Japan, Thailand and Taiwan prove to be irresistible destination for Vietnam’s foodies according to digital travel platform Agoda which has recently unveiled the top destinations in Asia that travelers visit specifically for a culinary trip.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director, Vietnam at Agoda shared, “Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a cultural experience. Some Vietnamese travellers are so passionate about food that they book a restaurant abroad even before securing their flights. Our survey data clearly shows that our travellers are seeking out destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cuisines and traditions rather than just sightseeing.”
When it comes to destinations, three countries from around the region proved irresistible to Vietnamese travellers relying on their tastebuds for their travels:
- Japan
Japan is a dream destination for food enthusiasts, offering everything from izakaya bar bites to kaiseki full course experiences. In Tokyo, head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and sashimi or explore local delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in popular areas like Shinjuku and Ginza. Seafood lovers should visit Otaru in Hokkaido to enjoy famous crabs, uni (sea urchin), and fresh seafood donburi. For ramen aficionados, Tenjin in Fukuoka is the place to try tonkotsu ramen, the area’s famous bowl featuring rich pork broth.
- Thailand
Thailand is a food lover’s paradise, offering a street food culture that is hard to match. The traditional food stalls of Yaowarat, known as Chinatown in Bangkok, are where dishes like crispy pork belly, pad thai, crispy oyster omelettes, and mango sticky rice aren’t just among the most delicious meals but also the most affordable. In the north of Thailand, the rich and creamy Khao Soy in Chiang Mai is a must-try, while in the south it’s the lesser-known Khanom Jeen, a fermented rice noodle dish served with a variety of spicy curries, that’s becoming a favourite among foodies.
- Taiwan
Taiwan is a culinary wonderland where ancient traditions and modern influences collide. Taipei’s legendary night markets, like Shilin and Raohe, are a must-visit experience for any foodie. From the infamous stinky tofu to the global sensation of bubble tea. In Tainan, traditional dishes like danzai noodles and milkfish soup highlight the island’s deep food heritage. Taiwan also offers a unique tea culture, with Alishan’s oolong tea holding a place in every tea lover’s heart.
In terms of inbound food travellers, Koreans, Japanese and Thais are the most likely to be drawn in by Vietnamese delights, with visitors from these three nations most likely to visit Vietnam with cuisine on their mind.
“Food isn’t just about eating, it’s about exploring, experiencing, and enjoying every bite, and our cuisine is the pride of our nation. People in Vietnam love sharing their favourite dishes with travellers from round the world and Agoda is proud to offer great value deals to visit this foodie heaven, so that there’s more left to spend on our tastiest local dishes,” Lam continued.
Agoda’s study into the top destinations in Asia that travellers visit specifically for a culinary trip saw South Korea take the crown for foodies on the move.
No less than 64% of travellers to South Korea shared with Agoda that South Korea’s culinary delights are their main reason for traveling. The land of kimchi, Korean barbecue and fried chicken is followed closely by Taiwan (62%), with Thailand (55%), Japan (52%, and Malaysia (49%) completing the top five. The study surveyed over 4,000 Agoda users after they completed bookings to destinations in various markets.
| Top Five Foodie Destinations (Based on Agoda’s survey data) |
| 1. South Korea |
| 2. Taiwan |
| 3. Thailand |
| 4. Japan |
| 5. Malaysia |
Agoda makes it easy to turn your food dreams into reality with access to over 4.5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities. From street food tours in Bangkok to sushi-making classes in Tokyo, Agoda helps travellers explore global flavors. For more information, visit agoda.com or download the Agoda app.
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About the Data
The Agoda’s survey was conducted via the Agoda platform between August 1 and 19, 2024, with over 4,000 participants from 10 markets. These included Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
About Agoda
Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of 4.7M hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.
Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 7,100 staff in 27 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.
