The most beautiful paradise islands to visit in Asia

With crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, palm trees and lush green hills, surfing spots, incredible underwater life and some of the best diving sites, Asia’s beautiful islands are close to being heaven on Earth. They are the perfect answers for those seeking moments of relaxation and freedom out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

1. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Located in Northern Vietnam, the stunning Cat Ba National Park is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the park, and the town itself is rather touristy, with many karaoke bars attracting Vietnamese weekenders. But take a little ride out of town, and find the many golden beaches, boat ride options, dense jungles and lush green mountains offering plenty of treks with incredible views of the famous karst scenery of Cat Ba National Park.

2. Komodo, Indonesia

If you thought dragons didn’t exist, think again. Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo Dragon. Located between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa in eastern Indonesia, Komodo is a secluded and untamed Jurassic Park-like island part of the National Park. Besides being well known as the home to the giant lizard, Komodo is also known as a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous mountains to climb and amazing diving sites around the stunning coral reefs.

3. Jeju, South Korea

Considered the Hawaii of South Korea, Jeju Island is a long-time favorite amongst South Korean travelers and honeymooners. Iho Beach stands out in the region with its combination of grey and yellow sand. It is a shallow beach, perfect for a good swim. Downtown Jeju is also a great spot for people watching and having a beer at one of the numerous bars.

4. Baros Island, Maldives

Baros Island is part of the North Malé Atoll and home to the luxury Baros Maldives hotel. The peaceful and stunning beaches circling the perimeter are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. With facilities such as a dive center (courtesy of the hotel), tourists can make the most of the clear, warm ocean lapping the island. Or guests can simply submit to pure relaxation through the variety of spa treatments, complimentary morning yoga classes and infinity pools offered by the resort.

5. Akajima, Japan

Akijima, often referred to as ‘Aka’, is part of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands in Japan. In the summer, it becomes popular with Japanese tourists, but even in peak season, Akajima retains its charm with spotless beaches and welcoming locals. Offshore, it is possible to snorkel, dive and kayak in waters rich in tropical sea life.

6. Cebu Island, The Philippines

Located in the Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu consists of a beautiful, long and narrow island with upland areas offering stunning views of mountains and seas and 167 surrounding islets. There are high-end resorts in tourist areas such as in Malapascua, Badian and Camotes, but also more modest resorts in fishing villages such as Moalboal.

7. Similan Islands, Thailand

Consisting of a group of 11 archipelagos located off Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are stunning islets protected by the Thai government. Under the crystal-clear waters of this marine nature reserve lies a paradise for divers and snorkelers. With warm weather all year, this is the perfect spot to see gorgeous corals, imposing boulders and beautiful tropical fish in a peaceful setting.

Read more: The most spectacular dining locations in the Maldives

Source theculturetrip

Northern Vietnam and the most amazing destinations

Although Northern Vietnam gets fewer visitors than other popular destinations like Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh city, this is a region of the country that you should visit once when traveling to Vietnam. It is home of many breathtaking bays, stunning rice terraces and unlimited scenery.

Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a wonderful place to explore if you’re looking to get an authentic view of the many cultures that have found a home in Northern Vietnam. In the heart of the Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is a district with lush greenery, beautiful mountains and vibrant culture. In addition to the verdant valleys, Mai Chau is noteworthy for its stilt houses. These houses are constructed 3 meters off the ground, and they often provide shelter to animals escaping inclement weather.

Ha Long Bay

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay is the most visited destination in all of Vietnam. Hundreds of tiny islands - many of them inhabited only by monkeys - feature dozens of caves and innumerable deserted beaches. Magnificent limestone towers rise above the waters of the bay like brooding primeval sentinels. Ha Long Bay stretches out along the Tonkin Gulf, just a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Ha Noi. For an unforgettable experience, 

Cat Ba Island

Known as the largest mainland island of Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island is a great option for sightseeing. The central hub of Cat Ba Town is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete hotels along its once-lovely bay, but the rest of the island is largely untouched and as wild as ever.

Sapa

The mountainous town of Sapa is known for its culturally diverse population as well as its proximity to incredible scenery. Sapa itself is home to the members of many hill tribes, including the Hmong, the Dao, the Muong and the Tay. The town also overlooks the magnificent Muong Hoa Valley and its terraced rice fields, which are staggering to behold. If you want to get an inside look at the local residents and their cultures, then head to Sapa for an overnight trek or a homestay. You can hike out to the more remote villages and then spend the night, dining and learning from the hill tribe residents.

Ninh Binh

Several tranquil rivers meander near the city of Ninh Binh, just 58 miles south of Ha Noi. Take a ride on an aluminum rowboat paddled by local village women and marvel at the rugged karst terrain, mountain goats, and lush foliage as you glide along peaceful river waterways through a series of dark grottoes. In addition, you can easily visit Ninh Binh as a day trip from Hanoi, though if you want to stay longer, check out Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest national park.

Dong Van Plateau

Dong Van Plateau starts just north of the city of Ha Giang, about a six-hour drive from Ha Noi. It is a spectacular part of the remote, mountainous region of Vietnam’s far northeast. Spectacularly terraced rice paddies climb to the summits of the surrounding mountains, extending beyond the horizon. Further exploration uncovers more gems: Southeast Asia’s deepest canyon, 22 ethnic minority tribes, pristine lakes, pine forests, stone forests, caves bristling with undisturbed formations, and incredible waterfalls are just a few of the many treats that await the intrepid explorer.

Source Internet