Lonely Planet has come up with its “Best in Asia 2016″ list, with Hokkaidō earning the top spot.

 

Looking for interesting destinations in Asia that you haven’t visited yet? Travel media company, Lonely Planet, has come up with an inaugural “Best in Asia 2016” list of the continent’s 10 best destinations to visit over the next 12 months. Coming in tops is the increasingly-accessible Hokkaidō, Japan with its “year-round charms”, 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.

Shared Lonely Planet’s Asia-Pacific media spokesperson Chris Zeiher, “In compiling our ‘Best in Asia 2016’ list, 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 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.”

So here are their top 10 picks:

1. Hokkaidō, Japan – “Hokkaidō’s perfect powder snow puts 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.”
   

   A layer of fog blankets the city as the sun sets behind the iconic Shanghai skyline. © tonnaja.com / Getty Images

2. Shanghai, China – “Looking for the centre of the universe right now? It’s surely Shanghai. 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 Shanghai Tower, the world’s second tallest building.”
   

   While the rest of city has been industrialised, Jeonju Hanok Village retains its historical charms and traditions. © Kangheewan / Getty Images

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.”
   

   A beautiful sunrise paints the morning sky at Con Dao Island, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, Vietnam. © Cao Tran Tho / Shutterstock

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.”
   

   Traditional Chinese Junkboat sailing across Victoria Harbour at sunset, Hong Kong. © chinaface / Getty Images

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.”
   

   Window shutters in the charming old town disctrict of Ipoh, Malaysia. © coleong / Getty Images

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

   A coral covered Buddha statue rests at the bottom of the sea off the coast of Pemuteran, Indonesia. © Tropical studio / Shutterstock

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.”
   

   Two wooden longtail boats mooring on the beach with limestone rock formation in the background, Trang, South of Thailand. © Sunphol Sorakul / Getty Images

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.”
   

   A misty morning at Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. © Mahesh / Getty Images

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 Khasi Hills.”
   

   Famous Sansiantai dragon bridge, connecting Sanxiantai Island and the Taiwan east coast. © Anthony Ko / Getty Images

10. Taitung, Taiwan – “Taitung is Taiwan’s secret wildcard. 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.” (Noted Lonely Planet on this destination: “Typhoon Nepartak has caused recent devastation; however “Best in Asia 2016” 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.”)

Lonely Planet’s Best in Asia 2016 is available online, with accompanying articles to each destination, at www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-asia. Visitors to the site can also enter a competition for a chance to win a trip for two to its number-one “Best in Asia 2016” destination, Hokkaidō, Japan, valued at AUD$10,000 (S$10,242).

 

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