Originally posted on Travel Asia - Travel Europe| Bangkok to Krakow.com
Photo from Flickr by greenmarlin
Over the last couple of decades few areas have enjoyed such popularity as those of South-East Asia. Many promise an irresistible combination of spectacular scenery with exceptional value for money – but how long they will stay this way? Here are a selection of great unspoilt destinations that could turn a last minute travel plan into an Eastern adventure.
Angkor, Cambodia
When we think of the great cities of the past, names such as Rome and Athens immediately spring to mind. Yet according to a study undertaken in 2007 Angkor, the former capital of the Mediaeval Khmer Empire, was probably the largest preindustrial city in the world. There are over one thousand temples present still standing, the most famous of which is the incredible Angkor Wat, the world’s largest single religious monument.
In recent years, the numbers of tourists attending have increased astronomically with over three million estimated to have visited in 2011 alone. This shows no sign of letting up, as the number of visitors in the first quarter of 2012 is up 45% from the previous year. Despite its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since many of the buildings are made of sandstone, it already is starting to require extensive preservation efforts to retain its fascinating character.
Kerala Backwaters, India
Although there are many beautiful regions of India, the Kerala backwaters are perhaps the most unique. The backwaters are consist of a network of canals totaling 1500km, both natural and manmade, along with 38 rivers and 5 lakes, a natural phenomenon which is unique to Kerala.
The most beautiful and popular backwater region is the Vembanad backwater. Most people access the backwaters through Cochin, where tourists can hire traditional rice boats, called Kettu-vallams, which have been converted into houseboats. The size and quality of these vary enormously, so it’s worth either using a company to book in advance or turn up with plenty of time to have a look around.
Ko Samui, Thailand
Ko Samui island, the third largest in Thailand, already receives over 1.5 million visitors annually, which makes it difficult to describe it as the unspoilt, idyllic paradise that it was when first discovered by Westerners in 1971. Indeed, as the subject of a ‘Hedonist’s Guide’ review this inclusion could first appear laughable.
Nonetheless, the island’s popularity lies in its astonishing natural beauty. Ko Samui is blessed with countless white sandy beaches and coral reefs, with those on the North and West of the island perfect who want to retreat into a natural paradise. An additional attraction to the north west is the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which consists of an archipelago of 42 islands, each boasting different wildlife and scenery.
The Mongolian Steppe
When Mongolia is mentioned, most people immediately recognise the world-conquering empire of Genghis Khan – and not much further. So what does Mongolia have to offer?
As the world’s least densely populated country, with 1.7 people per square kilometre inhabiting a territory almost double the size of Eastern Europe, there are few better places for those looking to escape from it all. There are also around 260 days of sunshine a year, making a rainy holiday unlikely, but the long distance from sea means that an extreme continental climate is present, making July and August the best time to visit.
The time to go is now, as although many rural areas still maintain a nomadic lifestyle little different from Genghis himself, the unchanged landscape of centuries is now under severe threat. The reason? Thanks to the recent discovery of the world’s largest mining deposits, Mongolia’s GDP is expected to triple during the next decade, making the next few years probably the last chance to see this incredible culture.
Of course, there are many more exceptional areas in the world to visit, both in Asia and elsewhere. Last minute travel ideas by Groupon is a great place to start looking for what is on offer across the world. You may discover a place you had never even heard of.
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