Southeast Asia is one of the top destinations for light travelers: noodles everywhere, cheap hostels and the famous full moon parties, right? But in reality, Asia has so much more to offer if you’re ready get off the tourist trail. We have collected 9 destinations that you are unlikely to read about in a guidebook.
1. Go Trekking in Umphang, Thailand
Imagining Thailand without tourists is quite difficult, but it is still possible. Head to Umphang, just south of Mae Sot, and take a few days to see the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, home to gibbons and huge lizards. The crown jewel of the park is the Tee Lor Su waterfall, but to see its full power, come in November, just after the rainy season. You can stay at Umphang Hill Resort.
2. See dolphins in colonial Cambodia
Tiny Kratia was largely untouched by the war and retains colonial French architecture and traditional Khmer buildings along the Mekong River. It is here that river dolphins live, and it is a great success to see them. To make sure this happens, it is better to take a cruise on the river.
3. Try seafood in Qui Nhon in Vietnam
Very few tourists stop in Quy Nhon, whose main industry is fishing. During Cham rule, it was an important commercial center and evidence of this are the towers that rise on the top of the hill to the north of the city. It’s worth taking a taxi up here – xe om – to see stunning views of the untouched nature of this region.
4. See the ruins at Champaska in Laos
Champasque may seem like a bit of a sleepy town today, but it was once the capital of the Principality of Laos. Therefore, here you can see colonial-style palaces next to ordinary wooden houses. Just a few kilometers from the city’s central fountain lies Wat Phou, one of the most enchanting temple complexes in Cambodia. Not long ago it was slightly restored, and now walking along its walls in the river valley has become even more pleasant.
5. Bargain in Hsipaw, Myanmar (Burma)
One of the must-do things to do if you’re in Hsipaw is to wait (or wake up early) for the night market to open. He starts working at 3 am.
There are also a lot of monasteries, hot springs, waterfalls and a lot of cute villages. There is also a small temple complex that is also worth seeing, locals call it “Little Bagan”.
6. Get to the Camiguin Islands in the Philippines
Ivory-colored sandy beaches, electric blue sea and an overwhelming number of screens per square kilometer – this is all about the Camiguin Islands, which have so far remained untouched by the wave of mass tourism. If you are into diving, you will be impressed by the sunken cemetery near Bonbon, which rests underwater after an earthquake. Also included in the mandatory program is to climb the active volcano Hibok-Hibok.
7. Meet the monkeys in Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesia
Want to see orangutans? Head to the untouched forest of Tanjung Puting National Park: there are few crowds and this is one of the best places to see them in the wild. Rent a boat from Kumai to Rimbu to spend the night among monkeys and gibbons on the banks of the Sekonyer River. But if suddenly you don’t see anyone, then take a look at Camp Leakey, they will definitely be there.
8. Explore ocean life at Perhentian Besar in Malaysia
Drive quickly through Perhentian Kecil to get to its “big brother” – Besar, an island with trackless jungle and white beaches. This is a great diving spot with turtles and a variety of exotic fish.
It’s also worth going to Three Coves Bay to see how turtles live.
9. Relax on the island of Koh Adang in Thailand
Do you want to get to an almost untouched Thai island? It is possible, the island of Koh Adang is located inside the Tarutao National Marine Park, which “saved” it from intensive development.
On the white sands of Laem Son Beach are national park bungalows available for rent. The island itself has excellent hiking routes and several viewing platforms.
Source: roughguides.com
