Discovering ASEAN’s Untouched Destinations — Contact-Free Escapes Across 10 Countries

Places of quiet nature that keep a landscape all their own. For travelers preparing for the post-COVID era, here is a guide to striking contact-free destinations across the 10 ASEAN countries. If you spot a view in these photographs of nature that inspires you, why not add it to your list of places to visit soon?

Courtesy of the ASEAN-Korea Centre
An intergovernmental organization founded to expand exchange and cooperation between Korea and the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Officially launched in 2009, it carries out a wide range of activities in trade, investment promotion, and tourism. Through programs that share the cultural diversity of its member states and introduce sustainable travel, it offers the public a richer view of ASEAN. The Centre has 11 member countries in total: Korea, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. aseantravel.aseankorea.org

Luagan Lalak Forest Recreation Park
Brunei

This park spans a protected area of roughly 270 hectares. The lake and swamp environment shifts constantly with the rainfall of the wet and dry seasons, yet the forest always remains clear and pristine.

Ulu Temburong National Park
Brunei

Known as the “lungs of Asia,” this national park covers about 500 square kilometers within the Batu Apoi Forest Reserve. It is a treasure trove for research on plants and animals and for ecotourism.

Koh Rong
Cambodia

Koh Rong, Cambodia’s second-largest island, is an unspoiled destination. Lush natural surroundings and a night sky full of glittering stars welcome travelers who make their way here.

Koh Rong Samloem
Cambodia

Koh Rong Samloem is known for its clear, clean water and brilliant white sand beaches. Walking the quiet island, free of tourist crowds, you feel your body and mind being cleansed.

Nusa Penida
Indonesia

Lying about 20 kilometers southeast of Bali, Nusa Penida is beloved as a hidden gem among divers worldwide thanks to its beautiful underwater environment and coastal scenery.

Raja Ampat
Indonesia

Located in West Papua, the Raja Ampat archipelago is home to more than 1,320 species of fish and to two-thirds of the world’s hard coral species and more than half of its soft corals. It is often called Indonesia’s last paradise.

Vang Vieng
Lao PDR

Steep karst mountains and the Nam Xong River winding around the town combine into a stunning scene that makes Vang Vieng an unforgettable destination.

Luang Prabang
Lao PDR

Luang Prabang, the center of Lao culture and religion, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, with the entire town included. The roughly 50 major temples you encounter at every turn reveal the essence of Buddhist culture.

Langkawi
Malaysia

Head inland on Langkawi, an island off the northwest coast of Malaysia, and the vast nature reserve reveals the charms of untouched waterfalls, hot springs, and tropical forest.

Bohey Dulang
Malaysia

Bohey Dulang, a coral island in Sabah, is a favorite among locals. Climb to the island’s high ground and look down, and the emerald sea surrounding you on every side will thrill any traveler.

Myeik Archipelago
Myanmar

Made up of more than 800 islands in southern Myanmar, the Myeik Archipelago is a place where pristine beaches and natural forests breathe. Alongside local people who carry on traditional culture, you can have an experience of stepping briefly away from the world.

Indawgyi Lake
Myanmar

Indawgyi, in Kachin State in northern Myanmar, is the country’s largest lake and a habitat for rare plants and animals. Visitors can even feel a sense of perfect stillness here.

Badian
Philippines

Badian, in southwestern Cebu, is a resort destination where sea and mountains meet. Activities such as canyoning, which takes you through gorges in search of hidden scenic spots, are well worth trying at least once.

Loboc River
Philippines

The Loboc River on Bohol Island is known as the Amazon of the Philippines. Cruise along it on a wooden boat, and you can take in the unhurried local way of life and the lush, forested landscape.

Coney Island
Coney Island, Singapore

Discover Singapore’s hidden nature on Coney Island, a small island off the country’s northern coast. Walk its footpaths and you’ll encounter towering conifers and small monkeys.

Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens, Singapore

Opened in 1859, Singapore’s largest garden is a refuge where you can fully soak up the greenery in the middle of the city. Among its sweeping lawns and dense trees grow some 600,000 species of plants.

Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan, Thailand

Three rocky islets joined by a strip of white sand, Koh Nang Yuan is small but offers beauty in full measure. Lose yourself in snorkeling in the clear water, then take a short hike in search of picture-perfect views.

Haew Narok Waterfall
Haew Narok Waterfall, Thailand

Set deep within Khao Yai National Park, Haew Narok Waterfall drops 150 meters in three successive cascades. With a little luck, you may even spot elephants wandering along the nearby road.

Fansipan
Mountain Fansipan, Viet Nam

Fansipan, the highest peak in Viet Nam, rises above Sapa and is known as the Roof of Indochina. Trek through primeval forest over two days and one night, and you’ll reach a summit with majestic views.

Huong River
Huong River, Viet Nam

The Huong River, which flows through the center of Hue, carries the history of a royal kingdom. Legend has it that in autumn, petals from orchids growing upstream fall into the water and give the river a perfume-like fragrance.