Lesser-Visited Islands in Southeast Asia You Have to Visit

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Post Updated April 17, 2025

I have a thing for tropical islands and beautiful beaches. So, I guess it’s a good thing I’ve spent huge chunks of time living in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia! Because in that time, I’ve had the chance to visit quite a few of what I think are the best islands in Southeast Asia that veer off the tourist track.

Although, in all honesty, there are countless incredible islands here. So really, in all this time, I’ve hardly scratched the surface! But I have ticked quite a few Southeast Asia islands off my list. So if you’re headed to this beautiful corner of the world, here are eight of the best lesser-visited islands in Southeast Asia to consider adding to your travel bucket list.

You might also like: 

• The 5 Best Beaches in Southeast Asia to Get (Kinda) Off the Beaten Path
• My 6 Favorite Places in Southeast Asia

My picks for the best islands in Southeast Asia to veer off the beaten path

Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

The Con Dao Islands in Southern Vietnam are one of my biggest obsessions. This wild and remote archipelago is made up of 16 islands located roughly 230 km away from Ho Chi Minh City. The largest of the Con Dao Islands is called Con Son, and it is on this slice of paradise that travelers to the Con Dao Islands base themselves. 

With turquoise waters, golden beaches, and world-class snorkeling and diving, Con Dao is pretty much paradise. But oddly enough, compared to most beach destinations in Vietnam, relatively few tourists visit the Con Dao Islands. But those who do make the effort are definitely in for a treat.

Things to do in Con Dao:

• Go beach hopping
• Hike to see incredible views and local wildlife
• Visit the infamous prisons and ‘Tiger Cages’
• Motorbike around the island
• Go diving and snorkeling

Read more:

• A Traveler’s Guide to the Con Dao Islands in Vietnam

Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia

Nusa Penida is a rugged little gem just off the coast of Bali, Indonesia. It used to be a hidden gem, but it’s definitely on the tourist trail now. That being said, most people visit Nusa Penida on day trips from the mainland. But those who opt to stay on the island for a few days will get a unique glimpse of what I argue is one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia.

Nusa Penida has it all – excellent diving and snorkeling, turquoise beaches, jaw-dropping vistas, natural swimming holes, hidden temples, and more. It’s not the easiest island to navigate your own, but spend a few days there and you’ll be so glad you did!

Things to do in Nusa Penida:

• Have a beach day at the hidden Atuh and Diamond beaches
• See the Insta-famous Kelingking Beach
• Go diving with giants at Manta Bay and Manta Point
• Photograph Broken Bay and Angel’s Billabong
• Get to know Nusa Penida’s seaweed farmers

Read more:

• A Traveler’s Guide to Visiting Nusa Penida, Bali
• Finding the ‘Real’ Bali on Nusa Penida

Camiguin, The Philippines

The Southeast Asian island of Camiguin is located just off the coast of Northern Mindanao in the Philippines. The lack of regular ferry transport makes it somewhat tedious to reach, though I argue it’s well worth the effort!

Camiguin is the second-smallest province in the Philippines, making it the perfect place to explore by motorbike. Dozens of attractions dot the island’s perimeter – old church ruins, White Island (a picturesque sandbar off the coast), and the sunken cemetery are among the most popular.

But my favorite sites are hidden in the island’s lush and absurdly green interior. In my opinion, waterfalls, hot and cold springs, and stunning vistas are what Camiguin specializes in.

Things to do in Camiguin:

• Go swimming at the 70-meter Katibawasan Falls
• Take a boat trip to White Island sand bar
• Get refreshed at the sparkling Bura Soda Water Pool
• Soak the afternoon away at Ardent Hot Spring
• Meet all the friendly islanders

Read more:

• Going Local on the Island of Camiguin, Philippines

Koh Rong, Cambodia

There’s a great debate among travelers about whether or not Koh Rong is still worth visiting. You see, up until a few years ago Koh Rong was a blissfully undeveloped island that is home to what I argue is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful beaches.

Fast-forward to today and Koh Rong has seen more development and more tourists, but it still remains relatively off the beaten path compared to most Southeast Asian islands. And when it comes to natural beauty, this place will never disappoint.

Things to do in Koh Rong:

• Take a jungle hike to Sok San Beach (aka Long Beach)
• Swim with bioluminescent plankton
• Kayak the mangrove forest
• Go beach-hopping on a boat tour

Read more:

• Is Koh Rong Worth Visiting?
• Guide To Visiting Koh Rong on a Budget

Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia

Gili Trawangan belongs to a cluster of three tiny islands that radiate off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. While you can stay on all three islands, Gili Trawangan remains the most developed and is by far the most popular choice for travelers.

There’s a reason why Gili Trawangan is becoming an increasingly popular stop on Indonesia travel itineraries – the island is incredible. From its postcard-perfect beaches to its amazingly chilled-out vibe to its unreal sunsets, Gili T is an ideal place to while the days away. Trust me, I’ve done so on more than one occasion.

Yes, it’s touristy and it’s popular with backpackers looking to party, but it’s still a bit off the Bali beaten path. Plus, if that’s not your scene (it’s definitely not mine), it’s easy to avoid. Alternately, you can stay on one of the other two islands for a more mellow experience.

Things to do in Gili Trawangan

• See unreal sunsets at Sunset Point
• Snorkel with sea turtles right offshore
• Snorkel or dive to the underwater sculptures
• See the sweet Gili cats at a cat cafe
• Walk or cycle around the island

Read More:

• A Traveler’s Guide to Gili Trawangan
• Gili Trawangan: Party Island or Island Paradise?

Don Det, 4000 Islands, Laos

Located on the southern tip of Laos, near the Cambodian border, is the utopian-esque island of Don Det. Obviously Laos is a landlocked country, which means that this particular island is located in the middle of the Mekong River. And it makes up one tiny part of the archipelago known as the 4000 Islands.

Don Det has become a backpacker magnet during the past decade. And to be honest I was pretty skeptical about visiting. But during the few days I spent on this four-kilometer-long island, it was pretty easy to see why travelers love this place so much.

There’s not much to it, really. It’s the perfect place to just chill, a hippie haven where you can rent a bungalow right on the river and spend your days lounging in a hammock.

Things to do in the 4000 Islands

• Go kayaking on the Mekong to (hopefully) spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins
• Ride a bike to the neighboring island of Don Khon
• Check out Li Phi and Khone Phapheng waterfalls
• Watch the sunsets with an ice-cold Beerlao in hand

Lombok, Indonesia

Located right next to Bali, Lombok doesn’t get as much love as its ultra-famous neighbor. But that’s part of what keeps drawing me back.

Those who do veer off the well-trodden Bali tourist trail will be rewarded with a more authentic side of Indonesia. But because international tourism is picking up on Lombok, there is plenty of tourist infrastructure to keep you comfortable without the crowds you’ll find on Bali.

Trust me, Lombok is simply spectacular!

Things to do in Lombok:

• Go beach-hopping and surfing in Kuta
• Trek up an active volcano (Mount Rinjani)
• Go chasing waterfalls in northern Lombok
• Get magical countryside views in Bukit Pergasingan
• Visit the picture-perfect Gili Islands

Coron, Palawan, The Philippines

My trip to Coron was a weird one because the island had just been smacked by one of the worst typhoons in the country’s history, and the island was quite literally a disaster zone. The military was flying in provisions, there was no electricity on the entire island, and no roofs on most houses – the island had been ripped to shreds.

But through all that, I could easily see why this is one of the Philippine’s shiniest gems. There is amazing diving and snorkeling, crystal clear lakes to swim in, amazing little islets and beaches to explore, and friendly and resilient local people.

This is a place I’m dying to return to. Everyone I’ve talked to who visited under less extreme circumstances raves about it!

Things to do in Coron:

• See the highlights on an island-hopping tour
• Go for a swim in the “cleanest lake in the Philippines”
• Marvel at the Twin Lagoons
• Soak in the Maquinit Hot Springs
• Hike up Mt. Tapyas for unreal views

Read more:

• The Reality of Traveling to a Disaster Zone – Coron, Philippines

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What are your picks for the best islands in Southeast Asia?