Southeast Asia Destinations

Two wild elephants in green field at sunset in Sri Lanka

10 Top Eco-Activities to Do Throughout Southeast Asia

The Southeast Asian region of the world consists of eleven mainland and island countries that reach from eastern India to China—known for their rugged, vast landscapes, rich cultural and spiritual spaces, urban adventures, and flavorful cuisine. The authenticity and beauty of Southeast Asia have made it one of the most popular tourist regions. In fact, in 2020 alone, the travel and tourism industry contributed about US$180 billion to the GDP; in comparison to over US$393 billion in 2019.

Typically, sustainable tourism aims to protect and conserve the natural environment, uplift the social and cultural landscape of the destination, and keep money within local economies. When traveling, it is important for tourists to spend their tourism dollars where they will make the most impact, such as local businesses with a mission-driven statement in place.

Here are our recommendations for 10 top ecotourism destinations in various countries across Southeast Asia. Read along and get inspired to travel sustainably!

Indonesia - Hike and Sail around Komodo National Park

Named after the native Indonesian lizard, Komodo National Park comprises three islands and 26 smaller islets. Located within the Lesser Sunda Islands, the volcanic islands that makeup Komodo National Park consist of rugged hillsides of dry savannah and green vegetation, as well as white sandy beaches and blue waters. While exploring, travelers can choose to get as close as safely possible to Komodo dragons, hike the beautiful island landscape, or go underwater to view breathtaking coral reefs.

Philippines - Try Surfing in Siargao

Siargao is a small, teardrop-shaped island located at the northeastern coast of Mindanao and is known as the ‘surfing capital of the Philippines’. In fact, Cloud 9, one of the famous surfing spots on the island with barreling waves, is one of the main reasons the destination has become so popular for international travelers.

Even for those who choose not to surf, the island is still a great destination for a much-needed island getaway. The white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, waterfalls, lagoons, and caves are a clear indicator of why Siargao was named the Best Island in the World by Condé Nast Traveler.

Thailand - Get Up Close and Personal with Rehabilitated Elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai

Thailand – Get Up Close and Personal with Rehabilitated Elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai

Elephant Nature Park first opened in Chiang Mai during the 1990s and is one of the only genuine elephant sanctuaries and rescue centers for mistreated elephants in all of Thailand. Unfortunately, due to tourist demand, elephants have over time been widely exploited – forcing the gentle creatures to work for long hours and endure endless hours of elephant rides, which can injure the animals and shorten their lifespan. At the Elephant Nature Park, guests are invited to get up close and personal with these gentle giants and responsibly interact with them.

*With the overwhelming success of their organization, franchise locations have now been opened in Phuket, Koh Samui, and Cambodia.

Malaysia - Summit Mount Kinabalu on the Malaysian side of Borneo Island

For the adventurous traveler, one of the most popular tourist attractions is summiting Mount Kinabalu on the Malaysian side of Borneo island. Standing at 4,095 meters tall, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain on the island, and the 20th most prominent peak in the world. The trek requires a local guide and takes 2 days and 1 night, typically reaching the peak during sunrise.

For those who would rather view the mountain from afar, Mount Kinabalu sits in Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in December 2000 for being one of the most important biological sites in the world. Here visitors can experience four climatic zones, and view some of the 4,500 species of flora and fauna – including 326 bird species, an estimated 100 mammal species, and over 110 land snail species. Thousands of travelers each year flock to the park to bask in the beauty of the gorgeous peak.

Vietnam - Take a Cooking Class in the Preserved Ancient Town of Hội An

Hội An is a city on Vietnam’s central coast that is known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, French colonial buildings, canals, temples, and Chinese shophouses, as well as the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. As the city was once a busy international commercial port in the 16th and 17th centuries, the melting-pot history can be reflected in its architecture; Hội An was even declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the preservation of the trading ports.

One of the most popular activities for travelers is to attend a cooking class, as this is a great way to learn more about Vietnamese culture. On these tours, a local guide will bring a small group through the colorful streets and into the bustling local market to shop. Once the ingredients are bought, the guide will bring you to a kitchen where visitors can learn how to make classic Vietnamese food, eat, and bring home the recipes.

Cambodia - Watch the Sunrise and Sunset at Angkor Wat Archaeological Park

More than one million tourists travel to visit the Angkor Wat Archaeological Site in Cambodia each year. The world’s largest religious site can be accessed from Siem Reap and allows visitors to explore hundreds of temples throughout the World Heritage-listed spot. One of the most popular times to visit is during sunrise or sunset, as gorgeous reflections and colors can be seen. Some of the most popular spots to gather during dusk and dawn include Phnom Bakheng, Bayon Temple, Pre Rup, Sarah Srang, Angkor Wat Moat, and Angkor Thom Moat.

Sri Lanka - Take the World’s Most Beautiful Train Ride from Kandy to Ella

Travelers can find one of the world’s most scenic train trips in the heart of Sri Lanka by taking the journey from the town of Kandy to Ella. The 7-hour train ride brings locals and travelers through lush tea plantations, rolling rice fields, and vast mountain views – all for about 73 cents. The tracks were originally built by the colonial British in 1864 to transport tea from the hills to the capital city and have since become a way to get around the country. Sri Lanka provides optimal growing conditions as tea requires a warm climate and sloping terrain. Therefore, while on the journey, travelers will see a sea of green, what many describe as “one big tea plantation”.

Singapore - Explore Modern Day Urban Gardens at Supertree Grove

During a visit to Singapore, travelers should not miss witnessing the 12 Supertrees up close at Supertree Grove, a part of Gardens by the Bay. Standing 50 meters above the ground, the solar-powered iconic giants come alive at night with a light and musical show. During the day, the trees act as an observatory where visitors can view the city skyline and a bird’s eye view of Marina Bay. While a more urban and futuristic experience than the rest, visiting the Supertrees is a must-do when visiting the island nation!

Maldives - Dive off the Local Island Fulidhoo

Located just over an hour away from Male International Airport by speedboat, Fulidhoo is a local island in the Maldives that sits at the heart of channel diving territory. In peak diving season (November to April), travelers can view unique underwater wildlife and colorful reefs for miles. Highlights include reef sharks, tuna fish, groupers, nurse sharks, and various other species.

Opting for a local island grants visitors a more genuine experience that leaves a more positive impact – connecting with local culture and contributing to the local economy.

Laos - Pretend You’re a Gibbon Monkey and Sleep in the Tallest Treehouses in the World at The Gibbon Experience

Located in Northern Laos, the Gibbon Experience is one of the most unique tourism conservation projects in the world. Travelers can take a 2-3 day trekking tour, zip-line through forest canopies, sleep in one of the world’s highest tree houses, and keep an eye out to spot the endangered gibbon monkey. Since the start of the Gibbon Experience, the awareness for conservation of the forest and animals within has heightened. Hundreds of forest people now participate in their conservation projects, saving the native biodiversity and sustaining the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

Whichever activity you choose, you can rest assured that your trip will support environmental conservation, community development, and cultural preservation by keeping money within the local economy. This way, you can have a more authentic and genuine experience that contributes positively to the local community and destination for years to come

Need help planning the trip of your dreams to Southeast Asia? Reach out to us to learn more!

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Group of young monks in orange robes at Ankor Wat Cambodia

Gems of Cambodia: 6 Off-The-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country sandwiched between Vietnam and Thailand. With low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline, Cambodia is a destination that offers many different activities for locals and tourists alike.

Aside from the beautiful outdoors, the country also has a rich culture and a complex historic past. The destination gained independence after 90 years of French colonial rule, and the Khmer Rouge took over only two decades later between 1975 and 1979. During this time, the population suffered from mass executions. Although the country is now free and moving on, the victims are remembered through memorials and museums throughout the country.

From the colossal temples of Angkor Wat to the sunny beaches of Koh Rong, down to the buzzing capital of Phnom Penh, if you are venturing off the beaten path into the Kingdom of Wonder, discover Cambodia’s top attractions below.

Angkor Archaeological Park

Arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Cambodia is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Archaeological Park. Pre-pandemic, tens of thousands of tourists would flock daily to view the hundreds of ancient temples, religious structures, and cultural relics that make up the park. Dating back to the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat is one of the world’s top sought-after ancient sites.

The temple city was built between AD 802 and 1432 and was once the largest city in the world during the medieval age. Today, the city’s ruins are overgrown and immersed in the surrounding jungle and is accessible from Siem Reap. While viewing Angkor Wat usually takes around three days to see it in total, travelers short on time can view the highlights in one: Ta Prohm (made famous from the movie Tomb Raider), the Bayon Temple (216 stone-carved faces), Angkor Thom, and Preah Khan. The most popular visitor hours are during sunrise and sunset.

Phnom Penh

Often referred to as the “heartbeat of the nation”, Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is a city full of organized chaos. Once deserted during the Khmer Rouge era, the city now is full of people, motorbikes, a buzzing restaurant scene, and traces of Cambodia’s modern and ancient history.

From the National Museum and the Royal Palace to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Choeung Ek, travelers can take in the nation’s history from the pre-Angkorian age, and learn about the brutal past under the Khmer Rouge. For those who are lovers of art and theatre, the Apsara Show, or traditional Khmer performance, is one of the top-rated things to do in Cambodia. The cultural dance takes inspiration from mythological courts of kings and Gods, telling a story through colorful attire, dance, and performance.

Koh Rong

Koh Rong is a sleepy island off the south coast of Cambodia; it is one of many island options, however, this particular island is noted for being one of the “most beautiful” due to the chance to experience bioluminescent planktons lighting up in the ocean at night, glowing to the movement of the water.

Reasonably untouched, Koh Rong gives travelers an authentic taste of simple island life. Activities include scuba diving and snorkeling, boat rides, and relaxing at one of the few beach hut bars. The islands can be accessed from Sihanoukville, a coastal city in Cambodia.

Cardamom Mountains

The Cardamom Mountains are Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest – spanning more than 4.4 million hectares of rainforest with mountains, marshes, plains, and gushing rivers. Full of endangered flora and fauna, the Cardamom Mountains are the region’s most pristine expanses of wilderness.

For adventurous travelers, it is important to be warned that the terrain is rugged, there are no hospitals nearby, and there is no shortage of insects, snakes, spiders, and mosquitoes within. Yet, even so, the Cardamom Mountains are home to about 25,000 people and endangered wildlife – elephants, tigers, sun bears, Siamese crocodiles, gibbons, and clouded leopards.

Due to these natural treasures and rare wildlife, the forest has unfortunately been plagued by illegal loggers and poachers. However, community-led initiatives have been popping up where locals have been stepping in to ensure that the endangered and rare wildlife within the forest are safe, as well as the land that many depend on. These improvements have made the area much easier to navigate, and much more approachable to be visited by tourists.

Sail the Mekong River

From Tibet to Vietnam, the Mekong River is a Southeast Asian icon, passing through six countries. Throughout Cambodia, the river enters the northeastern province of Stung Treng from Laos and passes through Phnom Penh in order to reach Vietnam.

A popular attraction for tourists and locals is the trans-country cruises, which can take passengers from Laos to Cambodia and onto Vietnam by boat. These trips can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the traveler’s chosen itinerary. Alternatively, for travelers who would rather spend most of their time on land, you can choose the daily sunset cruise along the Mekong while in Phnom Penh. Many boats now offer food and drink options while sailing along the river and viewing the evening city lights and sunset water views.

Sample Street Food & Shop at the Local Markets

Lastly, to truly get a taste of the Cambodian way of life, simply walking through the major hubs (Siem Reap and Phnom Penh), sampling foods, and grabbing souvenirs from the local markets can teach and show visitors traditional customs within the country. As food is an intrinsic part of Southeast Asian culture, at all hours of the day, plastic tables and chairs fill the pavement while locals gather to feast on rice dishes, num banh chok, or Khmer noodles and curries.

As for shopping, some of the best things to buy in Cambodia include silver trinkets, precious gems and stones, betel nut boxes, rice paper prints, checkered Krama scarves, weaving silk, carved wooden items, and so on. The Angkor Night Market, Made in Cambodia Market, Angkor Handicraft Association, Old Market, and the Russian Market in Phnom Penh are some of the most popular options for travelers to shops for inexpensive handicraft products – bringing home and invaluable memento to remember their time in the unique destination.

Visiting Cambodia

When planning on visiting Cambodia, the best months are between November and April when there is very little rain. While from May to November, heavy rains and monsoon season are common throughout the country. Nonetheless, the country is warm and humid all year round, with temperatures peaking as high as 40°C in April.

Are you interested in booking a trip to the Kingdom of Wonder? Reach out to us at Asia Bespoke Tours and we will help you plan your custom trip.

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What’s New for Philippines Travel in 2022

Known for its pristine white sand beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals, the Philippines looks to reopen its borders this year to international travelers. With the daily reported COVID-19 cases drastically reduced, the Philippines has done an outstanding job controlling the spread of COVID-19. Tourism plays a huge role in the economy of the Philippines, accounting for almost 15 percent of the nation’s revenue. Since the pandemic started almost 2 years ago, tourism has been down 75 percent. But Philippines travel is looking bright for 2022.

The Philippines has taken adequate measures to prepare for the return of international tourists, such as targeted mass vaccinations for hospitality staff in the tourism industry and implementing new cleaning and sanitization processes to ensure utmost hygiene safety. There have also been talks of a green lane tourism initiative similar to other Southeast Asian nations that would provide a much easier and streamlined entry to the country for vaccinated travelers.

While it is too soon to say when the international borders to the Philippines will fully reopen, what we do know is that the country has an exciting year ahead and has taken great strides to position itself to welcome back travelers. Here’s what the country has going on in 2022 that tells us the Philippines will open very soon.

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) comes to Philippines

One of the first major announcements of 2022 is that the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit will be held in Manila from April 20 – 22. This is critical for the Philippines because it will bring key representatives, executives, and other high-level decision-makers in the travel industry to witness the changes implemented since the borders reopened. If combining business and leisure on a beautiful exotic island isn’t enough, these delegates will also have the firsthand opportunity to experience the safety measures taken by the government and tourism sectors.

The Philippines was awarded the “Safe Travel Stamp” by the WTTC in September 2020, which recognizes destinations and businesses around the world that have adopted health and hygiene protocols that meet globalized standards.

By holding such an important summit in Manila, the Philippines will have the opportunity to show tens of thousands of attendees that the country has put effective safety measures in place to reopen safely and aid its much-needed recovery in the tourism sector.

Expanded Domestic Flights with low-cost carrier AirAsia

Another change for the coming year is that the Philippines’ low-cost carrier, AirAsia Philippines, has increased its domestic market share to almost 20 percent. Looking forward to January 2022, AirAsia Philippines is adding more domestic flights to handle the expected demand, especially to its popular tourist destinations such as Kalibo, Caticlan, and Puerto Princesa. This alone shows that AirAsia is ramping up its flight schedules to not only handle the increase of domestic travel among Philippine nationals but also the increase of international passengers traveling amongst the islands.

In January 2022, the scheduled flight frequency will be up over 40 percent, compared to previous years, to handle the increased number of travelers on top of the holiday traffic. Also, as 2021 came to an end, bookings were almost at capacity during the holiday season – a much different story than during the pandemic and a much more positive outlook. Bookings are also now being made months in advance compared to during the pandemic when the average booking window was 3 days in advance, and reserved primarily for essential travel only. This is a clear indicator that travel confidence is well underway and travelers intend on booking in advance as opposed to last-minute trips.

To take advantage of the AirAsia expanded flights; check out some of the signature Asia Bespoke Tour guaranteed departures.

The New Clark City

The ground-breaking development started in 2016, and this year will start the much-anticipated project of creating a new, sustainable, and fully integrated city. New Clark City, previously known as Clark Green City, is located about 70 miles north of the capital, Manila, and was the host site of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

With help from various investors and urban planners, this new city will provide its residents with fully sustainable and controlled utilities, transportation, and environmental protection like none other in the Philippines. Electric vehicles, modern technologies, and lots of green space are just a few of the things to look forward to in this new city. The city has also been geographically established in an area less prone to floods due to the elevation and earthquakes based on the location. This provides safer and more livable conditions making it an attractive relocation to those debating moving.

The new city also comes with a new railway system that connects New Clark City to Manila as well as other cities along the way. Currently, most visitors to the Philippines use privately hired car services, so the rail system will be a major improvement to the commute times and will provide a new and up to date rail system to travel amongst major cities.

Sustainability Efforts

For the third consecutive year, the Philippines has won the World’s Top Dive Destination in the World Travel Awards (WTA) in 2021. Honored for its magnificent Coral Triangle, home to 600 species, 2,000 reef fish species, and six out of the world’s seven species of marine turtles, the country’s rich marine ecosystem is among the richest on the planet. For these reasons, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat says that it is, “our great responsibility [to protect] and [conserve] our underwater resources so that these will also be enjoyed and experienced in their pristine natural state by future generations.”

In the past few years, the Philippines has been putting a great deal of effort into sustainability efforts throughout the country focusing on specific areas one at a time. Starting in Boracay back in 2018, the Philippines closed a major part of the island to major issues in correcting the waste management issues and implementing strict measures to avoid overtoursim. After the reopening of Boracay, hundreds of electric vehicles were donated to the island to reduce the carbon exhaust. Strict waste disposal protocols were also implemented to control the waste entering the sea.

Another popular destination is El Nido, which has also gone through rehabilitation efforts to preserve its ecosystem and reduce the degradation of the island. Through cleaning up waste, properly disposing of trash, and understanding how the impact decisions today make on the future, the Philippines strives to pave a brighter future for the nation as well as protect the islands and preserve the natural resources for greater periods of time.

Taking strides toward a better future

The year 2022’s annual budget is over 10 percent greater than previous years, meaning more funding for the country and more funding for the recovery of the impact of the pandemic on travel. Funds are now being allocated towards reaching their targeted vaccinated population as well as expanding and upgrading their current hospital facilities and equipment. Implementing modern technology and processes will allow not only the country to thrive but also to be prepared and capable of handling the return of travel.

As of December 2021, roughly 50 percent of the target population was vaccinated and over 80 percent of the tourism sector workers were vaccinated. In the first quarter of 2022, there are several initiatives to reach their desired figures bringing the country closer to herd immunity greatly reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

At the end of the day, while there is no set date for when this pandemic will be over, it is clear the Philippines is doing what is necessary to be prepared for tourism to resume. The new year looks promising as more people are vaccinated and initiatives are put in place by the government and tourism sectors to bring foreign travelers back into the country and preserve the islands. With new and increased protocols for cleanliness, hygiene, vaccinations, and new cleaner and sustainable initiatives, the Philippines will prevail in the coming year.

Get ahead of the curve and learn how Asia Bespoke Tours can help create a unique travel experience in the Philippines in the future. Contact us today and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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