TripZillaSoutheast Asia is a melting pot of culture, history, and natural beauty. Its diverse landscapes, pristine beaches and bustling cities have made Southeast Asia a popular tourist destination. But beyond the typical tourist hotspots, there are remote destinations that offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
For those among you who are seeking a more exclusive and intimate travel experience, we’ve put together a list containing some of the best remote destinations in Southeast Asia that you need to visit. Travelling by Private Plane is a popular choice for those who visit these more remote regions, as traditional air travel can be difficult to organize, so make sure to look into this further.
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Raja Ampat – Indonesia
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Located in the westernmost part of Indonesia, Raja Ampat is an archipelago of 1,500 small islands known for its stunning underwater scenery. This remote destination is a diver’s paradise, with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving and island hopping.
Indonesia is the perfect place to explore by moped and while the roads aren’t always the most reliable, they are good enough for exploring and are really the best way to get an authentic experience. You can also travel to other islands by boat, though they aren’t always the most frequent, so you’ll need to plan this well in advance.
Raja Ampat is a great place to visit if you want to be firmly immersed within the local population, where the locals will be more than happy to help you experience everything the area has to offer. You can try noodle dishes such as mie goreng, which can’t be replicated elsewhere. This dish contains ingredients such as fresh vegetables, perfectly scrambled eggs, and super juicy chicken.
Koh Rong – Cambodia
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Koh Rong is a secluded island in Cambodia known for its pristine beaches and lush jungles. This remote destination offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Visitors can indulge in activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and hiking. The island is also home to bioluminescent plankton, which lights up the ocean at night, creating a magical experience.
Cambodia is very much influenced by the local Buddhist traditions, which is something you’ll be able to see almost immediately after arrival, with the temples and pagodas guaranteed to take your breath away. The cuisine in Koh Rong specifically is a unique fusion of Khmer and Western culinary traditions. Expect dishes like fish amok, Khmer-style grilled beef, and crab curry being popular among locals and visitors alike.
Luang Prabang – Laos
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Luang Prabang is a charming town between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in Laos. This remote destination is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. Visitors can participate in a traditional alms-giving ceremony, where locals offer food to the monks in the early morning. The town is also a hub for eco-tourism, with trekking, cycling, and kayaking opportunities.
If sticky rice is something that you’re fond of, then Laos is the place to be. Local dishes such as laap (a minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (spicy papaya salad), and mok pa (steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves) are all centred around this core ingredient and are incredibly tasty. You’ll also be able to observe the French influence on the region, which can offer a unique experience for unseasoned travellers.
Bagan – Myanmar
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Bagan is an ancient city in Myanmar known for its thousands of temples and pagodas scattered across the plains. This remote destination offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the temples by hot air balloon, horse cart or bicycle. The city is also a hub for traditional handicrafts, such as lacquerware and textiles.
The Burmese culinary traditions are unique to the area and have been influenced by the countries that surround Myanmar, as well as the previous periods of colonization and occupation. You’ll be able to try dishes such as mohinga (fish noodle soup), Shan-style tofu, and tea leaf salad, which you won’t find anywhere else, at least at the same level. While there, you’ll also be immersed in the local traditions, such as festivals, musical performances, and culturally significant events.
Palawan – Philippines
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Palawan is an island province in the Philippines known for its stunning natural scenery and biodiversity. This remote destination is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Tubbataha Reef and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park, as well as breathtaking beaches and lagoons, such as El Nido and Coron. Visitors can enjoy island hopping, snorkelling, diving, and kayaking.
The Philippines is a developed country that has a lot of Western influences, so if you want a bit of home comfort, you should be able to find some while you’re there. Because of its connection to the United States, many locals will speak a good level of English, which is especially useful when visiting local food markets and fairs. If you can speak any Spanish, this will be very useful due to the linguistic influences.
The food in the Philippines is unlike anywhere else, which is an incredible mix of local preferences, as well as American, Spanish, and broader Asian influences. You’ll be able to enjoy dishes such as adobo, kinilaw (ceviche), and crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg), which are not to be missed – they’re amazing. The culture in Palawan, specifically, is still very much influenced by the local customs, which you can see displayed by street vendors and performing musicians.
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Each remote destination in Southeast Asia offers a unique and authentic travel experience, with opportunities to explore the local cuisine and culture. Whether you experience the stunning underwater scenery of Raja Ampat or the ancient temples of Bagan, there’s little chance that you’ll be heading home with any feeling of regret.
These selected destinations offer visits the chance to disconnect from the busyness of everyday life, which can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. By visiting just one of the locations listed above, you can immerse yourself fully within the local community, enjoying everything that the local population has to offer, which will undoubtedly broaden your horizons.
