Top Slow Travel Destinations in Asia For 2024

In recent years, new trends relating to travel keep on coming, including slow travel, a new way to explore Asia in 2024. This trend joins solo travel, digital nomads and the emergence of the quiet park movement. Slow travel offers travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in local cultures and get away from the madding crowds at their own speed.

Asia’s top slow travel destinations for 2024

World travel is constantly evolving to introduce new trends to enjoy all aspects of the visited nation. Previously, travelers moved at a faster pace, trying to visit as many attractions as they could in one day.

Meanwhile, slow travel sees tourists exploring at a relaxed pace, seeking cultural connections, escape from the high-season crowds while enjoying immersive experiences away from the major tourist hotspots. Through slow travel, international travelers can focus on the lesser-explored locations away from the packed tourist attractions.

Asian slow travel

The travel reservations platform Agoda has recently analyzed data to identify some of the top slow travel destinations in Asia. Khao Lak in Thailand comes out tops, followed by Seoul in South Korea, the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia and Ahmedabad in India. Read on to learn more about slow travel in Asia and the eight top places to visit at a slower pace.

1. Khao Lak, Thailand

Khao Lak is a small village in the Phang Nga province of Thailand. This beautiful coastal location is a surfer’s paradise, with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and fewer crowds.

2. Seoul, South Korea

While the capital city of South Korea is bustling and packed with people, even Seoul has its quieter spots for visit. While in the city, head to the Baeksasil Valley, the backstreets of Bum-dong and Seongbuk-dong. Each offers the chance to take things slowly and immerse in the beauty and culture of South Korea.

3. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Nestling off the coast of Terengganu, the Perhentian Islands are a perfect tropical paradise to take things slowly in Malaysia. Besides beaches, this location is perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling through the coral reefs around Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil.

4. Tokyo, Japan

It is hard to imagine that the sprawling, packed and bustling city of Tokyo could be an ideal place for experiencing slow travel. However, the city offers lesser-known neighborhoods, including Koenji, Yanaka, Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya. Here, travelers can experience an immersive and wonderful experience that makes you forget you are in Japan’s busy capital.

5. Siargao Island, the Philippines

Heading to the Philippines, Siargao Island is the surfing capital of the country. However, away from crowded beaches, travelers can visit wonderful places like Hagukan Cave and Sohoton Cove to relax in the heart of nature.

6. Pekanbaru, Indonesia

Exploring the Malay culture of Indonesia is best done in the city of Pekanbaru, where nature and history combine beautifully. Slow travelers can visit Kampung Bandar, Kayangan Lake and the iconic Maura Takus Buddhist temple.

7. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

When it comes to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) allows visitors to slow down and experience the rhythm. Here travelers can immerse themselves in the culture and dine on the city’s delicious local cuisine.

8. Ahmedabad, India

Surprisingly, Ahmedabad has emerged as the top slow travel destination in India. Here, visitors can stroll the city’s streets, visit the Manek Chowk market, experience the rich Gujarati culture and learn more about the nation through the Calico Museum of Textiles and Sabarnatu Ashram.

Explore Asia slowly in 2024, slowly taking in the culture, history, sights and sounds before heading for home totally rested and refreshed.