Off the (usual travel) map and into the magic: 15 secret spots in Asia

Cao Bang, Vietnam

Location: Northern Vietnam, near the Chinese border  

• What to Expect: Dramatic landscapes with Ban Gioc Waterfall (Vietnam’s largest), Nguom Ngao Cave’s stalactites, and Phat Tich Truc Lam temple’s hilltop views. Enjoy boat trips, bamboo rafting, and rural Vietnamese cuisine. Expect basic infrastructure and reliance on translation apps.  

• What Makes It Special: Cao Bang’s untouched natural sites and rural culture offer a stark contrast to Vietnam’s crowded tourist spots. Its safety and emerging infrastructure make it accessible yet serene.

• Nearest Airport: Nội Bài International Airport (HAN), located in Hanoi, about 280 km (174 miles) from Cao Bang, a 5-6 hour drive. 

Hpa-an, Myanmar

Location: Kayin State, 290 km east of Yangon, Myanmar  

• What to Expect: Limestone caves like Saddar, a mountaintop monastery on Mount Zwegabin with sunset views, and lush rice paddies. Rent a bike to explore or hike for panoramic vistas. Expect a small-town feel with limited tourist infrastructure.  

• What Makes It Special: Hpa-an’s dramatic karst landscapes and spiritual sites remain largely undiscovered. Its raw beauty and cultural authenticity offer a serene escape from Myanmar’s more visited areas.

• Nearest Airport: Yangon International Airport (RGN), about 290 km (180 miles) from Hpa-an, a 6-7 hour drive or bus ride. 

Belitung, Indonesia

Location: Off the east coast of Sumatra, Indonesia  

• What to Expect: Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and Dutch/British colonial landmarks. Enjoy fresh seafood, island-hopping to Pulau Lengkuas, and coffee culture at Manggar’s 1001 Coffee Shop Monument. Expect a relaxed vibe with opportunities for snorkeling and hiking.  

• What Makes It Special: Belitung’s blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, with minimal tourist crowds, offers an authentic Indonesian experience. Its unique coffee culture and island-hopping adventures set it apart.

• Nearest Airport: H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport (TJQ), located in Tanjung Pandan, Belitung, about 15 km (9 miles) from the main town, a 20-minute drive. 

Luang Prabang, Laos

Location: Northern Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site  

• What to Expect: A serene town with farmlands, the Kuang Si Waterfalls for swimming, and the Living Land Farm for a farmer’s experience. Explore temples like Yuantong and enjoy direct flights from Southeast Asian hubs. Expect a relaxed pace and stunning landscapes.  

• What Makes It Special: Luang Prabang’s agricultural heritage and natural beauty, combined with its UNESCO status, make it a peaceful retreat. Its low tourist traffic preserves its authenticity, ideal for cultural immersion.

• Nearest Airport: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), 4 km (2.5 miles) from Luang Prabang city center, a 10-minute drive.

Changi Village, Singapore

Location: Eastern Singapore, near Changi Airport  

• What to Expect: A quiet enclave with vintage homes, charming restaurants, and access to Pulau Ubin, a rustic island with cycling trails and traditional kampong villages. Expect a laid-back escape from Singapore’s bustle, with affordable dining and nature.  

• What Makes It Special: Changi Village’s proximity to a major airport belies its tranquil, village-like charm. Pulau Ubin offers a rare glimpse into Singapore’s pre-urban past, making it a unique urban-adjacent escape.

• Nearest airport: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), located just 3 km (2 miles) from Changi Village, a 5-10 minute drive. 

Jhaltola, India

Location: Uttarakhand, northern India, near Kathgodam  

• What to Expect: A Himalayan village with snow-clad peaks, pine forests, and cave shrines like Patal Bhuvaneshwar, featuring stalactite formations resembling Hindu idols. Enjoy treks, local crafts, and cuisine. Expect a 7-hour drive from Kathgodam and an eco-friendly, quiet stay.  

• What Makes It Special: Jhaltola’s remote Himalayan setting and spiritual caves offer a stark contrast to India’s touristy destinations. Its sustainable lifestyle and untouched beauty appeal to nature and culture lovers.

• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 120 km (75 miles) from Jhaltola, a 4-5 hour drive via Kathgodam (70 km by rail from Pantnagar). 

Busan, South Korea

Location: Southeastern coast of South Korea  

• What to Expect: A coastal city with vibrant seafood markets, Haeundae and Gwangali beaches, and the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village. Hike in mountainous regions or shop in sprawling malls like Lotte and Shinsegae. Expect a lively yet less touristy vibe than Seoul.  

• What Makes It Special: Busan’s blend of urban energy, coastal beauty, and cultural depth is often overshadowed by Seoul. Its laid-back atmosphere and lesser foreign tourist presence make it a refreshing urban escape.

• Nearest Airport: Gimhae International Airport (PUS), 20 km (12 miles) from Busan city center, about a 30-minute drive or metro ride. 

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Location: Capital of Brunei, Borneo  

• What to Expect: A quiet, walkable city with the stunning Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, featuring a golden dome. Explore water villages, enjoy budget-friendly attractions (many free), and experience local hospitality. Expect a peaceful, low-key visit with minimal crowds.  

• What Makes It Special: Brunei’s small size and low tourist numbers make it a serene escape. The mosque’s grandeur and the city’s safe, friendly vibe offer a unique, understated charm in Southeast Asia.

• Nearest Airport: Brunei International Airport (BWN), 6 km (4 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan, a 10-minute drive. 

Ala-Kul, Kyrgyzstan 

Location: Tien Shan Mountains, eastern Kyrgyzstan  

• What to Expect: A high-altitude alpine lake at 3,532 meters, surrounded by snowcapped peaks and glaciers. Hike to the 3,800-meter Ala-Kul Pass for panoramic views or camp by the lake under starry skies. Nearby Altyn Arashan offers natural hot springs. Expect rugged trekking and basic accommodations like yurts or guesthouses.  

• What Makes It Special: Kyrgyzstan’s untouched landscapes and nomadic culture make Ala-Kul a hidden gem for adventure seekers. Its remoteness ensures solitude, and the dramatic scenery rivals more famous alpine destinations.

• Nearest Airport: Issyk-Kul International Airport (IKU) in Tamchy, about 120 km (75 miles) from Altyn Arashan, the base for Ala-Kul treks.

Tajikistan’s Pamir Highway

Location: Gorno-Badakshan Province, Tajikistan  

• What to Expect: A road trip along one of the world’s highest highways, passing turquoise lakes, hot springs, and the Pamir Mountains. Stay in homestays in remote villages, hike rugged trails, and experience Pamiri culture at festivals like the Roof of the World Regatta in July. Be prepared for basic amenities and limited internet.  

• What Makes It Special: The Pamir Highway is a raw, adventurous journey through Central Asia’s wild heart. Its isolation, combined with warm local hospitality and stunning high-altitude scenery, offers a rare, authentic experience.

• Nearest Airport: Dushanbe International Airport (DYU), in Dushanbe, the starting point for most Pamir Highway trips. 

Dunhuang, China

Location: Gansu Province, northwestern China  

• What to Expect: A Silk Road oasis with the Mogao Caves, featuring 492 grottoes with 2,000+ sculptures and 45,000 square meters of Buddhist murals spanning 1,000 years. Visit the Singing Sand Dunes, where wind creates musical sounds, and explore ancient trade route history. Expect cultural tours and desert adventures.  

• What Makes It Special: Dunhuang’s blend of Buddhist art, desert landscapes, and Silk Road heritage is unparalleled. Its remote location keeps it uncrowded, offering a deep dive into China’s historical and spiritual past.

• Nearest Airport: Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (DNH), about 13 km (8 miles) from Dunhuang city center, a 20-minute drive.

Flores, Indonesia

Location: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia  

• What to Expect: Stunning natural beauty with Komodo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), home to Komodo dragons, lush forests, and vibrant marine life. Visit Waerebo Village for traditional conical houses, Rangko Cave’s turquoise pool, and Kelimutu’s tri-colored volcanic lakes. Expect hiking, diving, and cultural immersion.  

• What Makes It Special: Flores is less visited than Bali, offering raw, untouched landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. The chance to see the world’s largest lizard in its natural habitat and explore preserved indigenous traditions makes it a unique adventure.

• Nearest Airport: Komodo International Airport (LBJ), in Labuan Bajo, the main gateway to Flores and Komodo National Park. 

Hsipaw, Myanmar

Location: Shan State, northern Myanmar  

• What to Expect: A tranquil town surrounded by monasteries, rolling hills, and opportunities for trekking to hot springs, waterfalls, and local villages. The early morning market (starting at 3 AM) is vibrant, with locals trading by candlelight. You can explore "Little Bagan," a collection of crumbling stupas under trees, or arrange treks through Mr. Charles Hotel.  

• What Makes It Special: Hsipaw offers an authentic glimpse into rural Myanmar, far from the tourist crowds of Bagan or Mandalay. Its serene atmosphere, combined with rich Shan culture and minimal tourist infrastructure, makes it a haven for immersive travel. The lack of mass tourism preserves its charm, but go soon as it’s gaining attention.

• Nearest Airport: Lashio Airport (LSH), some 40 km (25 miles) from Hsipaw, about a 1-hour drive.

Mae Salong, Thailand

Location: Northern Thailand, near Chiang Rai  

• What to Expect: A Yunnanese-influenced hill town with tea plantations, Yunnanese cuisine, and a hilltop pagoda offering countryside views. Enjoy tea tasting and short treks. Expect a cool climate and a distinct Chinese cultural flavor.  

• What Makes It Special: Mae Salong’s unique Yunnanese heritage sets it apart from typical Thai destinations. Its off-the-radar status and scenic beauty make it a cultural and natural gem.

• Nearest Airport: Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), about 60 km (37 miles) from Mae Salong, a 1.5-hour drive through hilly terrain. 

Romblon, Philippines

Location: Sibuyan Sea, central Philippines  

• What to Expect: A remote island reachable by multiple ferries, featuring Bonbon Beach with a stunning sandbar and crystal waters. Rent a scooter to explore hidden gems like waterfalls and quiet villages. Expect minimal tourists and a laid-back island vibe.  

• What Makes It Special: Romblon’s isolation ensures an untouched paradise experience. Its pristine beaches and lack of crowds make it a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

• Nearest airport: Tugdan Airport (TBH), located in Alcantara, Romblon, about 30 km (19 miles) from Romblon town, a 1-hour drive or ferry ride.