Lonely Planet selects Asia's top destinations for 2018

Often called South Korea’s 'second city,' the coastal metropolis of Busan has stepped out from Seoul's shadow.

Lonely Planet has named Busan the top destination on its 2018 'Best in Asia' list.

Located around 2.5 hours from Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, well-known for its vibrant seafood scene and scenic beaches, making it a popular summer getaway.

'A breathtaking mix of nature, culture, and cuisine, Busan offers a wide range of activities: from hiking to Buddhist temples, relaxing in hot springs, to enjoying fresh seafood at the country’s largest fish market,' Lonely Planet’s list describes.

Set to shine in 2018, Busan is named East Asia's Culture City, bringing the region to life with vibrant events that highlight South Korea's cultural traditions, including street art festivals and traditional dance performances.

Lonely Planet’s third annual 'Best in Asia' list features the guidebook’s top 10 must-visit destinations for the year ahead.

'Asia offers such a vast range of experiences for anyone dreaming of an adventure,' says Chris Zeiher, media spokesperson for Lonely Planet Asia-Pacific.

'Our team has sifted through countless recommendations to identify the best places to visit in the upcoming year,' Zeiher adds.

Uzbekistan ranks second, celebrated for its stunning mosaic-covered mosques and its rich Silk Road history. Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City follows in third place, described as 'a supercity that just keeps getting cooler.'

Uzbekistan's historic sites are now more accessible than ever before.

Uzbekistan's rich historical treasures are now within easier reach than ever. Andrii Lutsyk/Shutterstock

A blend of rising stars and beloved classics

Many of the destinations featured are off-the-beaten-path. For example, Sri Lanka's Arugam Bay, a surf town on the east coast, has managed to stay 'cool' despite the influx of tourists flocking to the country’s ancient sites and mountain resorts.

India’s Western Ghats, offering a blend of misty charm and jungle allure, provide an atmospheric alternative to Shimla and Darjeeling.

Some familiar favorites, like Chiang Mai, make the list again. A longtime hotspot in Thailand’s north, Chiang Mai has recently introduced new attractions, including the award-winning MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, making it worth revisiting.

Other destinations received praise for improvements in infrastructure. For instance, Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, ranked number 10, is now more accessible thanks to new flight routes.

'In addition to encountering the famous Komodo dragon, visitors to this stunning archipelago can trek to the scenic viewpoints on Padar, unwind on the tranquil beaches of Kanawa, and dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life,' Lonely Planet shares.

For more details on Lonely Planet’s top 10 picks, check out the gallery above.