A growing number of intrepid travelers, seeking more unique and authentic experiences in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS), are avoiding the latter’s well-trod beaches in favor of less-visited areas.
Decades of infrastructure development and savvy marketing have become a double-edged sword for the region’s most popular beach destinations. While they continue to bring in billions of dollars’ worth of revenue annually, they are also prone to the ill effects of overtourism – overcrowding, environmental degradation, and friction with local culture among them.
As alternatives to the region’s most-visited beaches, a few hidden gems offer a treasure trove of reasons why tourists should venture off the beaten path. A purer connection to nature, a more relaxing atmosphere and the chance to take your tourist dollars to the margins – all these are solid reasons to try the GMS’s less-visited beaches for yourself.
In Viet Nam, for instance, Phu Quoc Island enjoys built-in protection from overtourism, thanks to half of the island granted UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status since 2006. What it lacks in tourist infrastructure, it more than makes up in natural beauty – a 150-kilometer coastline with Long Beach on the west coast for glorious sunsets, and secluded, tree-shaded beaches in the north like Ganh Dau and Bai Thom.
Phu Quoc is also rich in local culture, as villages on the island join an active trade in fish sauce, pepper, and pearls.
In Myanmar, the 800-plus islands in the Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago in southern Tanintharyi Region are only just opening up to tourists after decades of isolation. One of the most accessible is Nyaung Oo Phee Island: its coral-laden shoreline shielding a thickly-forested interior, with a single resort accepting overnight guests.
Untouched by excessive development, Nyaung Oo Phee’s beaches boast undisturbed ecosystems, providing a sanctuary for diverse marine life and native flora. Snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts will revel in the clarity of the turquoise waters, which unveil vibrant coral reefs teeming with over 600 reef fish species living in the fringing reefs and atolls.
A limited number of tourists per day is permitted on the island, which in turn can only be accessed by ferry boat from Kawthaung in Myanmar or Ranong in Thailand.
Finally, the Laem Son National Park in Thailand offers some of the most untouched coastline beaches and islands in the Andaman Sea. National Park status has prevented local beaches from going the way of Krabi or Koh Phangan – the five islands of the National Park have untouched places like Ao Khao Khwai (buffalo’s horn-shaped bay), a 300-meter curved beach of fine white sand and clear water, with nary a long-tail boat in sight!
The absence of bustling resorts and packed shorelines on Laem Son lends itself to meditation, yoga sessions, or simply unwinding with a good book, allowing travelers to recharge their minds and spirits amidst nature’s therapeutic embrace.
Exploring these hidden coastal treasures lets tourists play a crucial role in sustainable tourism in the Mekong. Supporting local businesses and eco-friendly initiatives empowers communities to protect their natural resources and preserve their cultural integrity.
By treading lightly and leaving minimal environmental impact, visitors can help ensure that these unspoiled paradises remain accessible for generations to come.
