The hot Asian stopover list for 2026 savvy travellers need to know

Long before the problems in the Middle East, Asian cities, in my experience, offered a superior stopover option. Whether your final destination is in Europe or North America, and regardless of your interests, there's a metropolis that will fit you like a glove. Once upon a time, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong were where long-haulers paused for a day or two. Now, with more airlines flying into Australia, there's a new swag of Asian stopover destinations. Why will you love them? Well, they tend to offer good value plus have excellent public transport options, great food and shopping, unique cultural experiences and a high level of safety - often all of the above. Who knows? You might find a stopover city deserves a deeper investigation during your next holiday. On this you can trust me and my undying love for Hong Kong. Here are eight Asian stopovers and why you should give them a shot.

WHY: Often overlooked by visitors as they head to the islands, this metropolis has all the vibrancy that comes with that. During a stopover, choose an area and stick to it. Chinatown (Yaowarat) is perfect for exploring Old Bangkok.

THE AIRLINE: Thai Airways

BEST FOR: Urban adventure

MUST-DO'S: Don't leave finding the best street food to chance. Join A Chef's Tour and you'll explore Yaowarat's alleys and backstreets, eating all the way.

For small galleries, cool shops and great coffee, head to Warehouse30, a creative community in old buildings where rice was once stored.

Get a fix of temples - Wat Traimit with its 13th-century, three-metre-tall Golden Buddha is the most famous; Wat Chakrawat has fewer visitors but three crocodiles. Real ones.

TOP STAYS: Hotel Royal Bangkok, with its smart, modern rooms, is on Yaowarat Road and has a rooftop pool. Prefer to book close to the airport? Ammata Lanta Resort has pagoda-shaped pool villas. There's an airport shuttle, but get a taxi to nearby Lat Krabang Station to head into the city.

TOP TIP: The temples in Bangkok are beautiful, but remember to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, when you visit.

EXPLORE MORE: tourismthailand.org

WHY: This is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, which is reason enough to stop there. It also has a rich history, and a stunning contemporary skyline.

THE AIRLINE: China Southern Airlines

BEST FOR: Food, glorious food

MUST-DO'S: Put yum cha at Tao Tao Ju, established in 1880, on your list immediately then try some dishes - like pigeon and the water buffalo milk pineapple bun (crisp on the outside with a molten filling) - you might not get at home. Get to Zhu Zai Ji Shi Fu early so don't miss out on the leg portions of its famous roast goose. That glistening skin, that juicy meat ... it's irresistible.

Hit the best places on a walking tour of the historical Liwan District with Eating Adventures. You'll go to the fish markets and spots in the backstreets, taste local dishes then finish with yum cha.

TOP STAYS: In the Liwan District, try the minimalist Marhaus Hotel, where some rooms overlook the Pearl River, as does the rooftop restaurant. The Yuexiu District is representative of Old Canton. Book at Yuexiu Hotel Guangzhou, a member of Hilton's Curio Collection, and enjoy being able to walk to attractions and the metro station.

TOP TIP: If your stopover on China Southern is between six and 30 hours, you may be eligible for a free or discounted airport hotel room. It depends on ticket class and whether the hotel has availability, but it's worth a shot.

EXPLORE MORE: travelchina.org.cn

WHY: This buzzing beauty has got the lot 24 hours a day, which is handy if you have jet lag.

THE AIRLINE: Cathay Pacific

BEST FOR: Culture seekers

MUST-DO'S: PMQ is the former Police Married Quarters but its transformation sees more than a hundred local designers and makers with their own studios and shops here.

Ma Wan Island was once known for its shrimp paste, but the former fishing village, now called Ma Wan 1868, has been reborn as a colourful artists' hub.

You can't possibly do the entire West Kowloon Cultural District in one visit. The pick is M+, the architecturally imposing contemporary art museum. Head to the rooftop garden with its views of Victoria Harbour.

TOP STAYS: Novotel Hong Kong Citygate has a complimentary airport shuttle and is linked to Tung Chung Station - you can be at Kowloon Station in half an hour. Otherwise, the luxe Mira Hong Kong Hotel is right on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.

TOP TIP: Download the mobile Octopus Pass to tap on and off with your phone on public transport. You can also use it in taxis and anywhere you see an Octopus Mobile POS.

EXPLORE MORE: discoverhongkong.com

WHY: This multicultural city is all about affordable luxury and offers all kinds of experiences in a relatively compact area.

THE AIRLINE: Malaysia Airlines

BEST FOR: A luxe break without breaking the budget.

MUST-DO'S: Instead of heading to Petronas Twin Towers like everyone else, try the Shangri-La's SkyBar, where you can enjoy cocktails and an unobstructed view of Petronas.

Try bak kut the (it translates to "pork bone tea"). Head to Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh, where the soup is made daily at 5am. It was given a Bib Gourmand gong for good quality, good value cooking by Michelin.

Malls are mega in KL, but head to REXKL in Chinatown to discover the city's emerging designers and makers, restaurateurs and retailers.

TOP STAYS: The KLIA Ekspres Train will have you in the city in 30 minutes, so choose a central hotel. Book in advance and you can get a room at chichi The Chow Kit for less than $100. Another great option is The Kuala Lumpur Journal, with complimentary wine afternoons and a retro-cool rooftop swimming pool.

TOP TIP: KL is a city that loves a speakeasy, so if you've got jet lag, get googling names like The Deceased, PS150 and Shuang Xi then go searching.

EXPLORE MORE: malaysia.travel

WHY: South Korea is on the pop culture radar thanks to Hallyu (the Korean Wave), but Seoul also has centuries-old palaces and traditional culture.

THE AIRLINE: Korean Air

BEST FOR: Pop culture devotees

MUST-DO'S: Take a Real K-Pop Dance class. They're led by real back-up dancers and come with photos and a video to take home.

Head to Starfield Coex Mall in the Gangnam District, where you can do some shopping, but also visit the aquarium, check out the Insta-famous Starfield Library, and take a selfie at the Gangnam Style sculpture.

Get lost in the alleys of Ikseon-dong, where traditional hanok buildings house quirky cafes, boutiques, photo booths and bars. Don't miss souffle pancakes at DongBaek Bakery.

TOP STAYS: Around Gangnam, try Hotel URI& for sleek, modern rooms close to Coex Mall. On the other side of the Han River, Voco Seoul Myeongdong is right by a train station and close to Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong Shopping Street.

TOP TIP: Google Maps doesn't work well in Seoul, so download Naver Map before you leave.

EXPLORE MORE: english.visitseoul.net

WHY: This city is a dazzler, blending world-class dining and shopping, with colonial history and a vibrant cultural scene.

THE AIRLINE: China Eastern

BEST FOR: Art lovers

MUST-DO'S: An abandoned textile mill has been transformed into M50 Creative Park, featuring more than a hundred contemporary galleries and artist studios.

You could spend your entire stopover at the West Bund Cultural Corridor, which includes art museums, an art centre called TANK Shanghai, and the Shanghai Centre of Photography, all located in old industrial buildings.

It's worth visiting China Art Museum for its breathtaking red, tiered architecture alone, but inside, the galleries trace the development of modern art in the country.

TOP STAYS: Art deco architecture and traditional Chinese craftsmanship come together at boutique Habo Hotel Shanghai, in the quiet yet walkable Huangpu District. Within walking distance of Nanjing Road and People's Park is Upper House Shanghai, which seamlessly blends Chinese and European styles.

TOP TIP: From Pudong Airport, the Maglev train travels at 430 kilometres an hour to get to Longyang Road Metro Station in just eight minutes. From there, the easy-to-use and efficient Shanghai Metro is the best way to navigate the city.

WHY: If you're new to Asian cities, this one - small and manageable - is a great entry point, especially if you've got the kids with you.

THE AIRLINES: Singapore Airlines and Scoot

BEST FOR: Families on the go

MUST-DO'S: The Sky Walk at Gardens by the Bay gives you a different perspective of the famous Supertree Grove.

There are loads of family activities on Sentosa Island, ranging from Universal Studios to free activities like the Sentosa Sensoryscape.

Take a stroll through Little India. With its sari and gold shops, colourful temples and street murals, there is lots to see (read more about Little India on page 20).

TOP STAYS: Near Changi Airport and Tayo Station is D'Resort, which has spacious family rooms and a water park. Closer to Downtown, Furama Riverfront has family and connecting rooms, a kids' play area and large pool.

TOP TIP: Save some cash for the next leg of your trip by eating in hawker centres. Look for dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, roti and noodle dishes to satisfy junior taste buds.

EXPLORE MORE: visitsingapore.com

WHY: You could spend months in Tokyo and still find something new to explore, but if you're here for a day or two, be sure to enjoy music, food and more into the wee small hours. You can sleep on the flight, right?

THE AIRLINES: Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA (All Nippon Airways)

BEST FOR: Night owls

MUST-DO'S: In Shinjuku, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building where you can head to the observation deck on the 45th floor and check out the city's neon lights. It's free.

There are restaurants, bars and karaoke venues right across the city, but hit a listening bar for a true local experience. B.Y.G. in Shibuya has been spinning vinyl and hosting live music across three floors since 1969.

Soak away achy muscles from the flight at Tokyo Toyosu Manyo, a 24-hour onsen. It even has a relaxation room where you can chill all night for an additional fee.

TOP STAYS: Keikyu Ex Inn Haneda is adjacent to the airport and a subway station. The rooms are compact but comfortable, plus it has public baths. Just five minutes from Shinjuku Station is WP Hotel with cute, contemporary rooms, a cafe and beer diner, featuring local craft brews, and a gallery for performances and art shows.

TOP TIP: Double check which airport your flights go into and out of. People assume it will be Narita but Haneda, which is much closer to central Tokyo, is often used.

EXPLORE MORE: gotokyo.org