If you’re one of those travellers who likes to explore beyond the usual tourist places, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Secret Media Network, we love to uncover hidden gems and secret paradises, and it just so happens that Asia is one of the world’s greatest destinations for rare natural beauty, unconventional fun, and everything extraordinary. So we’ve discovered iconic locations off-the-beaten track, where nobody really goes, for you to explore. Here are eight of our favourite hidden gems in Asia.
1. Koh Rong Island, Cambodia
The island paradise of Koh Rong Island in Cambodia remains undiscovered compared to other Asian islands. The only way to Koh Rong is via a 40-minute ferry ride from the town of Sihanoukville. The island isn’t very developed which means that it offers raw and untouched natural beauty, from idyllic white sandy beaches with some of the clearest waters on earth to dense jungles, and wonderful waterfalls – making it the perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
The stunning destination boasts unique experiences, from swimming with bioluminescent plankton to wandering charming villages, a vibrant nightlife, water activities, and more. Overall, the island is very laid-back with less commercialization and basic beachside accommodations – so it’s an attractive getaway for those seeking authentic holidays.
2. Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Just two hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is often forgotten because it’s away from the typical tourist trails in Thailand. Tourists tend to overlook this lesser-known town filled with history, Thai culture, and hidden natural wonders worth exploring. For instance, visitors can see a major history site – Death Railway – built during World War II by POWs, as well as war museums, hike through lush jungles and swim in tranquil waterfalls at the likes of Erawan National Park and Sai Yok National Park. Plus, the town is home to ethical elephant sanctuaries and off-the-beaten-track attractions like temples and remote villages near the Myanmar border. Definitely, it’s one of the best hidden gems in Southeast Asia.
3. Kuang Si Falls, Laos
Love chasing waterfalls? well a wonderful trip to Laos will give you easy access to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls. Although, the waterfalls are widely known, many people choose to skip the trek to it. It is located 29km from Luang Prabang, and boasts mesmerising cascades of striking blue water, where visitors can swim in several pools, hike to the top of the limestone rocks, and relax with a picnic by the stream. Certainly, a day trip to the falls will be a rewarding experience.
4. Sumatra, Indonesia
Travellers tend to go to Bali but forget about the exotic beauty of Sumatra. The Indonesian island is a quieter location away from mainstream tourists with remote islands, active volcanoes, and undeveloped infrastructure. The island is home to a rich biodiversity, authentic cultural experiences, and endangered species such as the Sumatran Tiger and Elephants. Definitely, if you’re willing to venture off-the-beaten-path, Sumatra is the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Sumatra remains undiscovered due to a number of reasons including the fact it is widely known for natural disasters which can be off putting to tourists.
5. Yakushima Island, Japan
Japan’s Yakushima Island is another one of the best hidden gems in East Asia. The subtropical island off the coast of Kyushu is hard to travel to for mainstream tourists. Nevertheless, Japan’s secret paradise island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers natural beauty and a rich biodiversity with some of the oldest trees in Japan, hot springs, idyllic parks, Mount Miyanoura, and unique wildlife. Additionally, it was the inspiration behind Studio Ghibli’s animation flick Princess Mononoke. Interestingly, only 13,000 people live on the island and most accommodations feature traditional guesthouses.
6. Ella, Sri Lanka
Despite the remote town of Ella in Sri Lanka growing increasingly recognised by tourists, it still remains an undiscovered destination. To reach the secluded location involves a ride on one of the world’s longest and most scenic train ride from Colombo to Ella. The tranquil town is surrounded by lush greenery, tea plantations, charming waterfalls, and legendary attractions such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, and Dhowa Rock Temple. Meanwhile, you can engage in authentic cultural experiences such as Sri Lankan cooking classes. In fact, Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most instagrammable places in Asia.
7. The Gate to Hell, Turkmenistan
This hidden gem is one of most unknown places on earth and we bet you didn’t even know it existed. The Darvaza Gas Crater, aka the Gate to Hell, is situated in the Karakum Desert. Bizarrely, it has been burning since 1971 when mad scientists decided to meddle with nature. It burns at a temperature of 1,000 degrees and it has led the way for plenty of expeditions into the Turkmenistan desert to witness the hellish flames of fire. Definitely, one of the greatest hidden gems for your bucket list in Asia.
8. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
This stunning destination is becoming more popular for tourists in recent years. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in a secluded and unspoiled region about 45km northwest of Dong Hoi in Vietnam – making it a difficult destination to reach. There are more than 300 caves in the park, including some of the world’s largest caves, like Son Doong Cave. Visitors can engage in adventurous activities, from hiking and ziplining across the emerald jungles to seeing historical sites from the Vietnam War, and more at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Definitely, one of the best hidden gems to discover in Asia.
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