Con Dao, Phong Nha-Ke Bang among Asia’s lesser-known ‘stunning’ destinations

Con Dao, once the site of American and French prisons during the wars, is now a peaceful beach paradise with coral reefs and emerald forests, The Travel said.

“It is a group of islands where one can spend days snorkeling and diving in the crystal clear waters or visit Bay Canh Island where turtles breed and there are other endangered species in the marine park, such as the dugong, the green turtle, the hawk’s bill turtle, and dolphins.”

Situated around 230 kilometers (143 miles) southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao Archipelago was ignored by tourists for years until Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie along with their children visited it in 2011, giving its global exposure.

UNESCO-recognized Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the central province of Quang Binh is home to jungle-clad mountains, prehistoric caves, winding rivers, and mountains formed millions of years ago.

The Travel said visitors should dive into Son Doong, one of the largest caves in the world, inside the park, kayak along rivers, meet locals, and traverse ancient caves.

A tourist takes a boat across a river inside Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh Province, 2021. Photo by Ngo Tran Hai An

“The most fantastic news is that Phong Nha is still a secret amidst travelers, so plan to visit Phong Nha before everyone else does.”

Due to environmental concerns, only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit Son Doong every year, and Oxalis Adventure is the only tour operator licensed to operate tours to the cave.

Other lesser-known destinations in the magazine’s list are Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia, Koh Rong Island in Cambodia, Yakushima Island in Japan, Kuang Si Falls in Laos, Wuyuan in China, and Ella in Sri Lanka.