Lonely Planet names top 10 destinations in Asia

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Still looking for your next destination in 2018? Lonely Planet has revealed ten places worth visiting in its latest “Best in Asia” list.

The travel experts of Lonely Planet have named Busan, South Korea as its top choice for the continent. Among the other picks are Western Ghats in India, Lumbini in Nepal, and Sichuan Province in China.

“Asia is such a vast and diverse continent for anyone dreaming of an escape,” says the travel guidebook publisher’s Asia-Pacific media spokesperson Chris Zeiher.

Check out the full list of top 10 surprising destinations in Asia and pick one for your next adventure.

1. Busan, South Korea

The allure of Busan, South Korea. /VCG Photo

Often named as the “second capital of South Korea,” the port city of Busan is the second-most-popular city after Seoul. Enjoy the sunshine on the beach, visit Buddhist Temples, settle into hot springs or feast at Jagalchi, the country’s biggest seafood market. Busan provides you with many options for a scenic and tasty journey.

South Korea now offers visa-free entry to 117 countries and regions including US, Hong Kong and Canada. For visitors from the Chinese mainland with a valid visa (study permit, work permit, permanent residency, etc.) from United States, Japan, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, you can transit through or stay in South Korea for up to 30 days.

2. Uzbekistan

A view of Uzbekistan. /VCG Photo

Uzbekistan is rich in history and scenery, but it has been long closed off to the outside world due to political tensions domestically and globally. Thankfully, it now unveils the mysteries of the country and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

The country with dreamy mosaic-clad mosques and Silk Road lore opened up to tourism in late 2017. Visitors can get access to the ancient cities and jeweled architectures easier than ever. Tourists from 102 countries and regions including China, US, Canada and Australia are visa-exempted for a five-day stay if they are transiting through the international airports of Uzbekistan from July 15, 2018.

3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. /VCG Photo

With well-preserved colonial structures and war relics from the Vietnam War, and fancy shopping malls against a metropolis backdrop, Ho Chi Minh City is a place where history meets modernity.

Learn from history at the War Remnants Museum, immerse yourself in the religious atmosphere at Buddhist temples or French cathedrals, or explore Saigon’s local market. There are so many things to do, so make the most of your visit here.

4. Western Ghats, India

Natural scenery at Western Ghats, India. /Photo via www.lonelyplanet.com

The Western Ghats Mountain range is a hiker's paradise. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse territories on the globe, its peaks, wetlands and natural parks are spectacular all year round.

You’ll find wildlife, coffee, tea and spice plantations, and even a steam-powered mountain railway crossing the mountain ranges.

The neelakurinji flower, which blooms only once every 12 years, will be painting the hills in purple livery from August to October 2018. It sure is a sight to behold.

5. Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki, Japan has much history behind it. /Photo via www.lonelyplanet.com

For most tourists, Nagasaki is famous for the tragic atomic bombing in 1945. However, the city has already managed to rise from the ashes and advocates for peace, exemplified by the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. The intense and turbulent history makes Nagasaki a distinct destination in East Asia.

6. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is in northern Thailand. /VCG Photo

As the second most popular city in Thailand, Chiang Mai was awarded the UNESCO title of Creative City.

There’re numerous ways to explore this historic capital of Lanna Kindom. In Doi Suthep, you may find yourself getting lost in the mysterious mist of Lanna culture. Drive to the countryside, you can visit the peaceful country villages or take an adventure to the pristine rainforests. Don’t forget to visit the newly opened award-winning MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum and enjoy its masterful intertwining of traditional and modern influences.

7. Lumbini, Nepal

Lumbini, Nepal has religious significance. /VCG Photo

Located in the middle of the route from India to Nepal, it’s hard to believe Lumbini was the birthplace of one of history’s most revered figures, historical Buddha. Thankfully, with the effort of the international Buddhist community, pilgrims can now follow the footsteps of their greatest founder of the religion.

8. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka is a surfer's paradise /Photo via www.lonelyplanet.com

Arugam Bay, a tiny place with the best surf in the country, is situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast. Arugam Bay underwent a 10-year reconstruction after the 2004 tsunami and now serves as one of the world’s hottest surfing stations.

Here you’ll find surfboards and scrawled signs on hotel doors writing “gone surfing, back soon” everywhere.

9. Sichuan, China

Sichuan, China is home to the Giant Buddha and pandas. /VCG Photo

Giant Panda, hotpot, national park, ethnic minority cultural village and Giant Buddha of Le Shan, Sichuan Province in 2018 is bursting with reasons to go.

Situated in southwest China, Sichuan Province has been the gateway to Tibet Autonomous Region. Starting in 2018, a Sichuan-Tibet Railway will be launched, linking Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, to Lhasa in 15 hours. Up north, you can visit the scenic Jiuzhaigou National Park, climb the Mount Le Shan to see the Great Buddha and have a look at the well-loved black-and-white panda.

10. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Part of the Komodo National Park, Indonesia. /Photo via www.leemarine.com

The UNESCO-recognized Komodo National Park lies on the island of Komodo in Indonesia. Visitors can hike to the famous viewpoint on Padar, enjoy the sunshine on Kannawa, dive with the fantastic marine lives and see the illustrious lizard on the island.