Towards Sustainable Tourism in ASEAN

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Hey everyone, I just got back from a two-week trip through Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia and wanted to share my thoughts on sustainable tourism in the region. I encountered so many initiatives that not only protect the environment but also empower local communities:

 

In Vietnam’s Hoi An, I joined a community project planting mangroves alongside local fishermen. It was inspiring to see how this effort helps prevent coastal erosion and creates new income streams through eco-tours.

 

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, I stayed at a bio-farmstay powered partly by solar panels. The food came straight from the farm, and both guests and neighbors took part in cooking classes. The hosts make sure that all proceeds go directly back into local education and infrastructure.

 

On Bali, I found a small resort that uses desalinated seawater and rainwater harvesting. Guests are encouraged to join beach cleanups and pick up plastic waste—turning every stay into a hands-on conservation effort.

 

I’m curious: what sustainable tourism projects have you experienced in other ASEAN countries? Any cool initiatives in the Philippines or Malaysia that work differently? Please share your tips and stories so we can all travel more consciously and help protect this amazing region!