As the world’s largest continent, Asia enjoys an incredibly diverse terrain that includes postcard-perfect beaches, lush rainforests, soaring mountains, and sparkling lakes. But the continent is perhaps best known for its exciting cities, each filled with cultural, historical, and modern marvels. Travelers to this grand continent are spoiled for choice, and deciding where to go can be pretty overwhelming. Some cities rise above the rest, however, so to help you narrow down the options, here are a few of the trendiest cities in Asia you'll want to consider visiting.
Tokyo, Japan
The most populous city in the world is filled to the brim with attractions for every type of visitor. From soaring skyscrapers and state-of-the-art technology to quiet temples and beautiful green spaces, the city offers endless possibilities. It's also a center of pop culture in Asia, often setting trends and proudly displaying its eccentricities. Here you can dress up as Mario Kart characters and zip through the busy streets in go-carts one night, go bar hopping through red-lantern-lit drinking districts the next night, and cap off your visit with some of the best sushi in the world, plucked from a conveyor belt. Street fashion is constantly evolving here, and you'll enjoy some of the best people-watching in Asia as citizens embrace their unique styles to the extreme. While Tokyo is lovely in the spring with its famous cherry blossoms filling its gardens and framing its temples, it's equally stunning in the fall, when brilliant autumn leaves give cherry blossoms a run for their money.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has become the place to go in Thailand, especially among digital nomads. The city isn't quite as populous as Tokyo, and enjoys a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. It's more laidback than other cities on this list, with activities like ethical elephant sanctuaries and dozens of tranquil temples on offer. The city is perhaps best known for Yi Peng, the annual lantern festival, which lights up the skies every November, but there's plenty to do the rest of the year. Stroll through its myriad markets, picking up inexpensive yet beautifully crafted clothes and jewelry to wear on the rest of your trip. Relax in a gorgeous luxury hotel for far less than you would spend on the same experience elsewhere. Explore the old walled city, which offers a stark contrast to the glittery skyscrapers in many of Asia's modern cities.
Singapore
Singapore is a global finance mecca, with the highest GDP in the world, but it's also a contrasting mix of old and new with luxury high-rises standing next to colonial landmarks and traditional Indian and Chinese food stalls tucked between Michelin-starred restaurants. Nature meets science fiction at the top attraction in Singapore, the Supertree Grove, which soars 16 stories high with tens of thousands of flora species planted on its exterior. The OCBC Skyway offers a hypnotizing light show, dancing to coordinated music every night. For a panoramic view above it all, visitors can ride the Singapore Flyer which soars above the city skyline. On a clear day, you’ll not only enjoy views of iconic landmarks like Marina Bay and the Colonial District, but vistas that stretch all the way to Indonesia and Malaysia from the ride’s highest point.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The cultural capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh has been trending at the top of Asia’s most-searched destinations for the past several years. Formerly known as Saigon, the city features diverse architecture that ranges from Buddhist and French colonial to modernist, ornate pagodas, and grand temples. And as the business and financial hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh offers an intriguing mix of historic and modern, and you can stroll outdoor markets one minute before hopping into a raging nightclub scene.
The city is also a foodie’s paradise, with food tours available via scooter where you can sample a wide range of delicious eats, like its signature street food, banh mi thit, a baguette filled with savory ingredients like pork, egg, and fresh herbs, similar to a sub sandwich. Don’t miss the Saigon Skydeck which provides the most awe-inspiring views over the city, with other highlights including the HCMC Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon, Reunification Palace, Thien Hau Temple, and Jade Emperor Pagoda.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud has been trending since the release of Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir (and subsequent 2010 film), Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia. A center for healing, the city places a great emphasis on spiritual well-being, offering traditional Balinese medicine, yoga, and meditation. Beyond its reputation as a wellness hub, Ubud is also Bali’s cultural heartbeat, providing insight into the magical way of life on the island. Think brilliant green rice paddies and wild jungle, cascading waterfalls, and ornate ancient temples. Traditional Balinese performances are popular too, allowing visitors to experience the unique tradition of Balinese dance with spectacular costumes and mesmerizing body movements set to live music.
