Short getaways from
Singapore might seem so mundane and boring considering places like Bali,
Bangkok and Hanoi. As we take a step back look again at Southeast Asia, we
might be able to find, what we like to call "a moment."
It's not an area of the world that tops everyone's
bucket list, but Southeast Asia does have its fair share of
packed-with-tourists sites, and of course, some hidden treasure.
1.
Cambodia, Kep
Reminaise in the memories of the colonial
French (hip getaway for wealthy Frenchies) while indulging in Kep's tranquil beaches,
where cute seafood spots on stilts serve some of the yummiest crab in the world. Alternatively, spend a day on in the Kep
National Park or visit the once world renowned Kamot Pepper plantation at Phnom
Voir mountain.
2.
Cambodia, Siem Reap, Angkor Thom
This largest religious monument
in the world is surrounded by a wide open moat. Experience walking through the
grand entrances of the different temples and pagodas including the infamous Ta
Prohm with trees intertwining through the temples and Bayon with gigantic stone
carved faces. Indulge in this never before lifetime experience and sink into
the world of wonders. (Read: Siem Reap:Adventure Land)
3.
Indonesia, Central Java, Borobudur
Only an hour away from Yogyakarta,
Borobudur is not only another UNESCO heritage site, it is also the biggest
Buddhist monument on Earth. Overlooking lush green fields and distant hills, be
awed by the magnificence of human architecture.
4.
Indonesia, Mount Bromo Ijen
Challenge this active volcano beginners’
peak for all to climb. Ascent this stunning mountain and there you will be
rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.
5.
Indonesia, Solo (Surakarta)
Arguably the least westernized
cities on the island, Solo has preserved much of the Javanese culture. Enjoy a
laid back afternoon and visit the world best Batik museum at Danar Hadi and
enjoy a city tour in a Jaladara steam train built in 1800s.
6.
Laos, Luang Prabang
(Image Credit: Eco Adventure)
Home to another UNESCO world heritage site for
the fusion between Lao traditional architecture and European colonial style
building, Luang Prabang has well preserved these landmarks from the 19th
and 20th century. Indulge in the fusion of these architectures and have
a four day mahout course where you can learn to expertly (and humanely)
ride elephants as their keepers do.
7. Malaysia, Cameron Highlands
7. Malaysia, Cameron Highlands
Tea plantations and strawberry
farms – visit one of the Southeast Asia most popular hill stations and escape from the city heat.
Indulge in the lush mountains and tour one of several authentic tea
factories, or pick some
strawberries before cozying up to a mug overlooking the rolling green hills.
8.
Malaysia, Port Dickson
Short drive from the renowned
Malacca city, Port Dickson is a place for a short getaway from the bustling
city life. Pamper yourself and enjoy the water villas, waking up to sea breeze,
gazing at the sun rise and sunset over the horizon.
9.
Malaysia, Sabah
Also home to over-water villas
and the infamous Mount Kinabalu, Sabah is the last frontier of nature.
Independent governance from the Malaysia Peninsula, Sabah embraces the splendor
of nature in her economic development.
10.
Myanmar, Ngwe Saung
With unspoiled , uncrowded and
some of the best beaches in Myanmar, weary travelers looking to literally escape it
all should head down to Ngwe Saung Beach and immerse in the
moment with an astonishing THIRTEEN MILES
of beach that just recently opened to the
public.
11.
Myanmar, Bagan
Imagine Angkor Wat before it
bloomed with tourists, temples seem to be over the horizon in Bagan, which possess
the highest concentration of Buddhist
ruins the
world. Take an e-bike (http://bit.ly/1aTq3vK) and ride through these
magnificent pagodas, or think Cappadocia, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the temples during the
quiet dawn or sunset hours that will take your breath away. (PS. I'm travelling there in a few months time. Read: The Road Less Traveled: 7 Days in Myanmar - Part 1)
12.
Myanmar, Mergui Archipelago
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South of Myanmar, it comprises of more than
800 beautiful islands filled with amazing diversity of fauna and flora
including very amazing underwater scenes and marine life. Kick-start your
adventure here as you snorkel, dive or kayak around the uncharted blue waters
and explore the island and chance upon a meeting with the local sea gypsies who, during the dry season of the year, live on
boats while they dive for pearls.
13.
Myanmar, Shan State, Inle Lake
Alike many lakes, this shallow lake is over 13 miles long and home to many local tribes who set up
waterside "workshops" for intriguing traditional crafts.
Despite the flocks of tourists, most agree Inle is unmissable because of its
peaceful floating gardens and entire towns hoisted onto
stilts including many magnificent
structures like Buddhists temples. Of it all, don’t miss the unique Intha
technique of leg rowing – the use of leg to wrap around the paddles used for
rowing.
14.
Philippines, El Nido
Sandy white beaches, crystal
clear blue water and the ever enduring sun. El Nido is far from tourist buzz
and contain the ever simplicity of pure white beaches, dine in casual
candlelight and swim in crystal clear lagoons with hidden entrance. Go before all
the tourists flock to this next top destination. (Read: El Nido: Hidden Paradise)
15.
Philippines, Legaspi
Ever see a Volcano erupt with the deadly magnificence? Home to the live volcano, which undeniably destroyed a huge part of the city leaving behind the eerie beauty of the Cagsawa ruins, thousands of visitors would flock here to admire this lethal splendour. (Read: Time Travel: The story of Mt Mayon, Cagsawa Ruins and Daraga Church) Or else, take a quick dive into the ocean and find yourself surrounded by the magnificent whale sharks. (Read: Legaspi: The Town of Sleeping Beauty)
16.
Philippines, Palawan
Home to another one of UNESCO heritage sites, be marveled by the wonders of the underground subterranean river of Palawan and get soaked in the tranquility of this mesmerizing wonder of nature. (Read: Puerto Princesa: Home to the Natural Wonders of the World)
17.
Philippines, Coron
Shipwreck dive haven. Yes,
voted as one of the top ten dive sites in the world featuring magnificent ship
wreck dive sites, not to mention, home to one of the most beautiful sea animal
on the face of the planet – Dugong. Indulge in the eerie mesmerising beauty of the shipwreck and discover, if you can, the devastating story behind the ghost of the past.
18.
Philippines, Vigan
Recognised as another UNESCO
World heritage site, you cannot find another heritage site preserving their old
colonial Spanish town as pure as Vigan does. Pamper your senses in this timeworn settlement that gives you a glimpse into the past.
19.
Thailand, Ayutthaya
Serving as the Thai capital for
an astonishing 417 years, the Ayutthaya Historical park listed as another of
UNESCO world heritage sites houses many magnificent ruins, of which boasts the
glamorous history as one of the most prosperous cities back in the glory times.
20.
Thailand, Pai
Unlike most touristy places, Pai (read as
“bye”) enjoys a large crowd of local Thais who visits during the cool seasons
in December and January. Ride your
motorbike a few hours into this
mountain town for a chillaxing weekend of zenning out at Rasta bars, napping in
woven hammocks, and exploring the waterfalls and hot springs if you can manage to leave your field hut in the nearly picture
perfect setting in a mountain valley.
21.
Thailand, Chiang Dao
The rural nature of this lush, forested region is
a Disneyland for nature junkies complete with waterfalls, hot springs, and incredible limestone
cliffs. The highlights are
the Chiang Dao Caves, consisting of roughly 100 caverns which extend out more than 40,000
feet into the mountains. You can explore the caves alone or engage a guide to
navigate through narrow rocky hallways, hanging stalactites and hidden Buddha
statues.
22.
Thailand, Chiang Rai, The White Temple
It look so divine you may imagine it to be no man’s creation but the
White Temple (technically named Wat Rong Khun) was actually designed by a Thai artist in
the 1990s, and it's has only be
recently completed. A tangle of gnarled statues and outstretched hands --
symbolizing the cycle of rebirth -- lead you into the temple, where you'll find
many intricate (although haunting) murals and even many defining images of
the pop culture including pop icon Michael Jackson and the unfortunate events
of 9/11.
23.
Thailand, Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta, in spite of being the largest island
amongst the hundreds of islands off Thailand's coast, backpackers normally
head for the "big names" like Ko Tao (known
for its scuba diving) or Ko Phangan (home of the famous full moon parties). These islands are awesome,
but for a true Thai experience, try the blissfully empty and flat Ko Lanta, where
the National Marine Park protects unpolluted oceans.
24.
Vietnam, Da Nang
30km of pure white beaches and crystal
clear water, it is a peninsula with a dazzling lagoon on one side and a beach
on the other. It is easily accessible by daily flights and train. Forget
crowded Bali and Phuket for now and think Da Nang.
25.
Vietnam, Hue
Akin to a Disneyland for history
buffs, be prepared to be astonished by the beauty and exquisite tombs and
citadels that dwell in the distant memory of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire. You can
also indulge in the various mineral hot springs or scale the Bach Ma Mountain
to experience 4 seasons in one place.
26. Vietnam, Mui Ne
Frequent oceanic winds had sculpture the
resident sand in Mui Ne into the beautiful Saharaesque formations. not far from Saigon, these sand dunes seem like they belong on
another continent entirely. You can sled, bike, or just freely frolic down both
the white and red mountains of bliss and the Fairy Stream, a magical river with a soft, sandy bottom
that flows between dry rocks.
27.
Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc is about to become Vietnam's next hot
destination, but thankfully the perfect beaches are still mostly empty. You
can rent a motorbike and zoom around the red dirt roads of
this island paradise. Then enjoy a fresh cocktail by the beach or take a snorkeling or scuba dip. Hurry up, before other people
discover the secret.
28.
Vietnam, Sapa
Cascading rice terraces, tiers on tiers of
bright-green rice fields are dotted with the colorful clothes of hill-tribe
dwellers and roofs of French colonial villas, there’s no other place like Sapa. Also known
as the Tonkinese Alps, sometimes the view gets clouded by a warm, jungle mist,
but it will only make your day of hiking even more gorgeous.
