Steph Hays and 5 under-the-radar Asian destinations
- Angelena & Christine
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Steph Hays is a seasoned traveler and the American half of Steph and Pete Travel. She met her British half, Pete, as they call it “the old fashioned way” in a bar in Shanghai. They are a couple who prioritize global family travel and share their journey through YouTube. If you would like to read more about Steph and her travel must-haves, check out our Substack newsletter, I Had to Call You.
We love the way Steph shares details that helps us envision our families in the locations she loves. If you read our NYC with kids issue, a big takeaway was the power of the “in-between moments” to provide connection. Steph’s style of travel really lends itself to creating more of those treasured moments with one another and the places visited.
Photos- Steph Hays
We asked Steph to share cities in Asia that she loves for family travel and she delivered.
Five of My Favorite Spots in Asia for Adventurous Families
Since we left to travel full-time in 2021, and eventually settled down (for us, at least) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I’ve visited nearly 30 countries with my husband and now five-year-old son. Asia’s our favorite place to explore, so here are five of our favorite spots if you’re looking to ditch the theme parks and crowded beaches on your next family vacation.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is hardly undiscovered, and at first glance, its charming but packed UNESCO-listed Old Town can feel over-touristed. But if you give it a chance and dig just a bit deeper, Hoi An really delivers. We've visited three times in as many years and love cycling through the rice paddies, sampling street food, and taking cooking classes with Na of Eat Hoi An (a non-negotiable!) Bonus: just up the road in Danang, you can end a trip with a few days of unwinding at a (very well-priced!) beach resort. We love the Hyatt Regency for its packed calendar of kids’ activities— many of which are supervised, so you can sneak off for an adult beverage beachside. ;)
Chiang Mai, Thailand
I had to include our adopted home of the past year: Chiang Mai; it’s rare to meet someone who visits and doesn’t fall in love with it. The city’s laid-back pace, abundance of night markets, aesthetic cafes, and 300+ temples offer plenty to explore. And that’s before mentioning the elephant encounters, bamboo rafting, and rich, coconut-spiced bowls of khao soi: Northern Thailand’s most famous and beloved dish. One of our favorite under-the-radar experiences? A motorbike food tour with our friends at Just Love Experience (kids allowed! But if motorbikes aren’t your thing, they have plenty of alternatives.)
Jeonju, South Korea
South Korea was love at first visit for us and we’ve since crisscrossed the country and enjoyed over a dozen cities. One of the most family-friendly stops is Jeonju, just two hours from Seoul. It's the perfect place to wander among traditional hanok houses and picture-perfect streets, or take a ride on Rail Bike where you can cycle along an old train line. It’s also the birthplace of both bibimbap, one of Korea’s most popular dishes. It’s another place that can veer a bit touristy, but still has plenty to love. Top tip: stop for a craft beer at Nomadic Brewing Company.
Photos- Steph Hays, Thai Chocolate Experience;Chiang Mai Night Market; Agoda.com Jeonju rail bike
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Taiwan might be the most underrated country we’ve been to. The food scene is incredible (especially at the night markets), the train system is fast and reliable, and you get mountains, beaches, and vibrant cities all in one small, easy-to-navigate island. While Taipei gets most of the buzz and is fantastic, we loved this laid-back port city for its perfect blend of industrial grit, seaside charm, and vibrant arts scene.
Lijiang, China
The Great Wall might be on your China bucket list, and for good reason, but the country is full of lesser-known gems (at least to international tourists— domestic tourists have been flocking to these places for years and years.) Lijiang, in Yunnan province, is one of them. Its Old Town is all cobblestone lanes and canals, with a rich culture shaped by the Naxi people, an ethnic minority known for their music. Yunnan’s (the province Lijiang is in) is famous for fresh produce (wild mushrooms galore), and nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain makes a stunning backdrop—especially during Impressions of Lijiang, a live outdoor show choreographed by the same person who was responsible for the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, set right at its base.
Bonus: Mumbai, India
India isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and its biggest city might not be at the top of your family travel list, but for us, Mumbai is magic, so it’d be remiss to not include what might be my favorite city in the world. It’s chaotic, bold, and endlessly fascinating. You can find pockets of calm at Bombay Panjrapole, a peaceful cow sanctuary in the middle of the city, or snack on pani puri by the sea at Chowpatty Beach. We also love lazy days cafe-hopping in Bandra, a trendy neighborhood with plenty of space to breathe. Mumbai isn’t necessarily easy with kids, but it’s one of those places that feels alive and is a city you won’t soon forget.
CONTACT STEPH! Email at steph.hays@fora.travel. You can follow along with our adventures on Instagram and YouTube.