Asia Unmasked

Aerial view of Phu Quoc's pristine coastline with traditional fishing boats, forested green hills, and crystalline waters, representing Vietnam's commitment to preserving natural beauty whilst developing conscious tourism

Destinations

Vietnam’s Conscious Luxury Tourism: Genuine Achievement or Fragile Moment?

Phu Quoc ranks third globally. Five villages earn UNESCO recognition. Ten eco-hotels set new standards. But can Vietnam sustain this—or will success become its undoing? Phu Quoc ranked third globally in 2025 for service quality, scenery, beach beauty, and local hospitality—but rapid tourism growth creates both opportunity and risk Vietnam is doing something genuinely different

October 30, 2025

Raja Ampat archipelago UNESCO biosphere reserve showing pristine coral reefs and limestone islands in Indonesia

Eco-tourism

Raja Ampat’s UNESCO Status Changes the Game for Sustainable Diving in Southeast Asia

Indonesia’s coral capital joins 26 new biosphere reserves. What this means for divers seeking authentic conservation experiences where their money actually protects marine ecosystems UNESCO just handed Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago a designation that matters. The 52,000-square-mile area – home to over 75% of Earth’s known coral species – is now officially recognised as a

October 21, 2025

News

Thailand Launches “Good Travel” Mark as Nation Targets Top 100 Global Sustainability Ranking

Ambitious 2030 roadmap positions Thailand as sustainable tourism leader whilst new certification standard aims to reshape Southeast Asian travel industry The Thailand Good Travel mark combines traditional Thai symbolism with international sustainability standards Thailand has just declared war on greenwashing! The Department of Tourism unveiled its Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 this week, launching a

October 5, 2025

View from a mountain top showing Lake Toba at sunrise

Eco-tourism

Concerned About Over-Tourism in Bali. These Spectacular Indonesian Alternatives Will Change Your Mind – What the BBC Forgot to Tell You

Discover pristine islands, ancient cultures, and world-class diving beyond the crowds Bali welcomed a staggering 6.3 million international visitors in 2024—nearly double its local population of 4.2 million. The BBC’s recent investigation revealed the stark consequences: beaches littered with plastic waste, traffic gridlock, and tourists posting “expectations vs reality” disappointments on social media. The tragic

September 29, 2025

Côn Đảo National Park marine conservation area, newly recognised by IUCN Green List for exceptional environmental standards

Eco-tourism

Côn Đảo National Park Joins Elite IUCN Green List: Another String in the Bow Vietnam’s Sustainable Tourism

How international recognition validates Vietnam’s conservation approach and opens new opportunities for sustainable tourism and conscious travellers Côn Đảo National Park marine conservation area, newly recognised by IUCN Green List for exceptional environmental standards Over 90 protected areas worldwide currently hold IUCN Green List certification – a recognition so rigorous that sites undergo comprehensive evaluation

September 27, 2025

Elephants single-file marching through water amongst a jungle setting

Conservation

Why Thailand’s Elephants Are Finally Getting the Respect They Deserve

Discover Thailand’s best ethical elephant sanctuaries where rescued elephants roam freely. A complete guide to responsible elephant tourism experiences that support conservation. The morning mist clings to forested hills as a magnificent Asian elephant wades into a natural pool, her trunk gracefully scooping water over weathered skin. She chooses when to bathe, where to walk,

September 26, 2025

the sun sets behind a dramatic mountainous backdrop with two hot air balloons silhouetted against a golden sky

News

How New Green Financing Is Transforming Travel in Laos

Why this TUI-backed programme could reshape responsible tourism in Laos Laos has always held something special for me – genuine hospitality, preserved culture, and landscapes that take your breath away. It also provides amazing value. Having visited many times over the last two decades, I’ve watched this country maintain its authentic character while neighbours grappled

September 22, 2025

image shows the Handara Gate at Buleleng, Bali set against blue skies

News

Bali Introduces Mandatory All Indonesia Declaration Card: Know Before You Go!

From September 2025, all visitors to Indonesia’s most popular destination must complete a new digital entry form within 72 hours of arrival – here’s everything you need to know to avoid delays at immigration. Planning your next escape to Bali? There’s a crucial new requirement you must complete before boarding your flight. From 1st September

September 15, 2025

Vietnamese fishing families working as coral reef guardians in Co To Special Zone, demonstrating sustainable marine tourism practices

Eco-tourism

How Vietnam’s Coastal Communities Became Marine Conservation Leaders

Where fishing families protect coral reefs and your sustainable travel directly supports marine restoration across Southeast Asia. Discover how Vietnam’s sustainable marine tourism transforms fishing villages into coral guardians. Experience travel that directly supports ocean conservation in Co To and Nha Trang Bay. Local fishing communities in Co To have transformed from traditional fishers to

September 14, 2025

traveller board the overnight train at Bangkok's Aphiwat Central Station

Eco-tourism

How Tripchaining is Changing Southeast Asian Travel for the Better

The sustainable travel approach that’s turning one flight into endless adventures Standing patiently on the platform at Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station feeling rather apathetic about the journey that lay ahead of me, I watched families bundle themselves and their belongings chaotically onto the overnight train to Vientiane, when a penny dropped. Here were travellers

September 7, 2025

image of a hiking trail through a dense Malaysian jungle setting with sunlight catching the fauna through the forest canopy

Destinations

How Southeast Asia’s Safest Country Is Leading the Sustainable Adventure Tourism Movement

Malaysia claims nine of Southeast Asia’s top ten hiking trails whilst pioneering eco-friendly adventure tourism that benefits local communities Malaysia has emerged as Southeast Asia’s unexpected champion of sustainable hiking tourism, claiming nine of the ten best hiking trails in the region and recently being named the safest country in Asia for travellers seeking peace

September 6, 2025

Eco-tourism

From Banana Pancake Trails to Bamboo Villas: How Southeast Asia Mastered Sustainable Luxury Tourism

The journey from backpacker guesthouses to eco-luxury resorts shows how a region transformed tourism whilst learning to balance profits with environmental preservation I still remember my first glimpse of Phuket in the early 2000s. Even then, it felt crowded compared to what my Thai friend described from the 1980s – endless stretches of genuinely deserted

August 30, 2025

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