Dhaka: Indonesia leads Southeast Asia in the number of officially certified five-star hotels, with about 380 luxury properties spread across the archipelago, underscoring the strength of its tourism sector.

Popular destinations such as Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya continue to draw international visitors seeking premium accommodation, supported by the country’s broad geographic reach and diverse attractions. The scale of development has made Indonesia a key hub for high-end tourism investment in the region.

Vietnam ranks second, with 247 certified five-star hotels, reflecting its rapid emergence as one of Asia’s fastest-growing travel markets. Major cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang have seen a surge in luxury hotel development as foreign visitors increasingly explore the country’s cultural and coastal offerings.

Thailand places third with around 110 five-star hotels, anchored by established tourism centres such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, which remain benchmarks for hospitality standards in Southeast Asia.

Elsewhere in the region, Malaysia hosts about 90 five-star properties, while the Philippines has roughly 48. Singapore, despite its small size, maintains a strong presence in the luxury segment with about 35 top-tier hotels catering mainly to business travellers and high-income tourists.

Taken together, the figures highlight Southeast Asia’s continued focus on tourism-led growth, driven by infrastructure expansion, rising global demand and sustained international confidence in the region’s hospitality industry.

-B