The best places to visit in Asia in 2026, according to Time Out

Less than three hours’ flight from Tokyo, the subtropical islands south of mainland Japan clearly have a lot going for them: stunning beaches, pristine blue waters, breathtaking mangrove forests, incredible food and a unique culture, derived from the islands’ history as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom from the 15th to the 19th century.

While most travellers in search of laid-back resort life head to outlying islands like Ishigaki, Miyako and Taketomi, the main Okinawa Island is our place to be in 2026. Already home to attractions like the expansive Churaumi Aquarium, Yomitan Pottery Village and the World Heritage-listed sacred site Sefa Utaki – plus foodie hotspots from Naha’s bustling Makishi Public Market to the Motobu ‘soba road’, a street lined with some 80 local noodle joints – the island welcomed the sprawling, jungle-inspired, dinosaur-packed theme park Junglia in 2025.

This year, locals are gearing up for the grand unveiling of the reconstructed Shuri Castle, the symbol of Okinawa. Destroyed by fire in 2019, the former Ryukyu royal palace will be ready to welcome visitors again in autumn.

Time Out tip: Late January and February are the months for viewing kanhizakura, the islands’ native species of cherry blossom and a beloved herald of springtime – the perfect excuse for travellers eager to avoid the chill of Japan’s late winter and ring in spring early in T-shirt weather.

Set on the edge of a national park north of Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is defined by nature first, with a dramatic mountain backdrop that has long drawn hikers, birdwatchers and spiritual seekers. The area is anchored by Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Thailand’s third-highest peak, whose limestone mass looms over forest trails, hot springs, cool rivers and a cluster of atmospheric cave temples that feel worlds away from the city. In recent years, a small but confident food and drink scene has emerged around this natural and spiritual core. Expect craft beer and top-notch burgers at Microkosmos, refined white spirits at Choeng Doi Distillery and honey-based meads at Day Drinker’s Collective, whose tasting tower and brewery come with uninterrupted mountain views. Boutique stays like Bougain Villas are designed entirely around the presence of Doi Luang, reinforcing Chiang Dao’s growing appeal as a grounded, nature-led escape in 2026.

Time Out tip: Visit during the cool season and plan ahead for the two-day hike to Doi Luang’s summit, as access is limited and requires advance registration with the national park.

Nepal will always be heaven on Earth for hikers and backpackers, with its spectacular peaks and charming teahouses. For 2026, the vibe is shifting towards alternative, soul-stirring experiences, whether it's on quieter trails like the Mardi Himal and Pikey Peak or ‘star-bathing’ at the Himalayan Hideaway Resort. Eco-lodges and wellness sanctuaries are mushrooming: there’s the legendary Dwarika’s Sanctuary, which has just launched a transformative, minimum-stay holistic residency that’s setting the gold standard for digital detoxes. Even the sacred city of Lumbini is getting a sleek new Crowne Plaza, making it easier than ever to explore Buddha’s birthplace in total comfort. For some city buzz, check into the new Moxy Kathmandu for a dose of heritage chic – it’s the perfect base to explore creative hubs like Bagaichā, a Japanese restaurant and art gallery in Patan.

Time Out tip: October to November are the best months to visit Nepal, with the freshest air and clearest skies – perfect for anyone planning to spend lots of time outdoors. It also overlaps with Dashain (September or October), the longest and most significant Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. 

Hong Kong remains an absolutely buzzing city in 2026, ready to welcome art lovers from around the world. Whether it’s street photography spots or world-class art galleries, the city is bursting with creativity. The West Kowloon Cultural District is the definitive place to be, kicking off the year with the Hong Kong MusicalCon 2026 with nearly 100 international artists. It perfectly complements heavyweight attractions like the Hong Kong Palace Museum, currently featuring the largest-ever ancient Egyptian exhibition with priceless artefacts loaned from Egypt, along with Art Basel in Hong Kong, Asia's premier art platform. Beyond these events, new openings are revitalising neighbourhoods with chic lifestyle venues. This urban escape seamlessly blends nightlife, nature, and high fashion, all connected by its exceptional transit system.

Time Out tip: Can't make it to Hong Kong MusicalCon 2026? The buzz continues in March, with the Hong Kong Arts Festival (February 27 to March 29) and Art Basel Hong Kong (March 27 to 29). 

Central Vietnam is officially stepping out of the shadows of the big cities to become a heavy-hitter in 2026. It’s never been easier to get there thanks to a wave of new international flights landing at Da Nang International Airport, and the city’s skyline is getting a serious upgrade with the debut of Nobu Hotel Danang – think 43 stories of beachfront luxury alongside Nobu’s signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Just up the coast, the ancient capital of Hue is having a total royal renaissance, with some incredible cultural restorations of the imperial city underway. And if you’re all burnt out from daily life, then the upcoming wellness-heavy Grand Royal Riverside Hue is the balm. From the sandy dunes of Mui Ne to the laid-back coastal charm of Da Nang, the whole region offers the perfect balance of adventure and luxury.

Time Out tip Take the scenic Hai Van Pass from Da Nang to Hue – allow at least 2 hours for ample stops at cafés and viewpoints to take in coastal vistas and misty peaks. At the Hue Imperial City, check out the VR Centre to be transported back to the palace's full 19th-century splendour.

Yes, Kota Kinabalu has always been on travellers’ radars – largely thanks to its role as the gateway to Borneo and Mount Kinabalu. But in 2026, the city is finally stepping out of that shadow. There’s more here than just a summit to tick off, and KK knows it.

Framed by rainforest-covered hills on one side and the South China Sea on the other, Sabah’s capital has quietly sharpened into one of Southeast Asia’s most interesting nature-meets-city destinations. KK feels more confident in its own skin now, and that shift shows up everywhere from its creative scene to where you’re checking in. New heavyweights like the Sheraton Kota Kinabalu, rising as one of the tallest towers in Borneo, signal the city’s growing ambition. There’s also the newly reopened Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre, which has returned after a full-scale refurbishment.

On the ground, local creatives are claiming space through pop-ups and markets like the Jesselton Artisan Market, while hybrid venues such as Nox and Sol by Lumos are injecting fresh energy into a nightlife scene that’s long been labelled sleepy (and unfairly so). Add ambitious plans to transform the old port into the culture-forward Jesselton Docklands, and Kota Kinabalu’s evolution is clearly underway. 

Time Out tip: Adventure travellers can explore Borneo at its wildest with Remarkable Borneo. Their Sabah itineraries span orangutan encounters, Kinabatangan river safaris and jungle treks in Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

In 2026, it feels like ‘firsts’ are near impossible. But Bhutan’s burgeoning bitcoin-built Gelephu Mindfulness City is slated to become the world’s first economic hub dedicated to mindfulness.

The futuristic city of Gelephu is in its infancy, with the first international flights from Kolkata opening just last month. But throughout the coming years, tourism here is set to explode. The project’s first intrepid travellers can stay at one of its three-star hotels, visit a Hindu mandir, soak in the Gelephu Hot Springs, and spend the day hiking to Dolpani Waterfall. Meditation retreats, innovative dual-purpose bridges and a new international airport are on the way.

Time Out Tip: With the city under construction, avoid the noise and drive a few hours to Royal Manas National Park for river rafting, tiger spotting and birding.