1. Mondulkiri, Cambodia

One of the country’s hidden gems has got to be Mondulkiri, in the eastern part of Cambodia. It may be the largest province in Cambodia, but Mondulkiri is the most sparsely populated province. The place is home to lush forests, incredible waterfalls, and breathtaking hills.

When visiting Mondulkiri, the best thing to do is to immerse yourself in nature and agriculture. One place you must visit is Sen Monorom, the capital of the province and the central hub for many of the area’s economic activities. Sen Monorom is quiet yet beautiful, and as the province’s only township, it houses many locally run businesses and farms.

Visiting Mondulkiri might not be the easiest because the area is not developed as a tourist spot despite having a lot of potential to being a wonderful eco-tourism destination. However, the quiet province is a true hidden gem, and it should be on the must-visit list of any nature-loving traveler.

2. Pahang, Malaysia

Pahang is known for its breathtaking mountains, beautiful beaches, and extensive forests. If you are looking to visit Pahang, one of the best places to go is Taman Negara or the National Park.

It is one of the world’s oldest rainforests and it is where you can go to see some incredible flora and fauna. There are many other forest and animal reserves like the Endau-Rompin National Park and the Krau Wildlife Reserve that make great tourist destinations for those who would want to immerse themselves in nature.

Pahang also houses other premium tourist destinations, Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands. Both places also feature beautiful scenery but are especially known for more modern attractions, with Genting Highland being home to Resorts World Genting, a hill resort that comprises multiple hotels, casinos, air-conditioned shopping malls, and themes park. Pahang is a destination that caters to everyone, so there is no reason not to visit the Malaysian state.

3. Nusa Islands, Indonesia

If you seek the incredible landscapes that Bali offers but want a quieter place, the Nusa Islands is where you should go. All three Nusa Islands offer white sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters, perfect for those looking for a serene paradise to relax on. When you explore deeper into the islands, you will discover magnificent hidden lagoons and stunning natural pools.

The area that surrounds the islands is also home to a sizeable number of Indonesia’s manta ray population, so if you are ready to swim with these gentle creatures, you can get in contact with the local operators that will guide you throughthe process.

Many people dubbed the Nusa Islands, ‘Bali before the mass tourism’ but the Nusa Islands are in a league of their own. They may also offer inspiring Balinese culture and stunning beaches, but Nusa Islands deserves its own recognition. If you’re looking to find a peaceful oasis in this part of Southeast Asia, you should definitely give Nusa Islands the chance.

4. Inle Lake, Myanmar

In Myanmar’s western Shan State, there is the picturesque Inle Lake, the home to the local Intha people and their community. Inle Lake is known for its floating villages and gardens, and the area has got to be one of the unique destinations on this list.

The Inle Lake is more of a local community than it is a tourist destination, but it offers tons of interesting activities, along with beautiful scenery. The locals Intha people are indigenous people whose main economic activities are fishing and traditional handicraft. 

While you are in the area, it is hard to miss seeing the distinctive leg-rowing style practiced by local fishermen as they make their rounds through the iconic lake. The locals there also work hard to keep traditions like lotus textile weaving alive, as it plays an important part in their economy.

While Inle Lake may be a tourist spot, but the real focus of the area is its authenticity and the local quiet lives. As a step to protect the area from any mass man-made damage due to development, UNESCO has designated the Inle Lake as a biosphere reserve. This way, both the locals and tourists can enjoy Inle Lake and what it has to offer, without compromising its natural beauty.

5. Bai Xep, Vietnam

There is something magical about how healing a beach can be, and if you are looking for a quiet beach to visit while in Southeast Asia, you should consider visiting Bai Xep in Vietnam. The beach is truly a hidden gem, and it is the perfect place to go when you want to escape the busyness of the capital city.

Bai Xep is a tiny fishing village located south of Quy Nhon, the capital city of the Binh Dinh Province. The main selling point of Bai Xep is that it is secluded, which allows you to enjoy the authentic Vietnamese beach, without worrying about the crowds and the tourist. There are not many flashy attractions in Bai Xep but you can visit the many hiking trails and treks in the area.

Bai Xep is tiny, remote, and you can barely see anything cosmopolitan in sight, but that is the beauty of the area. When you visit Bai Xep, leave your worries in the city and just immerse yourself in the friendly and calming atmosphere.

According to romanroams.com