In general, being fast is good. Fastness is quite attractive, such as going fast on time for an appo.. – MK

In general, being fast is good. Fastness is quite attractive, such as going fast on time for an appointment, fast Internet speed, and eating fast without standing in line at lunch. But sometimes it needs to be slow. Representatively, the time spent on travel destinations can be cited.

Everyone is desperate to enjoy traveling more than returning to their daily lives. Also, if you’re at a favorite destination, you’ll want to share more time there. That’s why more and more people stay in one place for a long time, rather than traveling like stamping on milestones these days.

사진 확대

According to Google Trends, searches for Slow Travel have tripled in the past five years. Slow Travel refers to a travel method that allows travelers to build deeper ties with local culture and people and have a meaningful travel experience while staying in a specific area for a long period of time.

In line with that, the online travel platform Agoda also researched the best destinations in Asia suitable for slow travel for long-term travelers. According to Agoda’s ranking by analyzing reservation data within the travel platform during the first quarter of 2024, the travel destination with the longest average stay in eight Asian markets was Kaorak, Thailand. It was followed by Seoul in Korea, the Pretian Islands in Malaysia, Tokyo in Japan, Siargao Island in the Philippines, Pecanbaru in Indonesia, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and Ahmadabad in India.

It is easy to understand why slow travel is considered one of the most attractive travel trends in recent years, said Lee Joon-hwan, CEO of Agoda Korea. “In today’s rapidly changing world, many travelers want to get out of their daily lives and form deeper relationships with the places they visit and local people through vacations.”

사진 확대

The places ranked this time are popular destinations, well known for their short breaks in the city, but they are all worth a long time. From swimming through countless coral reefs on the island of Pretian Island to indulging in street food on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, travelers can experience local life and culture deeper in many ways.

사진 확대

​◆Khao Lak, Thailand = Thailand’s Khao Lak was named the most popular slow travel destination in Asia. Kaorak, also known as the “Surfing Heaven,” has a beautiful beach and natural scenery, making it a perfect place to forget your daily worries and relax. If you enjoyed surfing and other sightseeing in the middle of the day, you should go out to Petcasem Road in the evening. The bars and restaurants that fill the streets are good to enjoy local Thai music live, and it is also fun to compete with local billiard masters.

사진 확대

◆ Seoul, Korea = When I think of Seoul, I think of a vibrant and dynamic city image. Therefore, I wonder if it will fit well with those who want to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. However, surprisingly quiet places are hidden everywhere. In the quiet alleyways of Buam-dong, not only sophisticated and modern cafes, but also stores that stimulate nostalgia from the 1960s and 1970s, such as rice mills and barbershops, are uniquely harmonized. In addition, the peaceful Baeksil Valley provides travelers with time to forget the busyness of the city and recharge at a natural resting place through clear water and well-preserved forests. For those who love literature, Seongbuk-dong, a historical hanok residence where famous Korean writers have gathered since the 1930s, is also perfect.

사진 확대

​◆Pretian Islands, Malaysia = The Pretian Islands, Malaysia’s representative beach paradise located on the coast of Terengganu, is a perfect place to relax. Pretian Kesil Island and Pretian Besar Island, where crystal clear seawater and soft sandy beaches meet, are good for water leisure such as snorkeling and diving in colorful coral reefs. At Adam & Eve Beach in Pretian Kesil, which can only be reached after passing through a dense forest, you can see the full charm of nature that has not been touched by humans.

사진 확대

◆ Tokyo, Japan = Tokyo is a world-class tourist destination and a bustling metropolis, so it is difficult to experience everything with one trip. I recommend slowing down and taking enough time to indulge in the small pleasures of various places in Tokyo. Some of the less well-known neighborhoods include Shimokitaza, where you can enjoy vintage shopping, Yanaka, where you can feel the traditional atmosphere, and Koenji, a Bohemian area where you can enjoy alternative and punk rock music. It is also good to end the day by drinking handmade cocktails in a small alleyway in Sangenjaya.

사진 확대

◆ Siargao Island, Philippines = Silent and gem-like Siargao Island, located in the province of Surigao del Norte, lures travelers away from hectic city life. Cloud 9, the island’s famous surfing attraction, also called the ‘surfing capital of the Philippines’, faces the open sea and beckons surf lovers with the best waves all year round. Apart from the size of the island, Ciargao is full of wonders of nature worth exploring. Let’s rent a motorcycle to cross the island, enjoy diving in Makpupunko Rock Pool, and solve the mystery of the Hagukan Cave, which shines in the splendor of Sohoton Cove. Ciargao is not even a month short of satisfying the charm of exploration.

사진 확대

​◆Pecanbaru, Indonesia = In the bustling capital Pecanbaru of Liau Province, Sumatra, vibrant city life and rich Malay historical culture blend beautifully. Let’s rent a boat, swim or enjoy the scenery, relax and spend the day at the water’s edge at peaceful attractions such as Lake Siaq and Lake Kayangan. The antique alley of Kampung Bandar, lined with wooden houses, is full of locals welcoming tourists warmly.

사진 확대

◆ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam = Ho Chi Minh City is crowded day and night. It is also a way to enjoy Ho Chi Minh by accepting the energetic energy that is only released here with your whole body. But if you want to feel the local life and truly experience Ho Chi Minh, let’s take it easy and start the morning. In this case, it is perfect to use a cafe, a traditional Vietnamese coffee. In addition, if you need to enjoy a variety of street food and taste Vietnamese culture or take a break from the bustle, go to Ttaodan Park, the oldest park in the city. It is good to find comfort under a thousand trees. Saigon allows you to discover various experiences at a relaxed pace.

사진 확대

◆ Ahmadabad, India = Ahmadabad invites adventurers to discover the alleyways of the old city, havelli, a colonial style house, and the walls of the iconic city. You can taste the true Indian flavor at Manek Chok Market, and at Sabarmati River, you can feel the comfort of your heart. Travelers visiting the Sabarmati Ashram and Kaliko Textile Museum in Gandhi can encounter the rich history of the city and the legacy of the cotton textile industry.