Kelly Robertson
If you had it enough with Bangkok and other mainstream places, you may want to try some of the not-that-known sites in South East Asia. Here are 5 you should visit, or so we think…
1. Koh Rok, Thailand
You may be tired from the commercialized “version” of Thailand and would rather appreciate something more relaxing. The tiny Koh Rok island is accessible with a snorkel tour from Koh Lanta and if you want some piece – you’ll find it there. It’s described as the paradise island with just a few habitants. That said, you’re advised to bring your own food to have a different meal every day.
2. Dong Hoi, Vietnam
Touted as Vietnam’s best kept secret, Dong Hoi is the capital city of Quang Binh province in the north central coast of Vietnam. The city has a 12-km-long coastline with white sand beaches and in its vicinity is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage site. You won’t have a lot to do here, but you can definitely relax and play beach volleyball with locals.
3. Siem Reap, Cambodia
The gateway to Angkor region where you’ll get to see/visit traditional Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake. As one of the popular tourist destinations, Siem Reap has a large number of hotels and restaurants. However, that hasn’t stopped the local people from conserving much of the town’s image, culture and traditions.
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
Located on the coast of the South China Sea in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The ancient town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique site.
5. Luang Prabang, Laos
The capital of Luang Prabang Province, Luang Prabang is located in north central Laos, at the confluence of the Nam Khan river and Mekong River. Formerly capital of the Kingdom of Laos (until the communist takeover in 1975), today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well known for its numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. One of the major landmarks in the city is a large steep hill on which sits Wat Chom Si.
