6 Under-The-Radar Destinations In Asia To Add To Your Travel Hit List In 2027

Asia is always high on our itineraries for its proximity to Australia, diverse landscapes and great food. We've traded our yen for Tokyo’s next-level street food, downed Singapore Slings at the top of Marina Bay Sands and chilled out on Bali’s world-class beaches with a piña colada in hand.  

But once you’ve ticked off the big hitters, where to next?

Asia is home to more than 40 countries, meaning there’s a whole lot of exploring to do beyond the obvious hot spots; think orangutan-spotting in Malaysia or peering up at the largest Buddhist temple in the world in Indonesia. So we've teamed up with Philippine Airlines, the carrier helping Aussies access more of Asia via Manila, to inspire your next overseas trip. 

Below, we round up six lesser-hyped Asian destinations worth building your travel hit list around in 2027. 

Manila, Philippines

The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a bustling bayside city on the island of Luzon. It's where Spanish colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers, from the walled streets of Intramuros to glossy waterfront shopping centres.

Wander the cobbled streets of Intramuros, explore Fort Santiago and the National Museum, then head to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, for dumplings, noodles and hopia. After dark, Poblacion is the place to be for cocktails, late-night eats and a lively bar scene. Finish your trip at Manila Bay, where spectacular sunsets light up the city skyline.

Insider Intel: Manila’s traffic is often bumper-to-bumper, so pick a neighbourhood to explore on foot rather than trying to cross the city all day. Plus, if you're jetting with Philippine Airlines, we suggest extending that stopover to a stayover and exploring the city before continuing to your next destination. 

Sukhothai, Thailand 

Halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Sukhothai might just be Thailand’s best-kept secret. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city was once the capital of the Siamese kingdom and is now part archaeological site and part modern town.

Spend a day exploring Sukhothai Historical Park, where more than 200 ancient ruins, temples, lotus-filled ponds and towering Buddha statues are scattered across the lush landscape. ​Then slow things down with a wander through the charming town, browse the night markets and try Sukhothai noodles, a local speciality loaded with thin rice noodles, tender pork and crunchy green beans. 

Insider Intel: The best way to see all of Sukhothai Historical Park is to hire a bike and cycle across the flat site, weaving between ancient temples, ponds and trees.

Kuching, Malaysia 

Image: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre | Instagram

If you’ve ever saved photos of orangutans swinging through tropical rainforest and wondered where in the world you can see them, this is the place. On the island of Borneo, Kuching is surrounded by lush forests and protected wildlife reserves, where semi-wild orangutans roam freely.  

For more wildlife sightings, take a boat through the mangroves of Kuching Wetlands National Park or venture to Bako National Park, where jungle trails wind through dense rainforest to secluded beaches and waterfalls. Back in the city, explore Kuching’s colourful streets before refuelling on local favourites such as springy kolo mee noodles and spicy laksa Sarawak. Come evening, stroll the scenic riverfront, hop on a sunset boat ride or hit up the lively night markets. 

Insider Intel: For your best chance of spotting the Bornean orangutans, visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and time your visit with the feeding sessions.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia 

More than 1.5 million Aussies travel to Bali every year, including several of us here at Urban List. But Indonesia is a huge archipelago, and there’s a lot more to explore than this one very popular island. Starting with Yogyakarta (nicknamed Yogya by the locals).

Located on Java, this vibrant city is a cultural and artistic hub with ancient temples, royal history and a thriving batik arts scene. Spend a morning exploring the UNESCO-listed Prambanan temple complex, visit the Kraton (the Sultan’s living royal palace) or watch local artists at work in the city’s batik workshops.

Insider Intel: Don't skip Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Constructed in the 9th century, the nine-storey monument is undoubtedly one of Indonesia’s most spectacular sights with intricate carvings and enormous stone stupas.

Fukuoka, Japan

Image: Fukuoka | Instagram

Far from the usual Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto circuit, Fukuoka sits on the northern shore of Kyushu Island. It's one of Japan’s greatest food cities, lauded as the birthplace of both Hakata udon and tonkotsu ramen, the creamy pork-bone broth that's made the Japanese dish a global favourite. 

The city’s signature eats are best enjoyed at one of its yatai, the open-air food stalls that pop up along the streets and riverbanks every single night. Once you've stuffed yourself, explore the neighbourhoods of Tenjin and Hakata, wander through peaceful Ohori Park and check out the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. 

Insider Intel: Time your visit for early July to catch the Gion Yamakasa Festival, a centuries-old Shinto celebration. The highlight is a thrilling race in which teams of men carry enormous festival floats through the streets. 

Da Nang, Vietnam

Have you ever heard of Monkey Mountain? Officially known as Sơn Trà Mountain, this nature reserve is a sanctuary for the rare douc langur, a beautiful monkey with a multi-coloured coat. Climb to the peak for stunning coastal views, Da Nang's giant Lady Buddha statue and, if you're lucky, douc langur sightings. 

Sơn Trà Mountain is just outside Da Nang, a laidback coastal city in the centre of Vietnam. Walk along the pristine beaches, explore the nearby Marble Mountains (with caves, tunnels and Buddhist sanctuaries), then hit the markets and local eateries for Da Nang's specialty dish: Mì Quảng, a comforting bowl of turmeric rice noodles topped with tender meat, savoury broth and crispy rice crackers.

Insider Intel: On weekend nights, make your way to Dragon Bridge, an enormous 666-metre steel dragon spanning the Han River. Every Saturday and Sunday evening, it literally breathes fire and sprays water. 

Feeling inspired yet? Jetting to 29 Philippine destinations and 45 international spots around the globe, book your next trip with Philippine Airlines, the go-to airline for Australians visiting the Philippines and beyond via Manila. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Philippine Airlines and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Images: Urban List