|
Thailand
Eco-Tourism
Over the last few years
there has been a world-wide explosion in interest in eco-tourism. People
from many walks of life have recognised eco-tourism as being one means
to enjoy the benefits of a country while remaining concerned about its
environment and wildlife. But what exactly is eco-tourism? Originally
eco-tourism involved travel to areas of natural or ecological interest
(usually under the guidance of a naturalist) to observe wildlife and
learn about the environment.
By its nature, eco-tourism is also ‘low-impact’ tourism – groups are
small and tours include advice and guidance on how to avoid damaging the
environment. Nowadays, eco-tourism has grown to encompass a range of
adventure and travel activities including Bicycle Tours, Elephant
Safaris, Sea Cruises, Trekking, Walking and Wildlife Tours. Clearly,
Thailand has huge advantages for the eco-tourist. The country’s rapid
development has not reached all parts of the country and there are
pristine areas for the adventurous tourist to explore.
National Parks
There are 79 national parks in Thailand alongside a number of
wildlife sanctuaries and protected forest areas. Popular with
eco-tourists and those looking for adventure, Thailand’s parks cover an
area of around 25,000 square kilometres – nearly 15% of the country’s
land mass.
The parks were formed to protect to preserve Thailand’s natural heritage
from exploitation and feature a range of flowers and fauna. The parks
are home to a variety of species of animals, from elephants and bears to
bats and birds. The parks fit one of two classifications: the
‘forest-based’ parks that comprise jungle and trees, or the ‘marine'
parks that often comprise strings of islands and help protect a range of
marine life.
Given this range, Thailand’s parks offer visitors a rich and diverse
range of travel experiences - trekking is very popular in Thailand’s
mainland parks, especially in the north of the country, whereas the
parks of southern Thailand offer clear water and coral to provide
tremendous opportunities for diving and snorkelling. Most of the parks
are reasonably accessible, and only a few require your own
transportation.
There is an entrance fee of 200 Baht per person for foreigners and you
can book accommodation in most parks through the Royal Forest Department
or any number of private agencies around the country that provide
eco-tours through the forests. Some key parks include Tham Pla Phaseau
and Huai Nam Dang National Parks in Mae Hong Son, Phu Wiang National
Park in Khon Kaen, Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchburi, Angthong
National Marine Park in Samui and Tai Rom Yen National Park in Surat
Thani.
However, every park in the country is worthy of a visit, no matter how
big or small. If you are in Thailand, try to explore at least one these
unique places before you go home.
Water Falls
From almost any part of the country you are within an hour’s drive
(or less) of what is often a multi-tiered water fall. Many of Thailand’s
national parks house some genuinely spectacular waterfalls. Pa La-U,
Erawan, Namnuang, Sai Yok, Mae Surin and Mae Sa are all noted for
particular interest to visitors.
Although they are sometimes a bit tricky to get to, a visit to a
waterfall is well worthwhile. The areas around the falls are ideal for
hikes and picnics, and sometimes even mountain climbing. Of course,
swimming is permitted in the waterfall pools, and often or not they are
packed with locals giving them a genuine ‘community’ feel. Visit some of
Thailand’s key waterfalls.
Hotsprint in Thailand
All over the world people are convinced of the therapeutic value of
hot springs. People flock to bathe in them to bring relief to a number
of ailments, particularly bad backs and other aches and pains. Some use
springs not for their curative value, but to maintain a sense of health
and wellbeing. From Sankampaeng in the north, to Ranong’s Hot Springs
and Raksawarin Park Arboretum in the south, Thailand has a number of
springs available to visitors.
Some are basic in their approach (simply pools of hot water), others
have been turned into spas and health centres. Not every country has the
volcanic activity that helps form hot springs, so for many visitors they
are at once an attraction and a novelty. Thailand’s springs are usually
set in attractive scenery and are pleasant places to visit in their own
right – ideal for walks, picnics and other pastimes. If you are in
Thailand for any length of time, a visit to a hot spring really should
be on your itinerary.
Caves Exploration
Thailand hosts some fascinating caves to explore, many found in the
kingdom’s National Parks. All over the country, from Chiang Dao in the
north to the very southern tip of the kingdom, caves are revered as
magical and mystical places. Many caves are actually active temples and
provide the venue for meditation retreats and other Buddhist activities.
The rock
formations in many of the kingdom’s caves are quite remarkable –
thousands of years of wear have moulded natural sculptures from
stalagmites and stalactites, and some caves even house rivers and ponds.
Mountains and Hills
Often found in Thailand’s National
Parks, from Doi Inthanon and Doi Tung in the north to Phu Khao Ya in the
south, mountains and hills can be found in all corners of the kingdom
that support a wealth of attractions including waterfalls and valleys,
and a host of different wildlife.
|
