Travellers who are looking for venture away from the tourist hot spots, Asia offers numerous, less-visited “second cities” that promise authentic experiences away from the throngs.
These second are bustling metropolis with a thriving cultural scene that deserves to be experienced firsthand. Here are 5 Asian cities you shouldn’t overlook. Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Delhi are the cities that first-time travellers to Asia flock to, and with good reason.
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Kunming, China
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its near-tropical climate, the capital of the Yunnan Province isn’t even one of the 15 largest cities in the country, despite its population of nearly 6.5 million. The refreshingly pollution-free Kunming is home to a bevy of important cultural sites, including the 1,200-year-old Buddhist Yuantong Temple, several museums including the Yunnan Provincial Museum, the historic Guandu Old Town, sprawling shopping districts, Green Lake Park and countless purveyors of the region’s many culinary delicacies—go to 1910 La Gare du Sud and Tusheng Shiguan for authentic Yunnan cuisine. If you’re looking to get outside the city, head to the Stone Forest, a stunning collection of limestone formations.
Busan, South Korea
A sprawling stretch of white sand, cerulean waters, and a warm, almost tropical climate are not things often associated with South Korea, but Busan brings together the best of a laidback Caribbean beach vacation with the Korea’s modern sophistication. The quiet Beomeosa Temple is a peaceful retreat very close to the city and Yonggungsa is a rare example of a seaside temple. Busan boasts several museums, but is best known for its hot springs, nature preserves, winding hiking trails, and other outdoor diversions. Because of its seaside location, the cuisine in Busan features more seafood than in other parts of Korea, and visitors should take advantage of the opportunity to sample the freshly caught delicacies.
Chiang Mai, Thaliand
For a taste of authentic Thai history without the raucousness of Bangkok, head to the northern city of Chiang Mai. Founded more than 700 years ago, the city of just 150,000 is home to an impressive collection of temples that date back as far as the city itself, found within the historic walled city. Wat Chiang Man is the oldest royal temple in Chiang Mai, though there are several other important religious sites in the city environs as well. If you’re looking to get outside of town, motorcycle tours, rafting, rainforest canopy walks, and river cruises are all available in the area.
Vientiane, Laos
With its pleasant location along the Mekong River, manageable size, and proximity to other points of interest in the country, the Laotian capital stands as a pleasant antithesis to many of Asia’s enormous capital cities. The Patuxai is perhaps the city’s most recognisable landmark, Vientiane’s interpretation of the Arc de Triomphe with a distinctly Buddhist design. Some small museums detail the history of the country, and several temples and stupas round out Vientiane’s tourist highlights. Nearby nature preserves are perfect places for trekking, Laos’s primary draw for foreigners. Nearly any kind of cuisine can be found in Vientiane, though the local specialties—noodle soups, Chinese donuts—are the things to order, best procured at one of the upscale, but unpretentious restaurants along the river.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Located midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City along the coast of the South China Sea, Da Nang is a fitting mix of the country’s two metropolises. A laidback environment coupled with important cultural markers (Hindu, French, Chinese, and American influences can all be seen in the city’s architecture) make Da Nang an appealing destination for travelers looking to explore the country without getting lost in the chaos of Vietnam’s larger cities. When not relaxing on one of the pristine beaches, explore the ruins of fourth-century Da Nang (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or head to the nearby Marble Mountains, cartoon-like limestone rock formations dotted with Buddhist temples and pagodas. Eat your way through town with the help of an in-the-know guide or for a more luxurious experience, splurge at the ultra-romantic La Maison 1888.
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