Asia’s top 7 emerging destinations for 2020

Where are you headed to this year? Have you started updating your travel bucket list yet? Do you prefer to explore places closer to home or do you want to travel far? Check out this Skyscanner APAC Travel Trends 2020 Report. You may want to include these emerging destinations for 2020 in your travel wish list.

As reported by Skyscanner, beach destinations in Vietnam and the Philippines are gaining popularity. 2019 apparently marked the rise of Asian destinations, with Vietnam driving the strongest growth. Beach destinations in Vietnam such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Da Nang were immensely popular last year. In the Philippines, Kalibo, Angeles, and Puerto Princesa were the most favored destinations.

Here are the top seven emerging destinations for 2020 in Asia, according to Skyscanner’s report.

1. Phu Quoc, Vietnam

If you want to get away and relax, Phu Quoc might just be the perfect island getaway. Located off the south-western tip of Vietnam, the island is home to many uninhabited islands and unspoiled beaches. Phu Quoc is also known for its unique and vast marine life where travelers can spot green turtles and dugongs. 

Famous for: Beaches, snorkeling and a resemblance to utopia

Best time to visit Phu Quoc, Vietnam:
Most popular: November to March
Most affordable: April and May
Least crowded: July to September

Best kept secret: Aside from its beaches, half of the island is a protected national park full of rainforest, mountain tops and waterfalls.

Things to do in Phu Quoc:

1. Enjoy picturesque sunsets at the many stunning beaches that dot the south of the island.
2. Snorkel or dive at Nudibrand Island or Dry Island.
3. Learn a little bit of local history at the Phu Quoc prison-turned-museum. It is where Northern Vietnamese soldiers were imprisoned during the Vietnam War.
4. Try the local delicacies at the popular Dinh Cau night markets.
5. Learn about Vietnamese cuisine and take a cooking class.
6. Visit Dinh Cau Rock at the Duong Dong Fishing Harbour. It is also called Cau Temple because fishermen go there to pray before heading off to fish.
7. Visit Suoi Tranh Waterfall.

2. Kalibo and Boracay, Philippines

After its closure to tourists in 2018 to rehabilitate the island, Boracay is open again and back to its former glory. Serviced by Kalibo Airport, Boracay is the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate.

Famous for: Incredible beaches. Boracay’s sand, water and lush rainforest backdrops make for gorgeous vacation photos.

Best time to visit Kalibo, Philippines:
Most popular: March and April
Most affordable: February
Least crowded: June marks the start of the wet season

Best kept secret: The cold springs in Nabas Town. After a small trek, you can cool down with fresh spring water—perfect for the heat in the Philippines.

Things to do in Kalibo area:

1. Beaches, beaches, beaches in Boracay: White, Yapak, Diniwid and more
2. Go (or just watch) cliff diving at Ariel’s Point.
3. Explore Bakhawan Ecopark, a 200-hectare mangrove forest. Walk the 1-km boardwalk that opens into the sea, try kayaking, or have a picnic at the mini park.
4. Visit Museo it Akean which houses age-old artifacts of local Aklanon culture.
5. Hike Tigayon Hill and Cave.
6. Dance like an Ati and experience Ati-Atihan Festival, happening every third week of January.
7. Watch how a native pineapple leaf is transformed into an intricately woven piña cloth at the Piña Village.

3. Takamatsu, Japan

As Japan grows in popularity, travelers are starting to explore more of the other prefectures. Away from the likes of Tokyo and Osaka is Takamatsu, the largest town on Shikoku Island.

Famous for: Udon noodles. Takamatsu is the home of udon, and you will find them in all restaurants in all manner of styles, just as they are meant to be.

Best time to visit Takamatsu, Japan:
Most popular: April to June
Most affordable: March and July (you might even catch the start of cherry blossom season)
Least crowded: December through to February

Best kept secret: Near Takamatsu is the Matsuka Seimen noodle factory, a place that produces food so great that people line up at dawn to eat everything freshly made.

Things to do in Takamatsu:

1. Eat Sanuki Udon, Takamatsu’s most famous dish.
2. Explore the beautiful Ritsurin Koen, a Japanese-style landscape garden.
3. Grab a tea or coffee and sit by the Shikanoidesui canal. The area is more beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
4. Take a glimpse of the traditional Ichinomiyaji or Honenji temples.
5. Visit the ruins of Takamatsu Castle, one of Japan’s few seaside castles.
6. Ride a ferry and visit Ogijima Island, a small lovely village with a lighthouse. It is one of the venues of the Setouchi Triennale art festival.
7. Make a side trip to Naoshima and explore its modern art museums and architecture, including the popular Bennesse House, considered one of the most unique hotels in Asia.

4. Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Many people are surprised by the appearance of Tashkent in the list of emerging destinations in Asia this year. The architectural style of this modern city makes it a cinematic backdrop.

Famous for: Tashkent Tower, an Eiffel Tower-esque structure that dominates the skyline. It’s the tallest in all of Uzbekistan and is best admired from a distance.

Best time to visit Tashkent, Uzbekistan:
Most popular: June to August are the busiest months
Most affordable: Spring and autumn
Least crowded: November to March is the quietest time, but dress warmly

Best kept secret: It’s a city with many identities. On one hand, it’s a modern metropolis. On the other, there’s a huge area leftover from a Soviet past.

Things to do in Tashkent, Uzbekistan:

1. See the world’s oldest Koran at the Hazrat Imam Complex.
2. Admire the incredible architecture of Minor Mosque, Kukeldash Madrasah and Dzuma Mosque.
3. Shop at Chorsu Bazaar.
4. Catch a show at Navoi Theatre.
5. Check out the view from the Tashkent TV Tower.
6. Try plov, the traditional cuisine of Uzbekistan. 
7. For something totally different, visit the eclectic Museum of Pumpkin.

5. Busan, South Korea

Korea’s popularity is at an all-time high with the world properly obsessed with everything K–pop music, food, culture, and dramas. While Seoul may be the top destination in South Korea, Busan is steadily growing in popularity. It is home to several historic sites, museums, beaches, and markets.

Famous for: Many Koreans flock to Busan’s Haeundae Beach during summer.

Best time to visit Busan, South Korea:
Most popular: June to August
Most affordable: Shoulder seasons can help you save money on accommodation
Least crowded: December to February

Best kept secret: The enchanting Bosu-dong Street is dedicated to books. If you look hard enough, you’ll be able to find Japanese, Chinese and English books too. The street is also dotted with charming cafes. 

Things to do in Busan, South Korea:

1. Stretch your legs by strolling along Songdo Skywalk.
2. Visit Haedong Yonggung, one of the most striking temples in Korea.
3. Explore the 40-Step Culture and Tourism Street.
4. Take a trip to the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village.
5. Enjoy the views from the 394-foot Busan Tower.
6. Shop at the Nampo-dong International Market, a shopper’s paradise.
7. Walk on the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass platform built on the edge of a 114-foot-high.

6. Kathmandu, Nepal

Surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu is a joy for all the senses. When you arrive, you will see the amazing temples, smell the enticing local dishes, and hear the bustle of a busy day. This is a place of pure beauty, so enjoy every minute at this emerging destination for 2020.

Famous for: Nepal is home to Mount Everest. Whether you plan to trek to the base camp or just take a scenic tour, the mountain peak is something incredible to witness.

Best time to visit Kathmandu, Nepal:
Most popular: October to December
Most affordable: January to April
Least crowded: June to September

Best kept secret: Got a dental problem? Kathmandu is home to the Toothache Tree. Locals believe that making an offering to this timber stump rids you of all tooth troubles.

Things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal:

1. Visit the many temples in the capital, including the Swayambhunath, home to hundreds of monkeys.
2. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur.
3. Wander around and explore Pashupatinath Temple.
4. Watch the monks at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal.
5. See Taleju Temple, one of the magnificent structures in Kathmandu.
6. Go on a market tour and shop for beautiful metalworks (silver, copper, and brass) at Ason Market.
7. To complete your visit to Nepal, experience Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. Take the journey to Everest’s base camp. If you can’t trek, take the Everest Mountain Flight for an unforgettable experience. 

7. Yangon, Myanmar

Only recently opened to tourists, Myanmar has a reputation for being genuine and unspoiled. It’s one of the few Asian countries yet to have a McDonald’s.

Famous for: Myanmar, formerly Burma, is well known for its many Buddhist temples and stupas. From the small and graceful to the huge and glittering, there are plenty to see on your visit.

Best time to visit Yangon, Myanmar:
Most popular: November to February
Most affordable: March, April and May
Least crowded: June through to October

Best kept secret: Yangon is a Buddhist country, but it didn’t escape Christian interest. British colonialism brought, among other things, the giant Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Things to do in Yangon, Myanmar:

1. Visit the city’s icon, the bejeweled Shwedagon Pagoda.
2. Explore the city unguided with a ticket for the Yangon Circular Train.
3. Visit Sule Pagoda, one of the most famous temples in the city.
4. Walk through Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple.
5. Check out Kandawgyi Lake, known for its boardwalk and is a popular destination for an evening stroll.
6. Shop for local souvenirs and Myanmar handicrafts at Bogyoke Aung San Market.
7. Take a train to Mandalay, or see the UNESCO site, Bagan.

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