Asia is a vast and diverse continent. There’s plenty to see with modern touches surrounded by remnants of an ancient past. As summer concludes, many Americans are looking for the perfect international getaway for fall travel. If Asia is on your bucket list, consider exploring these seven underrated Asian destinations to visit during the Autumn season.
Nikko, Japan
For scenic views against a beautiful Japanese landscape, Nikko is an excellent underrated Asian destination to visit. The city is about a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo into the Japanese mountains. The area used to be the location of summer homes for the country’s royal families. Now, there are a ton of sacred temples and shrines, UNESCO World Cultural Heritages sites, natural hot springs and majestic waterfalls. Nikko is also home to the Shinkyo Bridge, one of the country’s most unique bridges with a mythical history.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh is home to many archaeological sites, museums and famous religious structures. Dhaka, the country’s capital, is one of its most popular tourist hubs and a hotspot for attractions and ancient palaces, like the Ahsan Manzi. Bangladesh has colorful bazaars to explore, the world’s largest mangrove forest and ancient mosques. Travelers also can explore Old Dhaka, the original center of the capital full of Hindu temples along the Buriganga River.
Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam
Between Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta Region is home to unique ecosystems, rich culture and peaceful vibes. Most of the fish that feeds Vietnamese citizens come from the Mekong Delta, and the rivers and canals wine through the entire area connecting everyone together. Travelers visiting the region have plenty to see and do. It’s definitely a more tranquil, underrated Asian destination. However, it still has much to offer. Beyond the floating markets and pagodas, there’s the bustling waterways of Cần Thơ, an array of delectable cuisines and hammock lodging on Thoi Son island.
Bagan, Myanmar
A city with an ancient history, Bagan has holy structures around every corner. The city is home to 3822 Buddhist monasteries, temples and pagodas. Centuries ago, Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom with over 10,000 religious monuments. Today, the city maintains its sacred ambiance welcoming visitors to explore the holy city. Some notable temples to visit include Shwe Zigon Temple, the golden, gourd-shaped Bupaya Stupa and the Burmese-Indian inspired Gawdaw Palin Temple. Many travelers also suggest checking out the city from the sky on a hot air balloon ride.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is an enchanting place that used to be the capital of Laos. Luang Prabang has a tremendous amount of religious monuments and Buddhist temples. However, there are a few here that are especially unique. Thousands of years ago, people left beautiful golden, Buddhist artifacts and jewelry in a cave. The 4,000 statues and trinkets still remain there today in Pak Ou Caves. For an incredible view of the city, travelers can visit Mount Phousi or head to the Kuang Si Falls to swim and bask in nature.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Located off the Indian mainland, Andaman and Nicobar islands are an archipelago full of dense forest and unique ecosystems. There’s about 836 islands in this cluster. Only 28 are inhabited, and there’s plenty of monuments, beaches and restaurants to explore. Travelers can visit the old Cellular Jail, a century-old pilgrimage site or capture photos of the beautiful coral gardens and native wildlife.
Changsha, China
Changsha has a history dating back to the Zhou Dynasty in 1046 BC. It’s the capital of China’s Hunan province and is named after astrological practices in ancient times. In 2017, Changsha was considered China’s most up and coming city. Since then the city has continued to grow while maintaining the charm of its past. Changsha is pristine and modernized, showcasing how urbanization has evolved in China. Between historical landmarks and sightseeing, travelers have access to a variety of excursions and adventures including nature tours, bullet train travel and visiting various research institutes.
