Rayong, Seoul, and Chennai Emerge as Top Asian Slow Travel Destinations

Speedy Summary

• Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore are India’s top destinations for slow travel according to Agoda data.
• Slow travel involves longer stays allowing deeper engagement with the destination’s culture, cuisine, and people.
• Globally recognized slow travel destinations include Rayong (Thailand), Kalegowa (Indonesia), Seoul (South korea), Tokyo (Japan), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Boracay Island (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
• For Indian travelers heading abroad, Seoul emerges as a favored destination for slow-paced travel experiences.
• Chennai’s attractions include historic temples, Marina Beach walks, Carnatic music performances, and warm hospitality.
• gaurav Malik from Agoda emphasizes the shift towards meaningful experiences over rushed itineraries in current fast-paced lifestyles.
• Data analysis is based on average booking lengths between January and March 2025.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The increasing popularity of “slow travel” reflects both changing preferences among tourists seeking more immersive experiences and a broader trend toward mindful consumption.The fact that Chennai leads in India highlights its cultural depth coupled with ease of access to coastal relaxation spots-attributes vital for extended stays.This shift could signal further growth opportunities for local businesses reliant on tourism such as heritage tours or authentic food services.

From an international perspective, Indian travelers’ interest in cities like Seoul suggests that urban centers offering cultural immersion intertwined with leisure attract Indians more strongly than mere sightseeing hubs. For policymakers and stakeholders in India’s tourism industry, promoting deep yet accessible cultural engagements in other parts of the country may capture this emerging market preference further.

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