Cambodia: Angkor/Siem Reap
Score: 46
"The temples at Angkor are arguably the most fascinating in the world," but two million visitors a year put them "under tremendous strain." Also a problem: Tourism profits are not reinvested locally. The gateway city of Siem Reap is marked by "large, gaudy hotels" and growing slums.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Angkor is one of the few places in the world that absolutely lives up to its reputation as a wonder. It does not disappoint. The huge scale of the Angkor area, which sometimes requires 20-minute-plus drives between temples, is truly astounding. The temple area is relatively well managed, although there are still too many visitors treating this sacred site as an adventure playground. The city of Siem Reap is a far more depressing spectacle. The square of boutique restaurants, expensive bottles of wine, and "chic" style in the city center, though tastefully developed in terms of aesthetics, is at stark odds with the rest of the town, which still feels poor and hopeless in many areas."
"Angkor-Siem Reap is rapidly becoming a victim of its celebrity. Even in an economic slowdown it is saturated with tourist arrivals. Efforts to preserve the environment in the monument zone are fairly successful. The Cambodian community here is at best a spectator, existing on the periphery of the sites with local crafts markets. Hotels are international, and do not reflect the culture of the country."
"World Heritage values obvious but under tension. A highly visited site with significant protection and restoration problems. International aid is given, but there are few signs of entrance fees or tourism revenue being used to protect or manage the site. There is a need for improved visitor flow between and within structures. On-site interpretation poor, with the exception of restoration projects."
"The foundation of the ground on which the temples rest is in jeopardy—the water table underground is being drained, the land is sinking, and as a result the foundation of the temples is unstable. The only time to be there is in the early morning or late afternoon at some of the less popular temples. Management is atrocious. Local people are not reaping the benefits of this resource."
China: Qin Emperor Mausoleum, Xi'an
Score: 66
The home of the Terra Cotta Warriors inspires high praise: stunning, astonishing, sensational. "China has taken great care to preserve this site" but needs to improve how the history is presented.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Stunning destination. The mausoleum itself has been well protected from visitors: The environment of the mausoleum is left as it was and visitors are restricted to the Terra Cotta Army section. The Terra Cotta Army is well protected, and every measure is taken to minimize damage. Worth noting: Chinese constitute the largest number of visitors, which is worth celebration."
"Still a world-class site, but needs to be better connected with the other monuments to the First Emperor that are in the area. Site is well explained, but some prep time is necessary to understand the site before going."
"Well-maintained infrastructure, ability to handle hordes of visitors, good combination of museums and paths."
"While a manufactured atmosphere "encloses" the site and there are too many visitors, there is tremendous potential for better interpretation because of both domestic and foreign interest in it—and the knowledge seems to be there."
China: Lijiang and Three Parallel Rivers, Yunnan
Score: 49
An ancient town that has been preserved by morphing into a "Disneyland" tourist attraction. "The natural setting of Lijiang is lovely—the mountains, green hills, the quiet back roads." The three rivers are protected in a national park, but hydro dams are a threat.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"This area is rugged almost beyond belief; large areas can be viewed, but not actually entered. To see the best of the site demands an exceptionally difficult journey well past Lijiang. The tourist industry does not do justice to the real values. I suspect that most of the Naxi people will return to their own country now that the appalling destruction done by the cultural revolution has all been restored by the present government."
"Lijiang is a specter of its old self-preservation-as-commercialization. The surrounding area and the farther-flung Three Rivers area are far less traveled but now face a significant threat from poor tourism planning and new hydropower development. The focus should include not only the new national park promoted by The Nature Conservancy, but smaller communities and sites in the surrounding area. World Heritage status has changed the site negatively. The historic core is now largely boutique shops, restaurants, and hotels, losing the very essence it sought to preserve. Conservation has re-created a past and not included the community that now lives outside the historic site and "performs" for tourists. The ancient Naxi traditions showcased for tourism risk becoming pastiche."
"Although I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Lijiang, the sheer number of tourists is staggering. New hotel buildings and the outward movement of the Naxis and commodification of their culture are all things we have seen before in other destinations."
China: Beijing Historic Districts
Score: 48
"We must now speak of the Beijing historic districts in the past tense." Even what is left is marred by "revisionist history" and "over-restoration."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Beijing's hutongs are disappearing fast, as we've all seen. Certain "model" hutong neighborhoods have been preserved, but newly constructed, Disneyfied versions muddle the purity. Tourists seem welcome in the hutongs, although (necessarily) in organized groups. Local vendors of food, sight-seeing, and transportation seem to thrive."
"Everything is orchestrated—does not appear natural. Natural areas are defaced by government writing. Visitors can feel that the whole story is not being told. Difficult to get around. Not aesthetically pleasing because of pollution."
"Beijing in the years leading to the Olympics attempted to redefine itself, and has transformed the central district into a modern city. Its core urban-planning principles, which initially had height restrictions at the core, have been ignored. Where bicycles and pedestrians once were predominant, automobiles now create congestion in the ever-widening street systems. There are pockets of history preserved within the Forbidden City."
China: Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet
Score: 45
The huge palace is in good shape, but "without the living culture of Tibetan Buddhism being able to thrive, it's only a facade." Lhasa resembles "a giant Chinese military camp" and is "in danger of losing its character."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"The Potala Palace is reasonably well-preserved, and its money-making tourism potential is being fully exploited. What it retains in authentic fabric, however, it lacks in the continuation of its function and in maintaining its spiritual presence. Much of the tourism activity is disrespectful of the inherent spiritual values of the palace."
"The environment in Lhasa is stark and extreme, which has molded this culture into one of great spirituality. All historical architectural pieces teeter between cultural recognition by the Chinese government and destruction."
"The activities of the Han Chinese are appalling in terms of context, buffer zone, and interpretation. It is cultural and architectural bastardization and abuse of the worst kind."
"With the construction of the trans-China/Tibet railroad, Lhasa changed overnight from a distant land on the roof of the world to an accessible place to the Chinese."
This is "India's Tuscany," in the opinion of one panelist. "Strong sense of cultural identity" and "remarkable appeal and mystique." Improved tourist facilities fueled an 8-point jump from five years ago, though concerns remain that tourism benefits are not reaching local communities.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"One of the best tourist experiences in Asia. From Jaipur to Jodhpur and west toward the Pakistani border, this part of India provides tourists with some of the most spectacular sights and sounds anywhere. Many of the old havelis (mansions) and palaces are in good shape and maintain their historical grandeur. Worth the trip for anyone heading to India."
"An arid region of India; the environment is delicate yet sustainable. The earthen colors of the land give way to a multitude of bright colors worn by the people. The architecture has a romantic flair. This is India's number one destination for foreign tourists since it offers such a collage of peoples and history. A lot of tourism investment has been made in this region over the past five years."
"The environment, though harsh, is relatively well protected and presented. Sites are constantly being restored. Tourism development has been truly inclusive and there is good economic benefit across the board. Private entrepreneurship has motivated the government to manage its sites better."
"What has impressed me are the distinct advancements in terms of infrastructure. Rajasthanis have caught on to the desire for good roads, communications, and better accommodation standards."
"All the cities, their forts, and their palaces prove great tourist destinations. The lake in Udaipur is the most problematic: It is beginning to be clogged with algae. Also, the national park is a disappointment—promoters promise much more than is available there."
India: Kerala Backwaters
Score: 60
The lakes, rivers, and canals in this southern Indian state, which visitors ply aboard houseboats, present a unique travel and cultural experience. However, "the number of boats is now so large" that environmental degradation is feared.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"While major centers like Alleppy are changing, the backwater canals are a place apart. The key issues are volume of use (hundreds of houseboats) and contamination. Some new resorts and reed houseboats try to reflect traditional styles, and it is possible to have a very relaxing vacation away from more noisy places on the canal system. Most of the water access is run by local entrepreneurs."
"Environment plays an important role in Kerala, particularly for agricultural conditions. The history is strong here, since this was the launching point of European influence. A gentle society and a relaxed pace, with an emphasis on the region's architecture."
"An overrated experience in my opinion. Rice boats are uncomfortable, food is mediocre, the roar of the air conditioners prevents sleep—but turn them off and you suffocate. Canals themselves are not nearly as picturesque as advertised. Really a little boring."
"One of South India's well-kept secrets. Unfortunately, unclear how much the people living in the area benefit. Sometimes, organized tours give the impression of being a little voyeuristic, taking away the privacy of the people living around the backwaters."
India: Agra Area—Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri
Score: 52
"Agra, the host to these three iconic World Heritage sites, is in dire need of environmental planning." "Things are getting better for these historic sites mainly through the hard efforts of local heritage-protection activists." But the "townscape lies in utter neglect."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Agra, host to three iconic World Heritage sites—the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri—is in dire need of environmental planning and infrastructure renewal. The sites themselves are neatly maintained, but the experience is vitiated by touts and illegal guides. The value of the monuments is such that every effort should be made to see them, but no stakeholder has a commitment to valorizing the heritage in a holistic manner."
"The gated Taj Mahal complex is looked after well; it's the surroundings that are in dire need of help. Very filthy and congested. The marble of the Taj itself is being affected by air pollution."
"Taj Mahal is still a stunner. Absolutely sublime and appears to be well-tended. The "gauntlet" of souvenir hawkers outside is intense, but no more so than elsewhere in India. Stayed at the Oberoi Amervilas, which is gorgeous. The rest of the city appears to bustle with energy."
"The area is dominated by iconic, dead monuments, and the town itself is paid much less attention."
"A charming destination overshadowed by foreigners enjoying a cheap and laid-back lifestyle." Bali's distinctive Hindu culture endures even with the beachside "party atmosphere of tourists."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Not the complete paradise one might expect. Considerable urban and resort development has sprouted along its coasts. Urban areas are dense and appear prosperous. But rural areas still dominate, their landscapes in apparently healthy shape. Drives into the interior are richly rewarding. Landmarks, primarily religious, are well tended, and towns like Ubud are kept at a small scale. To the eye, Bali is not far from paradise."
"The synergy between the traditional life of the people, the old system of irrigation, and the landscape is still apparent, marking a thousand years of continuous history. High aesthetic appeal, wonderful array of built heritage in the temples and houses and villages. Most tourists, however, only see the coast and beaches. While tours do go into the rural landscapes and rice paddies, many operators are ill-equipped to present a true picture of Bali and its underlying cultural heritage. Limited benefits to local people ensue."
"Charming destination now overshadowed by foreigners settling down to enjoy what is a cheaper, more laid-back lifestyle."
"The beaches of Bali are unrivaled for sunsets. However, much of the west side of Bali, especially Kuta, Legian, and Semenyak, are way overbuilt and often too expensive for many travelers."
The spiritual qualities of this huge Buddhist shrine dating to the eighth century still shine but are in danger of being obscured by "extremely aggressive hawkers." The "monument has been very well restored." Still, villagers "see it as an object of tourist interest only."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"The monument itself continues to glow and is actually in better archaeological shape today than it was when I first visited in 1983. However, the surrounding trinket park that one has to walk through is inappropriate. Although the stalls are relatively neat, arriving and departing the monument requires crossing through the giant souvenir-hawkers market, which greatly detracts from the monument itself."
"This is a religious monument, but due to an inability to connect to the event, it is today a museum monument. Visitors show little respect for its religious significance. The area is prone to volcanic damage. The village also sees the monument as an object of tourist interest only. Should be seen as a cultural landscape that clusters Borobudur, Prambanan, Ratubokko, and the volcano as a holistic entity."
"Just before dawn is the best time to experience the religious atmosphere. Could be a fabulously interpreted site because of the integrity, but guides give little real information beyond tourist pap."
"Borobudur as a site is well maintained, but totally disconnected from the village in which it is situated."
"There are many rules and regulations; however, many are simply not respected. The problems of street vendors hassling tourists is huge and none of the local authorities seem to care."
Kyoto, one of Asia's most sacred sites, is "magnificently preserved and managed," and honors the "serenity and charm of ancient Japan." It showcases a "rich legacy of living cultures and festivals, immaculate gardens, a variety of crafts and cuisines, all within a modern city."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Pristine environment, high standards of conservation, and exceptional management skills make Kyoto one of the finest destinations in the East. Its rich legacy of living cultures and festivals complements a vibrant sacred center. The large numbers of visitors are well managed, and ritual practices mesh with the tourist pressure. A wealth of diversity, immaculate gardens, pure water, crafts, and cuisines are located within a vibrant and modern city."
"The serenity and charm of ancient Japan can still be found in Old Kyoto. Japan takes this site very seriously and does a good job in maintaining its integrity despite accelerating numbers of tourists."
"Strong emphasis on Japanese culture. The geisha quarter is very well restored in ancient style. The old spa was a real Japanese experience. The landscape is amazing, with temples and shrines. Environmentally, the pollution and traffic jams are challenges. Sometimes difficult to manage daily activities without Japanese language. Local people are very friendly and helpful."
"Tourists, local people, and the authorities show great respect for the monuments—the degree of care for them is high."
Japan: Fujisan (Mount Fuji)
Score: 74
Tourist over-load is inevitable at this world-famous peak, but "the Japanese people give it great respect," which has helped with campaigns to reduce trash and protect the mountain's natural qualities.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"One of the main sacred destinations of Japan. Seeing Fuijsan without clouds is one of the great celebrations of this sacred journey. Its visibility is well preserved and the setting is protected as one of Japan's iconic sites. Several temples, large and small, define the pilgrimage and are still used by Japanese for private rituals."
"Climbing Fuji is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Needs better interpretation about historic meanings. Area around base of mountain is losing the quality of the original small communities, and becoming very commercialized."
"Many of the human waste and trash problems on the upper slopes of Fuji have been addressed and improved. The local people and national figures are very concerned with improving the environment of the mountain so it can be accepted as a World Heritage nomination."
"Certain areas of Fujisan are prepared for medium to large-scale popular tourism, with highways, parkways, and fast railroad services from the Kanto plain containing greater Tokyo. The area is losing the stock of traditional Ryokans inns it used to have, under competition from modern spas and full-service hotels. The environmental management appears to be of very high standard. However, the tiny hamlets, with their local restaurants and ryokans, seem to be bypassed by the younger tourists."
Nepal: Annapurna Circuit
Score: 62
Adventurers and spiritual explorers are drawn to this series of trails in the Himalaya. Even with the rigorous conditions, the place can become jammed with trekkers and their garbage. The site is "generally well managed," but "perhaps a ceiling on visitor numbers could be applied."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"One of the world's great mountain destinations. The difficulty of getting there acts as a filter to keep out many non-mountain tourists, so tourists that are there are usually respectful of the social and physical environment."
"Spiritually and aesthetically excellent. Beautiful mountains and great trails. A never-ending landscape to be in awe of. However, there is a downside. Many tourists do descend on it, and at some times of the year the trails on the "short circuit" can be a bit crowded. The guest houses can also be packed and the accommodations crude."
"Generally well managed under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The greatest threat is road construction in both Manang and Mustang Districts. Once the final connections and improvements are complete, the character of much of the developed portions of the region will be changed. Traditional trekking routes will be cut short and new routes will be developed into relatively undeveloped areas. Some communities' economic base will decline precipitously if they are off the road route."
Sri Lanka: Sinhalese Coastal Regions
Score: 47
Hit hard by the 2004 tsunami and its long-running civil war, Sri Lanka "will take many years to recover its tourism economy." This could be an opportunity to launch major sustainable initiatives, such as tours of the tea and spice regions.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Sri Lanka is a place with tremendous potential. It is built on its hospitality and cultural and natural heritage, but it is also dealing with internal struggles, which will have a long-term adverse effect upon its integrity as a destination. It will take many years to recover its tourism economy from the tsunami in 2004 and recent political troubles. Still, when speaking with local people one gets the true importance of tourism on the economy. Sri Lanka does tourism very well, but little seems to be invested in the local economy and infrastructure, and in post-conflict solutions. Tourism is one of the highest industry employers and there are many unofficial local ambassadors, who ensure that local business is patronised and tourism money is spent in the locale."
"The World Heritage sites at Galle and in other parts of Sri Lanka seem to be well managed, but there is poor infrastructure planning and management in other areas, and inadequate linkages among different stakeholders in tourism. The public sector is not nearly as engaged as it should be to ensure responsible management of resources, and different elements of the private sector do not work together well."
"The tourism industry here needs much more attention to environmental standards and to local ownership and benefits. Vocational training should be overhauled to involve industry more, and to reach out to rural areas with higher-quality programs."
"Now that the political conflict in Sri Lanka is "officially" over, there is much to be accomplished, particularly to develop sustainable forms of tourism that will benefit local people. One possibility: "tea heritage tourism" in the tea-producing hill country."
"While most of the south and west coast of Sri Lanka remains a pleasant beach-vacation destination, coral bleaching and the impact of the tsunami have damaged some sites, such as Hikkadua. Some beaches are also contaminated by garbage and runoff. The excellent mix of natural and cultural attractions can be the basis for a strong and varied tourism industry should these issues be resolved. While some coastal areas were devastated in the tsunami, most tourist resorts—notably those in the west—were not badly affected and are now fully recovered."
Thailand: Chiang Mai
Score: 54
This colorful town is taking on the trappings of a typical city with air pollution, congestion, vice, and shoddy new buildings. Out of town, you'll find "rain forest and stunning karst landscape scenery," which can be toured with "ecofriendly" outfitters. "Cultural conservation is high," but a plan to manage tourism is desperately needed.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"A disaster in the offing. Too many people, and little interest in preservation. I see it as one of the underperforming destinations in Southeast Asia."
"Stunning natural surroundings, but the destination is plagued by aggressive tourism operators and mass-tourism-oriented product offerings."
"Very polluted city from industry and the exhaust fumes that get trapped in the valley. Rate of development is extremely worrying, as no pollution controls are in place. Social/cultural integrity is fine; however, this won't remain so with the severe pollution."
"Chiang Mai was a relief to me after arriving in Bangkok. I was able to learn more about the culture, food, and local customs there. I enjoyed the night markets."
"Local involvement and participation in cultural conservation is high. The lifestyles of many urban locals are westernized, but people in rural areas still live simply. Wide spectrum of tourism activities and resources, from culture to nature. Tourism well-integrated with nature conservation in forest areas and places such as elephant training centers and botanic gardens."
"The immediate foothills surrounding Chiang Mai and its associated villages suffer from considerable over-use by trekking companies, leading to both cultural erosion and considerable damage to the environment. Local companies and a majority of incoming tourists are still in the "cheapest is best" backpacker economy, and the profit margins are often too small to allow environmental initiatives, such as switching to slightly more expensive but less damaging packaging for packed lunches. Away from the immediate area of Chiang Mai town there still remain vast areas of primary rain forest, draped between stunning karst-limestone scenery. There are more ecofriendly companies offering low-impact tours now—and visitors willing to pay—so there is hope!"
"With inspiring culture, beautiful nature, and thousands of intelligent, creative Thai citizens, Chiang Mai has the potential to be a Green City on a global level. It could become a beacon for how to manage a "southern" city to optimize environmental, economic, and socio-cultural benefits for city dwellers and semi-subsistence ethnic groups that live in the surrounding mountains. Unfortunately, the city is currently a beacon for very cheap souvenirs and very cheap "hilltribe" treks, which pay local people next to nothing and often create serious impacts on their cultures and their access to essential resources."
"The most beautiful city in Vietnam" posted the highest upward leap from previous rankings because of the restoration of its magnificent citadel. Ugly new high-rise hotels, however, chip away at ancient Hue's historical character.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Most beautiful city in Vietnam. However, lack of information, lack of a management vision, and new development cause a serious threat to the town."
"This is an important city that offers a wonderful insight into Vietnamese culture. It is heavily visited but well managed. The management seems appropriate and the local people benefit."
"Vietnam is doing much to improve access and tourist facilities, and Hue is a must-see. There are issues with on-site preservation of some of the royal tombs, but overall the Vietnamese have done a good job. The river remains polluted (dead rats, sewage and garbage floating past tour boats), which is a major problem."
"Hue is a tourist destination in the best and worst senses. It has magnificent buildings, but is the only place in Vietnam where I felt like a nameless, anonymous tourist waiting to be parted from my money."
"The city is a must for anyone wanting to have a complete Vietnam experience. There is some overdevelopment, and some of the historic landmarks and French colonial structures are losing out to ugly modern architecture and a race by the Vietnamese to develop Hue into a tourist destination."
A World Heritage site undermined by too many boats, with noisy engines fouling the water, air, and scenic beauty. "Surrounding areas are being developed with no apparent controls."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Ha Long Bay is still a beautiful place to visit, but the pressures of mass tourism are quickly spoiling its attraction. Overcrowding by boats, pollution of the water, and unattractive development along the beaches put the long-term sustainability of this World Heritage site at risk."
"The natural attraction of Ha Long is outstanding, but virtually uncontrolled tourism and environmental neglect are utterly appalling. This has been called to account by the World Heritage Committee, but the local governmental infrastructure has not been properly developed nor well-enough managed. Massive sedimentation of the bay has killed virtually all of the coral. Poaching and neglect have also led to the disappearance of flora (cycads and orchids) on the towers."
"Ha Long is a massive archipelago of islands, and it is possible to hire boats and guides to tour some of the less visited areas. Problem is that many of the islands near Ha Long City are overtouristed. It can get downright crowded in some of the bays, with backpacker boats, Chinese and Korean tourists, and all the sellers vying for space. However, even the most dense crowds can't ruin what is still one of the great scenic adventures in Southeast Asia."
"Ha Long Bay is an extraordinary place. But it is difficult to assess how local people benefit from continued development. Now is the time to monitor the environment and plan and control development."