Myanmar’s emerging tourism destinations have gained regional recognition after several towns and hospitality facilities secured top honors at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2026, underscoring the country’s growing appeal in sustainable and community-focused travel.
Hpa-an, the capital of Kayin State, and Pindaya in southern Shan State were awarded the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026, while Kalaw received the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award 2026. The accolades place these destinations among ASEAN’s leading examples of cleanliness, environmental management and responsible tourism development.
Hpa-an’s recognition builds on its earlier success, having already won the 6th ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award 2025, reflecting sustained efforts to improve urban cleanliness, environmental protection and visitor experience. Known for its limestone mountains, caves and riverside landscapes, Hpa-an has increasingly positioned itself as a model eco-friendly destination in eastern Myanmar.
Kalaw, a historic hill town popular with both domestic and international visitors, earned the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award under the Urban Sustainable Tourism Product category. According to The Global Light of Myanmar, the town’s achievement highlights effective integration of heritage conservation, green tourism practices and community participation.
Several tourism facilities in southern Shan State also received ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards 2026, further strengthening Myanmar’s tourism credentials. These include Kalaw Heritage Hotel in Kalaw and Hotel SS-Aungban in Aungban, both winners of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award, as well as the Merry-Go-Round Meeting Room at the Merriment Hotel in Kalaw, which received the ASEAN MICE Venue (Meeting Room) Award.
Pindaya’s recognition extended beyond city cleanliness, reflecting a broader pattern of success in community-based and infrastructure-focused tourism. In 2025, Sikyainn Village CBT in Pindaya Township won the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award, while public restrooms at Culamuni Lokachantha Pagoda in Taunggyi received the ASEAN Public Toilet Award, demonstrating attention to both visitor comfort and community involvement.
Tourism observers say the multiple awards signal Myanmar’s potential to reposition itself within the ASEAN tourism market through sustainability, cleanliness and locally driven initiatives, particularly in ethnic states and hill regions that offer cultural depth alongside natural beauty.
BOB Post
