Beaches have long been a standby for the Greater Mekong Sub-Region’s (GMS) tourists, but most tourism has been focused on well-traveled beach destinations like Phuket. Fresh investments in transportation infrastructure are changing this picture: new sealed roads and air routes are shifting tourist traffic to the GMS’s less explored coastlines and hidden cultural experiences.
Photo credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism
The timing could not be better: a new upswing in GMS tourists have generated a growing demand for new, off-the-beaten path tourist destinations. New places along the cost in the Mekong region will soon see their day in the sun.
Highlights Along the Route
The Southern Coastal Corridor weaves through the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea coastlines of Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Viet Nam – linking some of the region’s most captivating yet underexplored destinations, balancing natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism. We’ve listed the Corridor’s key highlights below.
Kien Giang, Viet Nam
Kien Giang province, located in southern Viet Nam, includes the UNESCO-listed Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve which also encompasses resort island Phu Quoc.
The latter is Viet Nam’s most popular beach destination, attracting visitors with the sunny charm of Starfish Beach and the vibrant atmosphere of Phu Quoc Night Market.
Koh Kong, Cambodia
Koh Kong’s diverse landscapes stretch from the Cardamom Mountains’ heights to mangrove colonies on the coast. For the former, Chi Phat commune offers a base for exploring Southeast Asia’s largest rainforest, home to rare wildlife such as Siamese crocodiles and Royal Turtles. Chi Phat’s community-based tourism model ensures that the local community benefits fairly from tourism revenue.
Closer to the coastline, Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary showcases expansive mangroves and island networks, ideal for eco-tourism enthusiasts.
Chanthaburi, Thailand
Chanthaburi’s French colonial history and vibrant Thai-Chinese culture converge in Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, where boutique guesthouses, riverside cafes, art galleries and restaurants curate a Chanthaburi cultural experience found nowhere else in Thailand.
The local beaches offer a rustic seaside experience, best exemplified by Chao Lao beach and its homely seafood restaurants.
Dawei, Myanmar
Dawei’s serene beaches and islands belie its turbulent past, passing from the Pagan Empire to the Ayutthaya Kingdom to British rule over the last 900 years. This history shines through in ancient pagodas like the Shin Motehti Pagoda and British colonial-era architecture.
Visitors can relax at Maungmakan Beach (try one of the seaside restaurants) or explore offshore islands like Loung Lone Boke for snorkelling and fishing adventures.
A Win-Win Opportunity
The Southern Coastal Corridor aims to showcase the Mekong region’s lesser-known coastal treasures while fostering local tourism development. The Corridor’s success promises to be a win-win experience for all: introducing tourists to new experiences, while supporting sustainable growth for coastal communities across four nations in the GMS.
