The 5 Best Eco-friendly Trips In Asia

Most often, when I write about eco-friendly trips, I love quoting Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist. She says, "I have learned, you are never too small to make a difference” — I wonder how beautifully she puts across her ideas. This article is about the best eco-friendly trips in Asia, and I thought it would be great to start with a dose of inspiration. 

 

A huge number of tourists arrive in Asia every year. Asia has established itself as a global leader in the tourism industry. While this increasing number of tourists has impacted the Asian economy positively, it has also posed a threat to the environment. And, many countries, therefore, are looking out for ways to cope with these challenges by introducing several eco-friendly trip rules & regulations. 

 

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In this article, we’ve brought together a list of eco-friendly trips in Asia. Most of these nations have been actively building sustainable practices and green policies. We can see more travelers are becoming environmentally responsible. They are looking for eco-friendly trips to make that slight difference Greta Thunberg talks about (as discussed in my introductory section). If you are also an environmentally responsible traveler and planning a trip to Asia, this article will help you. 

 

5 Best Eco-friendly Trips in Asia

 

We’ve prepared this exhaustive list from various sources, including Leisure vacation experts’ personal experiences, surveys, and information from legitimate sources. Before you press the take me back button, just check out what’s there for you:

 

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

 

In the mountainous region of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a real haven for adventurers and shopaholics who want to make the most of their trip without negatively affecting the environment. There is so much to do and see — from exploring plenty of attractions to a massage and getting lost in the beauty of nature— you’ll love everything about this place. It’s a small city in Thailand with a more relaxed environment away from Bangkok’s craziness. 

 

The place once used to be Lanna Kingdom’s capital. If you want to go on an eco-friendly trip to Thailand, never forget about Chiang Mai. It’s a paradise for humanitarians, backpackers, and in fact, travelers of all types. Travelers often return to this destination again and again. You might end up extending your week-long vacation to months, wandering around from temple to temple. There’s a different kind of serenity in the air that takes travelers toward a journey of spiritual awakening. For a more enriching experience, you might hire leisure travel guides who will help you navigate the beautiful spots. 

 

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2. Song Saa, Cambodia

 

 

Song Saa is packed with rich local culture and natural beauty in every part of its air. Song Saa, the private island, is a luxury eco-tourism destination. There are many programs assisting locals and educating them on sustainable living practices. The most vital part of the Song Saa Private Island is about providing eco-friendly trip experiences, and it has not compromised on the luxury provided to travelers. The pristine private beach, preserved coral reef, spacious wooden villas, and spa offers visitors the perfect space where they can enjoy the serenity, deep connection, and luxury. The best eco-friendly leisure travel guides tell you that the best getaway is one that takes you into the lap of nature without doing any bad to the environment.

 

Song Saa means ‘The Sweethearts’, a resort built on two side-by-side islands off Cambodia’s southern coast. The islands are connected by a bridge, running through the marine reserve. The Song Saa resort can be one of the best eco-friendly trips in Asia, and people are pretty much conscious about keeping the environment safe. Song Saa is Cambodia’s first marine reserve where the island water is treated. This water is reused for the growth of native vegetation. And, in addition to being an eco-friendly trip destination in Cambodia, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see. 

 

Suggested Read: Pledge to Support Environmentally-Friendly Travel like Greta Thunberg

 

3. Ladakh, India

 

 

Ask any Indian about the best destinations they want to visit, and Ladakh will be one of the first names. In the last few years, Leh-Ladakh has tremendously evolved as a popular eco-friendly trip destination. Thousands of bikers, backpackers, trekkers, and adventure seekers travel to this destination every year. More than being a serene, peaceful, and sustainable destination, Leh-Ladakh has beautiful landscapes. 

 

Located in north India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, this place is a true gem. Sandwiched between the Western Himalayas, Tibet, and the Hemis National Park, the high-altitude desert land is a favorite among eco-friendly travelers worldwide. There’s so much to do and see, including camel safaris, whitewater rafting, diverse flora & fauna, and trekking. The best time to travel to Ladakh is between May and November. 

 

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4. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

 

 

Located in northern Vietnam, Cat Ba Island is a gem among the best eco-friendly destinations. Cat Ba National Park is in the central part of the island. It’s filled with natural beauty, diverse biodiversity, and incredible geology— and thousands of tourists come to see the place every year. Like Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island looks beautiful, all dominated by karst limestone islands rising above the sea. Cat Ba Island is one of the most photogenic places on the earth, with hundreds of limestone islands rising from the turquoise waters. The best way to see Cat Ba Island is to go on a multi-day cruise, weaving through its karst-studded archipelago. Read our leisure travel guides on Vietnam vacations for more information. 

 

You would have over 500 registered vessels you might choose from, including small ships replete with backpacker-friendly rust buckets. Cat Ba Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, sits beautifully in Lan Ha Bay, the largest of Lan Ha’s 367 islands. The Cat Ba national park occupies most of the eastern half and central part of the island. It is home to over 3,000 species of flora and fauna. The waterfront town with plenty of seafood restaurants, kayaking terrain, and rock climbing is one of the best eco-friendly destinations in Asia. 

 

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5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

 

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, makes for another interestingly eco-friendly trip for green travelers. The busy town of Kuala Lumpur is one of the fascinating places to see in Southeast Asia. There’s nothing that fails to surprise you, from the impressive shopping centers to their cuisine and their multitude of remarkable travel destinations. A family vacation in Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly perfect— you can try some real adventure activities with your family, like trekking through the magnificently spectacular Batu Caves. And, there’s a lot for the couples to plan a fairytale day trip. Kuala Lumpur has something for all types of travelers. 

 

And, this Southeast Asian nation attracts travelers from across the globe and especially the responsible tourists for its fascinating culture & biodiversity. Along with the government, many private players and locals are focused on promoting ecotourism throughout the country. Kuala Lumpur is also focused on immersing, educating, and making them aware of the best ways to travel responsibly. 

 

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Many green hotels in Kuala Lumpur have been recognized for adopting green tourism practices, offering ecological accommodations, and keeping everything safe. With the world’s most wonderful coastline, like Langkawi Beach, lush green forests, abundant wildlife, the best dive spots like Sipadan, and astounding cities— there’s no reason for not listing this place in the best eco-friendly trips leisure travel guides. 

 

Take the plunge, take the small step; it will make a difference. Travel responsibly, save the environment, so it looks way more beautiful when you go back again. 

 

"Humanity is now standing at a crossroads. We must now decide which path we want to take. How do we want the future living conditions for all living species to be like?"— Greta Thunberg.

 

 

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Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

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