Cover Iconic train passing over Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara, Ella, Sri Lanka (Photo; Getty)
Iconic train passing over Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara, Ella, Sri Lanka (Photo; Getty)
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In conjunction with The United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s annual celebration of tourism and its global cultural and economic significance, we look at Asia’s most appealing destinations for slow travel in 2023
Slow travel is picking up—not in actual speed, but in popularity. But what exactly is slow travel? What comes to mind are countless scenic snapshots of this travel trend on social media, mainly in videos panning across secluded, off-the-beaten-track landscapes followed by meticulous recordings of travel modes that favour a slower, more mindful pace over the hectic convenience of air or car travel. Slow travel takes the focus off our modern world’s obsession with being in a hurry when travelling, emphasising authentic cultural experiences, environmentally-conscious itineraries, and staying longer versus cramming in as many attractions as possible in a single trip.
Read more: Luxury Train and Yacht Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List
From train travel or backpacking to cycling across destinations, slow travel prioritises genuinely getting to know a destination versus merely seeing it. This World Tourism Day, we look at the most beautiful destinations in Asia perfect for slower-paced, immersive experiences.
Sri Lanka
Above Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
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From rolling green hills of tea plantations to towering temples, Sri Lanka stands as an ever-worthy contender for slow travel experiences, beloved by travellers for its breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and unhurried and laid-back charm. The quickest and most convenient way to see more of Sri Lanka's most famous attractions is by car. But for those with the time to spare, its train journeys top the list of must-try experiences, including the 7.5-hour train ride from Kandy to Badulla through hill country and tea plantations, or the famous sea-side route from Colombo to Galle, where you'll get a look at postcard-worthy scenes of fishermen perched on their wooden stilts above the water.
A highlight of train travel this way is the staggering variety of scapes you’ll cover in one train ride, along with the opportunity to make new friends with travellers and locals from all walks of life who are on the same journey.
See also: Why Sri Lanka is an isle of plenty for intrepid food lovers
Kyoto, Japan
Above Photo: Chris Chan/Unsplash
Photo: Chris Chan/Unsplash
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Kyoto is the ultimate haven for slow travel enthusiasts. Its allure lies in the gems it offers for those willing to explore unhurried on foot and savour the myriad of cultural treasures, tranquil temples, and enchanting cherry blossoms at their own pace. Renting a bike and riding through the city is a great way to see it, thanks to its well-maintained roads and generally flat topography.
Don't miss: Temples, Ryokans And Tombstones: A Slow Travel Guide To Kyoto, Japan
Spend a lazy day exploring nostalgic cafes, shops and restaurants in the historic Higashiyama district, catch glimpses of geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district, or plan a stay at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) overlooking a peaceful forest in Arashiyama.
Bhutan
Above Photo: Jaanam Haleem/ Unsplash
Photo: Jaanam Haleem/ Unsplash
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In efforts to encourage high-value, low volume tourism in the country, the government of Bhutan implemented Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) incentives for tourists, designed to encourage travellers to stay longer, immerse themselves more deeply in the nation’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, and contribute directly to preserving the beauty of its surroundings. The various new incentives include special rates for more extended stays, giving travellers a chance to engage in cultural exchanges and embrace the peaceful lifestyle Bhutan is known for.
There’s much to explore in Bhutan on foot, from the newly reopened Trans Bhutan Trail to hikes to Himalayan monasteries and colourful festivals showcasing traditional dance, sports and music. Travellers can even volunteer to plant trees, as a portion of the daily tourism tax on visitors goes towards a national scheme to plant a million new trees, in line with the nation's sustainability goals.
Read more: The Historic Trans Bhutan Trail Reopens After 60 Years
Singapore
Above Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay at sunset (Photo: Isaac Matthew/Unsplash)
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay at sunset (Photo: Isaac Matthew/Unsplash)
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Famed for its sustainably-designed green spaces and accessibility, Singapore’s moniker as the City in Nature is well-deserved. From the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and more wetlands that can be explored on foot or by bicycle to Thomson Nature Park, which boasts around five trails spanning 3.8km that surround a former Hainan village dating back to the 1930s, the country offers nature-lovers and culture vultures alike so many opportunities to enjoy the sights at a slower pace.
Another great example of this is Singapore’s Park Connector Network (PCN), a network of linear green corridors linking the country’s major parks and nature areas, offering a series of island-wide routes that will allow you to explore heritage roads, nature reserves and essentially “park hop” through Singapore like a local, be it on foot, by rollerblades, or bicycle.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Above Stairs at the Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang, Laos (Photo: Tuomas A. Lehtinen/Getty)
Stairs at the Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang, Laos (Photo: Tuomas A. Lehtinen/Getty)
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The only Asian destination named in National Geographic’s Top Five Spots for Slow Travel in 2023, this World Heritage-listed site is a highly sought-after location for backpackers and slow travel enthusiasts. With its immaculately preserved shrines overlooking the majestic Mekong River, stunning waterfalls, and bustling night markets, Luang Prabang has no shortage of eye-opening things to do.
The opening of the high-speed railway Lane Xang here in 2021 provided a wonderfully scenic route linking Luang Prabang and the economic hub of Vientiane in an affordable two-hour journey through 75 tunnels and across 167 bridges. Previously, travellers would have had to embark on a five-hour car ride to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
