Overlooked Destinations in Asia That Are Worth Seeing

Clint Groom has spent the past 10 years handling the design of men’s shorts and pants at American Eagle Outfitters Inc. as a senior design director. An avid traveler, he loves experiencing new cultures and believes having a global perspective helps him in his career. Over the years, Clint Groom has traveled to nearly every country in Asia.

There are thousands of popular tourist spots in Asia, but the continent also features numerous overlooked destinations that are just as amazing. Below are just a few examples:

- Shodoshima, Japan. Found in the Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima is well known among Japanese domestic tourists, but unknown among foreign travelers. Featuring a Mediterranean feel, the island is home to wild monkeys, hot springs, and olive groves. Visitors can view Shodoshima’s beautiful landscape from Mount Hoshigajo-san and enjoy its many resorts and beaches.

- Koh Kood, Thailand. With a population of less than 2,000, Koh Kood is one of the few places in Asia that allows visitors to enjoy an unpopulated beach paradise. Complete with small fishing villages, numerous snorkeling spots, and coconut plantations, the island is ringed by a rainforest and is a significant distance from Bangkok.

- Garden of Dreams, Nepal. Despite its location in Kathmandu’s popular tourist destination of Thamel, the Garden of Dreams is often ignored by travelers. Built in 1920 by Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana, it features a huge range of exotic plants and European-styled pavilions and other structures. The garden also houses a restaurant and bar where visitors can relax.