Asia’s “Top 10 Emerging Travel Cities” surprise with Nantou County!

Reported by Tourism Center / Taipei

Among the 48 countries in Asia, there are many well-known cities that attract a large number of tourists from around the world every year. However, there are also cities whose beauty is gradually being “discovered,” only becoming popular tourist destinations in recent years. A globally renowned hotel booking website recently selected the “Top 10 Emerging Asian Travel Cities of 2013” based on hotel booking locations, tens of thousands of traveler reviews, and expert consultations. To everyone’s surprise, “Nantou County in Taiwan” is also on the list.

Since these cities are not major urban centers, they are usually not included in the national list of popular tourist destinations, and foreign travelers rarely explore them. Emerging travel cities can often bring many surprises to visitors, and these cities already offer a diverse range of well-developed accommodation options, allowing tourists to enjoy different travel experiences.

1. Tana Toraja, Indonesia

▲ Tana Toraja in Indonesia features unique houses and the special tradition of “funeral processions.” (Photo / provided by Agoda)

Located approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Makassar on Sulawesi Island, in the misty, forest-covered highlands of South Sulawesi Province, it is known for its animist beliefs, unique houses, and the special tradition of funeral processions.

Since this remote city was “discovered” in the 1980s, its tourism industry once flourished. However, over the past two decades, interest among travelers has gradually waned, leading to a decline in the local tourism sector. Although the number of visitors has now dropped to an all-time low, if you visit Rantepao—the main tourist destination in Tana Toraja—you’ll still find its rich culture and natural scenery well worth exploring.

Indonesia has only two main seasons: “hot and rainy” and “hot and dry.” The period from April to October is less rainy and is the best time to visit. In the mountains near Tana Toraja, nighttime temperatures can get quite cold.

2. Nantou County, Taiwan

▲ Nantou County in the treasure island of Taiwan boasts hot springs, rivers, and rolling lush green landscapes. (Photo / provided by Agoda)

Located in the very center of Taiwan, Nantou County is the only inland county/city on the island and also a key agricultural hub, far from the bustling areas of western and northern Taiwan. The tranquil Sun Moon Lake attracts numerous boaters, fishermen, hikers, cyclists, and tourists. The surrounding area features many farms selling a variety of homegrown produce, making it a favorite spot for locals as well. Home to Taiwan’s highest peak, “Yushan,” the area offers hot springs, rivers, and rolling green landscapes that are sure to delight visitors.

Due to the relatively high altitude in Nantou County, the best time to visit is from October to January. Travelers can take the Sun Moon Lake Gondola to enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and waters. It’s also highly recommended to go to bed early and wake up early to catch the sunrise over Sun Moon Lake.

3. Ella, Sri Lanka

▲ Ella is like a sleepy little town with a slow pace of life. (Photo / provided by Agoda)

The name “sleepy little town” seems tailor-made for Ella, which is located in southern Sri Lanka, about 140 kilometers from Kandy. Although many travelers may have heard of this place, compared to popular cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, Ella certainly stands out on its own.

Nestled in the inland mountainous region of Sri Lanka, Ella enjoys a prime location. Travelers can enjoy a leisurely holiday here—hiking, feasting, exploring the city, and relaxing. During your stay, try to immerse yourself in the local life and enjoy the slower pace.

The best time to visit Ella is from December to March, which is peak season when some travelers shift from coastal cities to Ella. As a mountain town, Ella remains quite comfortable even during the warmer off-season, and evenings can even feel chilly.
How to get there: Long-distance buses from various cities in southern Sri Lanka go directly to Ella, but most travelers take trains from major cities on the west coast, such as Colombo.

4. Ipoh, Malaysia

▲ Ipoh was originally a small village that became famous for its rich tin mines. (Photo / provided by Agoda)

Situated between the E1 highway connecting Kuala Lumpur and Penang on the western side of the Malay Peninsula, this once-obscure village developed in the early 20th century after rich tin deposits were discovered. To this day, Ipoh is known for its food and cave temples in the suburbs.

Ipoh is surrounded by captivating natural scenery and features giant limestone caves that attract many tour groups, as well as the colonial-era ruins of Kellie’s Castle, rumored to be haunted. There are also countless hiking spots and thrilling white-water rafting activities. The city center has its own charm, with grand colonial-era buildings and temples, not to mention delicious food and drinks—more than enough reason to visit Ipoh.

The average temperature in Ipoh varies by only about 2 degrees throughout the year, so there isn’t really a cool season. The best time to visit is from May to July, which is the driest period of the year.

5. Mai Chau, Vietnam

▲ Mai Chau is surrounded by forests and lush green rice fields. (Photo / provided by Agoda)

Mai Chau is a town in northern Vietnam, located about 140 kilometers southwest of Hanoi and only about 80 kilometers from the Lao border. Nestled within the forested Hoa Binh Province, it is a small town surrounded by limestone cliffs and green rice fields, with a significant population of the White Thai ethnic group.

Although Mai Chau has long had a certain number of visitors, its tourist numbers are still far below those of more popular destinations like Sapa. Surrounded by vibrant, emerald-green rice fields and flanked by two rows of hills forming a valley, the beautiful scenery becomes even more stunning in the countryside or when climbing the hills. The town also has several distinctive markets, and nearby natural caves are worth visiting.

Mai Chau is very hot in June and July, making it unsuitable for travel. However, from February to May, the surrounding vegetation is a bright green, a delightful sight. From October to November, the foliage turns a beautiful golden yellow, full of autumn charm.

VI. Hakone, Japan

▲ When you think of Hakone, hot springs and the scenic beauty of Mount Fuji definitely come to mind. (Photo / Provided by Agoda)

Located southwest of Tokyo at the northern tip of the Izu Peninsula, Hakone is about 30 kilometers from Mount Fuji. Traveling to Hakone essentially revolves around two things—hot springs and scenery. It’s a highly popular tourist city among the Japanese, and in recent years, it has also attracted a growing number of visitors from other regions. Famous for its hot springs, the area’s abundant geothermal resources have made it a renowned hot spring destination. There are many types of hot springs here, ranging from simple soaking pools to fully equipped functional spas in resort hotels.

Additionally, it’s said that eating a black egg boiled in Hakone’s hot spring water can add seven years to your life. The surrounding mountains also offer numerous hiking trails and the beautiful Lake Ashinoko. On clear days, visitors can even see the reflection of Mount Fuji in the lake—a mountain that has been world-famous for centuries.

Hakone experiences cold winters, mild summers, and comfortably cool springs and autumns, allowing visitors to enjoy different sceneries throughout the year. Some people prefer soaking in the hot springs to stay warm during winter, while others enjoy the relaxing soak in a more temperate environment.

VII. Damyang County, South Korea

▲ Damyang County is home to towering bamboo forests that are truly breathtaking, and it has served as the filming location for many immensely popular Korean movies. (Photo / Provided by Agoda)

Situated in the southwestern part of South Korea, adjacent to Gwangju, the country’s fifth-largest city, Damyang County is well known for its bamboo products and fruit orchards, which are popular among Korean travelers. Yet, it still boasts vast, untouched countryside waiting to be explored.

Here, you’ll find lakes, mountains, parks, bamboo groves, and historical sites. One highlight is Soswaewon Garden, built in the 16th century, a garden designed to remind people of coexisting with nature. Other attractions include Gwangjuho Lake Ecological Park, the ancient village of Samjicheon, and Jungongwon Park, where you can admire tall bamboo swaying in the wind—it’s also a popular filming site for many hit Korean movies.

Nearby, you’ll also find Mudeung Mountain, which was officially designated as a national park in 2012. The mountaintop offers picturesque views, and every weekend, hundreds of Koreans flock to climb it to enjoy the scenery, making it quite crowded. However, there are also many less-crowded hiking trails on the mountain.

In summer, Damyang County is lush and green, while autumn brings a colorful landscape when viewed from the top of Mudeung Mountain. For those who love winter, strolling through snowy landscapes surrounded by tall bamboo forests is an incredibly refreshing experience.

VIII. Phonsavan, Laos

▲ Phonsavan was one of the most heavily bombed cities during the Vietnam War. (Photo / Provided by Agoda)

Located in Xiangkhouang Province in northern Laos, Phonsavan lies on a vast plateau surrounded by the foothills of the Annamese Cordillera. It’s far from Laos’s popular tourist spots, and its most famous attraction is the archaeological site of the Plain of Jars. Phonsavan was also one of the most heavily bombed cities during the Vietnam War.

Despite the painful memories of the war, the tranquil Phonsavan is a lovely city with very friendly locals. The Plain of Jars remains its most famous site, and archaeologists still haven’t determined the exact reason for the construction of the massive stone jars. The surrounding areas are also worth exploring, with hilltops home to ethnically diverse mountain villages, as well as natural attractions like hot springs, waterfalls, and lakes.

November to March is the best season in terms of weather in Laos, making it the peak travel period. Travelers should plan their trips well in advance. If you don’t mind the rain, the rainy season from May to October brings lush, beautiful scenery on the outskirts of Phonsavan.

IX. Kep, Cambodia

▲ Kep is a laid-back town with wide roads and palm trees everywhere. (Photo / Provided by Agoda))

Located at the southern tip of Cambodia, just 15 kilometers from the Vietnamese border, Kep was a prosperous and elegant beach resort in the early 20th century. However, its status as a tourist destination was overtaken by Sihanoukville in the 1960s. During the turbulent years of the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s and 1980s, Kep was completely forgotten.

Visiting Kep allows travelers to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the rural life of Cambodia. Today, it’s a peaceful little town with scattered colonial-era remnants, wide roads, palm trees, and very friendly locals—all of which add to its charm. It’s known for its abundance of seafood, especially crabs, which you can enjoy at dozens of small seaside eateries, savoring sweet crab meat with a cool drink in hand while gazing at the ocean.

Like most Southeast Asian countries, the best time to visit is from November to March, during the local autumn season. Of course, if you don’t mind the humidity or occasional heavy showers, visiting from May to October is also perfectly fine.

X. Khanom, Thailand

▲ The coastline of Khanom features secluded beaches, and you might even spot rare pink dolphins. (Photo / Provided by Agoda)

Located in the central-southern protruding coastal region of Thailand, facing Koh Samui and Koh Phangan above, Khanom is a quiet town in the Gulf of Thailand and could be described as the Cambodian Kep of Thailand. The residents of this bay town are very friendly, there are few tourists, and almost the entire coastline consists of unspoiled beaches.

Khanom is a great representation of small-town Thailand. There isn’t much entertainment here—the best activities involve chatting with locals, wandering aimlessly, sampling local cuisine, or simply relaxing on the empty beaches, breathing fresh air all day. You can rent a motorcycle in Khanom to explore the surrounding areas, discovering jungles, hiking trails, and waterfalls nearby. You can also kayak with diving gear to explore the underwater world. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter rare pink dolphins.

The best time to visit is typically from February to April when the Thai weather is cool with occasional light rain. But even in summer, the constant sea breeze from the Gulf of Thailand helps keep you cool.

Rob Rosenstein, CEO of Agoda.com, said: “This year’s list of emerging Asian travel destinations includes a semi-open village in Vietnam, a once-famous beach resort in Cambodia, an overlooked city in northern Laos, and other off-the-beaten-path locations. These cities cater to all types of travelers with their offerings in food, culture, sports, leisure, entertainment, and shopping, and they are usually less crowded, offering a uniquely tranquil experience.”

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