Jody Chan, Author at Goody Feed

There’s a good reason why Singaporeans love the same old cities – Seoul, Bangkok, Tokyo, Taipei, Bali (and the list goes on) for our yearly vacation. It is time –however- that we look abit further (figuratively) and venture out of the common destination spots. Here’s a bunch of great underrated and hidden travel spots in Asia for hipsters, or whoever who wants something different for once. 1. Pingyao, China Images are writer’s own Most people will not think of visiting this ultra tiny town in a country as humongous as China. However, I’ve had the pleasure to visit this little town and am itching to return. Pingyao was a financial center of China during the Qing Dynasty. The history of this place dates back some 2700 years and is renowned for its well-preserved city walls that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a quaint little ancient city with beautiful scenery, kind-hearted locals, delicious restaurants and the cutest cafes and guesthouses within the very ancient walls. You will be blown away in every way – this place is really worth a visit if you’re nearby the historic capital Xi’an in China renowned for the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum. A train ride is simply 2 hours away. 2.Ulsan, South Korea http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.26124949.8874/flat,1000x1000,075,f.jpg http://67.media.tumblr.com/62754eb020fcd59cfd870c67bb40b275/tumblr_np2mtiEtyQ1s9ohevo2_r1_1280.jpg You may have visited Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and even Gyeongju – but perhaps not Ulsan. Ulsan is a beautiful city with around 1 million in population. It is the home of the beautiful Yeongnam Alps (as seen in the 1st picture), and the Ulsan Grand Park (shown in the 2nd picture). If you’re big fan of nature – this is one stop you must not miss while you are in South Korea. 3. Hôi An, Vietnam http://www.contentedtraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Hoi-An-City.jpg http://41.media.tumblr.com/56cd0a930667baa4a2b1987c4684ef84/tumblr_nng4zqoFl81tkairwo1_1280.jpg Hôi An may not be a hidden gem because there are still many tourists going there – but this place is certainly not as popular as other spots in Vietnam like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. A city known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals, this former port city is a melting pot of history and cultures relived through its architecture, and a mix of eras and styles from wooden Chinese shophouses to colourful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda. 4. Penang, Malaysia https://travel2penang.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/armenian13.jpg http://cdn5.feeldesain.com/feel/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Mirrors-Street-art-in-George-Town-feeldesain.jpg http://acoupletravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Penang-Food-Tour-700x700.jpg One that’s closer to home is Penang – great place to grab great, cheap street eats while wandering the colourful roads and discovering cute cafes to have even more eats. The streets of this wonderful city in Malaysia is also covered with creative graffiti and street art – perfect for them hipster pictures. Furthermore, Penang is only an hour’s flight away and tickets are often cheap – so take a weekend trip and enjoy what this city has to offer! 5. Goa, India http://www.holidaytravel.co/uploaded_files/gallery_img/25820180156e16100e29dd.jpg https://blog.sunmaster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/holifestival.jpg Many of my friends from India recommended this amazing state in southwest India as a must-visit. This may not be as popular for foreigners as it is with locals; but all the more worth to visit it because it is simply not such a touristy place, yet. Goa is well-known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. 6. Hua Hin, Thailand http://taxiservicehuahin.com/img/tours/venezia_02.jpg http://static.asiawebdirect.com/m/bangkok/portals/huahin-bangkok-com/homepage/getting-there/pagePropertiesImage/hua-hin-train-station-1200.jpg Definitely not as popular as Bangkok and Phuket – Hua Hin is an underdog city who is just as beautiful and worth the visit if you’re in Thailand. The Venezia Hua Hin is a theme shopping attraction here and offers a scene of colourful architecture. Highly picturesque and insta-worthy if you ask me. 7. Luang Prabrang, Laos http://www.srijayaholiday.com/sites/default/files/field/image_tour/Waterfalls-Luang-Prabang-Laos.jpg http://www.thebeaumontpartnership.com/sites/default/files/7669_Laos%20PDR_Anantara%20Luang%20Prabang%2003.jpg The ancient town of Luang Prabrang in Laos is a famous for its incredible waterfalls, and numerous Buddhist temples. It is such an alluring destination for tourists who are into nature and a relaxing time away from the bustling cities. 8. Bandung, Indonesia http://www.bandungtourism.com/neobandungtourism/neoadmin/media/image/objekwisata/1334993131/tangkubanperahu2.jpg http://ganihamdani.blog.upi.edu/files/2013/11/36_full.jpeg We all know Bali – the ultimate hipster vacation spot. However, Bandung in Indonesia should be the next place you visit if you intend to take a break to somewhere nearby. Bandung is a large city set amid volcanoes and tea plantations well-known for colonial and art deco architecture. Definitely a place worth spending a couple days to explore! This article was first published on Goodyfeed.com

Jody Chan

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