By Cheryl Tan

Familiarity with Singapore's closest neighbours should not breed boredom in travellers who think they have seen all there is to see in South-east Asia. Sometimes, gems lie right under the noses of those who bother to dig around and turn over a few stones.

So forget tourist-trap holidays to the usual cities and hot spots, step away however slightly from the proverbial beaten path.

There is no need to go far or bust your travel budget, either.

For about $4,000 - which will cover three nights' accommodation, return air tickets and taxes - a family of four can have a beautiful beach holiday in Vietnam or enjoy an authentic homestay adventure amid tribal folk in Cambodia.

Sure, accommodation might be less posh and transport a little bumpier but at least your children, if you take them along, will have unique stories to share in class after their June break.

In the first of a three-part Rediscovering South-east Asia series, Life! sniffs out hidden treasures in the former French Indochina countries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The cost indicated includes air fare and three nights' stay.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.