What are your hidden jems of S.E. Asia?
May 13, 2015, 7:44 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SE Asia
Posts: 1,274
What are your hidden jems of S.E. Asia?
So I have been to almost every main tourist city in S.E. Asia (except in Laos and Cambodia which I will visit next year).
Time to look for some new places that are not the main tourist destinations but are just as good.
What are your hidden jems and why?
Time to look for some new places that are not the main tourist destinations but are just as good.
What are your hidden jems and why?
May 15, 2015, 12:42 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dalat, Vietnam
Programs: Vietnam, Asiana, Singapore, EVA, Southwest
Posts: 934
Quy Nhon in Vietnam - unspoiled, off the tourist trail, super friendly
Kuching, Malaysia (on Borneo) - and the entire Sarawak State - the only place in Malaysia that turned me on - also unspoiled and friendly, much wildlife
When you go to Laos, head straight for Luang Prabang and bypass Vientiane.
Kuching, Malaysia (on Borneo) - and the entire Sarawak State - the only place in Malaysia that turned me on - also unspoiled and friendly, much wildlife
When you go to Laos, head straight for Luang Prabang and bypass Vientiane.
May 16, 2015, 2:27 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SE Asia
Posts: 1,274
so mine is sipidan. If you are a diver you probably already know about it.
think it is a great place for non-drivers because it is so hard to get to. not many tourists.
I also liked yogakarta.
so why myanmar?
think it is a great place for non-drivers because it is so hard to get to. not many tourists.
I also liked yogakarta.
so why myanmar?
May 16, 2015, 10:36 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: OZ, Perth
Programs: QF QR Silver, DJ,TG,MH
Posts: 509
I did like Phu Quoc island (Vietnam).
Reasons:
quiet, welcoming hosts, bungalow style accommodation under $100, hotels/resorts with rooms that have direct access to the sea, fresh seafood.
Comment:
This laid back aura may have disappeared by now. A new international airport was under construction, so I'm not sure about present atmosphere on the Island. We were there at the beginning of 2013.
Reasons:
quiet, welcoming hosts, bungalow style accommodation under $100, hotels/resorts with rooms that have direct access to the sea, fresh seafood.
Comment:
This laid back aura may have disappeared by now. A new international airport was under construction, so I'm not sure about present atmosphere on the Island. We were there at the beginning of 2013.
May 17, 2015, 6:51 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
I did like Phu Quoc island (Vietnam).
Reasons:
quiet, welcoming hosts, bungalow style accommodation under $100, hotels/resorts with rooms that have direct access to the sea, fresh seafood.
Comment:
This laid back aura may have disappeared by now. A new international airport was under construction, so I'm not sure about present atmosphere on the Island. We were there at the beginning of 2013.
Reasons:
quiet, welcoming hosts, bungalow style accommodation under $100, hotels/resorts with rooms that have direct access to the sea, fresh seafood.
Comment:
This laid back aura may have disappeared by now. A new international airport was under construction, so I'm not sure about present atmosphere on the Island. We were there at the beginning of 2013.
Definitely visit Sao Beach.
New airport is great.
High season (Dec - Apr) might be a little crowded.
Huge amount of development going on along Long Beach.
May 17, 2015, 7:26 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Snooky
Posts: 2,508
I spent a week on Phu Quoc 4 years ago & thought it was just OK. The beaches though empty weren't the greatest. Accommodations were - meh. Motorcycling all over the island was fun though. I much prefer the islands off Cambodia. If you want a VN beach experience in the dead of Winter it's pretty much your only option. I should go back and check out the new development.
May 17, 2015, 7:32 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,883
I spent a week on Phu Quoc 4 years ago & thought it was just OK. The beaches though empty weren't the greatest. Accommodations were - meh. Motorcycling all over the island was fun though. I much prefer the islands off Cambodia. If you want a VN beach experience in the dead of Winter it's pretty much your only option. I should go back and check out the new development.
May 18, 2015, 12:39 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
I spent a week on Phu Quoc 4 years ago & thought it was just OK. The beaches though empty weren't the greatest. Accommodations were - meh. Motorcycling all over the island was fun though. I much prefer the islands off Cambodia. If you want a VN beach experience in the dead of Winter it's pretty much your only option. I should go back and check out the new development.
Pretty decent accommodations now. A lot has changed in the last few years.
May 22, 2015, 7:50 am
#15
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,412
Except for the food IMO, there's not much going on in Manado.
Also, if anyone is looking to lose his/her lunch, a visit to Tomohon market should be in the cards.