Far from the madding crowd: 6 lesser-known islands to visit in Southeast Asia
While Bali, Phuket, and Boracay draw millions, there are islands in Southeast Asia that remain pristine, peaceful, and largely untouched by mass tourism. This article explores six hidden gems that promise natural beauty, solitude and authentic local charm
Southeast Asia has no shortage of islands, but many of the most well-known are overcrowded and overdeveloped. Places like Bali, Phuket, and Boracay draw millions of visitors each year, and while they still have their appeal, much of their original charm has been lost to mass tourism.
But beyond these hotspots, there are still islands that remain quiet, largely untouched, and often overlooked. These places don't always come with big resorts or busy streets. They put more effort into reaching out and asking for a bit more patience from visitors. In return, they offer clean beaches, thriving marine life, and a slower, more grounded way of life.
If you're looking for something quieter, simpler, and more connected to the natural and cultural landscape, these are the places worth seeking out.
Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
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The Con Dao Islands, located off the southern coast of Vietnam, are still relatively undeveloped and peaceful. Con Son, the main island, is home to quiet beaches, thick forests, and a haunting history. It was once the site of a brutal prison system run by both French and American forces, and the remnants are still standing today. But the island's natural side now draws more attention. With clear water, healthy coral reefs, and nesting sea turtles, it offers one of Vietnam's most authentic island experiences.
To get there, most travellers take a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao's small airport. There are also boat services from Vung Tau, though the trip is longer and more dependent on sea conditions.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Just off the coast of Bali, Nusa Penida offers a rougher, more dramatic alternative to its neighbour. The island is known for steep cliffs, remote beaches, and a landscape that feels wild and unfinished. Roads are narrow and winding, and getting from place to place takes time. But for those willing to explore, the island offers some of the most striking views in Indonesia. Snorkelling with manta rays and visiting iconic sites like Kelingking Beach or Angel's Billabong make the trip worthwhile.
Reaching Nusa Penida is relatively easy. From Bali, travellers can take a fast boat from Sanur, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Boats also leave from Padangbai and Benoa, depending on the season.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc has become more developed in recent years, but it still holds a quiet charm, especially in its southern and eastern areas. The island has long beaches, inland waterfalls, jungle trails, and small villages that feel far removed from the resort zones. While it's larger and more built up than others on this list, it still offers plenty of space to find calm and explore nature.
The most common way to get to Phu Quoc is by air. There are frequent domestic flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as some international routes.
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the Gili Islands near Lombok. Known for its lively atmosphere, it still manages to offer quiet corners and a laid-back lifestyle. There are no cars or motorbikes—only bicycles and horse-drawn carts. Snorkelling is easy, turtles are common, and sunsets on the west side of the island are particularly beautiful. While Gili gets more visitors than others on this list, it's still far less developed than Bali or Phuket.
To get there, travellers usually take a fast boat from Bali. Boats leave from several ports, including Padangbai and Serangan, and the ride takes about 90 minutes. You can also reach the island via Lombok, using local boats from Bangsal Harbour.
Koh Rong, Cambodia
Koh Rong sits off the coast of southern Cambodia and remains one of the country's most natural islands. The main village has seen some growth, but much of the island is still wild, with long beaches and basic accommodations. Travellers can find bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water at night and on quiet days with little more than the sound of waves and wind.
Getting to Koh Rong involves first travelling to the city of Sihanoukville. From there, ferries run regularly to the island, taking between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the boat type.
Ko Lipe, Thailand
Ko Lipe, near the Malaysian border, is a small island with a calm, friendly vibe. Though it's growing in popularity, it hasn't lost its charm. The beaches are clean, the water is clear, and it's surrounded by Tarutao National Marine Park. Visitors can snorkel right off the beach, and nearby uninhabited islands make excellent day trips.
Travellers can reach Ko Lipe by boat from several locations. In high season, ferries run from Langkawi (Malaysia), Koh Lanta, and Pak Bara Pier on the Thai mainland. The journey from Pak Bara is the most direct, taking about 90 minutes.
