5 Underrated Destinations In Asia

Quick answer: These underrated destinations in Asia are Nong Khiaw in Laos, Kep in Cambodia, Hoi An in Vietnam and the Ilocos Norte region of the Philippines. Each is easy to reach, cheap to stay in and far less crowded than the usual backpacker stops, so visit before they get flooded with travellers.

Paul Theroux’s famous quote, “Tourists don’t know where they have been, travellers don’t know where they are going“, inspired me to set off on an adventure to discover the least travelled places on earth. On my recent trip to Asia, I met travellers who had seldom heard of these places, which made me want to find out what they had to offer.

Below are my insights on these least travelled but highly recommended places, with how to get there, where to stay, how to explore and where to go next.

Nong Khiaw (Laos)

Nong Khiaw is a hidden gem in northern Laos. This beautiful, rustic, remote town sits on the banks of the Nam Ou River, surrounded by limestone mountains.

• Getting there: Nong Khiaw is 4 hours by road from Luang Prabang. Buses and minivans run regularly on this route and charge about 50,000 Kips (6 USD).
• Staying there: There is plenty of accommodation. I stayed at Sunrise Bungalows, admiring the spectacular view of the limestone mountains and the Nam Ou River from my hammock. Room rates run from as low as 30,000 to 60,000 Kips per night (3 to 7 USD).
• Exploring: This small town is easiest to explore on foot or by renting a bike.
• Get out: An hour’s boat ride north along the Nam Ou brings you to a sleepier rural village known for its alluring beauty, Muang Ngoi Neua.

Kep (Cambodia)

Kep is a small coastal town on the southern coast of Cambodia., known for its white sand beaches and plates of seafood. It has a charm of its own: it is peaceful, and the locals are welcoming and friendly. One of the tuk-tuk drivers even invited me to his house for dinner with his family.

A trip to Kep is incomplete without at least one meal of fresh crab, reputedly the best in the country.

• Getting there: Kep is 5 hours by road from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Many bus companies run this route and charge around 4 to 5 USD one way.
• Staying there: Kep has a broad range of accommodation. I stayed at Rega Guesthouse & Restaurant, which has a beautiful courtyard and a nice, relaxed atmosphere.
• Exploring: Kep is easiest to explore by tuk-tuk. Each trip usually costs about 2 USD, or you can hire one for the entire day for 20 USD.
• Get out: Koh Tonsay, or Rabbit Island, is 20 minutes away by boat from Kep. A return trip costs 10 USD.

Hoi An (Vietnam)

Hoi An is a well-preserved ancient town on the central coast of Vietnam, and UNESCO has recognised its old quarter as a World Heritage Site. Its architecture mixes eras and styles, from Chinese temples and wooden shophouses to the archetypal Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda, colourful French colonial buildings and ornate Vietnamese tube houses.

• Getting there: The nearest airport is in Da Nang (DAD), which is well connected to Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and internationally linked with Bangkok, Siem Reap and Singapore. A taxi from the airport to Hoi An costs 20 USD.
• Where to stay: Most people prefer to stay in the old town itself. I stayed at Hoi An Beach Resort, quietly nestled on the shores of Cua Dai Beach just 4 km from the bustling old quarter.
• Exploring: Renting a bicycle costs 20,000 Dongs (1 USD) per day, though the centre of Hoi An is very small and pedestrianised.
• Get out: Hue is a beautiful former imperial capital. Buses run frequently from Hoi An to Hue, taking about 4 hours and costing 210,000 Dongs (10 USD).

Ilocos Norte Region (Philippines)

Ilocos Norte is a province in the northern Philippines. Laoag is its capital and the gateway if you arrive by air.

Attractions you can’t afford to miss include the white sand and crystal blue water of Saud Beach in Pagudpud, the first wind farm in Southeast Asia at Bangui and the remarkable ancient church in Paoay. Ilocos Norte has a lot more to offer visitors with an open heart.

• Getting there: Laoag International Airport is the nearest airport. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly regularly to Laoag from the capital, Manila.
• Where to stay: You can base yourself in Laoag and take day trips to the surrounding areas. I stayed at Texicano Hotel and Restaurant, which is close to the city centre and has budget-friendly room rates.
• Exploring: An hour’s bus ride from Laoag to Pagudpud, at the northernmost tip of the country, costs about 50 Pesos (1 USD). For 600 Pesos (13 USD) you can rent a tricycle and explore the region.
• Get out: Ilocos Sur is another attractive province. The 4-hour bus ride from Laoag to Vigan, its capital, costs approximately 500 Pesos (11 USD).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Nong Khiaw from Luang Prabang?

Buses and minivans run the 4-hour route regularly for about 50,000 Kips (6 USD).

What is Kep in Cambodia known for?

White sand beaches, seafood and especially its fresh crab, reputedly the best in the country.

Which airport is closest to Hoi An?

Da Nang airport. A taxi from there to Hoi An costs about 20 USD.

What are the must-see sights in Ilocos Norte?

Saud Beach in Pagudpud, the Bangui wind farm and the ancient church in Paoay.

Conclusion

From the river views of Nong Khiaw to the crab shacks of Kep, the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An and the beaches of Ilocos Norte, these underrated destinations in Asia reward travellers who venture off the usual trail. Go now, before everyone else discovers them.