Four Southeast Asian villages have made it to the list of 55 "Best Tourism Villages" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2024.
This prestigious recognition, announced on November 15, was awarded to Jatiluwih and Wukirsari Villages in Indonesia, Bo Suak Village in Thailand, and Tra Que Village in Vietnam.
Read also: Thailand Attracts 36.1 Million Foreign Tourists in 2024, Here's Why
Jatiluwih Village, Bali, Indonesia
Located 700 meters above sea level, Jatiluwih Village is situated on the holiday island of Bali, near Mount Batukaru, the second-highest volcano. The village spans over 53,000 hectares of agricultural land, dominated by breathtaking terraced rice fields.
The farmers in Jatiluwih utilize a traditional community-based irrigation system called subak, which UNESCO designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012. Its pristine landscape and fresh air make Jatiluwih a popular destination for trekking, camping, and cycling. Visitors can also enjoy the village's local cafes and restaurants, which serve signature dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce.
Wukirsari Village, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Nestled in the serene Bantul area of Yogyakarta City, Wukirsari Village is renowned as a hub of traditional Indonesian arts and crafts.
Visitors can explore 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 in Indonesia’s 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, Thailand
In Thailand, Bo Suak Village, located in Mueang Nan District in the country’s northern region, has become the first Thai destination to earn the "Best Tourism Village" recognition.
Just a 15-minute drive from Nan City, the village is home to more than 6,500 residents and offers an authentic glimpse into Thai culture and community life. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities such as pottery-making and weaving, showcasing local heritage.
Source: @BoSuakThailand/YouTube
Tra Que Village, Vietnam
Vietnam's sole representative on the list, Tra Que Vegetable Village, is located three kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town.
With a history dating back to the 16th century, the village is surrounded by the Co Co River and Tra Que Lagoon. Its temperate climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for organic vegetable farming.
Read also: Hoi An's Tra Que Village Receives Global Recognition as Best Tourism Village by UNWTO
Evaluation and Criteria for the Award
The UNWTO evaluated over 260 applications from 60 countries to select villages that excel in upholding three pillars of sustainable tourism: social equity, economic growth, and environmental preservation.
This recognition underscores 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.
Selected villages must demonstrate abundant natural and cultural resources, innovative practices, and a strong commitment to tourism development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This award highlights the potential of tourism as a powerful tool for safeguarding the sustainability and identity of rural villages amidst global challenges.
