The most stylish stays in Lonely Planet's top 10 destinations in Asia

Travel


The most stylish stays in Lonely Planet's top 10 destinations in Asia

By Hayley Spencer

Updated 8 years ago

Have your sights set on an adventure in Asia?

Lonely Planet has just released it's first ever list of the 10 best destinations in Asia to visit over the next 12 months. Whether you're a food fanatic, adventure-seeker or want to discover the next off-the-radar location before the tourist stampede, there's a destination to suit. 

Hokkaidō, Japan with its “year-round charms” is the number-one destination, while Shanghai, described as the “centre of the universe right now," comes in at number two, and “top foodie destination” Jeonju in South Korea is third on the list.

So you can plan the ultimate escape, we've paired each destination with the coolest Airbnbs in the area, boasting amazing views, unbeatable mod-cons or divine decor.

Click through the gallery below to see the full list and to start planning your next big adventure.

Main image credit: © chinaface / Getty Images

10. Taitung, Taiwan

Taitung’s chilled vibe has tempted members of Taiwan's arts community to relocate, and given a few days, you'll get swept up in its charms too.

There's little time to get bored in this majestic mountain-flanked town. Its calendar is full of quirky festivals, including the famous Bombing Master Handan festival after Chinese New Year. It's also a well-known spot for whale watching, stargazing and cycling.

Photo: © Anthony Ko / Getty Images


Where to stay

From the outside, this single-story house has a cutesy cottage feel with its white picket fence and stepping-stone path. But inside it's all cool Nordic design details and open-plan living. Kang beds (raised platforms for sleeping) add to the communal living vibes, but may warrant earplugs!

From £232 a night


9. Meghalaya, India

This isolated city should be on the bucket list of every adrenaline junkie. Its rugged landscape boasts crashing waterfalls while living bridges woven from jungle roots make it a hot spot for adventure sports – from hiking to caving to rafting.

Photo: © Mahesh / Getty Images 


Where to stay

Who wouldn't want to escape to a Grand Designs-esque house in the hills? The location of this huge Shillong build makes it the ultimate crash pad for your adventure holiday in Meghalaya.

There are hiking opportunities on your doorstep thanks to the surrounding pine forests. Or you could just take in the view from your private balcony.

From £105 a night


8. Trang Islands, Thailand

Most of the Thai islands have a reputation for attracting backpackers in their droves, but the Trang Islands remain tranquil with plenty of the same draws of their Andaman Coast neighbours.

The beautiful beaches of Koh Kraden and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and cave swimming make it a top choice for a castaway experience.

Photo: © Sunphol Sorakul / Getty Images


Where to stay

This spacious four-bedroom villa has a beautifully ornate interior, and not forgetting, a surround-sound cinema room. But the real wow factor lies outside. Its huge infinity pool is right on the beach so you can enjoy an unspoilt view of the island's famous sunsets.

From £332 a night.


7. Pemuteran, Indonesia

The double bay of beaches near Menjangan are famed for their incredible underwater world; home to some of Indonesia's best coral walls. But there's plenty to enjoy on dry land too, like arty resorts and experimental restaurants.

Photo: © Tropical studio / Shutterstock


Where to stay

Located in the tranquil village of Pemuteran, this luxury villa will feel like your own hidden paradise. It has its own garden, pool and awe-inspiring views of the mountains.

To catch that amazing underwater scenery you needn't stroll for more than five minutes to the nearest beach. Bali Barat national park is nearby, too.

Warning: you may not want to leave.

From £107 a night


6. Ipoh, Malaysia

Ipoh's booming boutique cafe scene and old world charm has foodies flocking.

There's plenty to please sightseers and adventurous travellers. Marvel at the clifftop temples, bird watch at Kinta Nature Park or try whitewater rafting near Gopen.

Photo: iStock


Where to stay

Surrounded by forest, with a picturesque stream running through it, the Ipoh Senses retreat mixes a back-to-nature feel with chic minimalist decor.

You could easily while away hours sipping coffee on the veranda taking in the uninterrupted mountain views, so it's a good job that when hunger calls, it's just a stroll away from some of the city's famous foodie spots.

From £38 a night


5. Hong Kong, China

Think Hong Kong and a sprawling cityscape will come to mind, but its appeal is widening with a host of natural heritage attractions becoming more accessible. There's the mammoth geopark to the north east, and a new shuttle service from iSai Kung town to the site of ancient rock formations, plus a new ferry to the ancient village of Lai Chi Wo.

Photo: © chinaface / Getty Images


Where to stay

Located in the heart of Hong Kong, this hyper modern high-rise apartment has amazing views over the city and mountains. And after a day of sight-seeing it's got all the mod-cons you need to unwind in luxurious fashion. Your booking gives you access to the five-star sky lounge, rooftop pool, gym and sauna.

From £178 a night


4. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

With their white cove-lined beaches, the Con Dao Islands are postcard perfect. If its pure R&R you're after this is the one – while away your days diving into the coral gardens, sipping cocktails at the quirky beach bars and indulging in fresh seafood. 

Photo: © Cao Tran Tho / Shutterstock


Where to stay

With its pretty, leafy gardens, ocean views and private pool, this petite villa is the perfect place to lay your head and take in the views while visiting the dramatic Con Dao Islands.

From £94 a night


3. Jeonju, South Korea

If its a gastronomical adventure and Instagrammable architecture that you're after then Jeonju is the place to be. Not only is it the birthplace of the bibimbap and a burgeoning street-food scene, but its also home to one of the best preserved traditional villages in the country where museums, tea houses and artisans’ workshops sit alongside each another. 

Photo: © Kangheewan / Getty Images


Where to stay

It doesn't get much more idyllic than this traditional hanok (wooden house) with a cherry blossom-lined approach and mountain views. Be sure to take the hosts up on their offer of a Korean barbecue in the garden to add to your palette's pleasures while in the food-famed city.

From £68 a night


2. Shanghai, China

If you've never visited Shanghai then this is the year to do it. The fast-paced city and its vertiginous skyline are on the rise, as this year will see the bustling city become home to China's first mainland Disney theme park and will mark the completion of the world's second tallest building, the Shanghai Tower.

Photo: © tonnaja.com / Getty Images


Where to stay

This eclectically decorated penthouse mixes stylish 1930s features with colourful modern touches for a bright and cosy crashpad. It's just one block away from the bustling Yongkang, making it ideal for exploring the city's former French Concession and its quant lanes, cool boutiques, bars and resturants. 

From £78 a night


1. Hokkaido, Japan

Japan's northernmost island may be best known for its powdery snow during ski season but it's not to be overlooked in summer. Gorgeous national parks, remote islands with natural springs, caldera lakes and spectacular flower fields mean it's a haven for hikers and cyclists wanting to point their wheels towards epic views.

Food and drink is covered too, it's famed for its seafood and plays host to a summer beer festival in Sapporo. Luckily, the island is easier to reach than ever with a new bullet train linking its southern port city, Hakodate, to Tokyo.

Photo: © Seigo Yamamura/Aflo / Getty Images


Where to stay

This high-tech lodge in Hirafu is the perfect place to crash after a long day sightseeing or skiing. It's within walking distance to the ski lifts and the hot spring in Niseko and boasts an eco-fireplace to up the ambience on your apres-ski time.

From £196 a night


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