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ASEAN Traveling to Resume This Summer
By_Kim Da-yeong (CEO of Hitchhickr, author of The Future of Travel)

The ASEAN region boasts famous tourist destinations, such as Da Nang and Kota Kinabalu, that have long been loved by Korean travelers. While they have a great travel infrastructure and beautiful sceneries, for your next summer holidays, I would like to recommend you three destinations in the ASEAN region that may not be on your radar yet.

The first is Penang Island, part of the State of Penang located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. In the past, the island served as trading hub for the East and the West, and from the late 18th century, it was controlled by the British. Today, it is a beloved tourist destination due to its scenic resorts and historical attractions. Penang Island has gained particular fame as a paradise of street food. In an episode on tvN’s show, Street Food Fighter, popular Korean chef Baek Jong-won introduced a shaved ice dessert called cendol and sour noodles with fish known as assamlaksa, both popular street foods in Penang. Apart from its culinary delights, Penang Island also impresses with stunning sceneries, allowing you take perfect summery photos against the backdrop of artistic murals or the famous glow of the beach at Batu Ferringhi. Compared to luxurious destinations such as Langkawi, the accommodations are relatively affordable. You can choose to experience one of Penang’s heritage hotels, which are restored remnants of colonial architecture. There are no direct flights from Korea to Penang, but the domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, takes only an hour.

The second destination I would like to recommend is the city of Luang Prabang, located in the north of Lao PDR. The city may be small—less than 60,000 people live here—but it is one of the best-known ancient cities in the ASEAN region and inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1995. As you revel in the city’s lush nature, stroll through its Buddhist temples, and explore its small but excellent night market, it may feel as though time is slowing down. Since Luang Prabang has many small resorts that are inexpensive and well-kept, you can enjoy both relaxation and urban exploration. When visiting Lao PDR, you should try khaojeepâté, a popular street food. Similar to Vietnam’s bánh mì, khaojeepâtérepresents a blend of local and French colonial food culture, combin in baguette, fresh pickles, eggs, and pork liver pâté. Khaosoi, hand sliced rice noodles in a clear soup broth topped with minced pork and tomato sauce, is another dish you must try, and if you are an early riser, you should not miss the rich milk tea and chicken porridge sold in the early mornings at traditional markets. Luang Prabang can be reached in 45 minutes with a domestic flight from the capital, Vientiane, or in two hours when flying in from Bangkok, Thailand.