Southeast Asia is a popular destination for international travel. Rich in culture, tourists flock to this region every year to discover ecosystems, wildlife, foods, religion, and architecture. With idyllic landscapes and developed tourist infrastructure, Southeast Asia is often talked about among tourists from the West. 

One particular appeal of this region is that it is rich in spiritual environments. In a blog post by Jacada, “A Spiritual Trail Through Southeast Asia,” the spiritual interest of tourists is exhibited. The article explores the countries of Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand as spiritual destinations for travel. The spiritual infrastructure of each destination can be experienced through luxury accommodations and experiences. This nature of tourism is very prominent in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia and Bali in particular are featured as a prime destination for spiritually interested travelers. These tourists can explore sanctuaries, temples, traditional Balinese healers, and significant holy sites. Bali is referred to as the yoga capital of the world. Mentioned in the article are the Hindu and Buddhist sites that can be visited. The Buddhist and Hindu influences can be seen in old temples. Hindu and Theravada Buddhism have mixed and influenced Indonesian religious life from the earliest record up to the 14th century when Islam began to take hold in the country. The complex religious influences and its mixture with traditional local beliefs have shaped modern day culture and religion. This complex mixture has culminated in a very unique expression of religion, leading Indonesia to be seen as a spiritual paradise.

Myanmar’s focus in the article is through its Buddhist roots. Ignored in the article is the complex political history and modern-day conflict with certain roots in religious and ethnic beliefs. By ignoring the complexity of Myanmar, the article portrays a type of tourism that is unilaterally focused on spirituality. As a result, political, social, cultural and colonial history is ignored. Tourists are thus not learning the complexity of the culture and nation they are visiting, only interested in luxurious and spiritual accommodations where they can ignore the issues and inequalities the nation faces.

Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam all have unique and complex histories–a strong characteristic of the region. Tourists are solely focused upon yoga, meditation, monks, and the tranquil sanctuaries that the country can offer them. Without getting a fully rounded understanding of each country. 

Tourism has many positive and negative effects on the economy, environment, and people of the country. These should all be taken into consideration and focused on when ethically traveling to a country. In order to respect the country, its culture and people, tourists should seek a historical, political and social context of the nation they are visiting to get a deeper understanding.

Article: https://www.jacadatravel.com/the-explorer/spiritual-trail-southeast-asia/