It’s time to dive into Southeast Asia’s hidden corners and immerse yourself in a mosaic of cultures, stories and experiences.

From the historical sites of Luang Prabang in Laos to the tranquil landscapes of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, here are five often overlooked tourist destinations in Southeast Asia to add to your 2024 travel bucket list. Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or a seasoned traveller, it’s time to embark on an adventure to these lesser-known, yet magnificent locales.

1. Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”, Ninh Binh is one of Southeast Asia’s best, yet underrated scenic wonders. It offers an idyllic retreat with its towering limestone cliffs and serene rivers, as well as local homestays and motorcycle tours.

Take a traditional boat ride through the Trang An Grottoes or cycle around the peaceful rice fields. Just a two-hour drive from Hanoi, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda also showcase the region’s rich history and spirituality.

Established in the year 968 by King Dinh Bo Linh, Hoa Lu was the very first capital of what we now consider Vietnam. Originally surrounded by a citadel and the Yen Ngua limestone hills, the village today offers a rare glimpse into ancient Vietnamese history and traditional Vietnamese culture. Do visit landmarks like Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, Le Hoan Temple and Nhat Tru Pagoda, or plan a trek up the 200m-high Ma Yen Mountain.

If you time your visit to Hoa Lu right, you might even get a chance to witness traditional cultural festivals like the Truong Yen Festival. Held annually from the eighth to 10th of the third lunar month, it commemorates ancient kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh through dragon dances, traditional games and other activities.

2. Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, effortlessly marries natural beauty with spiritual depth. This enchanting town, nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is an epitome of tranquillity and cultural richness.

Start your day by witnessing the daily alms-giving ceremony, where monks clad in simple saffron robes walk silently through the streets to gather alms from locals. Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully, or you can join a local early morning tour to partake in the alms offering as well.

Take a step deeper into Laotian culture and history by visiting any of the 30+ temples and cultural institutions throughout the town. With its sweeping roofs and intricate mosaics, Wat Xieng Thong showcases traditional craftsmanship, while the Royal Palace Museum, once the King’s residence, offers history buffs a window into Laos’ royal past.

No trip to Luang Prabang is complete without a visit to Kuang Si Waterfall. Located just a short drive from the town centre, the multi-tiered waterfall cascades into turquoise pools, creating a refreshing oasis. Hike up to the top of the waterfall for a panoramic view, swim in the inviting pools or simply relax by the water’s edge.

3. Rayong, Thailand

If you’ve been to the beach resorts of Phuket, Ko Samui, and Pattaya and loved them, you’ll have to add Rayong to your Southeast Asia travel bucket list. Characterised by unspoiled beaches, lush landscapes and a rich cultural fabric, Rayong offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

A 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok, Rayong makes a great day trip destination especially for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Each of the pristine beaches along Rayong’s coastline offers its own unique charm. Mae Ramphueng Beach is a popular destination for its long sandy stretch and calm waters, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. For a more secluded experience, Sai Kaew Beach in Samed National Park is a hidden gem, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life which is perfect for snorkelling.

You can also take a short boat ride from the mainland to Koh Samet, an island boasting white-sand beaches such as Ao Prao and Ao Noina. Indulge in water sports, explore the island’s natural beauty on a scooter or kick back on a deck chair and unwind by the sea. At night, the beach resorts come alive with fire shows and beach bars, offering a taste of Thailand’s vibrant nightlife.

Foodies are in for a treat as the province is famous for its fruit plantations that produce the sweet and juicy Rayong mango. Local markets such as Ban Phe Market offer a plethora of freshly caught seafood and Thai delicacies along with souvenirs which make great mementos of your trip.

4. Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Begin your adventure at Tinuy-an Falls, often hailed as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines”. Each level of this multi-tiered waterfall offers a unique perspective and experience – from the grandeur of the main drop to the serene pools perfect for swimming. You can hire a bamboo raft to get even closer to the waterfall, relishing the refreshing mist of the water’s spray.

Another nature spot to explore is Britania Islands, a group of 24 serene, tropical islands and islets. Each island has its distinct character – from the powdery white sands of Hagonoy Island to the rocky outcrops of Boslon Island. Island-hopping is the best way to explore these islands which offer plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, swimming and picnicking on secluded, yet beautiful beaches.

End your island-hopping experience with a visit to the Enchanted River in Hinatuan, a deep spring river with stunningly clear, blue waters. The river is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, offering a surreal experience as you explore its depths. There are picnic spots, cafes and other facilities conveniently located around the river for chilling out.

5. Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

Spanning over 4.4 million hectares, Cardamom Mountains is one of the largest rainforests in Southeast Asia. Teeming with wildlife, native flora and plenty of natural landmarks from waterfalls to swamps, the rainforest is an off-the-beaten-track escape for eco-conscious travellers and nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in a raw, unfiltered nature experience.

For an immersive back-to-nature experience, stay at Cardamom Tented Camp. Located in Botum Sakor National Park, the eco-lodge camp offers safari-style glamping tents in an environmentally conscious ecotourism setting amidst the dense forest.

Camp activities include guided trekking, self-guided hiking, zip lining, tubing and kayaking. But where the eco-lodge really stands out is its conservation-related activities for visitors such as cataloguing flora and fauna in conservation areas; learning sessions about poaching and logging; setting up camera traps to monitor local wildlife; and accompanying park rangers on their patrols.

For a genuine immersion into Cambodian rural life, a visit to Chi Phat is a must. This community-based ecotourism village offers homestays, allowing visitors to live and interact with local families. Activities in Chi Phat are diverse and range from trekking and ancient burial sites to bat caves, bird watching and night-time wildlife spotting. The village is also a starting point for mountain bike tours and jungle treks, offering a deeper exploration of Cardamom’s natural wonders.

*This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Hidden gems await: 5 underrated Southeast Asian destination”

The post 5 Underrated Southeast Asian Destinations to Explore in 2024 appeared first on Southeast Asia.

As the unofficial tourism capital of Cambodia, Siem Reap is a treasure trove of culture, heritage, history, architectural wonders, natural landscapes and more.

A great way to explore the essence of Cambodian life and experience Siem Reap the way the locals do is by signing up for The Aviary Hotel’s Connect with Community & Culture Package. The Package includes a two-night stay at Aviary Hotel, round-trip transfers between the hotel and airport, daily breakfast for two persons, a one-day Countryside Tour and tour transportation to different locations in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by a local English-speaking guide plus lunch and bottled water.

Here are five ways you can immerse yourself in various aspects of Cambodian culture through The Aviary Hotel’s Connect with Community & Culture Package.

1. Enjoy an authentic Khmer lunch with the locals

Get a true taste of Cambodian or Khmer food, prepared from scratch by a local family. Characterised by bold and rich flavours, Khmer food has dashes of influence from Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian and French cuisines. Rice, noodles, soups, curries and stir-fried vegetables are staples of the Khmer diet.

Must-try Khmer dishes include Nom Banh Chok, rice noodles covered in a gravy made of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, galangal, turmeric and freshwater fish; Lap Khmer (beef salad), lime-marinated beef slices tossed in a dressing of lemongrass, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, coriander, mint and chilli, together with green beans, onions, cucumbers and tomatoes; and Fish Amok, fish mixed in a herb/spice paste (kroeung) topped with coconut milk and steamed in banana leaves.

During the lunch, you’ll get to try a few Khmer home-cooked dishes as well as traditional desserts like bamboo sticky rice. You’ll also get to see how the produce is cultivated with care and thoughtfulness through sustainable farming and horticultural practices.

2. Marvel at the pagoda’s intricate designs and discover the storied past of Wat Luang Proleung

A sacred landmark located about 30km east of Siem Reap, Wat Luang Proleung is an architectural marvel. The temple is built on an ancient site dating back to 1890 and the site was said to have been restored in 1962. Its pagoda and stupas are said to date back 100 years or so.

The temple is known for its unique sema (boundary) stones that demarcate the inner space of the pagoda. Find out more about the temple’s rich history and the pagoda’s intricate designs from the local guide.

3. Observe sacred rituals and even receive a water monk blessing for good luck

There’s a chance to experience the sacred rituals practised at Wat Luang Proleung, and possibly receive a water monk blessing for good luck and prosperity. A water monk blessing, meant to bring renewal, purification and good luck, is a traditional Cambodian Buddhist practice dating back to ancient times.

The process involves being wholly covered in water blessed by the monks, while they chant in unison. Upon completion of the ritual, you will receive a single red tie that signifies your blessing.

This is a practice popular with newlyweds as the ritual is said to bring peace and happiness.

4. Watch a local dance performance known as Chhayam

As traditional dance is a popular art form in Cambodia, no visit to the country would be complete without catching at least one Khmer dance performance.

You’ll get to watch Chhayam, a traditional Khmer musical dance that is known to be colourful, lively and brimming with contagious enthusiasm. Considered a folk dance, it features a line of men playing decorated long drums, and dancers who may wear comic masks or paint their faces in humorous ways and clapping hand cymbals or wooden clackers.

The dance is both communal and spontaneous, combining drumming, comic exhibitions and animated vernacular call-and-response vocals.

5. See how the locals live on the floating village of Kampong Khleang

Located about 50km southeast of Siem Reap, Kampong Khleang is a floating village on Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The floating village is home to over 10,000 people, many of whom are either fishermen or work in the fishing industry.

A tour of the floating village on a private boat will give you a fascinating glimpse of the villagers’ unique way of life on the water and how the resourceful villagers adapt on water. Observe how they commute by boats, their fishing lifestyle and activities at the floating markets.

Article courtesy of Stephanie Frantz of Craft Communications

The post 5 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap Besides Visiting Angkor Wat appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Visit the Royal Palace

Samdach Sothearos Boulevard (3)
Open daily from 8am to 10.30am, 2pm to 5pm (till 4.30pm on Fridays)

Arguably, the city’s most popular attraction, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the King. The palace’s traditional Cambodian-style architecture is downright gorgeous and its Throne Hall is elaborately ornate.

Look out for the Silver Pagoda which takes its name from the five tonnes of gleaming silver covering its floor. Inside the pagoda are a number of Buddha statues made of precious metals including a solid gold Buddha adorned with 2,086 diamonds, an 80kg bronze Buddha and a silver Buddha.

The view outside is just as stunning, with the well-manicured gardens framing the iconic Chan Chaya Pavilion. Join the locals and have a picnic at the Royal Palace Park while watching motorboats and paddle boats cruise by on the Tonle Sap River.

The entry fee for foreigners is USD10 (guide fee is optional). There’s also a strict dress code to follow – women must have their knees covered, so no shorts or skirts, while men are required to wear sleeved tops.

Explore the Central Market

Kamet Street (53)
Open daily from 7am to 6pm  

A landmark of the city, the ochre-coloured, art deco Central Market (Psar Thmei) is where you can buy pretty much anything – food, flowers, spices, clothes, jewellery, souvenirs, household items, electronics and more. 

There are hundreds of vendors lined up along the entire market purveying their array of wares. Be prepared to bargain for your purchases, as the prices are quite high as the market is a popular tourist spot.

After all that shopping, fuel up at the Khmer food stands offering local street food like Num Korng (traditional Cambodian doughnuts), whole fried fishes and fried tarantula, a regional delicacy, if you dare!

Check out Sisowath Quay

Along banks of Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers

A 3km-long stretch along the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Sisowath Quay teems with life whether it’s day or night. In the morning, you’ll find locals taking walks, the elderly practicing tai chi and joggers getting a workout before work. 

Sisowath Quay continues to bustle with activities throughout the day, as locals and tourists alike head to one of the many shops, cafes and restaurants located along the boulevard. There are also plenty of street vendors selling snacks like peanuts, popcorn, beer and coconuts. 

In the late afternoon, head over to Kanika Cruise Boats for a sunset cruise down the river. Tickets cost USD8 per person or USD17 with free-flow of beer. There’s also a dinner cruise at 7pm which includes a four-course meal for USD22.

Travel back in time to pre-Angkorian Cambodia at Sambor Prei Kuk

V2CV+C8G, Prasat Sambour​ District
Open daily from 7am to 5pm

Explore the incredible ruins of the 7th century Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has been identified as the remains of Isanapura, the pre-Angkorian capital city of the Chenla Kingdom.

It is made up of 293 octagonal-shaped temples and is split into three main clusters, each with a brick wall around it. The entire site in the Kampong Thom province might be smaller than Angkor Wat, but thanks to its (comparatively) low tourist volume, it kind of feels like you’re on the set of a real adventure movie. 

There’s definitely lots to explore in the temple complex – from the Hindu temples meant to worship Shiva and stone carvings of Prasat Sambor to the remains of the main temple Prasat Tao.

Hiring a local guide is highly recommended. Alternatively, join a tour group to go through the entire place.

Learn more about silk weaving on Silk Island

Koh Dach

Located north of Phnom Penh, Silk Island (known locally as Koh Dach) gets its name from the traditional silk-weaving communities that dot the island.

You’ll get to see women under their traditional teak wood houses spinning silk to make accessories like scarves. In fact, most of the silk products sold in the markets around Cambodia come from here!

If you’re not squeamish about worms, caterpillars and other similarly shaped creepy crawlies, join a silk factory tour. The tour will unveil where the magic starts (with the silkworm farm), the harvesting stage and how the silk is made from the cocoons. Of course, there’ll be a chance to buy some silk and at wholesale prices too! 

Meet bears rescued from illegal wildlife trade at Bear Care Tour

National Road No. 2, Takeo Province
Open daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm

Meet endangered bears like sun bears and moon bears that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade during the Bear Care Tour at the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary, located inside the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre.

While you may not have direct contact with the bears, you’ll get to hear moving stories of the rescued bears, see the bears and help the Bear Care Team prepare food and enrichment treats. You’ll enjoy watching the bears search and gobble down the treats you’ve hidden in their enclosures.

The minimum donation for the tour is USD90 per adult (kids below 3 years old can join for free; 50 percent of donated amount for each kid aged 4 to 15). Donation includes transportation, park entrance fee, lunch, guided tour, a reusable water bottle and a T-shirt. All donations go directly to the care of rescued bears in Cambodia.

If you and your kids really love animals, you could even sign up for a week-long volunteering programme.


*This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Traveller’s guide to Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s capital city”

The post 6 Best Things To Do In Phnom Penh appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Kampot

• Bokor Hill Station
• Kampong Trach
• Kampot Provincial Museum
• Kampot Traditional Music School
• Kep Thmey
• Old Catholic Church (Bokor Mountain)
• Phnom Chhnork
• Phnom K’Chnor
• Phnom Seda Orn
• Phnom Sla Ta’aun
• Phnom Sorsia
• Rabbit Island

Koh Ker

• Koh Ker Temple
• Prasat Thom

Phnom Penh

• Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
• Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre
• Independence Monument
• National Museum of Cambodia

• Russian Market
• Sisowath Quay
• The Royal Palace
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

• Wat Ounalom
• Wat Phnom

Preah Vihear Province

• Preah Vihear Temple

Siem Reap

• Angkor Archaelogical Park
• Angkor National Museum
• Angkor Silk Farm

• Bean Mealea
• Cambodian Landmine Museum (Angkor National Park)
• Kbal Spean
• Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre
• Phnom Kulen National Park
• Srok Yeung
• Tonle Sap Lake

Sihanoukville

• Golden Lions Roundabout
• Independence Beach
• Kbal Chhay Waterfall
• Koh Pos Beach
• Ochheuteal Beach
• Otres Beach
• Phnom Leu
• Prek Treng Beach
• Ream Beach
• Serendipity Beach
• Sokha Beach
• Victory Beach
• Wat Krom

The post Must-Visit Landmarks & Attractions appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Ride on the bamboo train

Battambang

Cambodian pottery classes

Siem Reap

Cooking classes

Battambang, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville

Cycling around Angkor Archaeological Park

Siem Reap

Discover the floating village and Tonle Sap Lake on a traditional long tail boat

Siem Reap

Go on elephant rides/tours

Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Siem Reap

Explore Cambodian countryside on quad bikes

Siem Reap

Explore Cambodian villages, paddy fields and temple relics on horseback

Siem Reap

Catch Khmer traditional dance (apsara) performances

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

Watch Phare, The Cambodian Circus performance

Battambang or Siem Reap

Visit pepper plantations like La Plantation

Kampot

Visit Cambodia’s national parks

Ziplining adventure

Kampot, Koh Rong, Mondulkiri, Siem Reap

The post Fun Family-Friendly Activities appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Kep

• Kep Beach

Koh Rong

• Long Beach
• Long Set Beach
• Southwestern Beach

Koh Rong Samloem

• Lazy Beach

Koh Ta Kiev Island

• Coral Beach
• Long Beach
• Naked Beach

Ream National Park

• Koh Thmei Beach

Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)

• Main beach

Koh Totang Island

• Main beach

Sihanoukville

• Independence Beach
• Koh Pos Beach
• Ochheuteal Beach
• Otres Beach
• Prek Treng Beach
• Ream Beach
• Serendipity Beach
• Sokha Beach
• Victory Beach (Lomhe Kay)

The post Popular Beaches appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Banteay Srei

• Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Battambang

• Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

Kampot

• Phnom Bokor National Park
• Teuk Chhou Zoo

Koh Thmei

• Ream National Park

Kratie

• Mekong River
See Irrawady dolphins

• Mekong Turtle Conservation Center

Pursat

• Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary

Ratanakiri

• Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary
• Norng Kabat Forest
• Veun Sai–Siem Pang Conservation Area
Spot gibbons

• Virachey National Park

Mondulkiri

• Elephant Valley Project
• Phnom Nam Lear Sanctuary
• Phnom Prich Sanctuary
• Srepok Wilderness Area

Siem Reap

• Angkor Zoo
• Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary

Takeo

• Chruos Phaork
• Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

The post Encounters With Wildlife appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Kampong Chhnang

• Phnom Krang Romeas
• Phnom Neang Kang Rey
• Phnom Rabbat
• Phnom Ta Ind

Kampot

• Phnom Seda Orn
• Popokvil Waterfall (Bokor Mountain)
• Tek Chhouu Rapids

Koh Kong

• Kbal Chhay Prek Koh Waterfall
• Tatai Waterfall

Kratie

• Waterfall Of Cham Pey

Mondulkiri

• Bousra Eco Park
• Bousra Waterfall
• Chrey Thom Waterfall
• Chrey Yos Waterfall
• Lak Pok Bras Waterfall
• Lèng Khin Waterfall
• Rum Near Waterfall
• Sen Monorum Waterfall
• Southwest Waterfalls
• Taing Laing Waterfall

Preah Vihear Province

• Sopheak Mit Waterfall

Ratanakiri

• Chaa Ong Waterfall
• Ka Chanh Waterfall
• Ka Tieng Waterfall
• Kinchaan Waterfall
• Ou Sean Lair Waterfall
• Ou Senmonorom Waterfall
• Virachey National Park (Tonle San River)

Sihanoukville

• Kbal Chhay Waterfall

The post Popular Nature Spots appeared first on Southeast Asia.