Asia’s Top 5 Hidden Gems Unveiled!

From beaches and villages, to remote islands and artistic neighbourhoods, Asia has some hidden treasures that have been overlooked by tourists so far. If you are yearning to explore the Asia off the beaten track, chalk in some time for these on your next vacation. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

1. Don Khong Island, Laos

Don Khong is the largest island in the 'Si Phan Don' riverine archipelago in the southern Laos. The island is famed for its natural beauty, bluest waters and sensational river views. That's not it – many tourists, solo travellers and backpackers visit Don Khong for its magnificent 'Khone Phapheng' Falls. What you get to experience here is the real Lao life at a languid pace. It's a pleasant place to spend time fishing, taking a sunset boat ride, pedalling a bicycle or just chilling and reading by the river. All in all, a beautiful remote escape from the tourist rush.

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2. Orchid Island, Taiwan

Orchid Island is a high island off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The island is home to 'Tao', a 800-year old ethnic minority group from the Batan Archipelago. Although Orchid Island is pretty offbeat, it is by far the best place to explore aboriginal culture in Taiwan. Most visitors stay at Green Island, which is closer to the main island and offers access to beaches, public transportation and cosy accommodation. A simple sighting of the panoramic shoreline of Orchid Island is enough to make all your stress and worries melt away.

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Read more: Taiwan: The Answer to All Your Travelling Wishes

3. Hongdae La Carmina, Seoul

Hongdae is a hidden gem in the indie heart of Seoul. It is a favourite hangout for college students, but what makes it special is its indigenous art forms and zombie coffee shops.  The art and exuberance of this inspiring young neighbourhood is unbelievable. It is the perfect artist's retreat, where you can stroll along the narrow streets, take plenty of pictures with cute murals, and relish the latest pop music and fashion. To top it all, there's amazing graffiti all around for you to admire. Musicians, painters, sculptors and even tourists fall in love with this place as soon as they happen to visit it. If you thought La Rambla in Barcelona was colourful, try visiting La Carmina in Seoul someday.

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4. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

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90 kilometres from Shillong, is the undiscovered jewel of 'Mawlynnong' in Meghalaya. Mawlynnong is a magical village in the Khasi Hills district, famous for its standards of cleanliness and scenic beauty. This bijou town was awarded with the prestigious tag of 'Cleanest Village in Asia' by Discover India Magazine in 2013. Ever since then, Mawlynnong has been attracting many national and international tourists. You can choose to stay at the guest house operated by locals, or return to Shillong after spending a day there. While you are in Mawlynnong, visit the living root bridges in Riwai Village, which are a unique bio-engineering achievement of the Khasis. Climb the bamboo watchtowers, and enjoy the panoramic sky views. For an up and close nature bonding, stroll through the rustic forest trails and get absorbed by the raw beauty of North Eastern India.

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Read More: Not Been to Northeast India? It's Never too Late

5. Jomblang Cave - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Jomblang Cave in Yogyakarta offers one of the most amazing caving experiences in the world. It begins with 60 meters of abseiling into a natural sinkhole, which opens into a secret forest that looks right out of a fairytale. Grubug Cave is the most prominent one in this network of caves and tunnels, and sports a hole in the roof of the cave. Beams of sunlight illuminating the insides of the cave early in the morning is a breathtaking sight, if you arrive at the right time. The walls of the cave shimmer and glitter in the sunlight because of mineral deposits offering a truly surreal experience. Don’t forget to visit the Prambanan and Borobudur Temples in Yogyakarta while you are there.

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They say, travel to places that turn you into a storyteller. But then again, all journeys have secret destinations, which the traveller is unaware of! Shubh Yatra, people.