Asia’s Best Long Weekend Destination
Winner: Taipei
Easily accessible and straightforward to get around, Taipei is home to vibrant night markets, an exciting food scene, hiking or shopping, depending on disposition, and the opportunity to relax over tea tastings – or in hot springs.
‘At just an hour and a half from Hong Kong, Taipei is simplicity itself to get to. Great culture and some truly stunning food seals the deal.’ –Mark Tjhung, content director of Cedar Hong Kong and part of our panel of travel experts
Asia’s Best Long Weekend Destination
Singapore
The efficiency of Changi Airport allows weekenders to maximise time in Singapore, from early-morning excursions to the peaceful parks and gardens to late-night shopping, night markets and hawker centres.
Luang Prabang
From dusk ’til after dark, make the most of a long weekend in Laos – from watching monks collect alms at sunrise to handicraft shopping at the night market. The ancient city is easily walkable, too, with temples, architecture and local cuisine appealingly accessible.
Okinawa
Okinawa has more than enough to offer weekenders: relax on the beach beside clear, turquoise seas and coral reefs, and explore its Second World War sites, castle, aquarium, artist villages and the local cuisine.
Siem Reap
A day pass to Angkor Wat will dedicate one day to temples. Spend the rest of the time exploring the markets, indulging in massages, sampling street food and relaxing poolside. Evenings offer inventive Cambodian fare and sophisticated cocktails.
Chiang Mai
It may not have Thailand’s beaches but a long weekend promises natural beauty and traditional culture with northern Thai food, temples, markets, elephant sanctuaries and national parks in which to chase waterfalls and views.
Shanghai
A super city to wander on a weekend and soak up the sights, sounds and shops. From The Bund to the French Concession, take it all in via Shanghainese cuisine, and a beguiling mix of modernity and tradition.
Jeju
Jeju features intriguing geological sites – from lava tubes to ancient cliffs – and some interesting manmade ones, such as the Haenyeo Museum. Explore it all in a long weekend.
Da Nang
Three days in Da Nang can take you from mountains to sea to city, offering the beautiful Ba Na Hills, Da Nang city’s vibrant markets and serene coastal beaches. Add on Marble Mountains’ caves and historic Hoi An.
Yunnan
Where better to take a break from the working week than amid Yunnan’s natural beauty? There’s the ancient town of Lijiang, the Stone Forest Global Geopark, the Meili Snow Mountains and the stunning scenery that surrounds Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Check out more of the 2019 Marco Polo Members’ Choice Travel Awards:
Asia’s Best City for Food >
Asia’s Best Shopping Destination >
Asia’s Most Romantic Destination >
Asia’s Best City for a Night Out >
Asia’s Best City for Art and Culture >
Asia’s Best All-in-One Destination >
Asia’s Best Up-and-Coming Destination >
Asia’s Best Airport >
Back to the main Travel Awards page >>
