Asia Travel Pulse
AirAsia Launches “Unlock ASEAN in Real Life” Travel Video Series to Commemorate ASEAN Day, Exploring Six Fascinating Locations Across Southeast Asia with Dolla
Published on
August 9, 2025 |
To commemorate the 58th ASEAN Day, AirAsia has introduced an initiative that further unites travelers within Southeast Asia. That And I named AirAsia introduced a fresh travel video series Unlock ASEAN in Real Life, that will take the travelers across six breathtaking locations. Malaysia’s pop sensation Dolla will be guiding the viewers through the astonishing sights Southeast Asia has to offer.
AirAsia Unlocking Southeast Asia’s Wonders: New Video Series
In the initiative of celebration of ASEAN Day, AirAsia has decided to unveil a travel video series designed to explore the magic within the regions. Southeast Asia has many countries that define a mix of crucial historical influences as well as a unique blend of nature.
A Journey Through Cultural and Natural Marvels
AirAsia’s new series takes its audience on a mesmerizing journey across six dynamic Southeast Asian destinations: Yogyakarta in Indonesia, Nha Trang and Da Lat in Vietnam, Pattaya in Thailand, and Sandakan and Miri in Malaysia. These locations are rich with cultural history and natural beauty, and each offers a unique lens into the local way of life.
Throughout the episodes, Dolla and their crew explore each destination in depth, uncovering hidden gems that are often overlooked by traditional tourism. From the hustle and bustle of city centers to the tranquil beauty of nature reserves, the series showcases the vast range of experiences Southeast Asia offers. The crew dives into local customs, engages with indigenous communities, and experiences authentic traditions firsthand. This combination of exploration and discovery provides viewers with a fresh and vibrant view of the region, making it an unmissable watch for both seasoned travelers and newcomers eager to experience Southeast Asia.
Unlock ASEAN in Real Life also brings attention to responsible and sustainable tourism. As the crew immerses themselves in the local cultures, they prioritize engaging with communities in a way that benefits them directly and emphasizes the importance of preserving local traditions and the environment. This approach aligns with AirAsia’s broader mission of supporting the cultural and economic growth of the Southeast Asian region.
Celebrating ASEAN’s Diversity Through the AirAsia Allstars
In addition to the video series, AirAsia has unveiled a special viral video across its social media platforms to further celebrate the region’s diversity. This video highlights the airline’s iconic cabin crew, known as the “Allstars,” from countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Through personal stories and cultural insights, the Allstars offer an intimate glimpse into the varied lifestyles and values of Southeast Asia.
The video is set to an original soundtrack produced by AirAsia’s in-house music team, giving it an uplifting, energetic vibe that resonates with audiences. This celebratory video not only acknowledges the airline’s crew but also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between ASEAN nations. By showcasing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of AirAsia’s Allstars, the video reinforces the spirit of unity that binds Southeast Asia together, making it a powerful and engaging tribute to the region.
Exclusive Offers to Inspire Travel Across ASEAN
In honor of ASEAN Day, AirAsia is offering unbeatable special fares for those looking to explore the beauty of the region. Travelers can book one-way tickets starting at RM59 to popular destinations such as Johor Bahru, Bintulu, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Chiang Mai, Makassar, Krabi, and Brunei. This promotion is available for bookings until 10 August 2025, with travel dates spanning from 18 August 2025 to 30 June 2026.
These affordable fares are part of AirAsia’s continued efforts to make travel within ASEAN more accessible to a wide audience. Whether travelers are seeking leisure, business, or both, AirAsia’s comprehensive network of routes across the region makes it easier than ever to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN Day: Celebrating Regional Unity and Connectivity
ASEAN Day, which falls on 8 August each year, marks the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and serves as a celebration of the region’s collective history, shared values, and future aspirations. As the only airline that connects all 10 ASEAN countries, AirAsia plays a vital role in fostering greater connectivity across the region. Its extensive flight network not only brings people together but also enables them to discover the unique stories, cultures, and traditions that make Southeast Asia one of the most vibrant regions in the world.
Through this celebration of ASEAN Day, AirAsia underscores its commitment to regional unity, cultural exchange, and the growth of ASEAN as a leading destination for travel and tourism. By promoting tourism and regional integration, the airline helps to bring greater economic prosperity to the countries it serves, while also enabling people to explore the diverse beauty of Southeast Asia.
Empowering the Future of Southeast Asian Tourism
Looking toward the future, AirAsia is focused on continuing to enhance tourism in Southeast Asia by strengthening its position as a leader in regional connectivity. As the demand for travel across ASEAN countries continues to grow, AirAsia is dedicated to providing affordable, efficient, and sustainable travel options that support both business and leisure tourism.
The Unlock ASEAN in Real Life series is just one of many initiatives by AirAsia to encourage cultural exchange, promote sustainability, and ensure that Southeast Asia remains an attractive and accessible destination for travelers worldwide. With its commitment to connecting communities, supporting local economies, and promoting the cultural richness of the region, AirAsia is poised to continue driving positive change in Southeast Asia’s tourism sector.
As more travelers explore the unique cultures and sights Southeast Asia offers, AirAsia’s ongoing initiatives will serve the growing region’s tourism while the airline’s integrated network of routes and new programs will keep Southeast Asia on the travel map for the world for decades to come.
With low-cost tickets, a dedication to eco-friendly practices, and real enthusiasm for uniting people, AirAsia is set to maintain capture the travel willingness of the region and the world, airlifting the best of ASEAN’s cultures, delivering remarkable travel encounters and transforming travel in Southeast Asia.
Asia Travel Pulse
How Laos Became the Most Budget-Friendly Destination in Southeast Asia for 2025, Outshining Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia: Discover the Secrets
Published on
August 10, 2025 |
In 2025, Laos has risen to the top as the most affordable travel destination in Southeast Asia, surpassing well-known countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. This shift is due to Laos offering unmatched value, where travelers can experience the charm of Southeast Asia without the heavy price tag.
Laos stands out primarily because of its extremely low daily expenses. Accommodation starts at just £3 (₹353) per night, and street food costs less than £1 (₹117), which is far cheaper compared to its neighbors. When compared to Thailand’s £24 (₹2,829) or Vietnam’s £16 (₹1,881) daily cost, Laos offers more bang for your buck. Furthermore, transportation and sightseeing in Laos are also budget-friendly, with affordable bus rides and entry fees to major attractions. These cost savings make Laos a prime destination for those seeking both adventure and affordability in 2025.
As a result of these factors, Laos is quickly becoming the go-to option for budget travelers, making it the most cost-effective and enriching destination in Southeast Asia for the year ahead.
Laos Shines as the Most Affordable Travel Spot
Laos is making a name for itself as the most cost-effective destination in Southeast Asia. With a daily expenditure of just £12 (around ₹1,414), visitors can comfortably cover their accommodation, meals, and transportation. This makes Laos an exceptional choice for those wanting to experience the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes without overextending their budgets.
Why Laos is So Inexpensive
Several factors contribute to Laos’ reputation as an affordable travel destination. First, the cost of accommodation is incredibly low. Budget travelers can find basic hostels in popular destinations like Luang Prabang and Vientiane for just £3 (₹353) per night. Even in Vang Vien, prices can dip as low as £1.50 (₹176), making it one of the cheapest places to stay in the region.
When it comes to food, Laos offers a feast of delicious and inexpensive options. A typical serving of sticky rice with grilled pork, a local favorite, costs less than £1 (₹117). This affordability allows travelers to savor the authentic flavors of the country without worrying about the cost.
Transportation within Laos is equally budget-friendly. Local buses and minivans connecting major cities are priced at under £4.50 (₹529), and for those looking to explore more independently, renting a motorbike for the day costs just £4.70 (₹553). For those wanting to travel between Vientiane and Vang Vien, the Laos-China Railway offers a scenic and affordable route for just £6 (₹706).
Sightseeing in Laos is also very affordable. Entrance to popular tourist attractions like Kuang Si Falls and the Bear Rescue Centre costs a mere £2.30 (₹270), enabling visitors to explore the country’s beautiful nature and wildlife at a low cost.
Laos: A Peaceful and Growing Destination
Beyond being affordable, Laos offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling tourist hubs in Southeast Asia. The country’s natural beauty, from its rivers to its mountains and waterfalls, coupled with its rich cultural history, draws travelers seeking a more laid-back and authentic experience.
Tourism in Laos is increasing steadily, with international arrivals rising by 11% in the first quarter of 2025. Over 1.2 million tourists are expected, generating around $426 million in revenue. Local tourism is also seeing an uptick, with nearly twice the number of domestic trips compared to the previous year.
While other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia remain affordable, Laos stands out for its unbeatable value. For example, Thailand’s typical daily budget is about £24 (₹2,829), making Laos a far more cost-effective destination.
Why Laos Should Be on Your Radar in 2025
Laos is an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience the best of Southeast Asia without spending a fortune. Its combination of low travel costs, breathtaking natural scenery, and warm hospitality makes it a unique and affordable destination.
Whether exploring historic temples, enjoying street food, or cruising the Mekong River, Laos offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience without worrying about their budget.
Laos has become the most budget-friendly destination in Southeast Asia for 2025, offering incredibly low daily expenses, with accommodation starting at £3 (₹353) and meals under £1 (₹117), making it more affordable than Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
With its growing reputation and international recognition, Laos is poised to become a must-visit destination for 2025. For anyone looking to experience Southeast Asia affordably and meaningfully, Laos stands out as the top option for the year ahead.
Asia Travel Pulse
Not Vietnam or Thailand. At Rs 1,414 per day, another country is the cheapest travel destination in southeast Asia
Laos Tops the Affordability Chart
According to a recent Time Out magazine report, Laos stands out as the cheapest travel destination in Southeast Asia with an average daily expense of only £12 (around Rs 1,414). This modest budget covers accommodation, food, and transportation — allowing travelers to enjoy rich experiences without overspending.
This recognition aligns with a global ranking by Travel and Tour World, backed by research from the Canadian financial platform HelloSafe, which named Laos the world’s most budget-friendly country to visit in 2025.
What Makes Laos So Affordable?
Travel costs in Laos remain remarkably low across the board. Accommodation options such as hostel beds in popular tourist hubs like Luang Prabang and Vientiane can be found starting from £3 (Rs 353) per night, with even cheaper options in Vang Vieng at approximately £1.50 (Rs 176). Street food is widely accessible and inexpensive; a plate of sticky rice with grilled pork can cost less than £1 (Rs 117).
Local transport, including buses and minivans connecting major cities, is priced below £4.50 (Rs 529), while renting a motorbike for a day costs around £4.70 (Rs 553). The newly opened Laos–China Railway offers a scenic and affordable route between Vientiane and Vang Vieng at approximately £6 (Rs 706).
Entry fees for popular tourist sites are also budget-friendly. For instance, visiting Kuang Si Falls and the adjacent Bear Rescue Centre costs just about £2.30 (Rs 270), making sightseeing accessible to most travelers.
Quiet Destination with Growing Popularity
Laos is often described as a serene and less commercialized alternative to the busier tourist hotspots in the region. Its unhurried pace, natural beauty — including rivers, mountains, and waterfalls — and genuine cultural experiences appeal to travelers seeking something off the beaten path. According to the Vientiane Times, international arrivals in Laos increased by 11% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, with over 1.2 million visitors generating $426 million in tourism revenue. Domestic tourism is also on the rise, with nearly double the local trips recorded in the same period.While Vietnam and Cambodia remain affordable with daily travel budgets around £15 (Rs 1,768), and Malaysia and Indonesia slightly higher at approximately £19 (Rs 2,239), Laos offers unmatched value at £12 per day. Thailand, traditionally known for its budget travel appeal, comes in at around £24 (Rs 2,829), making Laos notably cheaper.
Why Travelers Should Consider Laos in 2025
For budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion, Laos presents an ideal choice. It offers a combination of affordability, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality that is increasingly rare as tourism expands across Southeast Asia. Whether exploring ancient temples, enjoying street food, or taking leisurely river rides on the Mekong, visitors can experience much more in Laos without stretching their budgets.
As international recognition grows, Laos remains a standout destination for those looking to maximize their travel experience while keeping costs low. For anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia this year, Laos is worth serious consideration as the region’s most affordable and enriching travel option.
Asia Travel Pulse
Indonesia Joins Philippines In Celebrating Unmatched Excellence As Aseanta Launches Its Thirty-Ninth Annual Tourism Awards To Honor Outstanding Achievements And Innovations Across Southeast Asia’s Travel Industry In
Published on
August 10, 2025 |
Indonesia and the Philippines are at the forefront of celebrating tourism excellence as the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) launches its thirty-ninth annual Tourism Awards in 2025. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding achievements and innovations across Southeast Asia’s vibrant travel industry, highlighting efforts in sustainability, community engagement, and digital transformation. As part of this milestone, ASEAN nations are invited to participate in a collaborative celebration that not only honors remarkable tourism initiatives but also strengthens regional cooperation and promotes the growth of ASEAN’s tourism sector through innovation and shared values.
The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has recently unveiled two major initiatives designed to expand and enhance tourism opportunities across the diverse and rapidly growing Southeast Asian region. As reported by Antara news agency, these efforts underscore a strong commitment by ASEAN member countries to strengthen their collective tourism sector through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
One of the key programs launched is the ASEANTA Tourism Awards, a prestigious recognition platform that has been running for an impressive 39 editions. Over the years, the awards have established themselves as a hallmark for celebrating excellence across the region’s tourism industry. The scope of the awards spans a wide range of categories, honoring achievements from community-based tourism projects that empower local populations, to large-scale marketing campaigns and innovative sustainable tourism models that set new standards in the sector.
The ASEANTA Tourism Awards have played an essential role in spotlighting exemplary efforts that contribute significantly to the growth and positive transformation of ASEAN’s tourism landscape. By recognizing initiatives that blend cultural preservation with modern tourism development, the awards encourage continuous improvement and inspire others within the industry to adopt best practices. This emphasis on excellence is crucial in a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, where countries vary widely in terms of culture, infrastructure, and tourism maturity.
Registration for the ASEANTA Tourism Awards is currently open, inviting tourism operators, community organizations, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders from all ASEAN countries to submit their entries. The deadline for applications is set for October 31, 2025. Winners will be formally announced at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, which will be hosted in the Philippines, bringing together tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from across the region. This event is recognized as one of the most important annual gatherings dedicated to advancing ASEAN’s tourism agenda and fostering regional cooperation.
In addition to the awards, ASEANTA introduced a second groundbreaking initiative at the recent forum — the launch of the Discover ASEAN microsite. This new digital platform, created in collaboration with AirAsia Move, is designed to serve as a centralized travel booking hub tailored specifically for Southeast Asia. By leveraging digital technology, the microsite aims to simplify the travel planning process, offering users seamless access to a wide range of travel services including flights, accommodations, and tour packages throughout ASEAN countries.
The Discover ASEAN microsite represents a significant step towards embracing digital transformation within the region’s tourism industry. Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant cultures and natural beauty, is increasingly attracting tech-savvy travelers seeking convenient, comprehensive travel solutions. The platform is expected to boost intra-regional tourism by making it easier for tourists to explore multiple ASEAN destinations, thus promoting economic growth and cultural exchange among member countries.
What sets these two initiatives apart is their alignment with the broader vision of sustainable and inclusive tourism development. Both the ASEANTA Tourism Awards and the Discover ASEAN microsite reflect a shared commitment among ASEAN nations to promote tourism practices that not only generate economic benefits but also preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment. Sustainability is fast becoming a central theme in tourism strategies worldwide, and ASEAN is proactively integrating these principles to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness in the global market.
Moreover, these efforts highlight the importance of public-private partnerships in driving regional tourism forward. The collaboration between ASEANTA and AirAsia exemplifies how government bodies, industry associations, and private enterprises can work hand-in-hand to create innovative solutions that respond to evolving traveler expectations and market trends. Such partnerships are vital for harnessing resources, knowledge, and technology to enhance tourism infrastructure, marketing, and service quality across the region.
The launch of the ASEANTA Tourism Awards and the Discover ASEAN microsite also comes at a critical time as the world gradually recovers from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism industries worldwide have faced unprecedented challenges, and ASEAN countries are no exception. These initiatives demonstrate a forward-looking approach to rebuilding the tourism sector with resilience, adaptability, and a renewed focus on quality and sustainability.
By recognizing outstanding tourism projects and facilitating easier access to travel services, ASEANTA is helping to rebuild traveler confidence and stimulate demand in the region. The awards motivate tourism stakeholders to innovate and improve, while the digital platform caters to the growing preference for online travel booking, personalized experiences, and multi-destination itineraries. Together, they create a dynamic ecosystem that supports tourism growth while addressing new market realities.
In conclusion, ASEANTA’s dual initiatives represent a powerful commitment to reshaping Southeast Asia’s tourism industry for a brighter future. The 39th ASEANTA Tourism Awards continue to honor and inspire excellence across the sector, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and shared learning. Meanwhile, the Discover ASEAN microsite offers a modern, digital gateway that encourages travelers to discover the region’s rich cultural and natural treasures with ease and confidence.
Indonesia and the Philippines lead the way as ASEANTA launches its thirty-ninth Tourism Awards in 2025, celebrating excellence and innovation across Southeast Asia’s travel industry. This initiative highlights the region’s commitment to sustainable and collaborative tourism growth.
These initiatives collectively embody a vision of ASEAN tourism that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable — one that balances economic progress with social and environmental responsibility. As registration for the awards remains open until the end of October 2025 and the digital platform gains momentum, stakeholders and travelers alike can look forward to an exciting new chapter in Southeast Asian tourism. The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, where the awards winners will be announced, will serve as a pivotal moment to celebrate these achievements and set the course for continued collaboration and growth in the years ahead.
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