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November 22, 2024 | 05:54 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Four villages in Southeast Asia have been recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the Best Tourism Villages of 2024. Two of these exceptional villages are located in Indonesia, while Thailand and Vietnam each claim one.
The prestigious awards, announced on November 15, 2024, were bestowed upon Jatiluwih and Wukirsari in Indonesia, Bo Suak in Thailand, and Tra Que in Vietnam.
UNWTO reviewed over 260 applications from 60 countries, selecting villages that excel in sustainable tourism, prioritizing social equity, economic growth, and environmental conservation. The "Best Tourism Villages" initiative highlights the crucial role of tourism in preserving rural landscapes, traditions, biodiversity, culture, and local livelihoods, often rooted in agriculture, fishing, and culinary arts.
Here are the highlights of these best tourism villages in Southeast Asia:
1. Jatiluwih Village
Located 700 meters above sea level in Bali, Indonesia, Jatiluwih Village is a popular holiday destination, offering breathtaking views of lush rice terraces stretching across 53,000 hectares.
This idyllic village, also situated near Mount Batukaru, the island's second-highest volcano, is a favorite destination for trekking, camping, and cycling. Tourists can also enjoy local cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
2. Wukirsari Village
Located in Bantul, Yogyakarta City, Wukirsari Village is celebrated as a center for Indonesian arts and crafts. Visitors can explore handicrafts such as batik making, shadow puppetry, and wood carving.
The village's signature attraction, the Wayang Wukirsari Program, offers an experience in the world of Indonesian shadow puppetry, including traditional dance, theater, and gamelan music. The program culminates in a captivating live performance of the Ramayana epic at Panggung Pendopo, complete with authentic costumes.
Tourists participate in a batik workshop at Kampung Batik Giriloyo Wukirsari Bantul Yogyakarta. Doc. Batik Giriloyo
3. Bo Suak Village
Bo Suak Village, located in Mueang Nan District in the north of Thailand, is the first Thai village to receive the award for "Best Tourism Village". This vibrant community of 6,500 people offers a glimpse into authentic Thai culture, just a 15-minute drive from Nan City. Visitors can engage in traditional crafts like pottery and weaving, and experience the simple joys of village life.
4. Tra Que Village
Located 3 kilometers from Vietnam's ancient town of Hoi An, Tra Que Village has existed since the 16th century and is bordered by the Co Co River and Tra Que Lagoon. Its location on a river island near the sea provides a moderate climate and fertile soil, ideal for organic vegetable farming.
In the past, vegetable gardens were dispersed among houses, and fields were uneven due to pond excavation for irrigation. Over two decades ago, the government implemented an ecotourism model in Tra Que. This initiative involved relocating houses, filling ponds to create uniform vegetable fields, and constructing flat roads to enhance accessibility.
TRAVEL AND TOUR WORLD | VN EXPRESS
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