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 coastal towns of Ko Tao and northern Bali, Southeast Asia’s immense diversity has the power to attract and impress even the most seasoned traveler.

The well-trodden paths run through the most prominent cities and cultural sites of the major 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 glimpse 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 it is easier to connect 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 are increasingly 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 five years from now without the word “emerging.” However, before making the decision to travel to any of these destinations, it is prudent 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 gracing the area, Bagan remains one of the region’s lesser-known but must-see destinations. Tucked away 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 chance to revel in her beauty relatively calmly. For one of the truly grand experiences in Southeast Asia, sit atop one of the ubiquitous empty temple-top terraces just before dark to watch the sunset reflect brilliantly off the temples’ golden spires. .

Traveling to Bagan (and Myanmar), however, is definitely not for the faint-hearted or time-pressed traveler, which may explain why it hasn’t reached its potential yet. 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 the highways to/from Mandalay (8 hours) and Yangon (14-15 hours), while trains run the same routes, albeit significantly longer. slow. Air transport is an option, but keep in mind that safety standards in Myanmar may not be as robust as in Western countries.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers lies the crown jewel 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 within 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 traveling by bus in Laos significantly more comfortable and getting to Luang Prabang considerably easier. Buses to/from the capital Vientiane (9-11hrs) and adrenaline-pumping Vang Vieng (7hrs) run 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 geographic 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 the home of 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 uncommon to see hip, friendly locals mingling seamlessly with tourists on the streets, bars and area restaurants.

However, Yogyakarta’s biggest tourist attraction is the iconic Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, located just 42 km away. Built somewhere around AD 800, the temples’ intricate paneling and stupas are best seen in the soft glow of a sunrise when large tour groups 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 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 more directly by 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 combination of graceful architecture and 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 through the narrow lanes it’s not hard to see why so many travelers are increasingly enchanted by the city and its fascinating atmosphere.

Located on the main coastal road between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, although quite far from each, Hoi An has reliable bus connections to many cities in Vietnam. Buses to/from Hue (4-5 hours), Danang (about 1 hour), and Nha Trang (9-10 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

Throw the spirit of Haight-Ashbury circa 1967 into a misty valley in the foothills of northern Thailand and it’s possible something Pai-like could materialize. An increasingly popular backpacker hotspot, Pai is a super cool, laid-back 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 trekking, rafting, elephant riding and spa relaxation options.

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 tribal trekking center from the mountains.

Other Emerging Destinations

With so much to discover in Southeast Asia, picking 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)