My Partner and I Have Been Itching to Explore Asia

I have always dreamt of going on a memorable trip with my partner and completing our bucket list of dream destinations. I’ve told him that I want to visit different places and learn about other cultures. However, the only problem with my plan is that it’s expensive. So I told him we could start in Asia because it’s cheap.

Our problem is choosing which Asian destinations to visit and avoid. We’re aware that Asia is the biggest continent, and it has a diverse culture, meaning every destination offers a unique travel experience.

I’ve always wanted to have that flexibility to work on our adventure goals and travel style while following our set budget. Because we still can’t choose which Asian destination to visit, I did my research.

I’ll list down some of the most fascinating destinations we should visit and the places we should avoid.

So here’s my choice for the most fascinating Asian destinations, especially for couples who want to go on vacation.

The Maldives

The Maldives is a small country in Asia. However, it also offers one of the most eventful travel experiences. The Maldives is a popular Asian tourist destination for couples who are into scuba diving. I’m intrigued that we can book a room at a place that is surrounded by nature or a suite in one of the island’s luxury resorts.

The Maldives is an ideal destination for couples who want to splurge.

Thailand

I’m referring to Koh Samui, Thailand. Koh Samui is an eye-catching island in the country surrounded by the cleanest palm-fringed beaches. Other travelers call this island one of the most exotic romantic destinations in Southeast Asia, especially in June.

One thing that interested me is that my partner and I can spend more quality time on this island because it offers some much needed privacy.

Koh Samui also offers a unique nightlife scene. The island is full of bars where you can buy beers (Heineken, Chang, Tiger, Singha) at affordable rates. We also love the idea that we can go snorkeling and scuba diving in the island’s crystal clear waters.

Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is a mountainous city in Vietnam that is rich in culture. Travelers say that we can visit local markets and marvel at the scenery of the rice terraces and orchid fields. Vietnam is one of the best places to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bustling cities, Buddhist pagodas, and stunning beaches.

Couples like us can also visit the Mekong Delta and enjoy a bike trip with the locals.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

I found out that Cambodia is a great place for eco-friendly couples due to the many hotels that practice sustainability. More specifically, Sihanoukville is a luxury resort that many consider a hip travel destination.

You can opt for this place if you want to splurge and enjoy the finer things. The resort also offers a great nightlife scene for people who want to party all night.

Cebu, Philippines

Cebu, Philippines offers less crowded destinations that allow you and your partner to celebrate your love for one another. A friend of mine who lives in the Philippines recently went to Malapascua Island, and she says that it provides one of the best travel experiences for both tourists and locals. The island is a great choice for couples looking for privacy and simplicity because it offers stimulating island vibes that everyone loves about the country.

But if you plan to splurge, you can also visit Palawan. The Palawan Islands are some of the most eye-catching destinations in the country because they offer more opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring caves.

If you want an exotic experience, you can stay in Palawan’s secluded private islands.

Now, I’ll be talking about the Asian destinations you might want to avoid during your trip.

Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala

Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala, all located in Thailand, are currently under Martial Law. It’s another side of the country that you can’t find in articles or online blogs. Nearly half of the population in these parts are Muslims, and separatist groups have been fighting the government for years in a conflict that is becoming more and more violent with each passing day.

One of the contributing factors to this conflict is the government’s attempt to redraw the borders and eliminate the local culture. Over the past 15 years, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 6,000 individuals in Southern Thailand.

The conflict also brought about an increase in human trafficking. All these reasons make Southern Thailand one of the most dangerous places in Asia.

West Papua, Indonesia

West Papua is another tricky destination because you’ll need a travel permit. There is also an ongoing conflict. Indigenous tribes accused the Indonesian government of trying to commit genocide. Their main enemy is the Free Papua Movement, which has committed many atrocities, including drug smuggling and an attack on buses.

Despite offering a unique travel experience due to its exotic destinations, West Papua is a travel destination you might want to avoid. Today, other countries advise their citizens to be cautious when traveling to the province due to the chances of violent attacks.

Northern Shan, Myanmar

Myanmar’s complex political situation has made the areas near the borders risky places to be. Mines, drug smugglers, and ethnic militias made Northern Shan hazardous for visitors. The country’s conflict also includes fights between rebels and government troops.

Last year, The Star Online reported that two German tourists were heavily injured while traveling in the region when they stepped on a mine while passing by.

Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Central Sulawesi is located between the predominantly Christian North Sulawesi and Muslim South Sulawesi, making it another battleground for a conflict that has been going on for years. It was one of our picks for some of the most fascinating Asian destinations due to its blue skies, lush forests, and sunny beaches.

However, its tourism dropped significantly due to active separatist movements. After the transition to democracy, the relationships between Christians and Muslims worsened, resulting in religious tensions.

Bombings, civilians getting shot in the streets, and other attacks made the area one of the most dangerous Asian destinations.

The Borders Between Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam

In the past, the Vietnam War affected Cambodia and Laos because some groups were supporting the North Vietnamese army in both countries. For that reason, both countries were heavily bombed, mostly in forests near the borders where the militia was hiding. Despite the area’s remoteness, it still affected a lot of civilians.

When the war ended, the local government removed most of the landmines from the most populated cities, but there are still existing ones today. The borders between Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam offer natural beauty, but it’s advisable to avoid these regions due to the number of active landmines remaining.

I just finished listing some of the most fascinating Asian countries that my partner and I should include in our bucket list, and the ones to avoid. My article alone can’t describe the beauty and unique experience Asia can offer. Do your research and pick destinations that you (and your partner) find appealing.

If you’re like us and you dream of exploring the continent together with your significant other, go ahead and list down your top picks for travel destinations in Asia. Hopefully this article helped in giving you a head start.