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We love visiting destinations in Asia that are outside the main tourist trail. Part of the beauty of travel is getting off the beaten path, meeting new people, and exploring places you may never have known existed. We are excited to bring you this guest post by Ivy Oliver about five best kept secret destinations in Asia.
Have you been to any of these places? We’ve only been to #3 (so far!), and missed #5 when we were in Singapore. Looks like we’ll just have to go back!
Five Best Kept Secret Destinations in Asia
Asia is a continent which offers mystery and intrigue around every corner. It’s hardly shocking that in a region which boasts 4.3 billion people – amounting to 60% of the world’s population – there’s a diverse range of activities to get involved with. Some are more well known than others.
Today, let’s take a stroll through five of the best kept secret destinations you’ll find in Asia. Who knows, perhaps you may want to give one of these a try for yourself in the future?
1. Koh Kood, Thailand
Koh Kood, Thailand has a population of just 2,000 people, so it’s not hard to see how it earns a spot on this list. Buddhist monasteries are located throughout the area, and locals will likely be surprised by your presence. On an island which is relatively remote and clad in jungle vines, that’s hardly a shock.
Traveling to Koh Kood, Thailand is certainly not easy, but there are a series of express ferry services which have been set up in recent years to make transport on and off the island far simpler.
Koh Kood Accommodation
Check out rates at these Koh Kood hotels or at a Koh Kood resort for your stay.
Getting from Bangkok to Koh Kood
Check out the best transportation options to get from Bangkok to Koh Kood.
2. Jomblang Cave, Indonesia
Jomblang Cave is more of a sinkhole than anything else. With a 25-meter diameter and a 50-meter drop, visitors have to be lowered down via a rope and pulley system. Once at the bottom, they’re greeted with a forest-like clearing, which has developed over hundreds of years.
A 250-meter long tunnel is the crowning glory of Jomblang. This connects the area to the Grubug cave system. In the middle of this walkway things become pitch black, so make sure to take a flashlight with you!
3. Hsipaw, Myanmar
The Shan people are the local inhabitants of the small rural town of Hsipaw, which has been practically untouched by the recent developments taking place across Myanmar as a whole.
Stroll through villages and discover waterfalls, areas of farmland and natural hot springs. There’s a good chance you might be invited in for a meal with one of the local Shan families. The people are incredibly welcoming, owing to the low levels of crime and lack of a need to be wary of strangers.
Hspiaw Accommodation
Find a hotel in Hspiaw, Myanmar
Getting to Hsipaw, Myanmar
Check out the best transportation options to get to Hsipaw, Myanmar.
People in Hsipaw are extremely friendly!
4. Mount Wudang, China
If you’re a fan of cult kung fu movies, Mount Wudang is without questions an area you need to visit at some point in your lifetime. Shrouded in a thick mist, the monastery there plays host to a series of martial arts experts.
The whole scene really is like something out of a movie, while also providing anyone who heads there with a chance to quietly reflect. Peaceful, serene and steeped in Chinese culture, Wudang is easily worth the three to four-hour climb it takes to reach the summit.
5. Garden by the Bay, Singapore
While the nearby Marina Bay has quickly become recognized as one of the iconic landmarks of Singapore, it’s the Garden by the Bay which should really be stealing the spotlight.
This area of immense natural beauty spans out across 101 hectares, offering visitors the chance to sit and relax in some of the most aesthetically pleasing natural sights you’re ever likely to see in a botanical garden of this nature.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Wondering where to stay in Singapore? Check out these deals on Adoga.
Getting from Malaysia to Singapore
Check out the best ways to get from Malaysia to Singapore.
The Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay is pretty incredible too! Photo by Suyash Dixit.
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Truly amazing places!!! Singapore & Thailand are on top in my bucket list & I planning too. Myanmar also great place to visit & added in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
We definitely recommend Myanmar! It is by far one of the most amazing countries we’ve visited in Asia (so far!).
I’ve not even heard of most of these! I really would love to get to Koh Kood- it seems like the place that could be the next “big” place. I’d love to get there before too many people discover it.
Our thoughts exactly, Nathan! Better get on over there soon 😀
Amazing recommendations. You are right they are actually best-kept secrets. Never heard of these places ever but they look perfect by just checking out their photos. A sure hit with future visitors.
Cheers for your comment, Sandy 🙂 Hope you can make it to a few!
These are indeed secret destinations, because I have never heard of the first four, even though I have been to all those countries. The Garden Bay is a stunning place in Singapore. it is certainly on my list of places to see.
Same here, Barb! We’ve only been to Hsipaw in Myanmar, but somehow missed the others, even though we’ve been to all of those countries. Great excuses to go back, hey?
This is great! It’s so nice knowing there are still parts of Asia which aren’t super known about, means they retain their authenticity and local charm! We’ve visited Gardens by the Bay and it was incredible, worthy of a visit during both day and night – the light show was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen – and surprisingly while there were a lot of people out, it didn’t feel too crowded.
Thanks for the list!
Good to know, Meg! We were so close to the Gardens by the Bay while in Singapore, but we never made it in. We were there for the Laneway Festival a few years back, and could see the Super Trees from there, which was pretty cool. Next time we’ll go during both day and night. Thanks for the tip!
I loved Hsipaw in Myanmar. Such a wonderful place to explore! Otherwise the other locations here are all places I need to get to
Agreed Jean, Hsipaw is amazing! We also need to get to these other spots. Maybe see you there 🙂
You have it all covered, from modern urbanscapes, to caves, to beaches! I have been to the Shan state of Myanmar. The people are just so helpful and warm. Loved my stay there! 🙂
That’s fantastic, Divsi! People in Myanmar are so friendly and kind 🙂
You’ve done really well with your list, except for Gardens by the Bay, which is not exactly a secret! They all look like great spots to visit.
Haha, no I suppose it’s not a big secret, but some people do miss it when they go to Singapore. We did…😳
I am actually heading to Asia in a couple of months to places where I can easily add these to my schedule. Thanks for sharing, we will add these for sure
Great timing! 😀
I have been to two of them. Koh Kood,my favorite island in Thailand, and Gardens by the Bay. Hope I get to visit the other three as well soon.
Right on! Awesome to hear you loved Koh Kood. We definitely hope to make it down there soon, and to the others!
Wonderful list! I think my favourite is Jomblang Cave…I had never even heard of it. I feel Asia is really amazing for travellers, because there is always so much new and unique to discover in each country…
Thanks Siddhartha! Jomblang Cave does look incredible. And we agree, there is always something new to discover in Asia!
Great suggestions! I would love to visit all of these spots–it’s always nice to hear about places that aren’t talked about as often. Hsipaw, Myanmar looks really cool!
Thanks Jenna! Hsipaw is amazing, I think you would love it!
Ive heard more people talk about Koh Kood and Hsipaw…both sound very good.
Hopefully I will be able to visit them someday 🙂
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