Digital travel platform Agoda has identified key destinations across Asia that are emerging as hotspots for travellers blending business with leisure, as the “workcation” trend continues to gain momentum. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, more than three-fourths of business travellers now plan to extend their work trips to include personal travel.
Cities like Manila, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Tokyo and Seoul are leading this shift, offering a mix of strong business infrastructure and diverse leisure experiences. In Manila, travellers are combining corporate visits with heritage sites such as Intramuros, shopping districts like Greenbelt and vibrant nightlife in Bonifacio Global City. Bangkok continues to attract visitors with its modern facilities, bustling markets, renowned cuisine and cultural landmarks including the Grand Palace and river cruises along the Chao Phraya.
Ho Chi Minh City is drawing professionals with its blend of French colonial architecture and modern urban energy, alongside attractions such as the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels. Tokyo and Seoul, meanwhile, stand out for seamlessly combining advanced infrastructure with cultural depth, offering everything from historic temples and palaces to shopping districts and outdoor experiences.
The trend is particularly strong in Southeast Asia, with countries like the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam reporting that over 85 per cent of business travellers are opting to combine work with leisure, significantly above the global average.
Agoda says the shift reflects changing traveller priorities, with professionals increasingly seeking to extend trips for cultural immersion and lifestyle balance rather than focusing solely on business. The platform is positioning itself to tap into this demand by offering integrated booking options across accommodation, flights and activities, enabling travellers to plan complete itineraries in one place.
The growing popularity of blended travel signals a broader transformation in the nature of business trips, where efficiency is now being complemented by experience-driven travel.
