From volcanoes that touch the clouds to coral reefs that are bursting with life, Southeast Asia is a paradise for nature-loving travelers. These landscapes are breathtaking, playing host to an array of rare wildlife found nowhere else and home to communities whose longstanding traditions have stewarded the land and sea. So, get your bucket list out! We have a few suggestions for you to add, as well as how to enjoy them in ways that protect these places and support the people who make them so unforgettable.

Southeast Asia is a region where culture and nature are deeply intertwined, responsible tourism offers a chance to engage with both. When done purposefully, your travel itinerary can support communities who are also caretakers of the environment, making your holiday a meaningful part of a much larger story. Here, we spotlight lesser travelled yet culturally rich destinations where responsible travel uplifts communities, safeguards nature, and keeps traditional ways of life alive.

Southeast Asia might just be one of the world’s best-kept secrets for nature lovers. With elusive tigers roaming ancient rainforests and whale sharks gliding through coral-rich seas, this region is teeming with biodiversity, but it’s often overlooked as a wildlife destination. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of Southeast Asia’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters and how your trip can support the protection of the places, people, and species that make this region so unique.