Most Aussies will venture to Asia at least once in their lives. How could they not? It’s cheap as anything and really isn’t very far from our land that’s girt by sea. It’s a much more affordable and accessible option than say America or Europe, and, depending on your cup of tea when it comes to travel itineraries, is potentially a better experience all-round.
But – and it’s a big but – with great Aussie foot traffic comes great tackiness in the shape of tiger selfies and those god-awful beer singlets. Bed shirt or not, it’s a big no from me. Why keep going back to Kuta and Phuket when Asia has so many other gems on offer? For your next vaycay, consider the below, would ya?
KOH RONG, CAMBODIA
Located in the Sihanoukville Province of Cambodia, Koh Rong is considered the Thailand of 20 years ago (you know, before it was the tourist hotspot it is today) and you get there via a boat from Sihanoukville – but pack your motion sickness tablets – it’s a bumpy ride.
The island is loved for its sandy coves, coral reefs and jungle terrain surrounded by waterfalls and coconut palms. Be prepared to see lots of butterflies, snakes and birds for you wildlife fiends. But you’ve gotta be quick, because people are really catching on to this lush destination.
PEDESTRIAN.TV‘s Project Coordinator Jack Colquhoun went back in 2013.
“Koh Rong is what I imagine when I think of a little slice of heave’. Crystal-clear waters, some of the loveliest people I’ve ever met, and a culture of travellers that all feel like they’re on the same wavelength. My favourite memory of the entire place was one night where we went swimming, only to discover that the water was full of bioluminescent plankton. It was really magic.”
ZAMAMI ISLAND, JAPAN
If you rate a good white-sand, clear-water beach sitch then look no further, my friend. Zamami Island is the second largest island of the Kerama Islands, perfecto for swimming, snorkelling, diving or just being a beached whale of a human on the sand.
From there you can also hit up even more secluded beaches like the Gahi and Agenashiku islands, which are only five-minute boat rides away. Is it all affordable? You bet. PEDESTRIAN.TV‘s Strategy & Response Lead Chloe Patterson said:
“Mates and I camped on the beach for 200 Yen a night (about $2.30), it was paradise. Super warm and crystal clear waters, we hired bikes and explored the island all day then had our camp site to come back to in the evenings. There were luminescent plankton in the water at night and a vending machine stacked with Asahi beer at the end of the beach.”
FOUR THOUSAND ISLANDS, SOUTHERN LAOS
Otherwise known as Si Phan Don, Four Thousand Islands is one of those places you go to visit for a couple of days but end up staying for a coupl’a weeks. Why? It’s just *that* good. Situated on the Laos and Cambodia border, it comprises of lots of tiny lil’ islands scattered scattered in the Mekong Delta and is well and truly ~chill~.
It’s ca-ute in the best kind of way – largely uninhabited, too bebe for roads and only recently introduced electricity. Folk shoo this spot away because of the long bus trip from the capital (Vientiane) but like, haven’t you ever heard that good things come to those who endure painful transport? That being said, you should be prepared for such journeys with the likes of Gastro-Stop (i.e not worry about having the runs).
FUKUOKA, JAPAN
Do you wanna hit up Japan but are a little nervy about the abundance of humans? Do you love food? Good. Fukuoka, while not entirely a “hidden gem”, is a place that doesn’t always get a look-in and it’s not nearly as packed as Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto. PEDESTRIAN.TV’s Money Editor, Albert Santos, raves on about it: “Fukuoka is a foodie heaven. It’s proximity to the Asian mainland, complex history, and harbour setting have created a rich mix of cultures that’s reflected in their food.
“It’s often referred to as the ‘spiritual home of ramen’ with world-renowned restaurants Ichi-ran and Ippudo all starting in the south-west city. And if you have more of a sweet tooth, the famous Uncle Tetsu’s cheesecakes (the same one that recently caused hour-long lines in Sydney) calls Fukuoka home.“
How do you get there? So glad you asked. There is an airport in Fukuoka, but ideally you can get the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka – takes about 2-3 hours tops and is free with a JR Rail Pass. It’s also a short train ride from Hiroshima, and you can even catch a ferry from South Korea if you so please.
The road less travelled is always the best road but, that being said, resources and amenities aren’t always as plentiful as the overflowing tourist hubs. HERE is a foolproof travel checklist (including everything from Gastro-Stop to international chargers) so you can get back to your adventure.
But that beer singlet you’ve got? Yeah, leave that one at home.
Better yet, put it in the bin where it belongs.
*Gastro-Stop is indicated for the control and symptomatic treatment of acute non-specific diarrhoea. Gastro-Stop® is a registered trademarks of Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, SEE YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
