The continent’s big hitters are popular for good reason, but veer off the beaten track for some lesser-visited winter warmers, writes Laura French
Palm‑fringed shores, sugar‑white beaches, emerald rainforests – it’s easy to see the allure of a far‑flung island escape.
And while the likes of Koh Samui and Bali might be your first ports of call, there’s an array of options for travellers looking to go a little farther from the well‑trodden path.
“Vietnam and Cambodia are incredibly popular at the moment, with Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Song Saa and Krabey Island leading the charge,” says Erica Moore, product manager for Asia at Inspiring Travel.
“We have also seen a big rise in enquiries for travel in the Philippines and Thailand.” Charlotte Bower, senior product executive for InsideAsia Tours, points to Laos, home of Si Phan Don (or the ‘4,000 islands’) for a unique experience. “This series of islets sits in the mighty Mekong and is best explored by boat or bike at a slow, sleepy pace,” she says.
With dozens of other archipelagos dotted across the continent, there’s plenty more to explore – so where should you send clients keen to escape the crowds?
Like Thailand?
From the party‑fuelled islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi (pictured) to quieter spots such as Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe and Koh Yao Yai, Thailand is the quintessential island paradise.
For a luxury getaway, Koh Samui and Phuket offer temptation in spades, while divers will be in their element on Koh Tao, one of the world’s best (and cheapest) places to learn.
Try the Philippines
For similar vibes without the crowds, look to the Philippines.
Comprising more than 7,000 islands, there’s no shortage of shores here. For a luxury stay, suggest Boracay, home to grande dame resorts like Shangri‑La as well as smaller boutique hotels scattered across caster‑sugar sands.
Farther west, Palawan – an eco‑conscious archipelago of nearly 2,000 islands – is the stuff of dreams for nature lovers, with dramatic cliffs, verdant jungle and aquamarine lagoons centred around its namesake island. Head to El Nido in the north to see majestic limestone karsts jutting above coral reefs, and over to the island of Coron for diving and snorkelling.
Elsewhere, the easterly, teardrop‑shaped island of Siargao is a hotspot for surfers thanks to its barrelling waves, while wildlife fans will find plenty on the island of Bohol, home to national parks studded with tumbling waterfalls.
Book it: Inspiring Travel offers a week at Shangri‑La Boracay from £3,015 per person, based on two sharing a Deluxe Room with breakfast, including international and domestic flights and lounge passes, for travel between March and May 2025.
inspiringtravel.co.uk
Like Japan?
Whether it’s the culture, the landscapes or the cities, Japan is firm wish‑list territory – and there’s more to see than just main island Honshu, with over 14,000 isles across the archipelago.
Visit Shikoku for authentic adventures or try Okinawa (pictured below) for tropical beaches, snorkelling, quirky attractions such as American Village and a chance to try Okinawa soba noodles.
Try Taiwan
Taiwan offers a similarly rewarding mix of rich culture, cuisine and epic scenery, but without as many other tourists to spoil the view. Formerly under Japanese colonial rule, here you’ll find several parallels between the two archipelagos – from hot springs, where you can bathe in steaming waters, to Taiwan’s striking cherry blossom season, which runs from January to April.
Dramatic landscapes aren’t hard to find, with snow‑capped mountains rising against blue skies.
Culture‑seekers will find plenty to do in capital Taipei (pictured below), where highlights include Ximending – the city’s answer to Tokyo’s Harajuku fashion district – and Shilin Night Market, where you can try local delicacies such as xiaolongbao (bao buns filled with soup) and bubble tea.
Elsewhere, highlights include the temples of historic city Tainan, the magical, lantern‑lit mountain town of Jiufen and the country’s slew of tea houses, where visitors can take part in a Taiwanese tea ceremony for a taste of local culture.
Book it: Intrepid Travel offers an 11‑day Explore Taiwan tour from £2,242, including B&B accommodation, transport, guide and activities. International flights not included.
intrepidtravel.com
Like Indonesia?
Interest in Indonesia has skyrocketed – and from the white‑sand beaches of Bali (pictured) to the boho chic of Lombok, the wildlife of Komodo Island to the vibrant nightlife of the Gilis, it’s not hard to see why. For a slice of culture, head to Java, home of Unesco‑listed Borobudur Temple. For diving, try the Raja Ampat Islands, known for their striking biodiversity.
Try Vietnam
Vietnam might not be the first country clients think of for a beach escape, but that’s exactly its appeal. Among the highlights is Phu Quoc (pictured), a small archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, whose main island offers soft sand, soaring mountains and lush rainforests – more than half of which comes under Unesco Biosphere Reserve protection. You’ll find a few big‑name luxury resorts, but it’s still something of a secret compared to its better‑known neighbours.
Phu Quoc isn’t the only island worth a visit, though. Binh Ba, just off the coast of Nha Trang, is famous for its seafood and offers pristine beaches sloping into colourful coral reefs.
Con Dao also offers an exclusive escape, with an elegant wellness‑oriented Six Senses resort alongside a small handful of boutique hotels.
Book it: InsideAsia Tours offers an 18‑day Vietnam Rejuvenation trip combining three nights on Phu Quoc with cultural exploration across the country. From £3,640 per person, including some meals, accommodation, private guiding and transport, but excluding international flights.
insideasiatours.com
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Simon Dannhauer, Juan Hung-Yen, Guitar photographer, Huy Thoai; Markus Gortz; Intrepid Travel/Yong-Cyuan Chen
