Hanoi (VNA) - Booking.com recently unveiled a list of unique, surprising destinations that provide world-class experiences in Asia-Pacific, allowing passengers to skip long and tedious flights while still experiencing emotions comparable to traveling to Europe.
Mui Ne, Vietnam
The majestic sand dunes and hot, arid air of Mui Ne lead many to mistake the scenery for the deserts of Egypt. In fact, Mui Ne is a fishing village on the coast of South Central Vietnam.
Mui Ne is famous for red and white dunes, the Fairy Stream, as well as the ancient Cham Poshanu Tower around this coastal town, resembling the grandeur of the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Must- see attractions include Hon Rom, Hon Ghenh, Bau Trang - Bau Sen, fishing villages, Mui Ne Bay, the Old Fishing Village Fish Sauce Museum, the Van Thuy Tu Mansion, and Duc Thanh School.
Also, visitors must be sure to indulge in various specialties, including seafood salads, emperor crab, rice paper rolls, and hotpots from this coastal area.
Travelers can enjoy Mui Ne all year round, with each season at the ‘beach paradise’ offering a unique charm. April to August is perfect for clear and cool sea waters, while August to December is great for surfing and adventurous activities. December usually sees some rain.
Ella, Sri Lanka
Ella, a tranquil village in Sri Lanka, is nestled between tea hills and immense cloud forests that are blanketed in mystery mist all year.
The Nine Arch Railway Bridge, a colonial-era railway that is still operational, is one of the city's most well-known sights. Ella also owns one of Sri Lanka's largest waterfalls, Ravana Falls.
Jozankei, Hokkaidō, Japan
Picture brown hills blending with rusty shades, turning into a snowy landscape resembling the Swiss Alps. This is actually Jozankei, the largest hot spring town in Hokkaido.
It offers a unique winter experience with nearby ski resorts and campsites on Mount Hakken.
Resorts are nestled in lush green forests, providing visitors with the fresh energy of pine woods through unique designs and outdoor hot springs.
Krabi, Thailand
The breathtaking view of emerald waves crashing onto pristine white sands, with swaying palm trees, isn't exclusive to Hawaii. In Asia, you can enjoy similar scenes at Thailand's Krabi Beach.
Besides relaxing on the beach, travelers can go diving to explore coral reefs or take kayak tours through caves.
Krabi is also close to popular spots like Krabi Night Market and Chao Fah Park, offering stunning views of the Krabi River.
Don Det, Laos
Don Det Island is one of many islands along the Mekong River. Tourists here are usually reminded of Madagascar, with its tropical wildlife and dry land.
Don Det is a hotspot for backpackers seeking a sense of wilderness and freedom. The Mekong River flows directly outside the windows of many Don Det resorts.
Tourists can join in cooking classes, explore the small nearby town, or simply relax in a hammock watching boats passing by on the river.
The survey was based on tourist search data in the Asia-Pacific region from December 1, 2023 to January 29, 2024, with check-in dates from April 1-30, 2024, in comparison with the same period last year./.
