Finding ten off-the-beaten-path locations in Southeast Asia is difficult as these locations aren’t truly off-the-beaten-path! Thousands of tourists visit Southeast Asia every year, but there is much more to the region’s hotspots than just nightclubs and beach bars—if you dig deep enough, you can discover some truly breathtaking, undiscovered paradises. Despite being less well-known than others, these off-the-beaten-path locations are nevertheless among the region’s most stunning spots and are undoubtedly less crowded than most.
We firmly think that you can locate a secret location to yourself anywhere you are in the globe, no matter how crowded it is with tourists. It is crucial to ensure that you have travel coverage in case of a dire situation like you choose special Umrah packages because you will be traveling off the usual route. Backpackers and travelers often choose World Nomads.
Koh Rong Island, Cambodia
Based on our observations, this beach is without a doubt among the best in the world. In actuality, there are two Koh Rong Islands in Cambodia. Two locations exist in the sea, one completely unexplored by tourists, and the other is a dive spot used by boats departing from Sihanoukville (Koh Sanloem).
You’re in complete awe when the longtail boat turns right and you notice the breathtaking expanse of snow-white sand. Stretching for eight kilometers, the Sok San beach offers the ideal swimming gradient as it plunges into the enticing blue water. One of Cambodia’s greatest hidden gems is this place because from Asia to Africa, the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, there are beaches, and Koh Rong tops them all.
Hsipaw, Myanmar
Alright, so Myanmar might not be the unspoiled paradise it once was, but if you hike into the villages near Hsipaw, you can easily locate some incredible Shan culture. Don’t let the regular tours that depart Hsipaw with 8–10 persons per group deter you when you get there. Just wander out into the outlying villages yourself, ignoring them and the guides. Waterfalls, agriculture, natural hot springs, and warm, welcoming locals will greet you. Locals would probably invite you to dine with them so you may tour their houses and witness their incredibly relaxed way of life. In Naloy village, you might teach English if you happen upon Hope and her amazing school.
Koh Kood, Thailand
Be advised that if you remain here more than a few nights, you can grow bored because you’re so off the usual route. We think Koh Kood (also known as Koh Kut) is one of the nicest sites in Southeast Asia because it’s so beautiful. Beautiful waterfalls and empty monasteries where you can genuinely encounter Thai people who are shocked to see a foreigner can be found in its jungle-covered interior. A treat that you might not find in any other part of Thailand. The cottages are actually very comfy, and the beaches are the perfect powdery white. The island lacks proper roads, but you can hire a motorbike and travel interior to find some rarely seen locations—for an outrageous fee, that is. And we do mean infrequently.
Sumatra, Indonesia
Although Sumatra Island is a vast area to consider “off the beaten path,” it is truly an unspoiled paradise. There are certain locations where you will encounter other backpackers, but even there, you can sneak away and locate a private space. Nonetheless, Sumatra offers many of the most breathtaking views in all of Indonesia and is largely quite unexplored. Smack dab in the center of a volcano crater, Lake Toba, and Lake Meninjau offer pristine, fresh water. Based on which end of the lake you lodge on, you may have the entire hotel to yourself if you stay here.
Kapas Island, Malaysia
Why is this secret gem unknown to the public? That is if some Malaysians do, and they maintain it to themselves. But don’t worry—aside from the holidays, you’ll probably be the only visitor on the island, and this beach is breathtaking! When you stay at The Captain’s Longhouse, you’ll get to know one of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet while traveling. He will welcome you, care for you as if you were family, and leave you on to your destination grinning. Here is where you should go in Southeast Asia if you’re wondering where to go. Nowhere compares to Kapas Island.
Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia
This is not to be confused with the Bali tourist trap known as Kuta. Kuta, Lombok is a very distinct location that dwarfs the Balinese counterpart. It’s a relaxed fishing and surfing village with enough activities to keep you occupied for about a week. Unless you’re a surfer, in this scenario you could just relocate here. Hire a motorbike and travel to one of the numerous remote towns or lonely coves surrounding Kuta to find a small bit of heaven all to yourself. Although Kuta Beach and the city itself are not quite off the tourist trail in Southeast Asia.
El Nido, Philippines
Undoubtedly, you’re asking how one of Southeast Asia’s top backpacking destinations can be deemed off the usual route. Although El Nido itself is obviously gone off the beaten track, several of the nearby islands and settlements unquestionably are. Choose among 45 abandoned islands, gather food and sleeping supplies, and set out to explore some of the nicest beaches in the Philippines! Your trip to Southeast Asia will be enhanced by camping on the islands. To work out the logistics, speak with other travelers, fishermen, or your hostel.
Don Khong Island, Laos
This breathtaking location lies along the trail; however, the trail leads to the neighboring, more well-known island of Don Det. Don Khong is a small island of undiscovered serenity amidst the sea of visitors heading from Thailand in Southern Laos, namely in the 4000 Islands region. You might want to consider remaining behind while everyone else leaves on the initial boat possible to reach the backpacker’s paradise known as Don Det. Take a bike rental and explore this small island to witness a unique aspect of Lao culture that can only be experienced by traveling far north beyond Luang Prabang.
Southern Inle Lake, Myanmar
While Inle Lake itself is undoubtedly a popular tourist destination, most visitors adhere to the boat cruises that circle the lake’s northernmost points. You will encounter fewer tourists and have more genuine experiences the closer you arrive to the “Permit Zone”; select a captain who is ready to sail you as much south as you want to go. Even if getting down there may require a little additional cash, it’s well worth it. The monasteries are lovely and empty, and the settlements remain unaltered. Remember to rent a bike and explore the lake on two wheels. Remember to rent a bike so you may explore the lake on two wheels; visit a vineyard, chat with the local fishermen, and take in the scenery of Myanmar.
Sumbawa, Indonesia
This Muslim Island is indeed in the center of nowhere. Though 99% of visitors only see Sumbawa via the window of a bus while en route to view the Komodo Dragons, it is on the route to the more well-known islands of Komodo and Flores. There isn’t much to do here if you can’t surf, but there are a few breathtaking beaches, undiscovered towns, and incredible coral that you can only find here. Indonesia has many of the must-see locations in Southeast Asia that are less frequented by tourists.
Conclusion
That is our inventory of off-the-beaten-path locations! Make sure you try to escape the crowds at least once during your trip to Southeast Asia. Select reasonably priced Cheap December Umrah packages during the off-season this year.