Eco Tourism n Thailand

Thailand is fortunate in its prime location for tourism in terms of such natural attractions as beaches and mountains, cultural and historical sites which reflect the glories of Thai civilization, and a sophisticated infrastructure, allowing visitors easy access to all these treasures.

The government's policy on tourism for the past years has been gearing towards more and more sustainable tourism development with emphasis on community participation, safety of tourists and non-exploitation. The term “eco-tourism” has been widely used to describe a form of tourism in natural areas that is based on the knowledge about and responsibility towards the ecological system of the area.

At present, the number of real eco-tourism visitors is still minimal. Mostly, those tourists are included in other types of tourism such as nature-based tourism, agro-tourism, cultural and historical tourism and health tourism. Most of such tourism areas are in natural parks and specific historical-cultural areas.

The national parks system in Thailand was previously cited its growing importance to the eco-tourism industry. With most parks easily accessible by road, there exists excellent potential to expand the number of visitors who use them.

In the case of the Maekong River, the nature-based tourism potential particularly applies to Northeast Thailand, an area that the TAT has identified as a priority for tourism development. The national parks in close proximity to the Mekong River include sites of prehistoric, archaeological and natural significance. As the Mekong region increases in its exposure and popularity, these parks will experience an increased number of visitors in search of quality eco-tours.

One marine eco-tourism, the last 30 years saw the country establishing 18 marine national parks as well as more than 70 terrestrial ones. Many of the activities available on and around Thailand's crystal seas are environmentally sound. Sea canoeing, windsurfing biking, walking, swimming, snorkeling and sailing are, when practiced as they should be, perfectly respectful of nature. Diving, the most popular water sport in Thailand, can be just as green.

Thailand has a great opportunity to promote eco-tourism, especially when compared to other countries in the Asia region. The kingdom enjoys such benefits as easy access, sophisticated infrastructure and myriad tourist attractions and activities.

Floating Market

One of the most famous pictures of Thailand, and one of the most visited tourist sites on the outskirts of Bangkok, is the famous Floating Market. The original and most promoted Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak, is located 110 kilometres from Bangkok in Rachaburi province.

Getting to the Floating Market takes between one and a half to over two hours from Bangkok depending on traffic conditions. We recommend, if your time in Bangkok allows you, to do this tour at the weekend to avoid spending an unnecessary amount of time in traffic.

The original canals which now make up the Floating Market were built in 1866 on demand of His Majesty the King of Thailand to help ease communication in the province. The actual Floating Market started in 1967 and today thrives with hordes of tourists from all over the world.

Canals in and around Bangkok are an important method of transport and help to facilitate communication between different areas of the city. To this day many people still live along the canals and frequently use boats as a method of transportation from one point to another.



As food is a very important part of Thai culture, you will see mobile food stores selling anything from fruit, Som Tam, barbequed chicken, and other delicacies moving around Bangkok, on the streets just as an ice cream van does in most western countries. This also applies to the canals where you will frequently see boats moving from house to house selling different wares.

Thailand does have Tesco's, Carrefour, Leading Price and other major supermarkets all around the country and most communities will have there own 'wet market' selling fresh produce, so if you hope to see many Thais buying their daily needs at the Floating Market you may be disappointed.

Most people visiting the Floating Market are foreigners and Thai tourists, but it does offer visitors an excellent opportunity to see something different and take some great pictures of what is a true Thai icon.

We recommend travellers to organise a tour to enjoy the Floating Market. Most tours will pick you up from any of the hotels in Bangkok. The tour normally starts around 06:30 (slightly later at weekends due to the lack of traffic).

You do need to verify that the tour is in fact of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and not another, as there are hundreds around, and you should also clarify what the tour price actually includes, and how many people will be in your tour.

If you use a reliable and well known company then they will be able to accommodate your every need, and create a tour which best meets your expectations.

Most tours to the Floating Market will include some side trips, such as a visit to the Sugar House where you will see how Thai's make sugar from coconuts, a visit to the Teakwood Handicraft Center, where you can marvel at how Teakwood is carved into artistic masterpieces and also a visit to the Rose Garden where lunch is normally served followed by a truly excellent cultural show.

If you have time and still enough energy then the Crocodile Farm is also not far from the Rose Garden and saves you having to travel all the way back again.

Perhaps the only question that remains is - is it worth spending half a day minimum on a tour to and around the Floating Market? What we would answer to that, is if you have sufficient time, and have looked at the pictures and feel it would be of interest then definitely, we don't recommend though, that you take a tour to the Floating Market instead of visiting some of Bangkok's other great attractions, such as the Grand Palace etc. For us some of the other major attractions in and around Bangkok would take priority.

Hill-tribe villages

A great time to visit the villages is during one of their festivals when you can see the villagers in their finery. Over 100 years ago, the Hill-tribe people migrated south from China into current-day Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The six major tribes are the Karen (Kariang, Yang), Hmong (Meo), Yao (Mien), Akha (Ekaw), Lisu (Lisaw), and Lahu (Mussur). Each tribe is distinct, with their own culture, religion, language, art, and dress; however, given the rate of modernization, it is unknown how long these tribes will continue their traditions. The guided tours offer varying routes and options, including accommodations within consenting hill tribe villages.

Review by sophia from the Guide Great places to see in Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand is southeast Asia's premiere destination with over 14 million visitors per year sampling its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, outstanding hospitality and superb cuisine.

Thailand comprises 76 provinces each divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. At Amazing-Thailand.com you can visit the ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms, learn about Thailand's people, history, climate, cuisine or just browse through our detailed Thailand travel guide.

From the mountains of Mae Hong Son to the islands of Andaman Sea and dance clubs of Bangkok, Thailand is surely SE Asia's premiere destination. Thailand offers something for every type of traveler, so check out our interactive map and find your ideal destination.travelguide.

From the mountains of Mae Hong Son to the islands of Andaman Sea and dance clubs of Bangkok, Thailand is surely SE Asia's premiere destination. Thailand offers something for every type of traveller, so check out our interactive map and find your ideal destination.

Bangkok

In the midst of dynamic modern growth, Bangkok miraculously manages to preserve its cultural heritage to a marked degree. The soaring roofs and gleaming spires of the Grand Palace and the city’s many historic temples Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Temple of Dawn and other evocative shrines present the visitor with a picture of medieval Oriental wonder; the very stuff of Eastern fairytales. And contained within Bangkok’s monuments and sights are treasures of the nation’s artistic and cultural endeavour that typify the land and the people. The influence of the past and the enduring threads of the social fabric are not limited to the static. They continue to pervade daily life. Files of saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms round, for example, present an image unaltered in essentials by the passing of time. Today’s backdrop of highrise buildings serve only to emphasize the exotic and timeless scene, while the city draws definition from it. Indeed, there is much to discover, and in addition to the city’s most famous monuments there are numerous lesser known sights of great interest. The Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, which enshrines the national palladium, rightly tops the sightseeing list, but Bangkok numbers more than 400 temples, many of which have their own fascination. A similar selection can be made with museums. The National Museum is excellent and comprehensive, but as impressive in their own way are the Jim Thompson House, Vimanmek Mansion and Suan Pakkad Palace, all of which house fine art collections within noteworthy settings. Not least, cruising the Chao Phraya river and the remaining canals which once made Bangkok the “Venice of the East” offers a glimpse of traditional riverine lifestyles, affording insights into the history and character of this wondrous city.

Vimanmek Palace

King Rama V Monument

Rama VIII Bridge

Democracy Monument

My Hometown Pattani

Pattani Located on the east of the Gulf of Thailand. Pattani is a small Province among the five so-called Southern Border Province. Blessed with irresistable charms. It is rich in historical singnificance worth studying. Including impressive customs and traditions. as well as natural scenic beauty of its streams and falls.170 Kms. long golden beaches along the gulf and wonderful hospitality of the pattani people. All of which combine to draw thousands of visitors to the province annually Because of its location on the coast with two major rivers running through it. The pattani and the Saiburi Rive r. most of the local people not surprisingly are engaged in agriculture and fishery . The Province boasts docking facilities for both large and small vessels. It is also in an industrial Zone to Produce seafood of and now being developed into a center for the production of Muslim food for domestic consumption and export under the Halal specifications.