We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2024 in Lijiang, China. This year’s forum drew hundreds of professionals from the tourism sector to discuss the theme “Visionary Journeys Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel.” The event featured pivotal discussions on sustainable tourism, along with insightful speeches from H.E.  Zhang Zheng and Kimi Xiaozhou Liu, Vice President of Trip.com Group and CEO of TripAdvisor China. As we look forward to MTF 2025 in Luang Prabang, we continue our commitment to fostering sustainable and innovative tourism in the Great ..read more

Myanmar Airways International (Photo credit: Tripadvisor) Myanmar Airways International (MAI) has announced its plan to introduce direct flights between Yangon, Myanmar, and Vientiane, Laos, in early May this year as part of an ambitious expansion plan to bolster its international network. The announcement was made during the MAI Flight Forward ceremony on 8 March. During the ceremony, Tanes Kumar, acting CEO and chief commercial officer of MAI, said that the airline will introduce new routes to Chiang Mai, Thailand; Vientiane, Laos; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and others. “Although there are many cha ..read more

The Guiyang-Laos tourist train is launching on 8 May 2024, signifying a pivotal step in boosting tourism and cultural ties between China and Southeast Asia. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/jr-art/ Travel Weekly Asia This rail service, that will debut with a ride from Guiyang in Guizhou province to Laos’ capital, Vientiane, promises to be a catalyst for tourism development across the region. Equipped with modern amenities, including shower facilities, charging stations, and entertainment options such as karaoke and coffee shops, the train aims to provide passengers with a luxurious travel experience ..read more

Thailand is taking steps to revolutionise tourism with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s push for a joint-visa programme among countries that collectively hosted 70 million tourists last year. This initiative aims to attract long-haul travelers, who typically spend more during their visits, by streamlining travel within ASEAN nations. beautiful old architecture historic of Ayutthaya in Thailand – boost up color processing style Srettha has actively engaged in discussions with leaders from neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam to implement a Schengen-type vi ..read more

Image courtesy of Trapeang Sangkae CBT Mangroves are not just trees; they are key lifelines for coastal ecosystems. Masses of mangroves lining the shores act as natural barricades against harsh weather – helping to purify the soil, and serving as nurseries for a diverse collection of marine species.  The community of Trapaing Sangke has taken it upon themselves to safeguard these natural guardians. Set about 12 km from Kampot Town in Cambodia, Trapaing Sangke is home to nearly 500 families, all living within a 57-hectare nature preserve that includes a traditional fishing village, a mangr ..read more

Chinese authorities have specified a slew of measures to further enhance payment convenience in major tourist attractions across the country and cater to diversified payment demand from elderly citizens, foreigners and other tourists. Chinese authorities have specified a slew of measures to further enhance payment convenience in major tourist attractions across the country.[Photo/Xinhua] Domestic and overseas bank cards should be accepted in all three-star and above tourist hotels, 5A-level and 4A-level national tourist attractions, national and provincial tourist resorts, and national tourism ..read more

On 19 October 2023, Tân Hoá village in Quang Binh province, Viet Nam was recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the world’s best tourism villages.  The award capped over a decade of efforts by local stakeholders and Oxalis Adventure to transform an isolated village into what Oxalis Adventure CEO Nguyen Chau A calls “a sustainable and well-managed tourist destination”.  Nguyen Chau A, Oxalis Adventure CEO, at Tân Hóa village Image courtesy of Oxalis Adventure In our recent conversation, Mr. Nguyen explained that developing Tân Hoá village was a ..read more

The border area in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has seen a growing influx of foreign tourists in recent months, most of whom are from neighboring Vietnam. In Dongxing City that faces Vietnam’s Mong Cai across the river, there is an endless stream of inbound visitors entering China through the China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge after the border crossing is opened at 08:00 every morning. The hall of the frontier inspection station is often packed with travelers waiting in line to go through the required border entry-exit procedures. Int’l tourist arrivals soar in south China’s Gua ..read more

This April, as the Greater Mekong Sub-Region celebrates a season of rebirth and transformation, we are reminded of the vital need for conversation on sustainable tourism. With record tourism growth across the region, the imperative to address overtourism and environmental impact has never been greater. Join industry leaders and visionaries at the Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 in Lijiang, China, from April 23-25, as we explore inclusive and sustainable tourism practices that can secure long-term benefits for all stakeholders. Find out about the Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 and other tourism developmen ..read more

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is thrilled to reveal that the forthcoming MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 edition will extend its coverage to include Chon Buri, a coastal province located approximately 80 kilometres away from Bangkok. TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said “The Guide’s coverage expansion to Chonburi is convinced to yield benefits to both the province itself and the country.  Among them are increasing the market value of local gastronomy, generating income for local communities, and stimulating national economic growth.” Chon Buri, known for its dyn ..read more