Southeast Asia offers endless adventures for many different kinds of travellers. The backpackers, the solo travellers, the island-hoppers, the foodies and the culture travellers.
Now, for those who love exploring cultures in different parts of the world, to take a break from the bustling cityscapes and consume the beauty of remote villages… Southeast Asia’s country villages are the one “throwback” worth visiting. The region’s rural hamlets and settlements open your eyes to a different kind of culture, unfiltered and in the raw.
Even though some villages takes a little effort to reach, it will be totally worth it to go to the trouble of finding these places. Plus, the photography geeks will be hyped for them as well, as you won’t leave without capturing every angle of these wondrous gems of nature!
1. Thailand — Ban Na Ton Chan, Sukhothai province
Source: nationalgeographic.com
This village found in Sri Satchanalai offers a village homestay where visitors can learn about local cultures by living as they do. Under the area’s expansive chan trees, guests can learn how Ban Na Ton Chan locals weave their own fabrics, practice their unique traditions, and cook and consume food. Their Khao Poep must not be missed: the locals prepare a noodle bathed in a thick white rice cream, served alongside hot pork soup and local vegetables topped with a steamed egg.
Ban Na Ton Chan produces a unique mud-soaked textile. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but thanks to the ancestors’ ancient wisdom, the textile has been passed down to the present to become a major product that supports almost the entire community.
2. Myanmar — Kyaing Tong, Eastern Shan State
Source: his-myanmar.com
Built around the picturesque Lake Naung Tone, Kyaing Tong is one of the most pleasant places in Myanmar to get lost in. Wandering through the town’s Buddhist temples and British colonial architecture, you’ll come across the Central Market, where traders from the hill tribes gather to exchange goods and news; the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, especially beloved by townsfolk and the cultural hub of the village; and a buffalo market, where the hill tribes trade cattle and water buffalo twice a week.
At the end of the day, take a pause at one of the town’s tea shops and watch the people go by – keep an eye out for the different tribespeople and their unique costumes. Or visit the lakeside and try one of the food stalls there for a late night meal under the stars.
3. Indonesia — Pariangan, West Sumatera
Source: deskgram.net
Known to be the oldest and most culturally significant, Pariangan is one of the well-preserved Minangkabau villages, comprising many Rumah Gadang, or traditional houses, of the Minangkabau people. The oldest is said to be at least three hundred years old with intricate wood carvings, woven rattan walls and the traditional pointed-roof architecture. The village also houses a 19th-century mosque and alongside lays communal hot springs, still active after centuries of existence.
There is undoubtedly a stark contrast between villages and cities, with each carrying its very own set of characteristics and awe-inspiring elements. Yet, it can’t be ignored that the best place to enjoy great serenity is indeed with Mother Nature, and villages never let modernity come its way to take the place of the earth’s marvellous creations.
4. Vietnam — Tra Que Vegetable Village, Quang Nam Province
Source: daytripvietnam.com
Many people have not visited this village, but for those who’ve been to Hoi An and loved its delicate cuisine, then you’ve probably eaten their product. Tra Que Vegetable Village grows Hoi An’s fresh vegetables, including lettuce, water spinach, cabbages, and herbs like basil and coriander.
Tra Que vegetables are renowned for their flavours, contributing to the popularity of cuisine in Hoi An and Quang Nam. Visitors to Tra Que Village can help locals grow their crop on the area’s few dozen hectares of cultivated land – hoeing soil, planting, watering, and finally, enjoying dishes made from Tra Que vegetables and herbs — Quang Nam specialities including dap cake, vac cake, Quang noodles, and cao lau Hoi An.
5. Brunei — Kampong Sungai Matan, Kota Batu
Source: asiaone.com
The Brunei fishing village provides a unique experience in cultural immersion: you’ll live on a house set above the river on stilts, and find out how a whole Brunei water village makes a living. As a guest of the Kampong Sungai Matan homestay, guests can venture into the water on a fishing boat to see local fishermen at work — visiting a floating fish cage, taking in the catch using traditional nets; and help the villagers with preparing the catch. After dark, the locals entertain guests with traditional musicale and dance performances, accompanied by a very traditional Bruneian meal.
For the best time to visit this fishing village would be at the end of May. You will get to participate in the Kampong’s famous “Matan Carnival”, with dozens of booths selling local products and activities including tours of the village, a walkathon and kids’ competitions.