The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore in Asia Right Now

If Asia is on your mind, consider this your cue to book a flight. From an immersive anime theme park in Japan to the latest UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mongolia, and a new airport enhancing access to Cambodia’s iconic attractions, the opportunities are limitless.

Here’s our curated list of the six top places to explore in Asia right now.

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Established in 1296, Northern Thailand’s largest city, built on the foundations of an ancient walled city, now thrives with street vendors, historic temples, cozy cafés, and a mix of Muay Thai gyms. The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Chiang Mai Design Week, a yearly festival held in early December that showcases the city’s vibrant creative culture, featuring pop-up markets with local artisans and workshops centered on sustainable living.

Don’t forget to bring your stretchy pants; Chiang Mai is a paradise for food lovers. Make sure to arrive early to indulge in Michelin-recognized eateries like Khao Soi Mae Sai and Huen Muan Jai, or sample local favorites such as Goodsouls Kitchen and Tikky Cafe.

Where to stay: Akyra Manor Chiang Mai

With its rooftop infinity pool and ideal location in the trendy Nimmanhaemin Road area, the boutique Akyra Manor Chiang Mai serves as a fantastic home base for your explorations.

Getting there

There are no direct flights from the United States to Chiang Mai. However, several airlines provide direct routes from cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Seoul, and Osaka.

2. Cambodia

Siem Reap, the entry point to Cambodia’s Angkor temple complex, is now more accessible than ever, thanks to a modern new airport that opened in November 2023. Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, Cambodia’s largest, can handle 7 million passengers annually with its 11,810-foot runway designed for larger aircraft.

While Angkor Wat is essential, take a few extra days to discover less-frequented temples for a more peaceful experience. Sites like Bakong Temple and Koh Ker, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2023, are each just a half-day trip from Siem Reap. To beat the midday heat, visit the Angkor National Museum for a closer look at the statues and artifacts from the Angkorian era (circa 800 to 1300). Be sure to get an audio guide for additional historical insights.

Accommodation suggestion: Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Constructed in 1932 and designed in French art deco style, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor beautifully blends the elegance of a bygone era with modern luxury, featuring a stunning 115-foot pool following its renovation in 2019.

Getting there

Currently, Siem Reap offers direct flights from regional hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. The new airport is expected to attract larger aircraft and enhance international connections soon.

3. Ladakh, India

A decade ago, luxury accommodations in this remote Himalayan region of Northeast India were nearly absent. However, as flights to the regional hub of Leh have increased, so too have options for upscale stays. Upon reaching Leh, take some time to adjust to the altitude (11,550 feet) before exploring the iconic rugged beauty of the Indus River Valley. Challenge yourself with a short hike up to Tsemo Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Leh, then consider embarking on a multiday trek, perhaps along the thrilling route from Rumtse to Tso Moriri, a stunning high-altitude lake.

Don’t miss the magnificent Tibetan Buddhist monasteries like Lamayuru, Thiksey, and Hemis, which are perched on dramatic rocky cliffs.

Where to stay: Dolkhar

The surge in tourism has led to the emergence of hotels like the newly opened Dolkhar, which features seven duplex villas dedicated to a zero waste and plastic-free ecosystem. Located on the outskirts of Leh, these luxurious villas beautifully blend traditional Ladakhi design with modern conveniences, including a spa and a terrace bar offering house-made spirits.

How to reach there

IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara provide direct flights from New Delhi that take approximately 90 minutes.

4. Mongolia

Reaching Mongolia may not be straightforward, but that’s part of its charm. This expansive, unspoiled land boasts sweeping landscapes of wind-swept sand dunes and majestic snow-covered peaks. While attractions like the eagle hunters of Bayan-Ölgii and the dunes of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park are well recognized, there are also hidden gems, such as the Deer Stone Monuments. Recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023, these impressive Bronze Age stones date from 1200 to 600 B.C., towering up to 13 feet with intricate stag carvings.

Where to stay: Three Camel Lodge

For a luxurious experience in the desert, consider reserving one of the 40 yurts—known locally as ger—at Three Camel Lodge, which feature en suite bathrooms and hot showers, a rare luxury in the area.

How to reach there

Throughout the year, travelers can find nonstop flights to Ulaanbaatar from major international hubs including Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Istanbul, and Frankfurt. Seasonal nonstop flights are also available from Bangkok, Phuket, and Osaka.

5. Japan

A journey to Japan is now even more enticing with the arrival of exciting new attractions. March 2024 saw the completion of the final phase of Ghibli Park in Nagakute, just an hour by train from Nagoya. This immersive theme park offers an experience filled with lovingly recreated scenes from the animated worlds of Studio Ghibli, the Oscar-winning studio behind classics like Princess Mononoke and Howl’s Moving Castle. Reservations are necessary, so be sure to book in advance. Additionally, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, a bullet train linking Tokyo to Tsuruga—a historic port city on Honshu's northwest coast—opened this spring, granting access to Echizen's renowned seafood, the stunning cliffs of Tojinbo, and the lesser-known hot springs near Awara Onsen Station.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is a must-visit, now celebrating its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This sacred trail on the Kii Peninsula, historically traversed by emperors and samurai, offers options for both day hikes connected by public transport and longer multi-day treks. In Niigata Prefecture, travelers can also explore the Sado Island Gold Mines, recently recognized as a new UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.

Where to stay: Yoyogi Park

With 25 rooms, an infinity pool, and picturesque views of Yoyogi Park, the recently opened Trunk (Hotel) Yoyogi Park is a place you won’t want to miss.

How to get there

Direct flights from several major U.S. cities are available to Tokyo and Osaka. From these hubs, traveling throughout Japan is just a quick train ride away.

6. South Korea

Known for its innovation, South Korea was the first nation to roll out a 5G mobile network in 2019, and in August 2024, it unveiled the Seoul Robot and Artificial Intelligence Museum. This futuristic venue, resembling a Star Wars set, features a striking white dome and offers deep dives into artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies.

Busan, the country’s second-largest city, launched its own Michelin Guide in February. Notable mentions include contemporary French cuisine at Palate by local chef Kim Jae-hoon and Fiotto, an Italian bistro run by a couple who source 90% of their ingredients from their family farm. If the 90-day tourist visa isn’t long enough, consider South Korea’s new digital nomad visa, introduced in January, allowing remote workers from abroad to live and work in the country for up to two years.

Where to stay: Josun Palace

Indulge in one of the stylish rooms at the newly opened Josun Palace for stunning views of Seoul’s Gangnam area.

How to get there

Several airlines operate nonstop flights to Seoul from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, and Seattle. Once in Seoul, you can reach Busan in about an hour by plane or under three hours by train.