Top Asean destinations selected by envoys
When deciding where to go for holiday, gathering recommendations from locals is one way to make your plan more entertaining and enjoyable. Hence, for those looking to escape to somewhere warm in the colder months, the ambassadors of 10 Asean countries to Korea have suggested destinations in their countries.Each ambassador from Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia explained the reasons for visiting their favorite spots in his or her home country to the Asean-Korea Center. Some destinations, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, are already widely known, while some are rising in popularity, such as the magnificent islands of Trat in Thailand.
“The center has been reinforcing its work programs to successfully bridge Asean and Korea, especially in the areas of tourism and culture,” the center said in a release.
The project is part of Asean’s attempt to cooperate in promoting the entire region as a single tourism destination. It is also in line with the upcoming endorsement of the Asean Tourism Strategic Plan for the next decade later this month. The plan will put more emphasis on the development of the intraregional tourism clusters so that countries can have better tourism infrastructure, which will benefit both travelers and locals there.
BY LEE SUN-MIN [summerlee@joongang.co.kr]
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
In the northeast part Vietnam adjacent to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay has been widely popular among travelers to Vietnam for its waterscape.
“Sea, sky and huge, amazing limestone cliffs! It’s truly a gorgeous place,” said Ambassador Pham Huu Chi of Vietnam to Korea. “You can have romantic nights on a cruise or fly over the Unesco World Heritage Site and enjoy spectacular dragon’s-eye views.”
The area consists of about 2,000 small and large islands and measures over 1,500 square kilometers (580 square miles). It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1994 for its landscape filled with uniquely shaped rocks.
Bagan, Myanmmar
Bagan, Myanmmar
Bagan has thousands of pagodas of different sizes, and even amateur photographers can successfully get amazing photos.
“It’s one of the richest archaeological sites in the world, and nearly 3,000 temples and pagodas from the 11th century are well preserved,” said Charge d’Affaires Myo Thant Pe of Myanmmar to Korea.
“Bagan represents Myanmar’s religious, culture, tradition, custom and its people.”
National Gallery Singapore, Singapore
National Gallery Singapore, Singapore
“Opened recently in November 2015, the National Gallery Singapore is a new visual arts institution which oversees the largest public collection of modern art of Singapore and Southeast Asia,” said Ambassador Yip Wei Kiat of Singapore to Korea.
“Situated in the heart of the Civic District, the National Gallery Singapore has been beautifully restored and transformed from the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings - two important heritage buildings of Singapore’s nationhood - into an exciting new visual arts venue.”
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Brunei
This mosque named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th sultan of Brunei, is a major landmark and a tourist attraction there.
Endau-Rompin National Park, Malaysia
The mosque’s main dome is covered in pure gold, and from the main minaret visitors can get a view of the entire city.
Endau-Rompin National Park, Malaysia
If outdoor adventures are what you are looking for, pack your bags and head to Endau-Rompin National Park. The natural environment is well-preserved and many travelers have shared stories of their encounters with wild animals.
“Endau-Rompin, straddling the Johor and Pahang border, is the second national park after Taman Negara,” said Ambassador Dato Rohana binti Ramli.
“The park is home to vast species of birds, mammals, frogs and exotic varieties of orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and trees. It reflects the true natural wonders of Malaysia and it is an ideal place for those who want to experience the jungle in its natural form.”
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, a Unesco World Heritage Site, has been a must-see destination among travelers planning to go to Cambodia for years.
Because it is the largest religions monument in the world, it takes several hours to look and take in the details of the ancient architecture. Therefore, it is recommended that you go during the times when the weather gets a bit cooler to prevent becoming too exhausted.
“The site is a historical and cultural monument with wonderful architectural design which is surrounded by many other masterpieces monuments and temples,” said Ambassador Suth Dina of Cambodia to Korea.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
“Visiting Komodo National Park is like being in Jurassic Park where you can experience an ancient world of the Komodo dragon in its natural habitat, which you cannot find anywhere else in the world,” said John A. Prasetio, Indonesian ambassador to Korea.
“Komodo National Park also boasts beautiful islands, pristine beaches, picture-perfect diving sites with well-preserved coral reefs, and the fact that it is also accessible by yachts and cruise ships makes Komodo National Park a unique paradise and the jewel of Indonesian ecotourism”
Spectacular underwater scenes around the park also attract many divers to the area.
Luang Prabang, Laos
“Luang Prabang is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment,” Ambassador Khamsouay Keodalavong said.
In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here. Luang Prabang remained the capital until 1565 when it was moved to Vientiane.
Visitors to Luang Prabang are charmed by the friendly atmosphere. Moreover, Luang Prabang have been continuously awarded as the best tourist destination city for many years by Wanderlust Magazine from the United Kingdom.
The islands of Trat, Thailand
Trat is the easternmost province of Thailand, located on the Gulf of Thailand and surrounded by a myriad of beautiful islands, three of which stand out for their superior beauty and charm, said Charge d’Affaires Valaikorn Sivarak of Thailand to Korea.
“Koh Chang or Elephant Island - the second-biggest island in the kingdom - boasts several amazing natural wonders such as undisturbed island rainforest, cliffs, waterfalls, notable wildlife, pristine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life,” he said. “Ko Kut ... has a waterfall which cascades to a pool, and Ko Mak has several beautiful bays and beaches filled with coral reefs.”
Boracay, the Philippines
The long white beach here has been praised by so many world travelers. The town also has enough restaurants, shops and bars near the beach, for those who want to stay out even after the sun down.
“Boracay is the best paradise island in the world!” said Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez of the Philippines to Korea. “You can experience all-out fun from sun-up to sun-down in a beautiful island famed for its turquoise waters, fine, powdery white sand, and thrilling day and night activities.”
It is also a getaway destination for everyone, from luxury travelers to the budget-conscious.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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