Popular types of tourism in South and Southeast Asia

2 Apr 2025 Umesh Paneru

Travel done for relaxation, exploration, or business within the country or outside is known as Tourism. UNWTO defines Tourism as a social, cultural, and economic phenomenon that entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes.’ Generally, tourism is classified as domestic and international, and there are several types. Globally, diverse kinds of tourism are gaining popularity, so observe the same trend in both South and Southeast Asia. Some popular types of tourism in South and Southeast Asia are briefly explained below.

Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism is the best way to experience the cultural, intellectual, artistic, historical, spiritual, and emotional aspects. This tourism is all about recognizing, appreciating, and connecting to different societies and their way of life. Cultural exchange promotes the preservation of culture.

Popular Destinations in South Asia: Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini, Paro, Bumthang Valley, Lhasa (Tibet), Rajasthan, Varanasi, Kerala, Old Dhaka, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Lahore

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Bagan, Chiang Mai, Hoi An

Do you know about Cultural Tourism Destinations in South and Southeast Asia?

Asia Experiences presents an article on Popular Cultural Tourism Destinations in South and Southeast Asia to provide cultural insights for tourists. Tourists have several purposes for traveling: recreational, adventure, artistic exploration, religion, wellness, etc. Lately, there has been a huge shift in travelers’ way of traveling. As a result, the diverse types of tourism are… Read more

What to expect

Historical sites and monuments
Religious Heritage, temples, stupas, monasteries
Traditional Arts and Crafts and Architecture
Rich Culinary Traditions
Vibrant festivals, handicrafts, and souvenirs
Traditional dance and music, ceremonies, and rituals
Indigenous tribes, their language, folklore, culture, and lifestyle

Adventure Tourism

Adventure tourism comprises exploring destinations featuring certain geographic challenges. Mostly, it features outdoor activities like mountaineering, trekking, hiking, rafting, etc., which provide a sense of excitement and adventure. It is the best way to connect with nature and promote environmental conservation. This tourism allows travelers to push their limits and accept physical challenges.

Popular Destinations in South Asia: Base Camp treks in Nepal, Markha Valley, Paro Taktsang Hike, Rishikesh, Bhotekoshi River, Hampi, National Parks (Jim Corbett/Yala), Mirissa, Spiti Valley, Arugam Bay, Thar Desert, Kutch

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Krabi, Tonle Sap, Cat Ba Island, Khao Sok National Park, Similan Island, Chiang Mai, Hoi An, Sapa, Luang Prabang

What to expect

Hiking and Trekking in the Himalayas
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
Jungle Adventure and Wildlife Safari
Surfing, Scuba Diving, and Snorkeling
Mountain Biking and Cycling
Paragliding, Zip Lining, Canopy Tours
Desert Adventure, Camel Rides

Eco-Tourism

The nature-based tourism, where sustainability and environmental preservation are more on focus. Travelers are well aware of the type of tourism where they observe, learn, experience, and appreciate nature and its biodiversity. It fosters cultural exchange and respect, as well as supports the economies of the local communities.

Popular Destinations in South Asia:Paro Valley, Phobjikha Valley, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Ganges River, Sagarmatha National Park, Jigme Dorji National Park, Tea Plantation (Sri Lanka), Nagaland, Local Communities (Nepal), The Sundarbans

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Sapa Region, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mekong River, Community Agriculture (Cambodia), Khao Sok National Park

What to expect

Mountain and High-Altitude Conservation
Sustainable Community-Based Tourism
Rainforests and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming
Conservation-Based River and Waterway Tours
Eco-Lodges and Green Accommodation
Wildlife Watching and Bird Watching
Eco-Friendly Village Tours

Beach Tourism

Beach tourism is travel to the coastal destinations featuring naturally fascinating beaches along with exciting water sports. The scenic sunset views, seas, waves, and recreational activities are the prime attractions. Beach tourism is the best way to relax amidst the natural beauty and enjoy doing a variety of activities supporting the local economy.

Popular Destinations in South Asia: Varkala Beach, Havelock Island, Panjim, Arugam Bay, Palolem, Hikkaduwa, Baga Beach, Bentota Beach, Goa

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Phi Phi Island, Lanta Island, Koh Lipe, Ngapali Beach, Similan Island, Sunset Beach, Phuket, Koh Samui

What to expect

Water Sports and Activities
Island Hopping and Beach Exploration
White Sand Beaches and Clear Waters
Luxury Beach Resorts and Wellness Retreats
Diving and Snorkeling
Sunsets and Scenic Views
Peaceful and Secluded Beaches

Religious Tourism

Religious tourism is highly focused on traveling to sacred sites, pilgrimage destinations, or spiritual retreats. They visit these religious places for their devotion, for enlightenment, and to attain religious and spiritual experience. Visitors can experience spiritual growth, exchange culture, and contribute to the preservation of the sacred sites.

Popular Destinations in South Asia: Rishikesh, Mysore, Varanasi, Golden Temple, Bodh Gaya, Lumbini, Kailash Mansarovar, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Dzongs, and Lhakhang

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Siem Reap, Golden Rock, Ayutthaya, Luang Prabang, Angkor Wat, Shwedagon Pagoda, Wats in Thailand

What to expect

Sacred Temples, Monasteries, and Cities
Religious Festivals and Pilgrimages
Sacred Shrines and Religious Monuments
Spiritual and Healing Retreats

Culinary/Gastronomy Tourism

Culinary or Gastronomy tourism is exploring destinations to learn deeply through their culinary culture. Visitors fully immerse themselves, gaining food-related experiences through trying local cuisines, culinary traditions and attending food festivals, markets, or classes. Eno-tourism, a sub-category where visitors get to experience a variety of wines through visiting vineyards, wineries and consuming them. It is a great way to learn about a destination’s history and culture through its food and drink.

Popular Destinations in South Asia: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Galle, Colombo, Rajasthan, Lhasa, Darjeeling, Kathmandu Valley

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Chiang Mai, Hoi An, Bagan, Siem Reap

What to expect

Street Food Adventures and Food Festivals
Culinary Tours and Cooking Classes
Authentic Regional Dishes
Unique Culinary and Drink Experiences

Rural Tourism

Rural tourism is one of the best ways to explore the pristine beauty of the destination, mostly towards the countryside or remote regions. Visitors can experience the places abundant with beautiful landscapes, low population, and rich in traditional culture and lifestyle. They learn to connect with rural life through engaging in activities like farming, village excursion, interaction with locals, and living with limited goods.

Popular Destinations in South Asia: Rural Gorkha, Lumbini, Rishikesh, Kutch, Rajshahi, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uva Province (Sri Lanka), Rajasthan, Sylhet, Ella, Kerala, Annapurna, and Langtang Region

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Sapa, Chiang Mai, Hoi An, Koh Kong, Luang Prabang, Inle Lake, Mai Chau, Kampot, Luang Namtha, Pai

What to expect

Traditional Villages and Rural Life
Agricultural Experiences
Rural Homestays and Cultural Immersion
Nature and Ecotourism in Rural Areas
Traditional Crafts and Artisans
Spiritual and Wellness Retreats in Rural Areas

Luxury Tourism

Luxury tourism means experiencing exclusive travel experiences where travelers relish the best in comfort and top-notch services. An immersive travel experience where travel is beyond basic, offering superior quality, excellent service, and lavish accommodations. Comfort is more focused and aligns with the traveler’s desires, preferences, and interests.

Popular Destinations in South Asia: Kerala, Delhi, Mumbai, Dhulikhel, Nagarkot, Chitwan, Kathmandu, Galle, Ella, Everest Region, Rajasthan, Lhasa, Paro Valley, Bumthang Valley

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Luang Prabang, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Halong Bay, Phuket, Bagan,

What to expect

Exclusive Luxury Resorts and Villas
Personalized Cruise Tours
Private Cultural and Adventure Experiences
Fine Dining and Gourmet Experiences
Wellness and Spa Retreats

Wellness tourism

Wellness tourism is rapidly gaining popularity in this busy world. It focuses on the overall well-being of an individual through treatments and services that enhance health. Physical, emotional, and mental well-being is a challenge for which visitors are seeking traditional and modern practices to improve their lifestyle. This tourism allows visitors to connect with themselves through relaxing treatment amidst the natural setting. It helps to escape the daily life stresses and give more emphasis on self-care, mindfulness, and relaxation.

Popular Destinations in South Asia: Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini, Varanasi, Himachal Pradesh, Weligama, Uttarakhand, Goa, Pokhara

Popular Destinations in Southeast Asia: Sapa, Mai Chau, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket, Nha Trang, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Inle Lake