Celebrating Excellence in Southeast Asia

Much like Hollywood, the travel industry has its own awards season – where destinations, hotels, and experiences are recognized for their excellence in culture, sustainability, hospitality, and innovation. This past year, our destinations didn’t just make an appearance; they took center stage, earning prestigious accolades from some of the world’s most respected travel authorities.

From Cambodia’s cultural heritage and Thailand’s refined hospitality to Vietnam’s dynamic allure and Laos’ commitment to sustainability, these awards highlight Southeast Asia’s diverse and evolving appeal.

To save you time, we’ve compiled the most notable awards our destinations have received this year. Whether you’re looking to inspire travelers, refine itineraries, or gain insights into what’s trending, this list offers a glimpse into what makes these places stand out on the global stage.

Cambodia

Cambodia has received notable recognition this year, reflecting its cultural significance, focus on sustainability, and quality in hospitality. These awards highlight the country’s efforts to preserve its heritage while offering meaningful experiences to travelers.

• Cambodia was honored as Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination by the World Travel Awards.
• The Park Hyatt Siem Reap was recognized as the Best City Hotel in Asia in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.
• The Six Senses Krabey Island receives self-guided guidance for Local Sourcing Initiatives at the Responsible Tourism Awards WTM.
• Reap claimed the 3rd spot on SkyScanner’s Best Places to Visit in 2025.
• Koh Ker, a remote temple complex in Preah Vihear province, approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap, was the sole Southeast Asian destination featured on Fodor’s Travel’s list of 25 must-visit destinations for 2025.

• Self guided tours of Angkor Wat
• Siem Reap – Discovery the countryside by Bicycle, by E-scooter or Tuk Tuk
• Siem Reap – Angkor Complex, ‘Short Tour’ By Bicycle

Ready to craft unforgettable journeys in Cambodia? Contact Sales to include these award-winning experiences in your itineraries.

Thailand

Often seen as a budget-friendly beach destination, this year’s awards challenge this perception, cementing its status as a world-class destination for food, hospitality, culture, and natural beauty.

From Bangkok’s vibrant blend of modernity and tradition to the rural charm of northern villages, these awards highlight Thailand’s ability to offer diverse and enriching experiences.

• The InterContinental Bangkok was named Asia’s Leading City Hotel at the World Travel Awards.
• The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, and Capella Bangkok were listed among the top hotels in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.
• Bangkok earned the top spot as the Best City in Travel + Leisure’s Luxury Awards Asia Pacific.
• Chiang Khan received a Green Destinations Award for its commitment to sustainable tourism.
• National Geographic’s Best of the World featured Bangkok for its rich cultural and historical heritage.
• The Siam Bangkok was recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
• Chiang Mai secured the 4th position on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Awards for cities to visit in 2025.
• Bo Suak Village, located in Mueang Nan District, became the first Thai destination recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

How do you visit these award-winning places? Check out these experiences:

• Bangkok – Bangkok Family Discovery

From vibrant cities to mindful travel experiences, Thailand offers it all. Contact Sales to design bespoke experiences for your clients.

Vietnam

This year’s awards highlighted Vietnam’s multifaceted appeal as a destination rich in culture, modern city life, and unique local traditions.

These accolades reaffirm Vietnam’s position as a must-visit destination for those seeking depth and diversity.

• Vietnam was named Asia’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards, with Hanoi receiving recognition as Asia’s Leading City.
• The Capella Hanoi and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi earned high ratings in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.
• Hoi An was ranked 6th among the Best Cities in Travel + Leisure’s Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, celebrated for its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architecture and vibrant street food scene.
• Both the Capella Hanoi and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi were also featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, while Ho Chi Minh City was listed as one of The Best Places to Go in Asia in 2025, recognized as a vibrant and rapidly growing tourism hub.
• La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa and La Siesta Classic Ma May in Hanoi were honored with TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
• Tra Que Village, located in Hoi An, was recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the Best Tourism Villages.

Vietnam’s dynamic blend of culture and luxury is waiting; click these to explore:

Laos

Laos is quietly emerging as a destination recognized for its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and commitment to sustainability.

While it may not attract the same attention as its larger neighbors, Laos continues to shine in many areas, offering meaningful and transformative travel experiences for those curious enough to venture off the beaten path.

This year’s awards highlight the country’s dedication to preserving its heritage, empowering local communities, and promoting responsible tourism.

• ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards 2024: Laos received 20 awards, including five ASEAN Green Hotel Standard awards, two ASEAN Clean Tourism City Standard awards, and two ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards, underscoring its dedication to sustainable tourism practices.
• Lonely Planet: Luang Prabang was named one of the seven best places to visit in Southeast Asia for 2024, celebrated for its rich Buddhist culture, historic temples, and unique spiritual sites.
• Green Destinations 2024 Top 100 Stories: Luang Prabang was recognized for its commitment to responsible tourism and cultural preservation, particularly in preserving architectural housing styles in a world heritage area.
• Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025: Laos made its debut with Doi Ka Noi (No.86), a Vientiane-based restaurant acclaimed for its seasonal regional Lao cuisine and preservation of rare Indigenous recipes

See why these destinations are earning global recognition with these activities:

Encounters at the end of the horizon

These prestigious accolades underscore the diversity, quality, and evolving appeal of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam as travel destinations. From cultural recognition to accolades for sustainability, hospitality, and unique local experiences, these awards highlight a significant fact: our destinations are far more than their traditional perceptions. They are multifaceted, offering a blend of world-class luxury, cultural depth, and innovative sustainable tourism practices.

While each destination stands out for its unique strengths – be it Cambodia’s cultural heritage, Thailand’s blend of modernity and tradition, Vietnam’s dynamic cities and timeless charm, or Laos’ quiet commitment to sustainability – they share a common thread: the ability to provide meaningful and transformative travel experiences.

These awards are more than just recognition; they serve as a guide to crafting itineraries that resonate with today’s travelers. By highlighting award-winning cultural sites, sustainable practices, and exceptional hospitality, it is easier than ever to build trust and inspire confidence in the quality and authenticity of these destinations.

More importantly, these achievements can help shift perceptions by showcasing destinations like Laos and Cambodia not as hidden gems but as intentional choices for travelers seeking depth, culture, and sustainability. Similarly, the vibrancy of Thailand and Vietnam offers endless opportunities to appeal to luxury travelers and those looking for authentic, immersive experiences.

Ultimately, these awards signal a growing travel demand that goes beyond the surface – one that prioritizes connection, sustainability, and diversity.