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PostMag Reporter

From a Russian tourism invasion to legendary pop star Teresa Teng’s favourite Chiang Mai hotel, and from Malaysian plans for Southeast Asia’s longest escalator, to an overland trip from Hong Kong to Thailand, these are PostMag’s most popular travel stories of 2024.
1. Phuket calling

Thailand has been looking to attract Russian tourists with extended stays, transforming Phuket into a resort town reminiscent of one on the Black Sea. With direct flights and increased visa durations, Thailand hoped to welcome 2 million Russian visitors in 2024, boosting local tourism and investment opportunities.
2. A ‘New Moscow’ in Bali

An Instagram post renaming Bali’s Canggu as “New Moscow” sparked a social media buzz earlier this year, highlighting the influx of Russians to the island since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Local tourism officials, however, expressed the view that having places – like Little India and Chinatown – that were a “mini-me” was cool.
3. Hong Kong to Chiang Mai, by rail and road

Kristian Odebjer journeys from Hong Kong to Chiang Mai and finds it a smooth – yet occasionally challenging – experience, travelling through China, Laos and Thailand using Chinese-built railways and local transport.
4. A Teresa Teng favourite

Stay at the luxurious InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, and discover why it was a home away from home for Taiwanese pop star and actress Teresa Teng Li-chun. Here you can enjoy Thai massages, regional cuisine and even adventurous balloon rides.
5. Malaysia’s Batu Caves plan a long escalator

Asia’s longest escalator is in mainland China, but a new effort planned for Malaysia’s Batu Caves might soon come close, providing an alternative to the 272 steps leading to the Sri Subramaniar cave temple. This new addition aims to enhance the visitor experience, especially during the busy Thaipusam festival.


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Asia travel

Our 5 most-read PostMag travel stories of 2024, from a Russian ‘invasion’ to Teresa Teng’s favourite hotel

The Huangguan Escalator in Chongqing, in southwestern China, is the longest single escalator in Asia, but a new one planned at Malaysia’s Batu Caves could challenge its title. Photo: Getty Images

Thailand is automatically granting Russians stays of up to three months in the country – an increase from 30 days. Photo: Getty Images

Parts of Bali, including Kuta and Canggu, have seen an influx of Russians since Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Photo: AFP

A road in northern Laos near the Laos-China Railway built under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Photo: Kristian Odebjer

The InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping in Thailand. Photo: Kylie Knott

The planned escalator at Malaysia’s Batu Caves will give visitors an alternative to the 272 brightly coloured steps that take people up to the Sri Subramaniar cave temple. Photo: Shutterstock

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During the traditional festival of Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai, Thai people release sky floating lanterns or lamp to worship Buddha’s relics with reflection. Photo: Getty Images

In the summer, the sun doesn’t set in Ilimanaq, Greenland. Photo: AFP

The Sunday Walking Street night market in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo: Getty Images

The Cappadocia region, formed by volcanic eruptions, is one of the most popular tourist sites in Turkey. Photo: Shutterstock

San Domenico Palace Hotel offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Mount Etna. Photo: Shutterstock

Sadhus take part in a holy bath and offer prayers on the occasion of Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which happens once every 12 years. Photo: Shutterstock

Torshavn Harbour in the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago that is part of Denmark. Photo: Tim Pile

The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia. Photo: Tim Pile

Raja Ampat’s Blue Lagoon. Photo: Penny Watson

Unmissable Japan, from Fukuoka’s yatai feasts to luxury ryokans and a samurai’s trek

Unlike the rest of Japan, Fukuoka has kept its yatai street stalls, and they now propel a popular foodie scene. Photo: Shutterstock

Mount Fuji from the southwest, framed by trees in autumn colours – one of the highlights of self-drive road trip around the extinct volcano. Photo: Julian Ryall

Insiders’ George Town: Penang’s capital beyond its atmospheric hotels and street art

The Habitat Penang Hill, set in the midst of ancient rainforest. Photo: The Habitat Penang Hill

Penang’s distinctive trishaws still do a busy trade ferrying tourists around town. Photo: John Brunton

Children posing for parents in Step by Step Lane, with graffiti art by Lithuanian Ernest Zacharevic. Photo: John Brunton

Khoon Klang Bak Kut Teh in Jelutong. Photo: John Brunton

The Hin Bus Depot. Photo: John Brunton

Joe Sidek standing outside Edison Hotel. Photo: John Brunton

Ren I Tang, in Little India. Photo: John Brunton

Eclipse-chasing on Easter Island, amid the moai statues

Rano Raraku is home to Rapa Nui’s iconic buried heads. Photo: Jamie Carter

The shadow path for the October 2, 2024, annular solar eclipse. Photo: Courtesy of Nasa’s Scientific Visualisation Studio

Moai stand sentinel at Ahu Tongariki, the largest ahu on Rapa Nui. Photo: Jamie Carter

A toppled moai at Rano Raraku. Photo: Jamie Carter

The “ring of fire” solar eclipse above Rapa Nui on October 2, 2024. Photo: Jamie Carter

The partial phase of the eclipse begins, with sunspots visible across the sun’s surface. Photo: Jamie Carter

Ringlet sun shadows projected during the few minutes when the moon sat plumb against the sun. Photo: Jamie Carter

The author watches the ring of fire solar eclipse on Rapa Nui. Photo: Jamie Carter

Discover Thai gems, from Bourdain food favourites to spirit houses

Insiders’ guide to Chiang Mai: try local delicacy khao soi and enjoy the lively markets and nightlife of Thailand’s second city. Photo: Getty Images


A display depicting an opium smoker at the House of Opium, in the Thai part of the Golden Triangle. The region’s drug-producing past is remembered here through museums, tours and memorials. Photo: David Frazier

PostMag

Travel

An influx of Russians, a potential challenger to Asia’s longest escalator, and a pop icon’s favourite stay were some stories that caught the internet’s attention


An influx of Russians, a potential challenger to Asia’s longest escalator, and a pop icon’s favourite stay were some stories that caught the internet’s attention.


Our 5 most-read PostMag travel stories of 2024, from a Russian ‘invasion’ to Teresa Teng’s favourite hotel

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}An influx of Russians, a potential challenger to Asia’s longest escalator, and a pop icon’s favourite stay were some stories that caught the internet’s attention

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}1. Phuket calling

An influx of Russians, a potential challenger to Asia’s longest escalator, and a pop icon’s favourite stay were some stories that caught the internet’s attention

1. Phuket calling