Hokkaidō, Japan Tops Lonely Planet’s First-Ever Best in Asia List

Hokkaidō, Japan

Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel media company, has today announced its inaugural Best in Asia list – an agenda-setting collection of the continent’s 10 best destinations to visit over the next 12 months.

For this first-ever Best in Asia list, Lonely Planet’s in-house Asia experts have named increasingly-accessible Hokkaidō, Japan with its “year-round charms” as the number-one destination; while “centre of the universe right now” Shanghai, China is in second place; and “top foodie destination”Jeonju, South Korea comes in at number three.

“In compiling our Best in Asia 2016 list,” Lonely Planet’s Asia-Pacific Media Spokesperson Chris Zeiher says, “our Asia-expert authors have explored the continent’s most electrifying cities, trekked through steaming jungles and even swum in bountiful seas to seek out the spots you simply cannot afford to miss.”

“The result,” Chris says, “is a varied hit list of classic destinations offering a fresh twist for travellers, regions packed full of action, and edge-of-the-map places you may never have heard of.”

Lonely Planet’s Best in Asia 2016 is available online, with accompanying articles to each destination, at www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-asia.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Asia 2016

1. Hokkaidō, Japan

“Hokkaidō's perfect powder snow put it on the international map, but it has also blinded visitors to the year-round charms of Japan's northernmost island. Hokkaidō has become a lot more accessible this year thanks to the new bullet train linking its southern port city, Hakodate, to Tokyo.”

2. Shànghǎi, China

“Looking for the centre of the universe right now? It’s surely Shànghǎi. This year’s a big one, with the first Disney resort in mainland China opening here, as well as the completion of the long-awaited Shànghǎi Tower, the world’s second tallest building.”

3. Jeonju, South Korea

“Having long flown under the radar as the country’s top foodie destination, Jeonju has finally started to make mouths water further afield. The birthplace of Korea's most famous dish, bibimbap, now lures a younger crowd thanks to its fast-emerging street food scene.”

4. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

“This archipelago now ranks among Asia’s hottest emerging destinations. With improved flight connections from Ho Chi Minh City, there is no better place right now to feast on fresh seafood, explore in search of a perfect beach and revel in a castaway vibe.”

5. Hong Kong, China

“Hong Kong is focusing on its natural heritage – specifically, the UNESCO-designated geopark, a 50-sq km region to the northeast. A shuttle bus between the geopark’s Sai Kung town and its ancient rock formations debuted this May, hard on the heels of a ferry service to Lai Chi Wo Village.”

6. Ipoh, Malaysia

“Malaysia’s lesser-known food capital has new flair thanks to a crop of boutique cafes that have sprung up in its historic quarter. At the heart of Ipoh’s renaissance is otherworldly concept hotel Sekeping Kong Heng.”

7. Pemuteran, Indonesia

“A double bay of beaches near Menjangan … don’t wait until everybody arrives; catch the buzz now from this alluring mix of art-filled resorts, inventive new restaurants and the mellowest vibe around.”

8. Trang Islands, Thailand

“Trang Islands pack the same knockout punch as their more famous Andaman Coast neighbours; all they lack are the crowds. Go, now – while these sleepy islands bask in untouched splendour.”

9. Meghalaya, India

“Opportunities for hiking, climbing, caving and rafting abound. After decades off the tourist map, people are starting to notice this backwater. Meghalaya won’t stay this quiet for long; go before thrill seekers storm the Khāsi Hills.”

10. Taitung, Taiwan

“Taitung is Taiwan’s secret wild card. This cradle of indigenous culture is the place to party after harvest with music festivals and sweet millet wine. Or take advantage of this rural county’s superb whale watching, stargazing and cycling.” Please note: Typhoon Nepartak has caused recent devastation; however Best in Asia is a collection of great places for the next 12 months and Taiwan has already begun the rebuilding efforts and will be welcoming travellers again soon.

Visitors to www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-asia can also enter a competition for the chance to win a trip for two to Lonely Planet's number-one Best in Asia 2016 destination, Hokkaidō, Japan, valued at AUD $10,000.

LONELY PLANET

Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel media company, providing inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, Lonely Planet has cultivated a dedicated traveller community and printed more than 130 million books across 14 different languages to most destinations on the planet. The Lonely Planet ecosystem also includes digital and mobile apps, a comprehensive ebook portfolio, 12 international magazines and an award-winning website. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com, and join us on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet and #lp) and Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet).

· Lonely Planet’s Best in Asia 2016 is available online, with accompanying articles to each destination, at www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-asia.