Khao Lak, Seoul and Siargao are top destinations for slow tr

With slow travel being one of the most talked about travel trends, digital travel platform Agoda shares the top Asian destinations for slow travel for longer stays.

Thailand’s Khao Lak takes the crown as the tourist destination where travelers spend the most time.

Searches for slow travel have grown threefold in the past five years, according to Google Trends.

Slow travel is an approach to travel that encourages travelers to stay longer at their destination, allowing them to create deeper connections with local culture and people, resulting in meaningful travel experiences.

Across eight Asian markets the destinations with the highest average length of stay are Khao Lak in Thailand, Seoul in South Korea, Perhentian Islands in Malaysia, Tokyo in Japan, Siargao Island in the Philippines, Pekanbaru in Indonesia, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and Ahmedabad in India respectively.

Agoda analyzed the travel platform’s booking data from the first three months of 2024 to compile the rank.

Locally, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte is where travelers are spending the most consecutive time on average, with Puerto Galera and Davao City rounding out the top three.

When travelling internationally, Pinoy travelers spend most time exploring Seoul, South Korea in a quest for a slow travel experience.

Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda said it’s easy to understand why slow travel is one of the most fascinating travel trends right now.

“In today’s fast-paced world, many travelers will recognize the desire to use their holiday to disconnect from day-to-day life and form a deeper connection with the people and places they visit. It’s something we love to see and encourage at Agoda, as we are passionate about bridging the world through travel. For travelers looking to fully submerge in a holiday destination, whether it’s lazing around in a beach villa or settling in a chic city hotel, the destinations on our slow travel ranking are great places to start,” Hwang said.

Some of the destinations on the list are also well-known favorites for shorter city breaks, but both the rural and urban destinations on the slow travel rank are worth spending an extended amount of time in.

From swimming amidst the rich reefs in Perhentian Islands to having a feast in the streets in Ho Chi Minh City, here are some ways for travelers to gain a deeper local experience in these eight destinations.

Surfing paradise Khao Lak is Asia’s most popular slow travel destination, and for good reason. Its many lesser known but beautiful beaches and nature spots are perfect places to unwind and let any day-to-day worries drift away. In the evening, the bars and restaurants around PhetKasem road are great places to enjoy some live Thai folk music and perhaps even a game of snooker against the local talent.

Seoul, a vibrant and dynamic city, also conceals isolated corners for those looking to enjoy a slower pace. The quiet backstreets of Buam-dong offer a unique mix of classy modern cafes and nostalgic shops from the 1960s-70s, like traditional rice mills and barbershops. The tranquil Baeksasil Valley invites travelers to leave behind the city’s rapid pace and immerse themselves in a refreshing natural retreat with pristine water and a well-preserved forest. Literature lovers can explore Seongbuk-dong which houses the historic Hanok living quarters of famous Korean writers from as early as the 1930s.

Escape to the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia’s quintessential beach paradise off Terengganu’s coast, which offer slow-paced tropical bliss. W here crystalline waters meet soft sandy shores, the islands of Perhentian Kecil and PerhentianBesar make an ideal sanctuary for relaxation and aquatic adventures like snorkeling and diving amidst colorful coral reefs. Embrace the untouched allure of Perhentian Kecil’s Adam & Eve Beach, accessible only by a trek through lush landscapes. In this secluded spot, reconnect with nature’s splendor in undisturbed peace.

A bustling megacity that is a top global destination, Tokyo is known for being impossible to experience in one trip. That’s why it’s best to slow it down and take the time to immerse in the little pleasures of Japan’s capital. Experience Tokyo’s charms like a local by wandering around some of the lesser-known neighborhoods such as Shimokitazawa for vintage shopping, Yanaka for a traditional atmosphere, and the bohemian neighborhood of Koenji for some alternative music and punk rock. And end the day by grabbing a craft cocktail in a tiny alleyway in Sangenjaya.

Siargao Island, a serene gem off Surigao del Norte, lures travelers away from the flurry of city life. Dubbed the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” its famed surf spot ‘Cloud 9’ faces the open seas and entices surf enthusiasts with some of the best waves year-round. The island’s size notwithstanding, Siargao has an abundance of natural marvels worth exploring. Traverse the island on a rented motorcycle, dive into the sculpted Magpupungko Rock Pools, and unravel the mystique of the glowing Hagukan Cave amid Sohoton Cove’s splendor. Here, even a month isn’t enough to satisfy the lure of discovery – Siargao calls for repeat visits.