10 Places Off The Beaten Path In Southeast Asia

It’s not easy to find 10 places off the beaten path in Southeast Asia, because it’s just not an off the beaten path kind of destination!

Southeast Asia is a tried and tested traveller’s mecca with thousands of tourists, but there’s so much more to the Southeast Asia destinations than beach bars and night clubs and if you really look, you can find some amazing, untouched paradises.

These are some of the best places to go in Southeast Asia, and although these off the beaten track destinations have become more popular over the years, they are still some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful places, and are definitely less busy than most.

We believe that no matter where in the world you are, and no matter how overrun with tourists it is, you can still find an off-track spot all to yourself.

Because you’re heading off the beaten path, it’s important to make sure you are covered with travel insurance in case of an emergency. World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurers and backpackers. Enter your details below and get a free quote.

1. Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

This is hands down one of the nicest beaches in the world (based on what we’ve seen). There are technically two Koh Rong Islands in Cambodia. One is a dive location for boats leaving Sihanoukville (Koh Sanloem) and one is lost out in the sea, left virtually untouched by tourism.

When the longtail boat rounds the corner and you see the absolutely stunning stretch of powdery white sand, you can’t help but be amazed. The Sok San beach goes on for 8 km and dips into the alluring turquoise sea at the perfect swimming gradient. This is one of the best hidden spots in Cambodia!

We’ve seen beaches from Asia to Africa, the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and Koh Rong trumps them all. The stunning jungle backdrop, coral reef and the fact that you’re practically the only person there really just adds to its beauty. It is the best sight in Southeast Asia and is most definitely off the beaten path.

UPDATE 2015: Guess what… times change! While Koh Rong still boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is no longer the big secret that it was in 2008. There are, however, still beaches on the island that don’t have any accommodation on them. Find those beaches! Koh Rong is still an amazing place to visit so get here before it’s too late. 

2. Hsipaw, Myanmar

Okay so Myanmar may not be the untouched paradise that it once was, but take a trek into the villages around Hsipaw and find some amazing Shan culture within easy reach.

When you arrive, don’t be discouraged by the daily tours that leave Hsipaw with 8-10 people/group. Ignore them, ignore the guides and just walk out into the surrounding villages yourself.

You’ll be rewarded with waterfalls, farmland, natural hot-springs and genuine local hospitality. You’ll likely have locals invite you in for meals and you can see their homes and the amazingly laid-back lifestyle in which they live. You may even be able to teach English, if you come across Hope and her incredible school in Naloy village.

3. Sumatra, Indonesia

I know it’s a huge region to list as “off the beaten path” but Sumatra island really is an untouched paradise. There are places where you will run into a bunch of backpackers but even in those places you can sneak off and find a place of your own.

For the most part though, Sumatra is extremely non-touristed and it boasts some of the most amazing sights in the entire region. Lake Toba and Lake Meninjau offer crystal clear, fresh water smack dab in the middle of a volcano crater.

If you stay here you will probably have an entire guesthouse to yourself (depending on which side of the lake you stay on). Definitely don’t miss Sumatra if you’re trying to avoid crowds, it’s one of the best places to be. A stark contrast to busy Bali.

Note: The further east you go in Indonesia, the more untouched it becomes. Check out the incredible islands of Alor, Sulewesi, and Raja Ampat! Basically, outside of the main islands of Bali, Java, Lombok and Gilis, you will find hardly any other tourists.

4. Kapas Island, Malaysia

How does nobody know about this hidden gem? Well some people do, the Malaysians and they keep it all to themselves. Don’t worry though, outside of holiday times you will probably be one of the only people on the island and the beach here is stunning!

Stay with the Captain at The Captain’s Longhouse and meet one of the coolest characters you’ll ever come across on your travels. He’ll take you in, treat you like family and send you on your way with a smile on your face. If you’re wondering where to go in Southeast Asia, this is is. There’s nowhere quite like Kapas Island.

For accommodations on Kapas Island, we recommend the Captain’s Longhouse. It’s basic, but cool. He doesn’t offer any bookings online. Email them at: [email protected]

5. Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia

Don’t confuse this with the tourist trap that they call Kuta in Bali. Kuta, Lombok is a whole different place that puts the Balinese version to shame.

It’s a laid back surfing / fishing village with just enough to do to keep you entertained for a week or so…unless you surf, in which case you could probably just pack up and move here.

Kuta beach and the actual town itself are not fully considered off the beaten path in Southeast Asia, but rent a motorbike and ride to one of the many secluded coves or distant villages surrounding Kuta and find a little piece of heaven and keep it all to yourself.

☞ SEE ALSO: Where to Stay in Lombok – The Best Surfing, Beaches & Accommodations

6. Koh Kood, Thailand

Be warned, this is SO off the beaten path that you may get bored if you stay here longer than a few nights. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is absolutely breathtaking and in our opinion, it’s one of the best places in Southeast Asia. Its jungle-clad interior boasts stunning waterfalls and tourist-free monasteries where you’ll actually meet Thai people who are surprised to see a tourist. A treat you may never find anywhere else in Thailand.

The beaches are powdery white perfection and the huts are actually very comfortable. There are no real roads on the island, although you can rent a motorbike (at exorbitant prices) and head inland to seek out some seldom visited sights. And we mean seldom.

This place is deserted in the peak season especially away from its coast. What a place! If you’re down for some serious relaxation and privacy, Koh Kood is the place for you.

UPDATE 2015: Good news and bad news… There are a couple of roads here now. Take what you want from that statement. Luckily Koh Kood is still relatively undeveloped.

☞ SEE ALSO: Top 15 Places to Visit in Thailand in 2018

7. El Nido, Philippines

You’re probably wondering how one of the best places to backpack in Southeast Asia can be considered off the beaten path. Well, El Nido itself is clearly no longer off the beaten path, but some of the islands and villages around El Nido definitely are.

Take your pick of one of the deserted 45 islands, pack your sleeping gear and some food and head out to see some of the best beaches in the Philippines! Camping on the islands will be a highlight of your trip to SE Asia. Talk to your hostel, fishermen or other travellers to figure out the logistics of it all.

Just make sure you explain that you want to be far away from other tourists and you will find yourself on an island, alone, living out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies.

UPDATE 2015: Some readers have told us that El Nido is becoming more and more touristed and it’s getting harder to find boatmen to take you out on an intrepid solo journey, but fear not… where there’s a will there’s a way!

Read More:

• Best Palawan Resorts in The Philippines
• A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Palawan
• Top 10 Best Philippines Beaches

8. Don Khong Island, Laos

This stunning place is actually on the trail, but it’s on the trail that leads to the more popular neighbouring island of Don Det. In Southern Laos, in the 4 Thousand Islands region, Don Khong is a little piece of hidden calm inside a tsunami of tourists that force their way up from Thailand.

When everybody else hops on the first boat out to get to the backpacker haven known as Don Det, you should consider staying behind.

Rent a bike and head around this tiny island and see a piece of Laos culture that you won’t see again unless you head far North past Luang Prabang. Small villages with kind and inquisitive locals will greet you on your travels and you’ll be able to witness something few other travellers here do, the real Laos.

*Note, you’ll sleep in Muang Khong, but take the bridge over to Don Khong to cycle and explore.

9. Southern Inle Lake, Myanmar

Inle Lake itself definitely shows up on the tourist radar, but most people stick to the boat tours that putter around the northern reaches of the lake.

Find a boatman who is willing to take you as far south as you can go, the closer you get to the “Permit Zone” the fewer travellers you will see and the more authentic experiences you will have.

It may cost you a few extra bucks to get down there, but it’s so worth it. The villages are untouched and the monasteries are empty and beautiful. Also, don’t forget to rent a bicycle and bike around the lake yourself; stop off at a winery, meet local fishermen and enjoy watching Myanmar go by.

Most people who come to Inle Lake think it’s a tourist trap because they don’t take the time to find a place for themselves. The Southern part of the lake is a place not to be missed.

10. Sumbawa, Indonesia

This Muslim island really is in the middle of nowhere. It’s on the way to the more popular islands of Komodo and Flores, but 99% of people who see Sumbawa, see it only from the window of a bus on their way to see the Komodo Dragons.

If you’re not a surfer, there’s not a whole lot to do here, but there are some stunning beaches, hidden villages and amazing coral that’s yours alone to discover. If you’re looking for must see places in Southeast Asia that have hardly any tourists around, you’ll find them in Indonesia.

Accommodation Options on Sumbawa

Click here for accommodation options on Sumbawa Island

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That’s our list of off-the-beaten-path places! Make sure when you travel to Southeast Asia you make an effort to get away from the crowds, at least once. We guarantee that if you do, you won’t be disappointed.

If you know of some off-the-beaten-path places in SE Asia, comment below and let us know about it! Travel secrets are meant to be shared.

We use and recommend Hostel World for booking cheap and awesome hostels and guesthouses in SE Asia. They’re the “go-to” booking site for travellers, check them out here.

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