Asia

There is much to explore in Cambodia, from the splendour of the temples at Angkor Wat, and the lively capital of Phnom Penh, to the elegant riverside community of Battambang and the unique landscapes of the Northern Plains, dominated by open deciduous forest, grasslands and seasonal wetlands. The government of Cambodia has recently begun to prioritise development of the tourism industry in order to advance the national economy and alleviate poverty in the country. As Cambodia abounds with cultural and natural heritage, the focus is on cultural and eco-tourism.

India is a vibrant nation, a vast land of many different terrains, ranging from chaotic cities to mountain peaks and the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean. This ancient civilization is also culturally diverse, with each different region home to its own traditions, customs and even religious beliefs. For the nature lover there are a number of rare and endangered species to be found in India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Eco-tourism projects aim to preserve the wildlife, but also to educate the local people in environmental protection. With over 25% of the population living beneath the poverty line, projects also aim to benefit the local communities through sustainable tourism.

Made up of thousands of different islands, and home to hundreds of different cultures, there’s plenty to discover on the vast archipelago of Indonesia, located in the Indian Ocean. The flora and fauna varies greatly from island to island and the landscapes are also diverse, with tropical rainforests and jungles, more than 400 volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, lush green rice terraces and tropical beaches.
While some parts of Indonesia have fallen prey to mainstream tourism, there are a number of eco-tourism initiatives in less-populated areas which aim to conserve the beautiful natural environment.

Sri Lanka is a relatively small island, but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in everything else! The shores are lined with spectacular beaches, while inland you will find lush green mountains, tea plantations, rice-paddies, ancient ruins and the laid-back hill town of Kandy. The island is also home to an array of wildlife, including wild elephants and the illusive leopard, and is particularly known for its birds. Eco-tourism projects in Sri Lanka attempt to conserve the wildlife and natural habitats.

In Thailand you will find a vibrant culture, ruins of ancient kingdoms, amazing architecture, delicious food and warm hospitality, all of which is combined with breathtaking natural beauty such as the limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, the densely forested mountains of Mae Hong Son and the Mekong River, lined with tranquil villages. Located in southeast Asia, Thailand is a popular tourist destination, but development has run un-checked for a number of years now, leading to some coastal pollution and water-shortage problems. While inland the rural population make a living by growing rice, the tourism industry is very important to the economy and therefore the development of eco-travel is key here.