List of the most popular emerging tourist destinations in Southeast Asia

Famous for its opulent temples, pristine beaches, and rich cultures, Southeast Asia has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations for adventurous backpackers. From the bustling modern cities of Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur to the laid-back seaside towns of Ko Tao and North Bali, the immense diversity of Southeast Asia has the power to attract and impress even the most seasoned traveler.

The well-trodden paths stretch between the major cities and cultural sites of the great tourist destinations of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. But venture a bit beyond the mainstream artists and you will find yourself in a Southeast Asia that, in many ways, is still waiting to be discovered. Emerging destinations in popular countries, along with the less-traveled Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar offer travelers a fascinating insight into the region with the added bonus of much smaller crowds. With fewer Western visitors to these areas, travelers will find Southeast Asia that is worlds away from Khao San Road; an experience within which you can more easily connect with the endearing and friendly locals who make any trip to Southeast Asia so unforgettable.

5 emerging destinations in Southeast Asia

Without further ado, here is a list of five of the most popular emerging destinations in Southeast Asia, in no particular order. These places are by no means completely off the beaten track or off the radar, instead they are increasingly admired among backpackers and independent travelers. Naturally, this is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Southeast Asia as a tourist destination is continually evolving and with increased investment in tourism infrastructure on this list it could possibly be re-headlined in five years minus the word “emerging”. However, before making the decision to travel to any of these destinations, it is wise to seek up-to-date travel advice, including necessary vaccinations, visa requirements, and travel advisories.

Bagan, Myanmar

The temples of Siem Reap in Cambodia may have prestige and grandeur, but perhaps no destination in Southeast Asia can compete with the sheer volume of spiritual dwellings in Bagan, Myanmar. With over 2,000 remaining temples adorning the area, Bagan remains one of the lesser-known but must-see destinations in the region. Tucked southwest of the more recognizable Mandalay and considering the long drive from the ancient capital and largest city, Yangon, Bagan receives significantly fewer visitors than other temple complexes in Thailand or Cambodia, giving travelers the opportunity to delight in its beauty with relative calm. For one of the truly great experiences in Southeast Asia, perch atop one of the ubiquitous empty terraces atop the temples just before dusk to watch the sunset brilliantly reflected off the golden towers of the temples.

Traveling to Bagan (and Myanmar), however, is definitely not for the faint-hearted or time-strapped traveler, which may explain why it hasn’t caught up with its potential yet. Visas are required to enter the country and generally must be applied for in advance. The distances between cities are also quite large with road conditions that often leave something to be desired. Traveling to / from Bagan is no exception with daily long-distance buses running the roads to / from Mandalay (8 hours) and Yangon (14-15 hours), while trains travel the same routes, albeit significantly slower. . Air travel is an option, but keep in mind that safety regulations in Myanmar may not be as strong as in Western countries.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers lies the jewel in Laos’ crown, the majestic city of Luang Prabang. Few cities are as timeless as Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its reminiscent French colonial architecture, grandiose Buddhist temples and traditional Lao wooden houses perfectly embedded in its endearing old town. In the shadow of Phu Si and its hillside temples, bustling markets, ornate spiritual sites, and restaurants serving local and international specialties capture the attention of all who pass by. Possessing an elusive charm, Luang Prabang has quickly become a favorite destination for independent travelers on the Southeast Asian circuit and continues to rise through the travel ranks while attracting old friends and deftly seducing new ones.

Road improvements have made bus travel in Laos much more comfortable and getting to Luang Prabang considerably easier. Buses to / from the capital Vientiane (9-11 hours) and adrenaline-fueled Vang Vieng (7 hours) run regularly, while boats can be hired for the incredible journey to Nong Khiaw (7 hours) along the Nam Ou. .

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Home to a flourishing backpacker culture, Yogyakarta, Java’s geographic and cultural center, is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations. Strategically located on the main line between Jakarta and Bali, Jogja – its nickname for both locals and admiring travelers alike – has become an almost mandatory stopover for those trekking through Java. That’s right. Jogja itself has a host of attractions including art galleries and museums displaying Javanese culture and the famous kraton, a grand walled palace in the heart of the city, once home to the sultans. The Jalan Sosrowijayan-centric traveler’s enclave is a surprisingly lively introduction to Indonesian culture and hospitality, particularly Javanese, where it’s not unusual to see trendy and friendly locals mingling seamlessly with tourists on the streets. , bars and restaurants in the area.

However, Yogyakarta’s biggest tourist attraction is the iconic Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, located just 42 km away. Built somewhere around 800 AD, the intricate panels and stupas of the temples are best seen under the soft glow of a sunrise when large groups of tourists have not yet arrived.

Transportation to / from Jogja is quite straightforward as the city is well connected to the rest of Java by buses, minibuses and trains. The journey to / from Jakarta is more comfortable and shorter by train (8 hours), while the long journey to Denpasar in Bali (15-16 hours) via Mount Bromo (9-10 hours) is done more directly by bus / minibus. .

Hoi An, Vietnam

Possessing a distinctive character of its own, the charming riverside town of Hoi An captivates visitors with its attractive combination of elegant architecture and bucolic rhythm. At the heart of Hoi An is the enduring Old Town, a true open museum distinguished enough to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Partly because of this state, Hoi An is remarkably well-preserved, and as you walk through the narrow alleys, it’s not hard to see why so many travelers are increasingly delighted with the city and its fascinating atmosphere.

Located on the main coastal highway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, though quite far from both, Hoi An has reliable bus connections to many cities in Vietnam. Buses are available to / from Hue (4 to 5 hours), Danang (about 1 hour) and Nha Trang (9 to 10 hours). If you are short on time but still want to visit Hoi An, flying from / to Danang to HCMC or Hanoi is a possible option.

Pai, Thailand

Cast the spirit of Haight-Ashbury circa 1967 into a misty valley in the foothills of northern Thailand and something akin to Pai may materialize. An increasingly popular backpacker hotspot, laid back and super cool Pai is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Thailand. Unlike the other places on this list, Pai apparently has few sights; but what Pai lacks in landmarks it more than makes up for in atmosphere and location. Once a simple stopover for those heading north from Chiang Mai, travelers now venture to Pai to enjoy its fantastic options for trekking, rafting, elephant rides, and relaxation at the spa.

Located in northern Thailand, Pai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai (4 hours), the second most popular international gateway to the country, and Mae Hong Son (4 hours), a major mountain tribe trekking center.

Other emerging destinations

With so much to discover in Southeast Asia, choosing just five emerging destinations can hardly do justice to such a diverse and extremely fascinating region. Here are some other destinations to stay on the radar that deserve honorable mention:

• Kalaw (Myanmar)
• Palawan (Philippines)
• Kinabalu National Park (Malaysia)
• Ko Tao (Thailand)
• Battambang (Cambodia)