15 Holiday Spots For Anyone Who Gets The Ick From All The Aussies In Bali

Don't be a cliché.

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

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This Thai city nestled in the north, surrounded by mountains, is a true gem. If you're keen on an active trip, hiking, white water rafting, and zip-lining are all on offer in the lush jungle surrounding the city. For a more chilled time, enjoy the night markets, endless delicious food, and beautiful temples located in the old town. And if you've got time, take the winding mountain road over to the town of Pai, a backpacker's haven with plenty to explore.

2. Koh Rong, Cambodia

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You may not instantly think "Cambodia" when you want a peaceful island getaway, but on Koh Rong, that's exactly what you'll get. It looks like a stock image of a tropical island: impossibly clear water, white sand, and dense jungle filled with coconuts and the occasional waterfall. 

3. Koh Lipe, Thailand

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This place is often compared to the Maldives, and it's easy to see why. Keen snorkellers and divers love this spot for the abundant marine life and coral reefs just off the white-sand beaches. It's a small island, with only a small town, but you could spend weeks parked up here enjoying Koh Lipe. 

4. Hoi An, Vietnam

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Vietnamese cities have a reputation for being loud and busy, though Hoi An is much more chill than the motorbike-clogged streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Not to sound cliché, but it's a true melting pot of cultures and influences, from French and Portuguese to Japanese and Chinese. And you know what that means? The food is excellent.

5. Bagan, Myanmar

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Myanmar is a bit of an obscure destination, but there's a good chance you've seen photos of Bagan on Pinterest or Instagram. An ancient city on the UNESCO World Heritage list, it's home to over 2000 monuments from different time periods. Even if you're not interested in history, the city is a visual wonder that's a delight to explore.  

6. Borneo

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The island of Borneo is actually split between three different countries: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. It's exactly what you'd expect from a southeast Asian island — sandy cove beaches, turquoise water, dense rainforest, and centuries of history. People travel here specifically to see the orangutans and clouded leopards which are native to the island. 

7. Bohol, The Philippines

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The Philippines is home to countless stunning islands that are ripe for a relaxing holiday. What makes Bohol so special is the Chocolate Hills — a natural phenomenon that still can't really be explained. Over a thousand conical and near-symmetrical hills rise out of the green forest, centralised in one area of the island. They turn cocoa-brown in the dry season, stark against the green forest they sit in, making for a pretty amazing vista. 

8. Luang Prabang, Laos

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This was the royal capital of Laos until 1975, so it's absolutely jam-packed with architectural wonders including Buddhist temples and the royal palace. It's a super-chilled spot, with almost no cars or bikes. There are a ton of day trips you can do, out to waterfalls and mountains. Plus, it's home to one of the best night markets in all of Asia, in terms of products on offer. 

9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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No, it's not an under-the-radar destination, but Kuala Lumpur is a great city to explore, even just on a stopover. The city is the perfect blend of modern convenience and ancient wonders — massive skyscrapers meet hawker markets all within one block. Of course, the best activity here is eating, thanks to the blend of Asian cultures which influence the local food scene.

10. Palawan Island, Philippines

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You may have heard of this one, and for good reason. If you want one of those holidays that's nothing but relaxing on the beach, swimming, and maybe downing a ton of cocktails, head to Palawan. It's a true slice of heaven, where rocky jungle-covered cliffs meet the bluest, clearest water you've ever seen. Be sure to take a day trip out to the coral reef for some world-class snorkelling.

11. Komodo, Indonesia

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This magnificent national park is made up of 29 volcanic islands, with truly unique flora and fauna – including, of course, the three-metre-long Komodo dragon. The land itself is dramatic, rolling hills with bright green grass, black cliffs, red volcanic hills, and dense forest. Divers love coming here to explore the coral reefs and seagrass beds which surround the island. 

12. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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This city on the island of Java was once the capital of Indonesia, and is home to the massive and still-inhabited Sultan’s Palace. It's one of the biggest cultural centers in Indonesia, perfect for travellers who want to get away from the beach party vibe that you get on Bali. 

13. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

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This coastal city, surrounded by water and rainforest is a true oasis. It's known for its pristine beaches, and bustling markets which you can lose yourself in for hours. The city's waterfront mosque is a must-see, along with a day or two exploring the massive Kinabalu National Park. 

14. Vang Vieng, Laos

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A small town right on the river, this is picture-perfect Laos at its finest. Surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs and caves, endless rice fields, blue-green lagoons, and mountains just waiting to be hiked, it's no wonder this is a favourite destination for young travellers. 

15. And finally, Sa Pa, Vietnam

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A small city in the northwest of the country, it's a colourful and charming place that'll cement itself in your heart forever. Locally known as the “town of clouds”, it has a much cooler temperature than other Vietnamese locales — which can be a relief! There are plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you busy at night, while days can be spent exploring the mountains and valleys in the area.