Consider visiting the Philippines

A lot of backpackers I've talked to skip the Philippines for one misinformed reason after another. It's a shame to skip this wonderful place. It's not a country where you can just hop a bus from Thailand or Vietnam. The somewhat isolation is also a blessing for those of you who harp on the same "where to go for off-beaten track" questions. In places like Manila, the capital, you'll encounter little tourists. Manila is so big, it ranges from the very gritty downtown Manila to the skyscrapers of Makati. It is gritty as Phnom Penh and yet it's almost as modern as Bangkok (almost). Instead of french architectures, you'll experience spanish architectures. 2 hour drive from Manila to Tagaytay is Taal volcano. 8 hour bus ride is Baguio for cooler climate. 10 hour bus ride is Vigan for its UNESCO heritage site.

The kidnappings you hear on the news are from down south, where the muslim clashes are. There are some problems with the communists up north in the mountains but it's rare unless you venture deep into the jungles despite all the warnings from the locals. It's the same precaution you take when you're visiting Thailand anyway.

Cheap flights isn't easy to find though. Cebu Pacific can fly you from Bangkok to Manila for $100. They have a special for around $50 if you fly on Feb 23. Coming back from Manila to Bangkok (or Singapore or Hongkong) is way cheaper.

Air Asia is another cheap option. It cost around $50 but you have to fly from Kuala Lumpur.