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

The beaten track winds through the most prominent cities and cultural sites of the great Southeast Asian tourist destinations of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. But venture a little beyond the headliners and you’ll find a Southeast Asia that, in many ways, is still waiting to be discovered. Emerging destinations in the most 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 a Southeast Asia that is worlds away from Khao San Road; an experience in which to connect more easily with the endearing and friendly locals who make any trip to Southeast Asia 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 aren’t completely off the beaten path or under the radar, but rather are becoming more and more admired among backpackers and independent travelers. Naturally, this is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Southeast Asia as a tourism destination is constantly evolving and, with more investment in tourism infrastructure, this list may be titled again in five years without 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 required vaccinations, visa requirements, and travel advisories.

Bagan, Burma

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 more than 2,000 remaining temples adorning the area, Bagan remains one of the lesser-known but must-see destinations in the region. Tucked away to the southwest of the more recognizable Mandalay and considering the long drive from the former capital and largest city, Yangon, Bagan sees far 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 grand experiences in Southeast Asia, sit atop one of the ubiquitous empty terraces at the top of the temple just before dark to watch the setting sun reflect brilliantly off the golden spiers of the temples. .

Traveling to Bagan (and Myanmar), however, is definitely not for the faint-hearted or time-pressed traveler, which may explain why it has yet to reach its potential. Visas are required to enter the country and generally must be applied for in advance. Distances between cities are also quite large and road conditions often leave much to be desired. Traveling to/from Bagan is no exception, as daily long-distance buses ply highways to/from Mandalay (8 hours) and Yangon (14-15 hours), while trains ply the same routes, albeit significantly longer. slow. Air travel is an option, but be aware that security standards 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 the crown of Laos, 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 Laotian wooden houses nestled perfectly 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 Asia circuit and continues to climb the travel rankings as it attracts old friends and deftly seduces new ones.

Road improvements have made bus travel in Laos significantly more comfortable and getting to Luang Prabang considerably easier. Adrenaline-fueled buses to/from the capital Vientiane (9-11am) and Vang Vieng (7hrs) depart regularly, while boats can be chartered for the incredible journey to Nong Khiaw (7hrs) along of the Nam Ou.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Home to a thriving backpacker culture, Yogyakarta, the geographical and cultural center of Java, is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. Strategically located on the main line between Jakarta and Bali, Jogja, its nickname to locals and admiring travelers alike, has become an almost mandatory stop for those touring Java. And with good reason. Jogja itself has a host of attractions including art galleries and museums showcasing Javanese culture and the famous kraton, a bombastic walled palace in the heart of the city, once home to the sultans. The traveler’s enclave centered around Jalan Sosrowijayan is a surprisingly lively introduction to Indonesian culture and hospitality, particularly Java, where it’s not unusual to see hip, friendly locals mingling seamlessly with tourists in the streets, bars and restaurants in the area.

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

Transportation to/from Jogja is quite easy as the city is well connected to the rest of Java by buses, minibuses and trains. The trip 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 train. bus or minibus. .

Hoi An, Vietnam

With a distinctive character of its own, the charming riverside town of Hoi An captivates visitors with its alluring mix of elegant architecture and a bucolic pace. At the heart of Hoi An is the enduring Old Town, a veritable open museum distinguished enough to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Partly due to this status, Hoi An is remarkably well preserved, and walking the narrow alleys it’s not hard to see why so many travelers are becoming more and more enchanted by the city and its fascinating atmosphere.

Located on the main coastal highway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, although quite a distance from each, Hoi An has reliable bus connections to many cities in Vietnam. Buses to/from Hue (4 to 5 hours), Danang (about 1 hour) and Nha Trang (9 to 10 hours) are available. If you are short on time but still want to visit Hoi An, flying to/from 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, Pai is a laid-back, super-cool spot that’s one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Thailand. Unlike the other places on this list, Pai apparently has few views; but what Pai lacks in landmarks it more than makes up for in atmosphere and location. Once a mother stopover for those heading north from Chiang Mai, travelers now venture to Pai for its fantastic options for trekking, rafting, elephant rides and spa relaxation.

Located in northern Thailand, Pai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai (4 hours), the country’s second most popular international gateway, and Mae Hong Son (4 hours), a major tribal trekking hub. from the mountains.

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 fascinating region. Here are some other destinations to keep on your radar that deserve an honorable mention:

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