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Eco Tourism in Thailand

Smita Jha

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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To travel responsibly with the utmost care and appreciation for the environment and concern for its preservation and conservation is Eco Tourism. Eco Tourism in Thailand is a thriving industry owing to the fact that this tourist hotspot has managed to conserve its resplendent natural beauty despite hordes of tourist flocking the peninsula. Beaches, rivers, mountains, valleys and a vast green cover entice tourists to this kingdom. The hills in the north of Thailand are teeming with wild animals, birds and rare plants in dense tropical jungles. The somberness of the forest canopy thrown into relief by a cascading waterfall tumbling down rocks with joyful briskness is a sight to cherish. Limestone caves that twist and wind into cathedral-sized chambers make the most novice of travelers feel like Christopher Columbus. Thailand has developed a great infrastructure without destroying its natural surroundings to promote eco tourism. Many parks, sanctuaries, protected lands and UNESCO World Heritage Sites exist for the convenience of tourists. Here are some eco tourism delights you can experience in Thailand.

Trekking and Cycling

trekking and cycling

Trekking and cycling in Thailand are the best loved outdoor activities for nature lovers. Thailand is a trekker’s paradise considering its wealth of natural beauty. One can see amazing rock formations and limestone caves, frolic in the numerous waterfalls and enjoy breathtaking sights from a mountain top. You can choose to go on a single day activity or undertake a week long strenuous trek. Economic modes of travel like cycling and trekking are also encouraged in Thailand to reduce the impact of carbon emissions on the environment.

Chiang Mai has Thailand’s highest peak at Doi Inthanon National Park and offers spectacular views. Its neighbouring sleepy town of Chiang Rai is no less a delight with its misty river, tea plantations, hill tribes and an amazing view of Laos from the peak of Phu Chi Fa. Phetchaburi and Kanchanaburi boast of an 18-level and 7-level waterfall respectively. In Mukdahan one can see unusual mushroom-shaped rock formations while Chaiyaphum is known for strange rock formations and colourful Tulip fields. The Pha Taem National Park at Ubon Ratchathani is well regarded for its several thousand year old prehistoric cave paintings.

Embrace the purity of the hills of northern Thailand or experience the pristine beauty of the exotic southern peninsula. Cycling will take you through the symphony of Thai life while challenging your heart and uplifting your mind. From serene beaches to ancient cities, and from vibrant floating markets to rural pottery villages, Thailand has much to offer to capture the heart of every traveller.

Nature Study and Bird Watching

nature thailand

Thailand is a leading destination for Bird Watching and Nature Study. The hills of Chaing Mai are the southern point of the Himalayas and house many rare species of flora and fauna. Nakhon Ratchasima is the most popular destination for bird watchers. Phetchaburi has Thailand’s biggest national park housing more than 250 species of bird, including the great Hornbill and the grey peacock. Thailand is also home to an astounding 1,200 species of butterflies including the world’s largest moth, popularly known as the Atlas moth. It has an unbelievable wingspan of eight inches and resembles a snake’s head.

Khao Yai National Park at Nakhon Ratchasima is the ideal park for nature study as is the emerald forest of Phetchaburi. Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary has Thailand’s highest and most beautiful waterfall called Thi Lo Su waterfall. At Kanchanaburi is the country’s largest protected land conserving the forest and wildlife within. Prachuap Khiri Khan has extensive freshwater marshland and coastal mud flats making it incredibly idyllic. While the northern part of the kingdom is all about hilly terrain and wilderness, the southern islands provide dense mangroves and white beaches. Every bit of Thailand is as pretty as the next.

Agrotourism

agro tourism thailand

Agrotourism is a concept that stems out of eco tourism where visitors or tourists are encouraged to get acquainted with agricultural life at a farm or ranch first hand. Agrotourism promotes the well being of agricultural life through increased income and employment thereby fostering economic stability at the rural level. So visitors like you and me can feel good about the fact that we are also giving something back to the agro community. Agrotourism comprises of all aspects of agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. Endless rice farms and cultivation of herbs and vegetables together with gardens full of flowering plants and fruit orchards make for a delightful experience. Vineyards, pisciculture and livestock raising are some other interesting agro activities.

Ban Hua Mae Kham Agrotourism Center at Chiang Rai and Phu Rua Highland Agricultural Research Station and Loei are agrotourism centers ideal for experiencing local farm life and hill tribe plantations in Thailand. The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang offers a very interesting activity of learning how to tame and take care of an elephant. You can also study winery, tour private fruit orchards and learn traditional Thai cooking during your agro tour. Complete the experience with a night stay at a rural mud house.

Village Homestay

village homestay

Several communities in Thailand welcome foreign tourists to their homes to experience their lifestyle. This particular activity has grown in popularity in the recent years as it offers a tourist the unique insight into how farmers and village dwellers go about their daily lives of farming, livestock raising, fishing, etc. Hill Tribe culture and traditions are especially popular with tourists in Thailand. At Chiang Mai you can meet and live with many hill tribes in their natural surroundings. The best thing is neither are these gentle village dwellers bothered by tourists nor have they been corrupted by the western influence that tourists tend to bring with them. Their lives remain untouched by modern civilization. At Samut Songkhram one can take a nature trip and study the local riverside community. At Krabi one can learn squid fishing and rubber tapping with the local people. You can live with the local fishing community of Phang Nga and learn how to make fishing nets and catch crabs.

Ecotourism lays great emphasis on enriching personal experience and environmental conservation. We enhance our understanding and appreciation of nature and culture by participating in ecotourism activities. However, it comes with great responsibility; that of uniting conservation with sustainable travel. When we litter around where we visit, we are doing our beloved nature an undoable harm. If we trample on precious shrubs and pluck flowers because they suit our fancy, we are doing the world a great disservice. We must be mindful of minimizing impact while building environmental and cultural awareness and respect so that we do not rob a richly beautiful nation like Thailand of its magic.

Comments

jen | on 10 April 2018

Great article! Would also add lots of urban farms () and eco friendly () cafes popping up around the main cities, getting locals and tourists involved with reducing waste in Thailand.