5 UNDER-THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WORTH A VISIT
You’ve gazed in awe at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, lazed on one of Thailand’s many white-sand beaches and eaten as much Vietnamese pho as your stomach can possibly handle. So, what’s next? Well, a whole lot – Southeast Asia is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
To show you how much there is to the region beyond the obvious, iconic sights, we’ve compiled a little list of lesser-known gems and unique experiences that our tours offer. Think ancient caves and limestone karsts, mountain villages. and lake-filled craters.
Here are 5 Under-the-Radar Southeast Asia Destinations
Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
Cardamom Mountains
Why we love it: Because if you Google the Cardamom Mountains you’ll find… very little. Even with tourists flocking (justifiably) to Angkor Wat, few visitors make it to this majestic mountain range in Cambodia’s southwest. A biodiversity hotspot, this region is one of the last remaining wild elephant corridors. It’s also home to a community project whereby you can help plant trees to combat forestry. And an array of outstanding beauty. This place is a haven for hikers, especially thanks to the fact it houses Cambodia’s highest peak, Phnom Aural.
Mt Pinatubo, Philippines
Crater of Mount Pinatubo
Why we love it: With over 7,000 islands that brim with natural wonders, it’s safe to say the country itself is a hidden gem. But even with abundant rice fields, forests and beaches, Mt Pinatubo stands head and shoulders above the crowd. We don’t know what’s better – its emerald green waters or the opportunities to meet the indigenous people here, the Aetas.
How to visit: Check out Intrepid’s 11-day Philippine Discovery trip and you won’t regret it. Not only will you trek to Mt Pinatubo on day nine, you’ll stay in tents by the crater lake itself. One for the books. And the Instagram feed. The rest of the tour doesn’t disappoint either. The stunning Banaue rice terraces you visit have been labelled ‘the eighth wonder of the world’, whilst the hikes that pass through coffee plantations and waterfalls are seriously stunning.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam
Paradise Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Why we love it: Because we never tire of discovering Vietnam’s gems. Whether it’s the best beaches or the tastiest street snacks, there’s just so much to love – particularly in Central Vietnam! Central Vietnam is also home to a bunch of lesser-known natural wonders, from Truong Son mountain range to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to one of the world’s largest, and only recently discovered, cave complexes. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, houses the oldest karst mountains in Asia, and has underground rivers and caves!
How to visit: We truly think there’s no better way of seeing Central Vietnam’s highlights than on Intrepid Travel’s 10-day adventure Central Vietnam Adventure. Highlights of the park include walking through the cavernous Paradise Cave (pictured above), swimming to the dazzling Ken Cave, and trekking to the mountain range containing Tu Lan Cave. The trip also lets you see the best of Hanoi, Hue and Hoi an as well as a visit to Boo Hong, a small mountain village.
Lake Toba, Sumatra, Indonesia
Samosir Island in Lake Toba
Why we love it: Though it’s the world’s sixth largest island, it remains part of Indonesia that few people visit. So, what are the masses missing out on? Gunung Leuser National Park, your best chance to see orangutans in the wild in the whole country; jungle hikes aplenty, especially to the top of Sibayak Volcano; and bustling Medan, the island’s largest city. But the icing on the cake is surely Lake Toba. Formed by two huge volcanic eruptions, the island in the middle of it (called Samosir) is the size of Singapore! Mountains surround the lake and is as peaceful as it is picturesque. Oh, and it’s the world’s largest volcanic lake. Not bad at all.
How to visit: On Intrepid Travel’s new 9-day Sumatra Adventure, of course! When you visit Lake Toba with Intrepid, you’ll enjoy lakeside accommodation with views of the surrounding water, mountains and rice fields. You’ll also visit Indonesia’s highest waterfall, witness traditional Batak dance performances, and so much more.
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Kanchanaburi
Why we love it: Considering Kanchanaburi is just a two or three-hour drive from chaotic Bangkok, it couldn’t be more different. The town is equal parts scenic and tranquil. Think floating restaurants along the river, shops, and buildings surrounded by verdant jungle, and a food scene that is simply mind-boggling. However, Kanchanaburi is also home to a dark history. During World War Two, Japanese forces used Allies prisoners of war and Asian laborers to build a rail route to Myanmar. Many died while constructing it, as memorialized in the book, Bridge over the River Kwai. But it’s Kanchanaburi’s WW2 that gives the best insight into it. On the brighter side, this town is an ideal base for exploring some of Thailand’s rural gems – it’s super close to many parks and historic sites in the surrounding countryside.
How to visit: We think Intrepid Travel’s 8-day Thailand Real Food Adventure is an excellent way of exploring the town. Because what better way to get to know a place than through its food scene