Southeast Asia's 4 tourism villages named among world's best of 2024

The 2024 "World's Best Tourist Village" award was given on Nov. 15 to Jatiluwih and Wukirsari villages of Indonesia, Bo Suak Village of Thailand and Tra Que Village of Vietnam.

Jatiluwih is located at an altitude of 700 meters on Indonesia's holiday island Bali, nestled near Mount Batukaru, the island's second-tallest volcano.

The village spans over 53,000 hectares of agricultural land dominated by picturesque rice terraces.

The paddy farmers here use a traditional, community-based irrigation system known as subak, which UNESCO recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012.

Foreign tourists pose for photos at Jatiluwih Village in Bali, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy

The village's pristine landscape and fresh air make it a popular destination for trekking, camping, and cycling. Visitors can also enjoy local cafes and restaurants that serve signature dishes made with fresh, locally grown produce.

Wukirsari Village, located in the tranquil Bantul Town area of Yogyakarta City, is a hub of traditional Indonesian arts and crafts.

Visitors can explore the intricate art of batik-making, the ancient craft of leather shadow puppetry, and wood carving.

A highlight is the Wayang Wukirsari Program, which offers an immersive experience in the art of Indonesian shadow puppetry. Participants can learn traditional dance, theater performance, and gamelan music, culminating in a live performance of the Ramayana epic at the Pendopo Stage in full costume.

Bo Suak Village in Mueang Nan District, northern Thailand, has become the first Thai destination to receive the "Best Tourism Village" recognition.

Situated just a 15-minute drive from Nan City, the village is home to over 6,500 residents and offers an authentic glimpse into Thai culture and community life.

Visitors can engage in hands-on experiences such as pottery-making and weaving.

Vietnam’s sole representative on the list is Tra Que Vegetable Village.

Foreign tourists walk at Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An, central Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh

Located three kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town, the village dates back to the 16th century and is surrounded by the Co Co River and Tra Que Lagoon. Its temperate climate and fertile soil make it ideal for organic vegetable farming.

The UNWTO evaluated over 260 applications from 60 countries to identify villages that excel in upholding the three pillars of sustainable tourism: social equity, economic growth, and environmental conservation.

The "Best Tourism Village" award highlights the role of tourism in preserving rural areas, including their natural landscapes, traditions, biodiversity, culture, and local activities such as farming, forestry, fishing, and cuisine.

To qualify, villages must demonstrate rich natural and cultural resources, innovative practices, and a strong commitment to tourism development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).