Joanna Marie O. Santos
September 29, 2023

Peak travel season comes every year, and with popular tourist destinations, peak season is almost every month. Looking for the best place to visit might be a little challenging, especially for those who want to go to a new place that is not too tailored to international tourists. Off-beat places that still carry their natural beauty are still everywhere and it’s only a matter of looking for them and doing enough research that one can truly enjoy their charm that can’t be found anywhere else. For those looking for a wonderful place that is not too crowded nor gentrified to fit tourist standards, this article showcases 10 hidden Asian destinations that you should definitely check out!

 

1. Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

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Want to float peacefully on a riverboat surrounded by thousands and thousands of glistening fireflies? Various species of these magical-looking insects live around the area of Selangor River and taking a boat ride along the river at night is a wonderful sight to remember. 

2. Doi Mae Salong, Thailand 

 

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Doi Mei Salong may not be as popular a tourist destination as the tropical beaches and royal palaces in Bangkok, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t activities to do in the area. In Doi Mae Salong, visitors can go to the local market, take a trip to the local museum, and even go to a tea-tasting ceremony.

 

3. Sihanoukville, Cambodia

 

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Sihanoukville is a coastal city known as a popular relaxing spot for Cambodians. Visitors can relax on the beach or ride a boat to enjoy the islands. 

 

4. Port Barton, Philippines

 

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Philippine beaches have always been known for their amazing sunsets–which is probably why many tourists flock to the popular beaches to catch one of the most amazing views in the country. But for those who want to see a Philippine beach sunset without sitting in a crowded area, Port Barton is definitely a place to visit. 

 

5. Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

 

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A lush site where visitors can peacefully relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Cambodia’s mountainscapes, the Cardamom Mountains offer luxury camping sites for visitors from all over the world. For the adventurous, trekking, mountain biking, and jungle exploration activities are also available activities for tourists. 

 

6. XiShuangBanna, Yunnan

 

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An autonomous prefecture in China’s southwestern Yunnan province, visitors can enjoy the vibrant and rich culture of the Dai people and visit traditional palaces. Tourists of XiShuangBanna, Yunnan can also enjoy the cuisine of Yunnan. 

 

7. Kakku Temples, Myanmar

 

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A seemingly out-of-this-world view, the Kakku Temples in Myanmar are said to have been built 2,000 years ago. The amazing collection of structures is also the site where the Kakky Pagoda Festival is held every year. Tourists can also take a journey along the Inle lake and enjoy the central market near the area. 

 

8. Lalish, Iraq

 

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Want to visit an ancient temple in one of the most unique towns in the world? Then book a trip to visit the Lalish in Iraq. Lalis is a mountain valley where the Yazidi’s holiest temple stands. It is also the location of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, who is a central figure of the Yazidi faith. 

 

9. Hunza Valley, Pakistan

 

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One of the most breathtaking views in Central Asia, Pakistan’s Hunza Valley is a valley that surrounds the Hunza River. Near the area also stands the 800-year-old Baltit Fort, as well as other magical villages with the most hospitable residents. The Hunza Valley also has the best treks in the world that can last for days. For the adventurous, this place is truly a good place to visit. 

 

10. Atauro Island, East Timor

 

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Dubbed the “untouched ecotourism gem of Southeast Asia,” Atauro Island is a must-visit place for people who are specifically looking for sites that are not too damaged by international tourism. Snorkeling is definitely the top thing to do for people who visit Atauro. Visiting the morning market is also a fun activity where you can buy the freshest catch of the day.

 

Seeing The World One Hidden Gem At A Time

 

The world is a gift that keeps on giving. If you think you’ve seen all the most beautiful spots to see, you’ll find yourself with a growing list of other unique places to visit. In Philippines’ Top Picks, we hope that each reader is inspired to find the next best thing to fill their hearts and minds. Plan your next trip considering all the places included in this list and know that your next favorite destination is just a plane ticket away.