Agoda.com's top 5 Zen destinations

Agoda.com recently revealed its top five Accessible Zen Retreats in Asia. Believing destinations offering solitude should still be accessible, each resort is less than three hours from an international airport and has been tried and tested.

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan Set in mist-covered mountainous terrain and verdant alpine forest, ideal for hiking, cycling, cruises, visits to indigenous villages and temple tours.
STAY: Lalu Hotel or Richforest Resort.

Con Son Island, Vietnam Albeit the island has a tragic history - it was once a detention camp for political prisoners - it now offers a remote and idyllic natural retreat, untouched by mass development. Expect deserted beaches and endangered species, including green and hawksbill turtles and dugongs.
STAY: Six Senses Con Dao Resort or Con Dao Sea Travel Resort.

Khao Sok, Thailand This national park contains the largest untouched rainforest in Thailand, limestone peaks and a beautiful manmade lake. Wildlife abounds - elephants, tigers, bears, deer, macaques and gibbons. Try elephant treks, kayaking, tubing and white-water rafting.
STAY: Thanyamundra Organic Resort or Khao Sok Green Valley Resort

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, China At an altitude of 4,500 "Yulong" mountain features the Northern Hemisphere's southernmost glacier and China's highest ski resorts. Close to the UNESCO-listed old town of Lijiang, Yulong offers fine, powdery snow until May.
STAY: Courier Inn Lijiang Hotel or Banyan Tree Li Jiang.

Atami, Japan Just one hour by shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, Atami is known for its hot springs, volcanic mountains, temples, trekking trails, beach scene and Museum of Modern Art. Visit a geyser and SCUBA dive in Sagami Bay to explore undersea caves and enjoy night dives.
STAY: Atami Korakuen Hotel or Atami Fufu Hotel.

Visit www.agoda.com for hotel information and stays at reduced rates.

Posted Mar 2011