Cover Gyochon in South Korea is one one Asia’s most stroll-worthy cities (Photo: Getty Images)
Gyochon in South Korea is one one Asia’s most stroll-worthy cities (Photo: Getty Images)
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From India’s Pondicherry to Japan’s Kurashiki, take a stroll through Asia’s most walkable destinations
Walking through a city is more than a way to get from A to B—it’s a way to understand its rhythm, its secrets, its soul. While limousine windows and business lounges offer comfort, they can often leave travellers disconnected from the real heartbeat of a place. The true character of a city unfolds slowly: in the quiet charm of a tucked-away teahouse, the smoky aroma curling through a night market, the weathered patina of century-old shopfronts.
So, digital travel platform Agoda has curated seven destinations across Asia where walking isn’t just an option—it’s the best way to experience each city’s unique atmosphere. So lace up, take your time and rediscover the art of travel—step by step.
Also read: This Asian city is the only one among the top 10 best global cities in the world
1. Hanoi, Vietnam
Above Roam through Hanoi for a taste of history (Photo: Getty Images)
Roam through Hanoi for a taste of history (Photo: Getty Images)
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Hanoi’s Old Quarters, located to the west and north of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, might be a crisscross of 36 streets, but each one is teeming with temples, pagodas, hole-in-the-wall cafes and eateries that pour onto the footpath. Each street is named after an ancient trade that was practised on those roads in the 15th century. Take, for example, Hàng Đường (Sugar Street), once lined with shops showcasing pyramids of caramelised treats, which has transformed into a street bustling with candy stalls and aromatic coconut coffee. Then there’s Hàng Mã (Street of Votive Papers), renowned for its colourful paper lanterns and ghost money, a tradition that has thrived from its early days to the present. And don’t miss Hàng Đồng Street (Copperware Street), where copperware was sold in olden days. Even now, there’s plenty to discover in this neighbourhood, from the ever-popular Tràng Tiền ice cream to fine jewellery and souvenirs in Hàng Bạc (Silver Street).
2. Kurashiki, Japan
Above The white-walled warehouses are located next to the Kurashiki River (Photo: Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide)
The white-walled warehouses are located next to the Kurashiki River (Photo: Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide)
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Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture isn’t just a pretty postcard; it’s a living diorama of Japan’s Edo period. Here, black-and-white warehouses (kura), dating back to the 17th century, still line the canals that once bustled with rice barges. Today, these charming warehouses house indie galleries, including the Ohara Museum, Japan’s first Western art museum.
For a quirky twist, don’t miss the Betty Smith Jeans Museum on Kojima Jeans Street. Here, you can participate in denim workshops at the Bikan Club, where you’ll have the chance to stitch your jeans—after all, Okayama Prefecture is Japan’s jeans capital.
As you wander through the streets, consider renting a yukata (a traditional unlined cotton summer robe) and gliding along the canals in a flat-bottomed boat. The boatman's tales of samurai traders are free, and the views of ivy-clad bridges? Priceless.
3. Chiang Khan, Thailand
Above Chiang Khan has a bunch of stores and street food to explore (Photo: Getty Images)
Chiang Khan has a bunch of stores and street food to explore (Photo: Getty Images)
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Chiang Khan is a charming riverside town along the Mekong River in Loei, Thailand. One of its most vibrant streets is Chai Khong Road, a famous pedestrian-friendly walking street that is not just a car-free zone, it’s a time capsule filled with traditional teakwood shophouses. These quaint shops showcase local handicrafts and are the perfect place to buy souvenirs. Don’t miss the chance to grab khao ji (grilled sticky rice patty) from a street cart and stroll to Wat Tha Khok Temple for breathtaking views of the Mekong River.
As night falls, the road transforms into a lively night market, filled with delicious street food and the sounds of folk music, including delightful Thai country ballads.
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4. Melaka, Malaysia
Above Melaka Old Town is located across the river from Dutch Square (Photo: Getty Images)
Melaka Old Town is located across the river from Dutch Square (Photo: Getty Images)
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Melaka’s Unesco zone, or Melaka Old Town, has developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. It is a mashup of Dutch windmills, Peranakan bling and Portuguese custard tarts. If you want a coffee break, don’t miss Calanthe Cafe near Jonker Street, a quirky space that offers enthusiasts the opportunity to sample coffees representative of each of the 13 Malaysian states. History buffs, seek out Stadthuys’ crimson walls, where a secret tunnel once smuggled spices; and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, which dates back to the 17th century.
Every weekend night, Jonker Street (which has officially been renamed Jalan Hang Jebat) comes alive with colourful stalls and street food booths lining the streets, hawking everything from beaded shoes to the popular dessert durian cendol.
5. Pondicherry, India
Above French Quarter in Pondicherry, India (Photo: Getty Images)
French Quarter in Pondicherry, India (Photo: Getty Images)
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Pondicherry (now named Puducherry), known for its unique blend of French and Indian cultures, is located in South India. At the heart of this coastal city lies the iconic French Quarter (also known as White Town), which traces its origins to the 17th century when Pondicherry was a French colony. To this day, many of its streets are named after French officials and generals, like Rue Suffren and Rue Dumas. It is a charming district with colonial-era architecture, cobbled streets and a distinctly European vibe. Wandering around, you might feel as if you are transported to a quaint French village, full of pastel-hued buildings with gracefully arched windows and ornate balconies.
6. Gyeongju, South Korea
Above The Gyochon traditional village provides insight into the lifestyles of the past (Photo: Agoda)
The Gyochon traditional village provides insight into the lifestyles of the past (Photo: Agoda)
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Gyeongju is a hidden treasure in eastern South Korea. This Unesco World Heritage Site features grassy burial mounds that once safeguarded treasures from the 1,500-year-old Silla dynasty.
For foodies, a visit to Hwangnam Bread is a must. This family-run bakery, established in the 1940s, offers the delightful hwangnam-ppang, a red-bean pastry shaped like a flower. For a quirky detour, head to the Gyochon Hanok Traditional Village, where you can catch ssireum (Korean wrestling) demonstrations.
Don’t forget to check out some of Gyeongju’s iconic landmarks, especially Woljeonggyo Bridge at sunset—it’s illuminated like a scene straight out of a K-drama.
7. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is celebrated as a “15-minute city”, which is a concept in urban planning where residents can easily access essential services, amenities and recreational facilities within a short walk or bike ride from their homes. Start your morning at the century-old Dadaocheng Street, where you can enjoy a traditional breakfast of meat congee, then take a leisurely stroll to uncover the area’s rich cultural history.
Don’t miss the chance to hike the Elephant Mountain Trail at sunset—the breathtaking cityscape view pairs perfectly with a refreshing bubble tea from Fiftyland. At night, indulge in local delicacies like oyster omelettes and fried chicken at Shilin, Taipei’s largest tourist night market.
