Our 2018 Emerging Destinations in Asia
Originally published November 6, 2017
The world’s largest continent has a lot to offer — you could spend a whole lifetime trying to explore Asia and still come up short. That’s why this year’s list goes beyond staples like Japan and Bali, and gives you a fuller sense of the diversity of the continent.
I’ve asked travel bloggers from around the world to help me pick the best spots in Asia for 2018, and the list they came up with isn’t what you might expect!
Our 7 Best Places to Visit in Asia in 2018
#1 Nepal
Nepal was once a rising star on the tourist scene, fast on its way to becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. But that changed tragically when an earthquake devastated the country in April 2015, and lead many many tourists to skip it. But, two years later, the country is slowly recovering from the tragedy.
And Nepal still offers tourists incredible history, welcoming culture, and unparalleled hiking and trekking opportunities. Moreover, Nepal is one of the best value travel destinations on the planet — it’s possible for the frugal visitor to get by on as little as $15 per day here.
For many, the highlight of a visit to Nepal is one of the country’s two famous treks: the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek. But there are many other trekking routes through the country, supported by a network of teahouses that take in weary hikers for the evening.
It’s such a great place for trekking, that you can even go trekking with kids in Nepal. And Nepal also offers a lot besides just hiking. From visiting wildlife in the country’s southern jungles to absorbing the chaotic pace of life in the capital city of Kathmandu, there is something for everyone in Nepal.
#2 Astana, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s capital Astana surprises tourists in many ways. While many people relate Kazakhstan to vast wilderness and no man’s land inhabited by nomads, this is definitely not true for Astana.
The boosting and modern metropolis, with its surreal and futuristic architecture and buildings, is worth a visit. It’s easy, safe and cheap to get around the city and you shouldn’t miss the view of the skyline from the Bayterek tower and a visit to the presidential palace.
The National Museum of Kazakhstan is a must-visit to learn more about the country’s rich culture and history. Make sure to visit Astana – you won’t regret it and you will be surprised.
-Patrick from German Backpacker
#3 Mongolia
A huge country nestled between two other huge territories, Russia and China, Mongolia is an uncovered gem that will steal the heart of any traveler who is looking for trekking, outdoor activities like riding horses, spending time in a nomadic village or being on the road surrounded by beautiful nature.
One of the reasons why it has been off the beaten path so far, it is that is not easy to get to Mongolia because of lack of direct flights, it does not offer a seaside destination and winters are quite cold. Once you are aware of these limitations, plan accordingly and make your way to Ulaanbaatar, elect it as a base and start discovering the Gobi desert and the Gorkhi Terelj park before everyone else does.
-Ale from Foodmadics
#4 Kyrgyzstan
Located in Central Asia, with a relatively young age, having only achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and opened to tourism just a couple of years ago, not many people know about a country named Kyrgyzstan.
Furthermore, for some reason, the suffix -stan produces some fear in most people’s minds which, in my opinion, is totally wrong since, actually, -stan not only means ”land of” but also Kyrgyzstan is an extremely peaceful country where you can find the perfect balance between remoteness, authenticity and a relatively developed tourist infrastructure.
From first-class class treks to stunning landscapes which easily rival the Himalaya or Patagonia, hospitable people and a very accessible nomadic culture, traveling to Kyrgyzstan is, definitely, something you will not want to miss in the next upcoming years.
-Joan from Against the Compass
#5 Yangshuo, China
This stunning mystical destination located near Guilin may not be as well known as The Great Wall of China, but the hundreds of beautiful karst mountain peaks make Yangshuo, China one of the more surreal spots in Asia to rock climb and capture stunning sunrise/ sunset shots.
It currently caters to mostly domestic tourists, but its a growing destination, and has already been featured in the likes of National Geographic and The North Face. Note that you can also spot its iconic Li River in the 20 Yuan Bill.
-Lydia from Lydiascapes
#6 Koh Phangan, Thailand
Thailand is famous — and has long been one of the most popular places to visit in Asia — but there are some places that are still wild and, luckily, Koh Phangan is still one of them.
Despite the monthly influx of thousands of partiers to Had Rin beach for the famous Full Moon Party, the rest of the island of Koh Phangan is still not touristic as the nearby island Koh Samui, and people who live here are so genuine.
Few of them speak English and prices are much cheaper than in the more popular nearby island of Koh Samui. Beaches, temples and wild nature everywhere, but within 2-3 years tourism will continue to grow very much. So, if you want to see the real Phangan, you should go now!
-Silvia from The Girl With the Suitcase (Italian language travel blog)
#7 Almaty, Kazakhstan
If Kazakhstan‘s political capital Astana is like a version of Dubai on the steppe, then its cultural capital Almaty is more akin to Denver or Zurich — a gorgeous, easy-to-navigate metropolis nestled against stunning mountains.
With the finest dining and nightlife in Central Asia, Almaty is a cosmopolitan destination that will surprise you at every turn. Its leafy green streets are lined with endless cafes welcoming visitors for a relaxing afternoon, while in the evenings the city’s modern nightclubs and bars light up the skyline.
But perhaps Almaty’s best feature is its proximity to the stunning Tian Shan mountain range. In just minutes you can leave the hustle of the city and find yourself surrounded by imposing mountain peaks on all sides, with nothing but the fauna and flora to keep you company.
With day trips to stunning destinations like Big Almaty Lake and Charyn Canyon possible from the city, you won’t run out of things to do in Almaty. And with Kazakhstan recently removing its visa requirement for many foreign nationalities, Kazakhstan may become popular sooner than you might expect.
Kazahkstan (KZ) YES, we were in Almatz, in two weeks we go again. BUT one problem SMOG. After Almaty we went to Oskemen KZ which is worse and I got serious problems, temperature abouve 38 degree D, kuffing blood etc.
Locally they “know” the problem is not the smog but the absent of wind. Now the wind has returned to Oskemen indead the smog is much less. Worldwide it seems that Almaty and Astana are very high in the smog cities raking but as official numbers are not published there is no probem.
Oh, wow, sad to hear you experienced that there! I can imagine that would put a real damper on the experience 🙁
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