Sunset View from flight

Discover 20 Top Overrated Destinations

The general concept of a travel Destinations being completely or stylistically ‘overrated’ is unprejudiced in the first place, due to the simple fact that everybody’s experience can vary drastically depending on these few standards or expectations. Ironically, while many of these places may not be ubiquitously popular among tourists, the locations still provide a lot of travelers with points of interest that they may seek and enjoy. Different factors like travel attitude and related-tourism preference, available time, and other factors may determine the evaluation of the value or attractiveness of a given travel destination. This is very important to know that for some travelers these places are not fit to visit while other extreme places that still provide them with a unique experience. Possible factors that may have led to such perception include, overpopulation, over-marketing, ecological issues, lack of philosophical substance, and huge expenditure. Still, it is possible to state that such locations are in no way universal and that, most likely, every person had at least one enthralling and magic moment there. Some of the elements might make travel destinations less attractive to some people, however, it should be noted that these places still have much to offer to certain clientele, and others might be more receptive to differences and choices.

Top 20 Overrated Travel Destinations in Asia

Phuket, Thailand:

Overcrowding: Most attractions and beaches in Phuket being frequently visited by many visitors the beauty of the place is spoiled by overcrowding some visitors having to spend little time at the attractions.

Overdoing it: New hotels and resorts accompanied by bars and sale of souvenirs replaced the original nature and made it look more like a typical Mediterranean island.

Environmental Damage: Been to the Island of Phuket? Yes, then you must have seen how the beautiful island of Phuket has turned into a hell for tourists, The Island has become dirty, polluted and has been over developed mainly affecting the Sea.

Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall

Discover Thailand : Now Enjoying Free Visa-Free Travel & Game Changing Itinerary

Thailand is a unique country known all over the world as the “Land of Smiles”, and you will certainly be impressed by the works of art, beautiful landscapes and friendly people here. City is seen to be very vibrant as it has got the famed nightlife scenario of Bangkok alongside serene locations such as Phuket’s beach. Tourists can visit such sights as the Egyptian pyramids and taste delicious Italian, Thai and Japanese cuisines, excited by rather passionate festivals. Tropical beaches with clear blue water, virgin forests and beautiful mountains are other main attractions in Thailand which provide so many possibilities for active rest. From business cities to silicon valleys, speeding cars to slow motion sightseeing, Thailand bewitches with the grace that comes from an amalgam of the oldest traditions and the most contemporary advancements of paradise in Southeast Asia.

Goa, India:

Loss of authenticity: Most of the places in Goa have unfortunately succumbed to ‘development’ which has only brought in commercialization and thereby erosion of true Goan spirit.

Crowded beaches: Tourist hotspot; which consists of the famous beaches of Calangute and Baga becomes overly congested during the peak of the tourist season thus denying stark beauty of the locations.

Commercial Nightlife: While some can regard Goa as one of the best places to go to for nightlife, there are others who think that the attractions in Goa are over-hyped and too synthetic.

Bali, Indonesia:

Too Crowded: Bali's expertise has made the beaches filled with many tourists, many traffics on the roads, and long lines of people waiting to get into certain attractions and hinder the overall experience.

Environmental issues: Tourism has faced issues in mass pollution, over development and resource pressure to Bali and altering the looks and sustainability of the island.

The future of authentic culture: Many tourists noticed that formations are oppressively commercialized and thus negatively impacted Balinese culture, as many points of interest attract tourists.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia:

Too Much Crowd: Angkor Wat & its adjacent temples are normally flooded with travelers and tourists during the high lighted seasons to the extent of denying the soul a lob from a serene space.

Shopping: Presently, Siem Reap can be deemed rather commercialized, as a numerous amount of hotels , restaurants as well as souvenir shops for tourists might be observed.

Conservation Concerns: This has raised eyebrows over the impact of the visitors on the preservation of the ancient ruins of Angkor and the surrounding ecology.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates:

Artificiality: To some tourists, Dubai’s towering high rises, palm-shaped islands, and shopping malls projecting a commercialized and superficial look, devoid of traditional aspects of any culture.

Untruth: Although they boast of the amenities, some guests note that there is little genuinely exhibiting true Arabic Dubai; it is famously known for shopaholics’ paradise and recreation.

Heavy prices: Topping the list as among the most expensive cities to visit in the Middle East, Dubai exudes high prices on all aspects; even its accommodations, hotels, and sights for tourists.

A restaurant in Dubai
A restaurant in Dubai
Ferris Wheel
Ferris Wheel

Tokyo, Japan:

Crowd: Crowds: In some cases, aggressiveness of Tokyo’s crowds may generate certain discomfort to some tourists; this can be seen in the traffic area such as Shinjuku and Shibuya.

High cost: Tokyo is one of the most glamorous cities across the globe when it comes to the price of accommodation, food, and other recreational activities, which are relative expensive and may therefore not be affordable particularly to budget travelers.

Lack of cultural immersion: Despite the cultural experience that is present within the city, some visitors consider Tokyo to be overly extravagant and there are not many raw cultural frontages seen in this city.

Siem Reap, Cambodia:

Tourism development: Siem Reap is no longer a quiet town Indeed many hotels, restaurants, cafe and bars have been established in the area to accommodate the ever increasing number of tourist visiting Angkor Wat .

Loss of authenticity: Travelers seem to agree with the opinion stating that residing Siem Reap and Angkor is now rife with tourist enterprises and trampling crowds.

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia:

Party Scene: Kuta is possibly the most famous area for young people and wild nightlife that never ends – this can be quite an intimidating factor for tourists when they are in search for something less exhausting and more leisurely.

Overdeveloped: In the past few years the neighborhood has undergone economic reinvention and now there are even hosts, restaurants, shops, and cafes along the streets that lead to much traffic.

Lack of cultural immersion: Some visitors criticized the fact that Kuta does not show the real Balinese which here is oriented towards the tourists as they say ‘save local culture".

Jaipur, India:

Tourists: Jaipur is infamous for tourist scams with pepper spray, extortions and molestation that taint the cultures.

Pollution: That is why Jaipur’s visitors may be interested in its historical places and monuments, but air pollution and high noise level will affect their decision.

Overcrowding: Icons such as Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort may often witness heavy tourist rush that does not allow you to take a ponder at their exquisiteness and historical importance.

Overrated Destinations

Koh Samui, Thailand:

Over-development: Koh Samui has since developed very fast and has numerous hotels, resorts and other tourist facilities thus resulting in formula increases in tourist influx and the destructive consequences on the environment.

High prices: The cost of acommodation, eating out and other activities in Koh Samui can be pricey for a number of reasons; the popularity of the destination with tourists in Thailand and people across the world means that the prices are rather steep for travelers who expect a no-frills backpacking adventure.

Loss of tranquility: It is well over the decades that this small island of Thailand was famous by the name of Koh Samui that has changed drastically and the beauty of beaches has been marred by commercialization.

Singapore:

Lack of cultural depth: However, despite the Image that Singapore gives as a very new, clean and developed country, some visitors might think that it lacks Cultural experience as opposed to other S. E. Asian cities.

High cost: Singapore is considered as one of the expensive destinations globally, especially in accommodation and other tourist attractions that may lead to a high cost for tourists.

Limited space: However, don’t let the size of Singapore fool you; it may appear congested, though not heavily, especially around the tourist attraction sites like the Marina Bay and Orchard Road tourist district.

Pattaya, Thailand:

Bad reputation: Pattaya has a reputation for sex tourism and partying that may not appeal to all travelers, especially those looking for a family-friendly or cultural experience.

Exaggeration: The city is too developed with bars, nightclubs, and entertainment centers that cater to tourists, leading to a lack of authenticity and beauty.

Pollution: Pattaya suffers from pollution and environmental degradation, with overcrowded beaches and polluted waterways undermining its appeal as a tourist destination.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

Lack of charm: Although Kuala Lumpur offers beautiful high rise buildings and diverse culture, some travelers find it lacking in beauty and authenticity compared to other Southeast Asian capitals.

High humidity: Kuala Lumpur experiences high humidity throughout the year, which can be uncomfortable for visitors to the city on foot.

Limited Pedestrian Resources: City streets can be difficult to navigate on foot due to the lack of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and facilities, making it difficult to explore certain areas on foot.

Halong Bay, Vietnam:

Tourist boats: Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination, leading to overcrowded cruises that can spoil the peaceful beauty of the place.

Pollution: The river suffers from pollution, with garbage and debris contaminating its clear waters and limestone karsts.

Tourist Traps: Some visitors feel that Halong Bay has become too commercialized, with tourist traps and inflated prices detracting from the overall experience.

Osaka Japan:

Lack of cultural depth: While people go there for food and nightlife, some tourists claim that Osaka and its attractions are less rich comparing to other cities in Japan like Kyoto or Nara and it also seems to be less costly there.

Commercial: Osaka looks predominantly touristic, and the modern enhanced streets can be highly commercial like un-Japanese more to some tourists.

Too costly: Similar to other parts of Japan, tourists are likely to find that they can be ripped because Osaka is mostly viewed as an expensive city especially when sightseeing around areas like Dotonbori and Shinsekai.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia:

Confronting History: Visiting sights such as the killing fields and the Tuol S leng Genocide Museum means that there are people who may find it shocking and uncomfortable to be in Phnom Penh.

Poverty: The country is very poor, and there are obvious contrasts between the affluent and the needy, which, depending on the metropolitan, may be shocking to travelers.

Limited tourism infrastructure: While Phnom Penh has many history and culture sites, some tourists who came through southern capitals may consider that this city is not well-equipped for tourism compared to other East Asian countries.

Krabi, Thailand:

Crowded Beaches: The well-known Krabi beaches, including Ao Nang and Railay, have many tourist facilities, countless fellow tourists during better seasons, which to some extent add to the beauty of this place.

Overdevelopment: This region has undergone rapid development and as many hotels, resorts and other tourist facilities, but unfortunately this severely impacts the environment and does not bring the real touch of a local place.

Tourist Scams: Guests and tourists believe that Krabi has a problem of offering numerous attractions that are artificially developed for tourists, pushing them away from genuine travel and turning them into costly distractions.

Hanoi, Vietnam:

Crazy Traffic: Hanoi’s traffic includes numerous vehicles and at time it can be a stark confusing to some travelers who are used to riding within the confines of well defined traffic regulations of their home country.

Pollution: However, general issues of pollution such as air and noise pollutions that affect many Vietnamese cities including Hanoi will impact the overall perception of visitors to the city negatively.

Aggressive Street Vendors: When it comes to perceiving stressors in some areas of the city streets where it is not or cannot be possible to sensitize them indicating aggressive vendors which makes it hard to force a purchase.

Cebu, Philippines:

Overdevelopment: Cebu City has seen fast development with many hotels, malls, and commercial establishments, resulting in overcrowding and traffic congestion.

Loss of natural beauty: Once known for its beautiful beaches and natural scenery, Cebu has become overgrown, and environmental damage and pollution are ruining its appeal.

Lack of cultural attractions: Although Cebu offers historical and cultural attractions, some travelers find it rare compared to other places in the Philippines such as Manila or Bohol.

Langkawi, Malaysia:

Tourist Traps: Langkawi is overrun with tourist traps and overpriced attractions, bringing out the island's rich cultural and natural experiences.

Overcrowding: The island has experienced rapid development with the influx of hotels, resorts and tourism facilities, leading to overpopulation and environmental degradation.

High prices: Langkawi's status as a tourist destination has made the cost of accommodation, hotels and activities high, making it inaccessible to budget travelers.