ASEAN News

Elevating the Culinary Scene with Fresh Flavors Indonesian capital is making the noise of amazing gastronomy this year. If you are looking to elevate your palate, the vibrant culinary scene is brimming with remarkable arrivals. Starting with tiny coffee bars and large fine-dining restaurants, the city is a true heaven of gastro lovers who want to experience a variety of …

The esports cafes of Shibuya start Game-Night Tokyo off with showdowns of the street teams in high-end PC areas such as GG Shibuya Mobile Esports Cafe & Bar at PARCO 6F. These venues are the spontaneous Valorant and League of Legends tournaments where competing crews fight over bragging rights, snacks, and 10,000 Yuan, making them a popular stop for visitors …

The capital has struck the season of spring fever. As of February 9, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has released its highly anticipated 4th forecast, predicting that the Tokyo bloom will arrive slightly earlier than average this year. Although the famous somei-yoshino trees are supposed to begin flowering at the beginning of March (around the 20th) and be in …

February 2026 has the perfect warm escapes in Asia, where the average of Southeast Asia hotspots is dry and sunny with average temperatures between 28-33 o C, making it one of the Popular Asian Tourist Destinations for winter travelers. The best are also the spotless Phuket beaches and the tranquil temples of Luang Prabang, which are ideal for sunbathers and …

Kyoto Empty tourism projects also fight overtourism through the Winter Special Openings (Jan-Mar 2026) that offer a rare access to 15 non-public cultural sites, such as the Seiran-in sub-temple of Kenninji with a new dry landscape garden. The Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association has its Special Exhibition of Hidden Cultural Properties (Mar 1-Apr 12): five Higashiyama temples, Toyotomi-era territory, and tours …

The magical Hoi An, the City of Lanterns in Vietnam, was recognized as the best sustainable travel destination in February 2026, a combination of UNESCO heritage and eco-innovations. Ancient streets with lanterns, boats on Thu Bon River, and silk workshops attract eco-friendly tourists who want low-impact luxury. The town is the first to adopt green riding through e-bikes, electric shuttles, …

The Hills Lunar Street Festival brings Hong Kong Lunar New Year vibrancy to Castle Hill Main Street, Sydney, on February 28, 2026 (2-9pm), closing traffic for a pedestrian paradise celebrating the Year of the Horse. Anticipate food trucks: dumplings, ramen, dragon beard candy, and bubble tea; lion dance, Chinese juggling, stage show, and roving entertainment; family activities through face painting, …

The Philippines, as ASEAN 2026 chair, unveiled its theme “Navigating Our Future, Together” to pivot from reactive crisis handling toward Vision 2045 implementation. The priorities include Peace and Security Anchors (South China Sea COC, Myanmar engagement), Prosperity Corridors (DEFA digital economy pact, MSME excellence center, semiconductor roadmap), and People Empowerment (creative industries hub, inclusive growth). It is based on the …

Malaysia pledged full support for the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairmanship during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu on January 29, 2026, affirming confidence in Manila’s leadership under “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan hailed 88 successes from Malaysia’s 2025 tenure across security, economy, and culture pillars, urging translation into Vision 2045 actions for sustainable, inclusive …

Myanmar’s Hpa-an and Pindaya have clinched the prestigious ASEAN Clean Tourist City Awards for 2026, recognizing exemplary cleanliness, sustainability, and tourism management. The capital of Kayin State, Hpa-an, is the next recipient of this award after winning its 2025 ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award, and presents the unpolluted nature of Sadan Cave, and the eco-programmes. Pindaya in Shan State was …