Renowned for its opulent temples, pristine beaches and wealthy cultures, Southeast Asia has lengthy been probably the most popular holiday destinations for that adventurous backpacker. In the busy modern metropolitan areas of Bangkok, Singapore and Kl towards the sleepy oceanside villages of Ko Tao and northern Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s immense diversity has the ability to lure and impress the best traveler.

 

Well-trodden pathways ply between your most prominent metropolitan areas and cultural sites of Southeast Asia’s big tourism hitters of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. But venture just past the headliners and you’ll encounter a Southeast Asia that’s in lots of ways still waiting to become discovered. Emerging destinations within the popular countries combined with the less traversed Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar offer travelers an amazing peek at the location using the added bonus of great importance and smaller sized crowds. With less Western tourists in these areas travelers will encounter a Southeast Asia that’s worlds from Khao San Road an event within which you’ll easier connect with the endearing and friendly locals who make any journey to Southeast Asia so unforgettable.

5 Emerging Destinations in Southeast Asia

Without further ado this is a listing of five of the largest emerging destinations in Southeast Asia in no particular order. These places are in no way completely off-the-beaten path or off-the-radar but instead have become more and more respected one of the backpacker and independent travel crowd. Naturally, this doesn’t tell you they are a complete list. Southeast Asia like a tourism destination is constantly evolving with more investment into tourist infrastructure flowing within this list could conceivably be re-entitled 5 years from now without the word “emerging”. Before deciding to go to these destinations, however, it is advisable to search out up-to-date travel advice including needed vaccinations, visa needs and travel advisories.

Bagan, Myanmar

The temples of Siem Reap in Cambodia might have prestige and grandeur but possibly no destination in Southeast Asia can contend with the sheer amount of spiritual dwellings in Bagan, Myanmar. With more than 2,000 remaining temples gracing the region, Bagan remains among the least known yet unmissable destinations in the area. Hidden southwest from the more recognizable Mandalay and thinking about the lengthy journey in the former capital and largest city, Yangon, Bagan sees considerably less visitors than other temple complexes in Thailand or Cambodia, giving travelers an chance to enjoy its beauty with relative calm. For among the truly great encounters in Southeast Asia, perch yourself atop among the ubiquitous empty temple-top terraces right before dusk to gaze upon the sunset reflecting brilliantly from the temples’ golden spires.