The Most Underrated Places to Visit in Asia
by Kate G
We’re dab hands at waxing lyrical about Asia’s less-visited highlights - those low-profile local spots that don’t usually make it into the visitors’ view - but what about the more well-known places that get unnecessarily brushed over? Perhaps places that used to have challenges which no longer exist, or spots with an unjustly off-key reputation that are actually well worth a visit, and are usually quieter than the glittering ‘highlights’? The Selective Asia team have compiled their favourite underrated places to visit in Asia that are well worth making time for in your next trip.
Mumbai
Delhi may be the natural in-out hub for Rajasthan, and it’s certainly a great city, but for me, Mumbai is the place to head. It's a city of striking contrasts, and its vibrant neighbourhoods, such as far-southern Colaba, are each steeped in their own rich history. There’s pleasantly buzzing nightlife, some excellent museums and markets, and truly world-class heritage sites. It's often dismissed in favour of Delhi, but Mumbai works brilliantly at the start or end of an India trip.
- Kate
Jakarta
I think Jakarta is absolutely great. Anyone who loves travel will want to see the capital of a country, and this working capital is an integral part of Indonesia’s story. Some parts of the city aren’t very ‘Instagramable’, perhaps, but then you’ll find that in any big city, and there’s so much to experience that broadens your understanding of Java and beyond. Some more widely known parts of Indonesia are distinguished by those iconic images of bullock carts, agricultural workers toiling in the fields, and rippling terraces in the countryside. In contrast, in Jakarta there are skylines of glass and steel, spotless streets, and mass rapid transit (including an upcoming metro system).
All destinations should be seen beyond our distanced expectations of what they ‘should’ be like, and Jakarta shows a different facet to modern Indonesian life; the story of its young, upwardly mobile population and flourishing economic growth.
- Andrew
Hue
Hue is underrated in part because it's overshadowed by Hoi An. However, whilst it doesn't quite have the latter’s level of old-town charm, density of high-end restaurants or speedy tailors, Hue is such a great town to explore. It’s smaller than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so much more manageable for walking or cycling, with easy access to small villages and rural scenery on the outskirts, which can best be explored on longer stays. It holds high significance throughout Vietnam’s history, including during the time of the emperors and the American war. Hue has a really distinctive cuisine, too, influenced by its time as the Imperial capital; personally, I think bun bo hue noodle soup is next-level delicious!
- Anna
Phuket
On the face of it, Phuket may not seem like a very ‘unfollow the herd’ kind of place, but that’s just the point! Away from the throngs at Patong, Kata and Karon, the island has some absolute gems. Unspoilt Nai Yang feels like stepping back into a Thailand of 20 (or more) years ago, and Mai Khao in the north is almost beautifully deserted (save for a few lovely hotels, of course!). If you choose the right spot, you can enjoy the best of Phuket without the crowds.
Thailand as a whole can get bypassed because of a perceived reputation as being over-touristed, but there’s so much of the country to explore beyond its headline spots. Choose the right route, and it always wows in so many ways, from its history, culture, food, stunning beaches, wildlife, food (again!), the people, scenery, and did I mention the food?!
- Dave
Siem Reap
From my perspective, it’s always worth taking a fresh look at Siem Reap. Most people head here just for the Angkor temples, but it's a great town in its own right. There are some fantastic hotels, Tonle Sap lake is really beautiful, there’s a vibrant restaurant and night life scene, as well as plenty of great markets and boutique shops to explore. Head here in shoulder season, and avoid the worst congestion and crowding on the main thoroughfares, and Siem Reap is a top place to dig a bit deeper into Cambodian culture.
- Aaron
Hampi
Hampi is not undiscovered, exactly, but for a historical and archaeological site of this scale, it rarely seems to be high on anyone's must-visit list, especially when compared to Asia's other historic sites like Angkor, Ayutthaya or Polonaruwa. This is partly due to the fact that getting there usually requires a lengthy road trip, but the simple work-around for that is to stay a little longer, perhaps 4 nights, to make the journey worthwhile (maybe treating yourself to a stay at the exquisite Evolve Back Hampi) and taking time to explore the hundreds of temples and ruins. It's a popular spot with locals, but you generally find far fewer foreign travellers than at India’s higher-profile landmarks.
- Lionel
The Knuckles
There’s a strong case for the Knuckles being Sri Lanka’s most underrated region, especially when compared to other central but more well-known areas. It’s nothing short of mind-blowing scenery-wise, and I don’t describe things in such terms lightly! As the name suggests, this is a chain of knobbly peaks that runs right through the middle of Tea Country, just north of Kandy, and the views from the green slopes are incredible. It’s just as perfect for serious hikers as for gentle wanderers, or for gazing at from your hotel terrace.
- Anna
An array of Cambodian gems…
There are many great places across Cambodia that deserve a more enthusiastic cheer than they often get. Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city, with a charming French colonial district, close proximity to many places of interest, and a great lake crossing to get you there, but often gets dropped off the route in favour of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Further south, Kratie can get bypassed as it appears to be more ‘out of the way’ than it is, but it’s so easy to build into a trip, and the sunsets over the Mekong from the riverbank are worth it on their own! Kampot tends to lose the limelight to Kep and the southern islands, but it’s a brilliantly earthy 'real' place, and the food is absolutely phenomenal - we’ve all heard of the famous pepper, but the dishes in general are out of this world.
- Nick
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by Kate G on 23rd March 2026