If you’ve never been to Asia, this is your sign to book a damn flight.
The continent is vast, from the hyper-modern neon jungles of Japan to the literal jungle of Borneo, and seeing it all could take a lifetime.
If you’ve already been, there’s a good chance you made a beeline for one of its most iconic cities…along with a few million others. You probably loved it, but you’ve ticked off the big ticket items and don’t feel like braving the crowds on a return trip—you want something more authentic.
That’s where second cities come in. Instead of pouncing on the first flight to the capital, take a meander off-course, and dive head-first into the culture.
To help you along with planning, we’ve listed some of the best hotels in some of Asia’s most exciting second cities.
Zentis – Osaka, Japan
Location: Osaka, Japan
Price: $150+
Vibe: Value-centered Japanese elegance
The rundown: Tokyo is one of the world’s greatest cities. But it can take a lot out of you. Opting for a slightly slower pace in Osaka is the perfect way to break up a Japanese adventure. The city is less overwhelming, more accepting of foreigners, and offers countless cultural experiences. As with Tokyo, it’s one of the world’s greatest second cities.
For your hotel, consider Zentis, an elegant yet devilishly affordable hotel in the city. Perfectly located eight minutes from the central station, it’s hyper-modern, super efficient, and looks fabulous. Its style belies the approachable price.
Ritz-Carlton – Shenzhen, China
Location: Shenzhen, China
Price: $215+
Vibe: Classy luxury at an affordable price
The rundown: While it could be a little while before tourism to China ramps up again, the gargantuan country should still hold a place on your bucket list. The country’s first and second cities, Beijing and Shanghai, hold firm places at the top of most visitors’ itineraries but less frequented by Westerners is Shenzhen.
Despite being nothing more than a fishing village in the ‘70s, this planned settlement exploded into a mega city of 15 million people and is now China’s creativity and tech capital. It’s an unbelievable place. We recommend staying at the Ritz-Carlton. At only $215 a night, you’ll rarely find the brand at such an unintimidating price point. Plus, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to recover from the initial culture shock.
Park Hyatt – Busan, South Korea
Location: Busan, South Korea
Price: $200+
Vibe: Location-perfect luxury
The rundown: Busan is criminally overlooked by tourists in South Korea. The default is Seoul, and it’s understandable—it’s a brilliant city. But Busan’s laid-back beach town vibe, excellent food, and world-class nightlife make it a real contender for Korea’s best city.
Get a proper feel for the city in the Park Hyatt. Its expansive views over the bay are to die for, and its modern minimalistic guestrooms are dripping with sophistication. Even better, it’s perfectly placed to explore the city.
Ni Nirand – Chang Mai, Thailand
Location: Chang Mai, Thailand
Price: $90+
Vibe: City center budget delight
The rundown: Bangkok is one of the most visited cities on the planet. It’s big, it’s loud, and it’s fun; but it can also be overwhelming. For some respite, try out Chang Mai. It’s a fraction of the size and boasts all the comforts of home, making it the perfect interlude on a longer trip. Don’t worry about it being too Westernized, though. You’re also in the middle of some of the country’s best historical sites.
Thailand has no shortage of affordable lodging, but finding somewhere this well-priced and this well-designed is rare. Ni Nirand is a delight to the eyes, well run, and perfectly situated in the middle of the city. You could do far worse.
Pullman – Da Nang, Vietnam
Location: Da Nang, Vietnam
Price: $130+
Vibe: 5-star experience; 3-star prices
The rundown: Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam, with Hanoi coming a close second but pulling a lot of tourism. The next in line is Da Nang, a tremendous city in a period of aggressive growth. Experience it now, before it explodes into another modern metropolis.
For a slice of luxury at gloriously affordable prices, check into the Pullman Hotel. Set on the shores of Bac My An Beach, the seaside resort is a wonderful retreat from the frenetic energy of Vietnam. Squeeze in a stay as you hop around the country.
Grand Hyatt, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Price: $140+
Vibe: Urban hideaway with 5-star service
The rundown: As a city-state, Singapore doesn’t really have any second cities. The closest thing is Kuala Lumpur, the capital of nearby Malaysia. The country as a whole is one of the most criminally underrated in Southeast Asia, and its capital is no exception.
KL is a true melting pot of Chinese, Malays, and Indians, making the food unbelievable, the culture diverse, and the experience unforgettable. We’d recommend the Grand Hyatt in the city center. The service is exceptional, and the views of the iconic Petronas Towers can’t be beaten.
Rambagh Palace – Jaipur, India
Location: Jaipur, India
Price: $300+
Vibe: Old-world extravagance
The rundown: Mumbai is an all-out attack on the senses. Sprawling in all directions for miles, it’s a crash course in India at its most fun, most hectic, and most vibrant. But if you feel it wearing you down, head for Jaipur. It’s arguable that India has multiple second cities, but Jaipur is a gem among them. It’s still busy, but compared to Mumbai, it’ll feel almost relaxed, and its stunning array of historical buildings offers a drastically different experience.
The Rambagh Palace can’t be beaten in grandeur. Once the home of the Maharajas of Jaipur, it has clung passionately to its historical roots. Epic service, exquisite dining, and over-the-top elegance are the bread and butter here, making it well worth the splurge.
by travelers, for travelers.
