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

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

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

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

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