Four villages in Southeast Asia have made it to the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) list of 55 “best tourist villages” for 2024.
This prestigious distinction, announced on November 15, was awarded to the villages of Jatiluwih and Wukirsari in Indonesia, the village of Bo Suak in Thailand and the village of Tra Que in Vietnam.
Read also: Thailand will attract 36.1 million foreign tourists in 2024, here’s why
Jatiluwih village in Bali, Indonesia
Jatiluwih Village is situated 700 meters above sea level on the vacation island of Bali, near the second largest volcano, Batukaru. The village covers over 53,000 hectares of agricultural land dominated by breathtaking terraced rice fields.
Farmers in Jatiluwih use a standard local irrigation system called Subakwhich in 2012 was included on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. The pristine landscape and fresh air make Jatiluwih a well-liked destination for trekking, camping and cycling. Visitors can even visit local cafes and restaurants that serve signature dishes constructed from fresh, local products.
Wukirsari village, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Located within the quiet Bantul district of Yogyakarta city, Wukirsari village is legendary as a middle of traditional Indonesian arts and crafts.
Visitors can learn in regards to the intricate art of batik making, leather shadow puppetry and wood carving. A standout feature of this village is the Wayang Wukirsari program, which provides an immersive experience of the Indonesian shadow puppetry tradition.
Participants can learn traditional dance, theater and gamelan music, culminating in a live performance of the Ramayana epic on the Pendopo stage, complete with authentic costumes.
Source: @Kemenparekraf/YouTube
Bo Suak village in Thailand
In Thailand, the village of Bo Suak, situated in Mueang Nan District within the country’s northern region, became the primary Thai destination to win the popularity of “Best Tourist Village”.
Located only a 15-minute drive from Nan Town, the village is home to over 6,500 residents and offers an authentic insight into Thai culture and social life. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities corresponding to pottery making and weaving while showcasing local heritage.
Source: @BoSuakThailand/YouTube
Tra Que village, Vietnam
The only representative of Vietnam on the list, Tra Que Vegetable Village, is situated three kilometers from the traditional city of Hoi An.
The village with a history dating back to the sixteenth century is surrounded by the Co Co River and the Tra Que Lagoon. The temperate climate and fertile soil make it a really perfect place for organic vegetable growing.
Read also: Tra Que village in Hoi An is recognized globally as the most effective tourist village by UNWTO
Evaluation and award criteria
UNWTO assessed over 260 applications from 60 countries to pick villages that excel in upholding the three pillars of sustainable tourism: social equity, economic growth and environmental protection.
This recognition highlights the role of tourism in protecting rural areas, including their natural landscapes, traditions, biodiversity, culture and native activities corresponding to agriculture, forestry, fishing and cuisine.
Selected villages must reveal wealthy natural and cultural resources, progressive practices and a robust commitment to tourism development consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This award highlights the potential of tourism as a strong tool to guard sustainable development and rural identity within the face of worldwide challenges.
