Sustainable tourism in Thailand allows you to enjoy its wonders while preserving its beauty and culture for future generations. In the article below, Lux Travel DMC will guide you about sustainable, environmentally responsible travel in the “Land of Smiles”.
With its breathtaking scenery, identical culture, and delicious cuisine, Thailand has long been a traveler’s paradise. But now that we’re more aware of our impact on the environment, it’s essential to know how to explore this Southeast Asian gem responsibly.
Table of Contents
I. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THAILAND – SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES
1. Kayaking Bangkok’s Old Klongs
A “Klong” commonly refers to a canal in Thailand. Kayaking through the historic Klongs of Bangkok is a distinctive and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism. Rowing along these centuries-old waterways allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city center without fear of traffic congestion.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok, Thailand
You will have the opportunity to visit old communities, witness traditional stilt houses, and enjoy local gastronomy in vibrant floating markets along the Klongs. These boat adventures will greatly help sustainable tourism in Thailand as it will reduce carbon emissions, reduce congestion on busy streets, and directly support economic growth for the community and local guides. This is an opportunity to discover a more authentic side of Bangkok while also preserving its natural and cultural beauty.
Wooden houses along the canals in Bangkok
Highly recommend: Experience Bangkok In Style 5 Days
2. Visit Monsoon Teahouse Workshop
Visiting the Monsoon Teahouse Workshop brings visitors a unique sustainability experience as well as a deeper insight into the concept of “tea grown in harmony with the forest” – a sustainable concept of tea production for the Thai people.
Photo: Facebook – Monsoon Tea
Here, you have the opportunity to meet with local experts who will share practical experiences with tea growing. This activity not only enhances visitors’ appreciation for Thai culture but also contributes to preserving traditional farming practices. Furthermore, it supports the livelihoods of local farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural systems while giving you an authentic Thai tea experience.
3. Gain a better understanding of Thai cuisine through “Cooking Classes”
Thai cuisine is a delicate blend of herbs and spices with special cooking styles. Each dish has an exquisite combination of spicy, sour, sweet, and bitter flavors. Cuisine has become a part of Thai culture and is one of the factors that attracts tourists. And coming to cooking classes, travelers will learn about the secrets of Thai gastronomy, interact with professional local chefs, hand-select fresh ingredients from the local market, and then prepare delicious Thai dishes. This will definitely be an experience not to be missed when coming to Thailand.
A cooking class in Chiang Mai
4. Cycling tour in Koh Phangan
Immerse yourself in fresh nature as you cycle slowly through its stunning landscapes, your senses will be awakened with the sights, sounds, and scents of authentic island life. You will have the opportunity to refresh yourself with local snacks, enjoying the flavors of the region. Besides culinary adventures, visitors can also learn more about the spiritual culture through visits to the temples here, which help you better understand the spiritual aspect of the island, and connect you to the rich history and traditions of this place.
Photo: Facebook – Phangan Bicycle Tours
One of the most interesting aspects of this tour is discovering the secrets of local herbs and their various uses. Additionally, this sustainable adventure also invites you to visit coconut and rubber plantations and learn about their role in the villagers’ lives.
Highly recommend: Essential Highlights of Thailand 10 days
5. Trekking and meet the Karen people
When trekking in Northern Thailand, you will not only pass through the region’s lush landscapes but will also have the privilege of meeting the Karen Long Neck women, originally from Myanmar. When you come here, you will be impressed because there are many long-necked women wearing necklaces, the person with the most necklaces can carry up to 25 necklaces. Trekking activities help you immerse yourself in the local culture slowly, you can converse with the locals to learn about their traditional lifestyle, ancient customs, and the challenges they face.
Long-necked woman Karen
Trekking also helps you witness the beautiful biodiversity of Thailand’s forests, showing the importance of preserving these ecosystems. By interacting with the Karen people, you will contribute to their community-based tourism efforts, promote cultural exchange, and support their livelihoods. This is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with Thailand’s natural beauty and its friendly residents, while actively participating in responsible tourism activities.
II. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THAILAND – SUSTAINABLE STAY
1. Anantara Chiang Mai Serviced Suites
Nestled along the peaceful Ping River in Chiang Mai, what makes Anantara special is its deep connection to the local community. This hotel is very active in collaborating with nearby farmers, artisans and local businesses, thereby helping to promote growth in the area. Cultural immersion is encouraged through experiences such as cooking classes using ingredients sourced from local farm gardens.
Photo: Booking.com™
In addition, Anantara also implements a strong environmental policy related to employee training, child protection, health, and safety. Through the ‘Dollars For Deeds’ program, the hotel will encourage guests to donate every dollar to support foundations across Thailand. When you stay at Anantara Chiang Mai, you don’t just get to enjoy luxury; You are contributing to local livelihoods, and community development and preserving Chiang Mai’s breathtaking natural scenery.
2. Keemala Phuket
Keemala is a resort in Phuket that boasts a design that blends beautifully with its surroundings, minimizing its environmental impact. Keemala’s eco-conscious operations include waste reduction, energy-efficient facilities, and sustainable ingredient sourcing, in line with their commitment to responsible tourism. Besides, each villa has its own water treatment system. The quality of treated water discharged into the environment meets or even exceeds government standards.
Photo: Booking.com™
In addition to its eco-friendly activities, Keemala is actively involved with the local community, supporting various projects and providing cultural experiences to customers. Their focus on preserving Phuket’s rich heritage while delivering a unique and sustainable holiday has made Keemala a symbol of responsible tourism in Thailand.
3. Zeavola Resort
Zeavola Resort located on the Phi Phi Islands is a pristine eco-friendly retreat in Thailand. The resort demonstrates a dedication to sustainability, with initiatives such as plastic reduction, waste management, and the use of renewable energy. For example, 100% of all possible trimmings of plants are to be shredded, mulched, and used as jungle plant food, eliminating the need for incinerating rubbish. They are also actively involved in the conservation of coral and marine life through eco-friendly activities such as coral planting.
Photo: Booking.com™
Furthermore, Zeavola promotes the local community by providing employment opportunities, supporting schools, and participating in local projects. By combining luxury and sustainable stays with responsible tourism practices, Zeavola Resort delivers an unforgettable eco-friendly experience in the heart of the Andaman Sea.
4. Bangkok Tree House
Bangkok Tree House is a remarkable eco-friendly retreat located along the Chao Phraya River. This unique hotel promotes sustainable tourism by combining modern amenities with nature conservation. Guests stay in treehouses built from sustainable materials like recycled wood and bamboo, insulated with discarded juice crates.
Photo: Booking.com™
Bangkok Tree House is famous for its commitment to environmental responsibility. This hotel adopts environmentally friendly measures such as using solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and reducing waste. Typically, LED lighting systems are powered by solar and wind energy, solar cookers, etc. They actively engage guests in green initiatives, encouraging participation in organic gardening, local reforestation projects, and river cleanups (Bangkok Tree House has pledged to remove a kilo of trash from the Chao Phraya River for each of its bookings).
About Lux Travel DMC
Founded in 2005, Lux Travel DMC provides 100% tailor-made private tours in Southeast Asia. We are deeply committed to sustainable tourism, recognizing our responsibility to preserve the environment, protect cultural heritage, support local communities, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the charm of our destinations.
Contact Us
Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 24 3927 4120
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