The passionate love affair between Aussie travellers and Asia shows no signs of cooling.
In fact, we're trying to penetrate deeper into well-trodden countries like Indonesia and Japan, as well as making some fresh discoveries along the way.
"It is really interesting to see the types of places that Australian travellers are starting to discover in greater numbers," says Andy Edwards at Singapore-based travel agency Agoda, adding that beach, ski and cultural destinations are at the top of the list for many Australians.
KATHMANDU, Nepal
Eager to put the destruction of its 2015 earthquake behind, Nepal's captivating capital is open for business again. It could be the stunning architectural heritage of Kathmandu that appeals to travellers, or the cultural treasure trove that is its shopping and dining. Kathmandu is also an obvious gateway to the majestic Himalayas. Agoda has recorded a 144 per cent increase year-on-year in bookings by Australians.
SAPPORO, Japan
There may be no better place to feast on Hokkaido's culinary riches than in its underrated capital city. Sapporo is also the gateway to Hokkaido's world-class ski resorts. Every February it puts on a Snow Festival that features enormous ice sculptures. Sapporo is also famous for beer, with the Sapporo Beer Museum tracing the city's brewing history and offering tastings.
PADANG, Indonesia
When Australians want to catch a few off-continent waves or take a tropical hike, they're increasingly heading for Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province. Its food is a big draw, being the most globally recognised of Indonesia's culinary offerings.
HAKONE, Japan
An easy day trip from Tokyo, mountainous Hakone is an ideal place to escape the capital's urban jungle for a few nights and to soak up Japan's famous onsen (hot springs) culture. Hakone can also offer some spiritual reprieve, with its Shinto shrine Hakone Jinja on the shores of Lake Ashi. The city also offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain peak at 3776m.
SURABAYA, Indonesia
Surabaya on the island of Java benefits from close proximity to Bali and Mount Bromo. It's an intoxicating blend of modern metropolis and colonial wonder, with fascinating buildings from its Dutch past and a thriving Chinatown and Arab Quarter, whose Ampel Mosque dates back to the 15th century.
NAGOYA, Japan
Famed as the automotive capital of Japan, Nagoya is one of Japan's emerging arts hubs and home to several standout museums. A manufacturing centre, Nagoya draws shoppers and party revellers alike to its Sakae entertainment district, and gamblers to the panchinko parlours in the city's Naka ward.
KYOTO, Japan
Though offering plenty in the way of food and shopping, Kyoto lures most travellers with its Budhist temples tucked away within the pretty rolling hills surrounding its central areas. The city's gardens, imperial palaces, traditional wooden houses and Shinto shrines are also drawcards.
PALAWAN, Philippines
Visitors could easily spend weeks exploring this stunning island province and still not see it all. Palawan is a nature lover's paradise, from diving in Coron to island hopping in El Nido.
KRABI, Thailand
Krabi is one of the most popular picks for a Thai island getaway. It includes more then 80 small islands, including Ko Lanta and Phi Phi, where you can snorkel, dive, sail or sunbathe the day away in paradise.
BAGAN, Myanmar
Aussies are just beginning to take notice of the ancient city of Bagan. Home to an incomparable skyline speckled with soaring spires, the city has more Buddhist structures than anywhere in the world. Holy sites around the old town include ornate Ananda Temple, built in 1091, and the vast 12th-century Dhammayangyi Temple. Get there before even more crowds do.
In fact, we're trying to penetrate deeper into well-trodden countries like Indonesia and Japan, as well as making some fresh discoveries along the way.
"It is really interesting to see the types of places that Australian travellers are starting to discover in greater numbers," says Andy Edwards at Singapore-based travel agency Agoda, adding that beach, ski and cultural destinations are at the top of the list for many Australians.
From Kyoto to Krabi, here are 10 Asian destinations feeling the Aussie love:
KATHMANDU, Nepal
Eager to put the destruction of its 2015 earthquake behind, Nepal's captivating capital is open for business again. It could be the stunning architectural heritage of Kathmandu that appeals to travellers, or the cultural treasure trove that is its shopping and dining. Kathmandu is also an obvious gateway to the majestic Himalayas. Agoda has recorded a 144 per cent increase year-on-year in bookings by Australians.
SAPPORO, Japan
There may be no better place to feast on Hokkaido's culinary riches than in its underrated capital city. Sapporo is also the gateway to Hokkaido's world-class ski resorts. Every February it puts on a Snow Festival that features enormous ice sculptures. Sapporo is also famous for beer, with the Sapporo Beer Museum tracing the city's brewing history and offering tastings.
PADANG, Indonesia
When Australians want to catch a few off-continent waves or take a tropical hike, they're increasingly heading for Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province. Its food is a big draw, being the most globally recognised of Indonesia's culinary offerings.
HAKONE, Japan
An easy day trip from Tokyo, mountainous Hakone is an ideal place to escape the capital's urban jungle for a few nights and to soak up Japan's famous onsen (hot springs) culture. Hakone can also offer some spiritual reprieve, with its Shinto shrine Hakone Jinja on the shores of Lake Ashi. The city also offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain peak at 3776m.
SURABAYA, Indonesia
Surabaya on the island of Java benefits from close proximity to Bali and Mount Bromo. It's an intoxicating blend of modern metropolis and colonial wonder, with fascinating buildings from its Dutch past and a thriving Chinatown and Arab Quarter, whose Ampel Mosque dates back to the 15th century.
NAGOYA, Japan
Famed as the automotive capital of Japan, Nagoya is one of Japan's emerging arts hubs and home to several standout museums. A manufacturing centre, Nagoya draws shoppers and party revellers alike to its Sakae entertainment district, and gamblers to the panchinko parlours in the city's Naka ward.
KYOTO, Japan
Though offering plenty in the way of food and shopping, Kyoto lures most travellers with its Budhist temples tucked away within the pretty rolling hills surrounding its central areas. The city's gardens, imperial palaces, traditional wooden houses and Shinto shrines are also drawcards.
PALAWAN, Philippines
Visitors could easily spend weeks exploring this stunning island province and still not see it all. Palawan is a nature lover's paradise, from diving in Coron to island hopping in El Nido.
KRABI, Thailand
Krabi is one of the most popular picks for a Thai island getaway. It includes more then 80 small islands, including Ko Lanta and Phi Phi, where you can snorkel, dive, sail or sunbathe the day away in paradise.
BAGAN, Myanmar
Aussies are just beginning to take notice of the ancient city of Bagan. Home to an incomparable skyline speckled with soaring spires, the city has more Buddhist structures than anywhere in the world. Holy sites around the old town include ornate Ananda Temple, built in 1091, and the vast 12th-century Dhammayangyi Temple. Get there before even more crowds do.
Source: AAP
