Sick of the always going to the usual Asia destinations like Bangkok, Tokyo, Taipei & Hong Kong? Agoda just announced the results of its latest Travel Smart study, revealing the top 10 destinations in Asia gaining in popularity with travellers from around the world. From the millions of bookings made on the site in 2016, travellers to Asia are showing a growing preference for lesser-known destinations that promise unique experiences. Now that’s 10 ‘new’ Asia travel destinations to add to your personal bucket list for 2017!

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Andy Edwards, Global Director Brand and Communications adds, “It’s clear that more travellers are adopting a more adventurous approach to travel, exploring new, undiscovered places rather than the traditional ‘holiday’ to a well-trodden destination. We’re seeing an increase in bookings made in areas that bring travellers closer to local culture and nature, where life is experienced at a different pace, and against a different backdrop.”

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The rankings for Asia’s 10 fastest growing destinations and your new bucket list locations are as follows:
1. Niseko, Japan

The fastest riser is Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan’s mythical powder paradise. Niseko features four interconnected resorts with more than 800 skiable hectares along the eastern side of the mountain. With an annual snowfall of over 15m, Niseko offers off-trail skiing, uncommon in Japanese resorts. But it’s not just the snow that attracts visitors. Some go simply to savour the best of Hokkaido’s local cuisine.

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With seven of the ten destinations in South East Asia, tropical island life continues to attract nomads looking for holiday spots off the beaten track. This includes islands like Thailand’s Koh Kood (3), Cambodia’s Koh Rong (5) and the Philippines’ Siquijor Island (9). To many Filipinos, Siquijor is an island known for its healers and witchcraft magic. For its visitors, the Island’s most spellbinding features are found underwater on this marine reserve, on its pristine white beaches, or at the peak of Mount Bandilaan, the highest point at the island’s centre.

2. Banaue, Philippines

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3. Koh Kood, Thailand

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4. Koh Lipe, Thailand

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5. Koh Rong, Cambodia

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6. Koh Lanta, Thailand

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7. Harbin, China

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8. Tangalle, Sri Lanka

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9. Siquijor Island, Philippines

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10. Khao Lak, Thailand

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We hope you are inspired by these 10 destinations which are fast gaining popularity within Asia. The study compared property bookings made by Agoda travellers visiting Asian destinations from 2015 to 2016. Make plans to check them off your bucket list and share your experience with us in the comments section below!