounding landscape, one that is best seen from the basket of a hot air balloon. There are many temples to see but the two you don’t want to miss out on are Dhammayangyi Pahto and Ananda Pahto. Bagan is still relatively untouched by tourism, making it the perfect place for intrepid travellers. #5: Koh Rong, Cambodia Looking to get away from it all? Head to Koh Rong! Crystal-clear waters that are just perfect for diving, snorkeling and all other manner of fun water-based activities surround this island paradise. On land, you’ll find lush forests that are calling out to you to be explored. Wind down with a cold beer at any of the island’s many beachside bars or enjoy a delicious plate of fried crab or red curry at one of the many restaurants. Koh Rong isn’t as popular as some of Thailand’s islands but that just makes it even more appealing! #4: Gansu, China If you’re someone who is constantly searching for the next great photo op, then Gansu Province in north-central China is the place for you! It has a little something for everyone, from portions of the Great Wall and colorful mountain ranges to sandy deserts and ancient temples. There are so many different reasons to visit this eclectic portion of the country, from the incredible Mogao Caves to the historically fabled Silk Road. Don’t let Gansu’s size deter you from paying it a visit in the near future, as its exclusivity makes it one of the most unique travel destinations in all of Asia. #3: Melaka City, Malaysia A UNESCO World Heritage site, Melaka City is South East Asia’s hidden jewel. Steeped in history, the city has changed hands five times since the 15th century; a fact represented by its diverse architecture. Take a stroll along the banks of the Melaka River and take in some of the city’s impressive street art. Or better yet, take a trip back in time and visit Christ Church, situated in the center of the picturesque Dutch Square. Another must-see is the relatively-new Melaka Straits Mosque, located on a man-made island, that is a wonder to behold, especially at night! We can’t imagine that Melaka City will remain underrated for long! #2: Dalat, Vietnam People come to Vietnam for the food, the history and the scenery, and Dalat, located in the Central Highlands, has all three. While it may not be as popular as Ho Chi Minh City in the south or Hanoi in the north it is no less inviting. Grab a cup of traditional Vietnamese drip coffee and explore the night market, or take a day trip to Dambri Falls, stopping on the way back at one of the various tea plantations, which are some of the most beautiful in the entire world. One of the best parts about Dalat is the temperature, which is considerably cooler than the rest of the country. #1: Nusa Penida, Indonesia It’s official. No trip to Bali is complete without hopping on a 45-minute speedboat to neighboring Nusa Penida. The island is home to a plethora of breathtaking sites; from the endlessly photographable Kelingking Beach, to the delightfully clear waters of Angel’s Billabong lagoon. The terrain is rough and the roads are worse but the views are unrivaled. Despite its proximity to one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, this island has remained relatively untouched by tourism until very recently. But with so many incredible sites it’s only a matter of time before resorts start to pop up; so as with any underrated place, get there before it becomes overrun with tourists!