ASIA’S TOP DESTINATION FOR BACKPACKING

 

Southeast Asia is home to opulent tropical landscape and patchwork of ancient civilizations which draws a solid stream of western backpackers since the counter-cultural movement of the 60s. The number of backpackers seeking adventure is as strong today as ever before and, it’s easy to understand the reason why. From hiking limestone cliffs from the sand of unspoiled beaches to diving into emerald waters to discover the marine life of vibrant corals, and weaving handicrafts with a multicultural population of unkempt travellers are just some of the experiences these destinations have to offer.

WEST RAILAY BEACH, THAILAND

Found on the tropical shores of the Railay peninsula, this amazing setting is among Thailand’s most scenic white sand beaches, lapped by emerald tides and surrounded by soaring limestone cliffs that cut the peninsula off from the mainland, which enhances its atmosphere of isle-like isolation. Aficionados from all over the world are drawn to rock climb up these jagged sentries.  There are also many bars and restaurants at surprisingly low prices as well as the accommodation which can range from bamboo bungalows on the neighbouring East Railay Beach, to the reasonably-priced and secluded Tonsai Bay Resort on Tonsai Beach.

ANCIENT BUDDIST CULTURE OF LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

Luang Prabang is a small town in northern Laos, which weaves together natural and man-made beauty. It sits at the convergence of the two rivers which band the town, underneath forest-swathed hills rising to rocky mountains. The town’s horizon is dominated by one sharp hill topped with the luminous pinnacles of Wat Chom Si, one of the many gold-hued wats found all over the town, decorated with complex mosaics portraying the life of Buddha. Handicrafts, which are the town’s longest tradition, are sold at the night marked which is open until 10pm.

CAT BA ISLAND IN VIETNAM

One of the most popular backpacker destinations in Vietnam is the jagged archipelago of limestone islands that comprises Halong Bay off the country’s coast.  Aside from beaches, there are also mangrove forests, rocky peaks and enthralling caverns such as Song Sot for tourists to discover. This environment houses an exceptional flora and fauna, which includes the golden Cat Ba langur and some of the world’s rarest flowers as well. The endangered langur dwells in the Cat Ba Island, which is one of the archipelago’s best stop-overs. This island boasts of magnificent beauty which packs the best of what Halong Bay has to offer into one area and is an amazing base for kayaking, rock climbing, hiking and water sports.

YANGSHOU – A DIFFERENT SIDE OF CHINA

In the 80s, backpackers started to flock in Yangshou, set on the trail by a pouring recommendation in Lonely Planet. Yangshou is a place to discover a completely different China to the fast industrializing country portrayed in the western press, a quiet, picturesque region spread from the banks of two great rivers, Li and Yulong. Threaded within these rivers is a rolling scenery of bare karst peaks, green hills, deep sharp-sided caves and exceptional wonders like Yangshou Moon Hill, which is a moon-shaped limestone pinnacle hole that can be reached by climbing over 800 marble stairs.

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