Four Southeast Asian villages—two in Indonesia, one in Thailand, and one in Vietnam—have been named among UNWTO’s 2024 Best Tourism Villages.

Four villages from Southeast Asia—two in Indonesia and one each in Thailand and Vietnam—have earned recognition as part of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) 2024 “Best Tourism Villages.” The prestigious awards, announced on November 15, honored Jatiluwih and Wukirsari in Indonesia, Bo Suak in Thailand, and Tra Que in Vietnam.

Jatiluwih Village, located 700 meters above sea level on Bali, Indonesia’s famed holiday island, lies near Mount Batukaru, the island’s second-highest volcano. This picturesque village spans 53,000 hectares of lush agricultural land, renowned for its stunning rice terraces. With its serene landscape and fresh air, Jatiluwih is a hotspot for trekking, camping, and cycling. Visitors can also enjoy local eateries offering dishes prepared with fresh, homegrown ingredients.

Wukirsari Village, nestled in the Bantul area of Yogyakarta City, is celebrated as a cultural hub for traditional Indonesian arts. The village offers a hands-on exploration of crafts such as batik-making, leather shadow puppetry, and wood carving. A standout attraction is the Wayang Wukirsari Program, an interactive journey into Indonesian shadow puppetry, where visitors can learn traditional dance, theater, and gamelan music. The experience culminates in a live performance of the Ramayana epic at the Pendopo Stage, featuring authentic costumes.

Bo Suak Village, located in the Mueang Nan District of northern Thailand, is the first Thai village to earn the “Best Tourism Village” distinction. Just a short 15-minute drive from Nan City, this vibrant community of 6,500 residents offers an authentic slice of Thai culture. Tourists can immerse themselves in traditional crafts like pottery and weaving, experiencing the village’s way of life firsthand.

Tra Que Village, situated just three kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town in Vietnam, boasts a history dating back to the 16th century. Surrounded by the Co Co River and Tra Que Lagoon, the village thrives with fertile soil and a temperate climate ideal for organic vegetable farming. Its lush surroundings and deep cultural heritage make it a standout rural destination.

The UNWTO reviewed over 260 applications from 60 countries to select villages excelling in sustainable tourism, emphasizing social equity, economic progress, and environmental stewardship. The “Best Tourism Village” initiative underscores tourism’s vital role in preserving rural landscapes, traditions, biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods through activities such as farming, fishing, and gastronomy.