Paradise found: 12 crowd-free Asia island escapes

By Joe Yogerst, CNN
9 minute read
Updated 7:01 AM EDT, Thu May 11, 2017
<strong>Koh Phayam, Thailand: </strong>Looking for a Thai island without the crowds? Try Koh Phayam, off the coast of southwestern Ranong province in the Andaman Sea.
Koh Phayam, Thailand: Looking for a Thai island without the crowds? Try Koh Phayam, off the coast of southwestern Ranong province in the Andaman Sea.
King Paradise Phayam Resort
<strong>Raja Ampat, Indonesia: </strong>Southeast Asia meets the South Pacific in this exotic Indonesian archipelago, off the west coast of New Guinea.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia: Southeast Asia meets the South Pacific in this exotic Indonesian archipelago, off the west coast of New Guinea.
Coral Expeditions
<strong>Raja Ampat, Indonesia:</strong> On land, Raja Ampat's dramatic karst topography is ripe for jungle walks and rock climbing.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia: On land, Raja Ampat's dramatic karst topography is ripe for jungle walks and rock climbing.
Coral Expeditions
<strong>Ulleung-Do, South Korea: </strong>Among Koreans, Ulleung is famed for its culinary traditions. You can try fresh-off-the-boat raw seafood, organic barbecued beef bulgogi from island-bred cows, and "sanchae bibimbap" -- steamed rice served with wilds herbs, vegetables and roots foraged on the island.
Ulleung-Do, South Korea: Among Koreans, Ulleung is famed for its culinary traditions. You can try fresh-off-the-boat raw seafood, organic barbecued beef bulgogi from island-bred cows, and "sanchae bibimbap" -- steamed rice served with wilds herbs, vegetables and roots foraged on the island.
Ulleungdo County Office
<strong>Palawan, The Philippines:</strong> Surrounded by karst rock formations, Palawan anchors the southwest corner of the Philippines. It's a largely undeveloped island that channels the wild vibe of nearby Borneo.
Palawan, The Philippines: Surrounded by karst rock formations, Palawan anchors the southwest corner of the Philippines. It's a largely undeveloped island that channels the wild vibe of nearby Borneo.
El Nido Resorts
<strong>Con Dao, Vietnam: </strong>Reachable by flight from Ho Chi Minh or ferry from Vung Tau, Con Dao offers intact coral reefs, palm-shaded strands, rainforest trails and chic beach hotels like the Six Senses Con Dao.
Con Dao, Vietnam: Reachable by flight from Ho Chi Minh or ferry from Vung Tau, Con Dao offers intact coral reefs, palm-shaded strands, rainforest trails and chic beach hotels like the Six Senses Con Dao.
Courtesy Six Senses Resorts
<strong>Hokkaido, Japan:</strong> Japan's huge northern island is full of quiet corners, rich in flora and fauna.
Hokkaido, Japan: Japan's huge northern island is full of quiet corners, rich in flora and fauna.
JNTO
<strong>Pangkor, Malaysia:</strong> Pangkor's gorgeous west coast offers white-sand stretches, turquoise bays and luxury digs like Pangkor Laut Resort.
Pangkor, Malaysia: Pangkor's gorgeous west coast offers white-sand stretches, turquoise bays and luxury digs like Pangkor Laut Resort.
courtesy YTL Hotels
<strong>Tokunoshima, Japan:</strong> Tokunoshima is one of the most northerly scuba spots along the western Pacific ocean.
Tokunoshima, Japan: Tokunoshima is one of the most northerly scuba spots along the western Pacific ocean.
JNTO
<strong>Tokunoshima, Japan: </strong>Secluded beaches, weird coastal rock formations and obscure World War II landmarks add to Tokunoshima's offbeat allure.
Tokunoshima, Japan: Secluded beaches, weird coastal rock formations and obscure World War II landmarks add to Tokunoshima's offbeat allure.
Joe Yogerst
<strong>Lampi, Myanmar: </strong>The largest island in a marine national park of the same name, Lampi blends virgin rainforest, secluded beaches and coral gardens with the maritime lifestyle and traditions of the Moken "sea gypsies" who have lived there for generations.
Lampi, Myanmar: The largest island in a marine national park of the same name, Lampi blends virgin rainforest, secluded beaches and coral gardens with the maritime lifestyle and traditions of the Moken "sea gypsies" who have lived there for generations.
Joe Yogerst
<strong>Lampi, Myanmar:</strong> The Moken are one of Myanmar's smallest ethnic groups. Within the national park boundaries, there are five Moken villages and several related spiritual and cultural sites.
Lampi, Myanmar: The Moken are one of Myanmar's smallest ethnic groups. Within the national park boundaries, there are five Moken villages and several related spiritual and cultural sites.
Joe Yogerst
Time stands still on Asia's untouched islands