Every year, Lonely Planet comes out with a list of best places to visit in Asia, and for 2017, the list came out only in July. This list will impact some travellers, especially those who follow Lonely Planet.
The list is always compiled based on interesting places, mostly new, but in many cases, commercial destinations.
In this years list, 10 places have been selected as the Best Places to Visit in Asia for 2017. Are you planning to visit any of these places? If you are, read on.
In this years list, 10 places have been selected as the Best Places to Visit in Asia for 2017. Are you planning to visit any of these places? If you are, read on.
Best Places To Visit in Asia for 2017
As I am Malaysian, it is always a joy to see one of the destinations listed here. For this edition, the historical city of Melaka has been listed in at number 9 of the list.
Located about two hours from Kuala Lumpur, Melaka has always been a very popular destination for both locals and foreigners.
 |
| The beautiful old architecture seen in Melaka, listed at number 9 in the list |
Melaka has and will always be the centre of attraction, due to the centuries-old history which was the epicentre of Southeast Asia in the 1500s.
Various sailors from as far as Spain and Portugal made Melaka a trading point to trade wares with other nations that docked here.
Various sailors from as far as Spain and Portugal made Melaka a trading point to trade wares with other nations that docked here.
Nowadays, Melaka is a thriving tourist destination that offers historical buildings, forts, museums, and unique cross-culture foods.
The local Melaka food is also known as some of the best food in Malaysia to try, and you will not regret this.
The local Melaka food is also known as some of the best food in Malaysia to try, and you will not regret this.
I did a compilation on Melaka new tourist attractions in 2015, highlighting some of the new things for anyone planning to visit Melaka.
 |
| Terracotta Pit in Xi'an, listed at number 7 in the Lonely Planet list |
Below is a list of the best places to visit in Asia for 2017, compiled by Lonely Planet.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Asia 2017
1. Gansu, China
“Blissfully well-connected thanks to high-speed rail services and upgraded highways, and a new metro will ease traffic in provincial capital, Lanzhou, when it opens this year … Gansu’s crown jewel and world-class Buddhist art site, the Mogao Grottoes, received a huge upgrade in 2015, but – just like the entire region – remains underrated and relatively crowd-free.”
2. South of Tokyo, Japan
With Japan currently on many travellers’ bucket lists, “two cities south of Tokyo are well worth making time for. Yokohama … is just a 20-minute train journey from the capital and packs considerable appeal with its bayside location, eclectic architecture, microbreweries and tasty cuisine…Less than an hour from Tokyo, classy seaside town Kamakura is known for its surfing scene, but also offers a tempting selection of relaxed cafes and restaurants ...”
3. Northern Kerala, India
“Northern Kerala has long been the underrated half of the state, concealing its backwater charms and emerging slowly like a butterfly from a chrysalis. 2017 marks India’s 70th year of independence and the opening of a new international airport in Kannur – Kerala’s largest – which will provide an easy introduction to the north. The beaches around Kannur, Thottada and Bekal are pristine…”
4. Keong Saik Road, Singapore
“Once a crime-riddled red-light district, Keong Saik Road has reinvented itself to become the poster-child for hip ‘New Singapore’. Behind the beautiful colonial and art-deco buildings you’ll discover the best of Singapore’s famed dining scene … fabulous rooftop views and super-slick cocktail bars … draw a trendy crowd, and you can sleep it all off in a boutique hotel room…”
5. Astana, Kazakhstan
“From mid-June to mid-September 2017, Astana will host the World Expo on the subject of sustainable energy. And as of 2017, citizens of 45 countries may visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. Furthermore, the introduction of LTR (light rail transit) and improvements to the existing bus network are making a visit to this modern, cosmopolitan city even easier.”
6. Takayama, Japan
“The time to treasure Takayama is now … Secluded in the mountainous Hida region of central Japan, Takayama is a place where Japanese history and tradition flourish in the 21st century ...The Hida region has … come into the spotlight anew following the success of the 2016 blockbuster film Your Name (Kimi no Na Wa) – history's highest grossing anime feature – as devoted fans have made the Hida region a pilgrimage destination for location spotting.”
7. Xi’an, China
“Xi’an’s diverse heritage is supreme … And then there’s the biggie: the Army of Terracotta Warriors, celebrating 30 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Xi’an is vast, but a relaxed tempo reigns and recent openings have boosted an already superb accommodation market; throw in a crop of new bars and cafes plus the 72-hour visa-free policy and there’s never been a better time to visit.”
8. Sri Lanka’s Hill Country
Sri Lanka may be “so hot right now”, but Lonely Planet recommends getting ahead of (and away from) the pack by taking “a scenic train to Sri Lanka's idyllic Hill Country for a wonderfully temperate escape from the nation's humid coasts …This tropical isle is endowed with a mountainous interior that is every bit as scenic as the coast, blessed by pleasantly cool temperatures that rarely tip 21ºC.”
9. Melaka City, Malaysia
“Boat rides along the meandering Melaka River are popular and soon water taxis will connect Melaka Sentral bus station with downtown. Check out the waterfront gallery space Zheng He Duo Yun Zuan … or rummage for souvenirs at the Trash & Treasure flea market … Then head to the Shore Shopping Gallery … where the rooftop Sky Tower provides panoramic views across this alluring metropolis.”
10. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
“Packed with white-sand beaches, lush jungle and unusual mushroom-shaped islets, Raja Ampat is a biological hotspot … home to some of the richest, most diverse coral reefs on the planet – over 200 diving spots are still pristine – and this, paired with a growing ecotourism offering, means Raja Ampat will no doubt remain king of the islands.”
 |
| The old town of Takayama in the Nagoya Prefecture, listed at number 6 in the list |
There you go, the list of best places to visit in Asia for 2017, compiled by Lonely Planet. The list looks well balanced and for any first timers visiting Asia, this would be very helpful.
For more information, you can see the original post on Best in Asia by Lonely Planet.
For more information, you can see the original post on Best in Asia by Lonely Planet.
Conclusion
For those visiting Malaysia, you should also take the time to plan where you want to visit here. Different places in Malaysia offer different experiences, therefore it depends on what you want to do.
I have also made a list of the best places to visit in Malaysia for 2017, which could provide some valuable information.
I have also made a list of the best places to visit in Malaysia for 2017, which could provide some valuable information.
I would recommend that the traveller do much research before planning to visit any of these places in the best places to visit in Asia for 2017, a list post or guides only provide a basic overview. Sometimes, travellers want to experience different things, hence research is optimum.