This year’s World Elephant Day on 12 August marked the first anniversary of 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts Thailand’s CSR partnership with the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) in Chiang Mai. This long-term collaboration raises much-needed funds and global awareness for elephant conservation and reforestation in Thailand.
137 Pillars’ Anne Arrowsmith (front) with Khun Lek, riding through Elephant Nature Park.
Since the start of the campaign in 2021, donations from guests staying at both 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok and 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, personal and online donations through the online spot fund donation platform total over THB 1 million (approx. USD43,388)
Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary and was founded by Ms. Sangduen Chailert (Khun Lek) in 1996. Providing a safe place for over 100 elephants from all over Thailand, the centre is also a sanctuary for rescued dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other abandoned and abused animals.
The hotel partnership came about when Anne Arrowsmith, General Manager of 137 Pillars House was asked to showcase some of the unique aspects of Chiang Mai for a Thailand segment on The Today Show, a popular US TV program. Anne chose ENP because of its authentic ethos including their policy of non-riding of elephants. It turned out to be a deeply spiritual and meaningful experience as Anne spent the day interacting with many of the elephants and learning the needs, complexities and challenges faced by ENP during her interview of K. Lek for the programme.
In order to share this experience with hotel guests and to create a long-term partnership with the sanctuary to raise much needed money to support the work that Khun Lek and her team do on a daily basis, 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts offers guests at its hotels in Chiang Mai and Bangkok an option to donate to ENP on check-in with a nominal amount of THB 100 (USD 3.00), THB 300 (USD 9.00) or THB 700 (USD 20.00) per night. A larger one-off donation can also be made. 90 per cent of donations go to elephant conservation and 10% to reforestation. ENP sends a receipt and certificate to each donor.
According to Khun Lek; “Although the pandemic has had a devastating impact on elephants and people alike, it has also caused many elephant camp owners to re-think the current unethical programs they offer for tourists.
“My team and I work tirelessly to ensure that this will be a catalyst for positive change throughout the country. Many of the camps we have supported during the crisis through our elephant food bank campaign have now agreed to remove the saddles from the elephant’s back and move towards a more caring approach with our support.”
Download this Fact Sheet to learn more about these magnificent animals and the work done by Khun Lek and her team at ENP.
This National Tree Day, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joined forces with the Koala Clancy Foundation to plant 1000 trees, helping to restore vital koala habitat in regional Victoria.
Team Thailand, comprising members of the TAT Sydney office and the Royal Thai Embassy, including the honourable Ms Busadee Santipitaks, Ambassador to Australia, were joined at the Mt Rothwell site by Councillors from the City of Greater Geelong: Cr Belinda Moloney, Cr Ron Nelson and Cr Anthony Aitken, and a large group of enthusiastic volunteers.
According to Ambassador Ms Busadee Santipitaks; “It was wonderful to see how passionate and dedicated Janine Duffy, President of the Koala Clancy Foundation has been to protect and create a habitat for koalas.
“Equally impressive is Mr Michael Smith, the owner of the land provided for this tree planting, and I truly appreciate their hosting us at their shed (and distillery).”
Trees were planted on the property of Smith, who has offered up his land at Mt Rothwell to be revegetated by the Foundation to help create more koala-friendly habitat. Mr Smith hosted the group for morning tea and lunch in his converted sheep shearing shed, now a boutique gin distillery.
The ambassador explained that the event resonates with Thailand’s continuing efforts to restore elephant rainforest habitat in Thailand. Furthermore, the latest efforts to offset carbon emissions is the Bangkok governor’s campaign to plant one million trees in Bangkok during the next four years.
TAT Director Suladda Sarutilavan expanded on Thailand’s sustainability goals, explaining the Kingdom’s Bio-Circular-Green economy model, and what that means for the future of tourism in Thailand, with initiatives to support the development of more sustainable hotels, conscious dining, and community-based tourism.
TAT recently launched the 7 Greens campaign: Green Heart, Green Logistics, Green Attraction, Green Activity, Green Community, Green Service, Green Plus which encourages resorts and tourism operators to adopt, step by step, more sustainable strategies for the future.
Event sponsor Minor Hotels group have long embraced these ideals, pioneering efforts in Thailand to establish elephant sanctuaries through Anantara’s Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, and shared their vision with volunteers on the day.
The Koala Clancy Foundation plants trees for koalas on farms and private land, creates new habitat and advocates for better protection of wild koalas. Today, volunteers planted 1000 trees, helping the foundation reach its 2022 target to plant 26,000 trees in Victoria’s You Yangs region.
Founder and president Janine Duffy thanked TAT for the opportunity to share the foundation’s ambitions.
“I am incredibly proud to talk about our You Yangs koalas with decision makers from the local area and abroad, and to hope that these great people can keep the needs of our precious koalas in their minds.” Volunteers were rewarded for their efforts with a delicious Thai lunch followed by a koala-spotting walking tour of the You Yangs, where they were delighted to encounter a koala in the treetops, for many in the group, the first time they had seen a koala in the wild.
After two years of no international travel, many people seeking a more mindful, sustainable travel experience. According to guest writer Michael Cullen, many are looking to travel with purpose – travel with the heart.
Image: supplied, Chivit Thammada
After more than two years of little to no travel, airlines, travel companies, and international travel organisations are seeing increases in global movement thanks to the easing of restrictions. And with borders finally opening, new travel trends are emerging.
People are not looking for more of the (pre-pandemic) same. Many are travelling more mindfully, seeking sustainable travel, boutique and authentic experiences. People want to experience nature and the outdoors, hands-on and immersive encounters, and activities impacting positively on the local community and environment.
People are looking to travel with purpose or, put another way – want to travel with the heart.
To assist your northern Thailand travel planning – Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle and Chiang Rai – here is a range of activities, experiences, and opportunities that fit the travel with the heart concept.
Organic, Farm-to-Table and Slow Food
Food is an essential part of any travel, and Thai food is one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Within Thailand, regions have their own distinct style and dishes, which is undoubtedly true for the north. Elements of Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Chinese cuisine have influenced northern food. The cooler climate brings many kinds of vegetables, including cultivated and from the wild, plus mushrooms and aromatic herbs used in cooking. Less coconut milk is used, and the curries are milder than those in the south.
And in the north, a growing trend is farmers adopting organic practices, which is seen in fruit, vegetables and herbs, and coffee and tea production. Farm to table is how local people have lived for centuries, though now restaurants bring that concept to Chiang Mai’s general dining public. Here are three local companies bringing these ideas together for your dining pleasure.
Image: supplied, Ori9in Gourmet Farm
Ginger Farm, originally a rice plantation on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, has adopted organics and free-range methods with the farm open for educational visits. Their conveniently located and busy Ginger Farm Kitchen at One Nimman features Thai dishes incorporating their farm-fresh produce. Another organic and farm-to-table adopter is Ohkajhu, started by three local university graduates in 2013. They have two restaurant outlets in Chiang Mai fed by their farms – the original in Sansai to the north of the city and one close to the airport. I love the generosity of their tasty Thai dishes.
Image: supplied, Ori9in Gourmet Farm
Ori9in Gourmet Farm is the brainchild of Michelin trained Chef James Noble and his wife, Khun May. They supply organic and sustainable produce to some of Chiang Mai and Bangkok’s best high-end restaurants and some of the region’s most notable hotel brands. During the non-rainy season (October to March), they operate the “Waiting for May” picnic restaurant on-site. Have a gourmet picnic in the gardens enjoying all farm-fresh ingredients and Chef James’ culinary flair. Farm tours are also available to picnickers.
Image: supplied, Chivit Thamma Da Cafe and Bistro
Travel with the heart dining in Chiang Rai must include Chivit Thamma Da Cafe and Bistro. Situated in two lovely colonial-style buildings on the banks of the Kok River, Chivit Thamma Da is a strong supporter of Slow Food. This means organic and sustainable, local (no imported food miles) and Fair Trade, thus ensuring their local producers and suppliers can share in their success. An absolute favourite in Chiang Rai, open from 9 am to 9 pm daily.
Cooking Schools – Hands-On Learning
Cooking schools are easy to find across northern Thailand. Here are two suggestions that resonate with our travel with the heart theme.
Image: supplied, Thai Akha Cooking School
Thai Akha Cooking School is just a kilometre south of the Old City, offering morning and evening classes. Members of the Akha Hill Tribe community operate this cooking school. As well as preparing and enjoying several Thai dishes, you will gain some insight into the Akha people and their stories. Cooking instructor Niti had our group captivated from start to finish.
Image: supplied, Thai Farm Cooking School
As the name suggests, Thai Farm Cooking School is based on their own organic farm just 17 km from central Chiang Mai. They have an office in the Old City and provide city pickup/return as part of their full or half-day course. As well as creating and eating several classic Thai dishes, you get to see where your organic produce comes from – literally just a couple of meters outside the cooking kitchen. Organic farmer and cooking instructor Khun Sawat’s genuine enthusiasm is infectious.
Massage
Holidays are not complete without pampering and relaxation, and Thai massage is a must when visiting the “Land of Smiles”. Said to have its roots in India and practised for 2,500 years, the healing benefits of Thai Massages are well documented. From simple to deluxe, Thai massage studios can be found wherever you travel in the Kingdom, and northern Thailand is no exception. Here are a couple of options that easily link with our theme.
Image: supplied, Lila Massage
Lila Thai Massage has two conveniently located studios in Chiang Mai’s Old City, offering an extensive treatment menu, and has a compelling back story. Former Director of Chiang Mai Women’s Prison, Naowarat Thanasrisutharat, during her tenure, instigated a massage therapist training program to equip selected soon-to-be-released inmates with skills to help support their lives. And then, in 2008, Khun Naowarat created Lila Thai Massage, becoming a direct employer and dedicated training ground for these women as they re-join society. Pre-pandemic, Lila Thai Massage had eight operating studios across Chiang Mai and hopefully will be reopening these as international visitors return. It is our first choice for Thai massage when in Chiang Mai.
Image: supplied, Supatra Blind Massage
Our other choice is blind massage, with many of the current masseuses getting their break thanks to Dr Aud Kaewthong. In the 1980s, he took a massage class in Bangkok and realised that, due to being born blind, his sense of touch was profoundly developed. Thanks to Dr Aud, more than 1,000 blind massage therapists now work in Thailand, and his training has spread into other Southeast Asian communities. Examples of this movement are Supatra Blind Massage in the northeast corner of the Old City, a simple and highly regarded studio. Perception Blind Massage has a slightly more polished feel and is just inside the Thapae Gate of the Old City. Both are excellent options to experience your blind massage.
Image: supplied, Lisu Eco Lodge
Community-based Tourism, Hilltribes, and Immersive Experiences
Lisu Eco Lodge is only a 50-minute drive north of Chiang Mai city and is a community-based tourism project operated by the local Lisu hill tribe people. The lodge has four spacious guest houses in a tranquil valley surrounded by organic rice fields, vegetable gardens, and orchards. Two day-one-night stays on a half-board basis will have you experiencing community life first-hand, including a guided village tour. Add-on activities like guided nature walks, bamboo river rafting, or other hill tribe experiences can be arranged. Be sure to do the tour of their award-winning Araksa Tea Gardens less than 6 km from Lisu Lodge.
Image: supplied, Araksa Tea Gardens
Journey to Freedom is a week-long full-immersion project that embeds (paying) volunteers into a Karen hill tribe community while gaining a fascinating insight into rehabilitated elephants’ lives. Witness the daily life of the Karen people, become involved in the community and experience intimate encounters with the world’s largest land mammal. You will learn about agriculture and community, develop learning experiences for local school children, assist in the daily care of elephants and live in a cultural exchange at a tribal village in the mountains of Chiang Mai.
Image: supplied. Journey to Freedom
Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre just 60 km north of Chiang Mai. Founder ‘Lek’ Saengduean Chailert has championed ethical elephant conservation since 1996. Her “Saddle Off” care of rescued elephants is now being adopted by many camps and conservation parks across Thailand. The park currently offers sanctuary to elephants, buffalo, numerous dogs, cats, birds, and many other rescued animals. You can visit for a day, overnight, or stay on-site for the fully inclusive and highly regarded week-long volunteering programs. If caring for elephants seems daunting, their dog or cat shelters have many furry friends waiting for your attention.
Image: supplied, Elephant Nature Park
Chiang Rai – Immersive Farm Stays and Eco-Luxe Resorts
Just under 40 km northwest of Chiang Rai at the base of Mae Salong Mountain is Ahsa Farmstay. A working farm with four delightfully rustic-luxe guest rooms, perfect for couples, solo travellers and families. Stays are full-board, with much of the produce straight from the surrounding fields. As most meals are an opportunity for a cooking class, get ‘hands-on’ with your host family and learn the art of Lanna (Northern Thai) cuisine, or head to the fields for some farm experiences.
Image: supplied, Ahsa Farmstay
At 32 acres, there is lots to do on the farm, from collecting fresh eggs to feeding the ducks and geese, learning about rice cultivation, or tapping the estate’s rubber trees. Guided treks in the surrounding hills, including hill-tribe village visits, are available. Return to the farm for a traditional massage or relax in Ahsa’s take on a traditional herbal sauna. There is always plenty to see, learn and experience on this working farm.
Image: supplied, Ahsa Farmstay
Phu Chaisai, which translates as “Mountain of Clear Heart”, is just under an hour from Chiang Rai and is perhaps one of Thailand’s first boutique resorts. Perched atop a bamboo clad mountain with spectacular Mae Salong valley views, Phu Chaisai is a reminder that mindful living with nature is possible, even in this modern age. Created and operated by one of Thailand’s leading interior designers, M.L. Sudavdee Kriangkrai, or Mom Da as the locals call her, its design is harmonious with its surroundings while providing suitable comfort for guests.
Image: supplied, Phu Chaisai
The fresh mountain air is cleansing and reduces the need for air conditioning, while televisions and alarm clocks are absent. Hike the marked trails on this 800-acre organic estate, visit their oolong tea plantation or learn local dishes in the resort’s cooking school. Phu Chaisai’s overall “less is more” concept creates a genuine opportunity for you to immerse yourselves in the natural rhythm and environment of the glorious far north.
Image: supplied, Phu Chaisai
Travel with the Heart
Perhaps the most significant benefit of ‘travelling with the heart’ is a richer, more satisfying, and memorable experience for visitors. Seasoned travellers can tell you it is the genuine connection with people and communities that changes you, not the destination itself. This type of responsible travel puts real faces and names to the communities we are visiting. It is an opportunity to slow down, ground ourselves and find something we have lost.
Northern Thailand has an abundance of eco-friendly, sustainable, and community-based activities for travellers who want to dive deep into the region’s essence and travel mindfully. This article highlights a few we believe are worth particular mention. Happy travels.
Guest blogger John Borthwick takes a look at developments in sustainable and regenerative tourism in Thailand.
“I’m a coral gardener,” says Thai marine ecologist Khun Aorn as she surfaces, grinning, from the Gulf of Thailand waters. We’re at Koh Talu island in Prachuap Khiri Khan province where she and dive-master Khun Oh have been leading local school kids in a coral regeneration project. We head out to a pontoon where the students learn how to tie fingers of staghorn coral to a tubular frame that is then lowered to the seabed. Over the next few months these will bloom to form a new coral garden.
Copyright John Borthwick
Aorn, 28, is one of a generation of educated, engaged young Thais making both an impact and a career in conservation. For travellers interested in similar marine activities several commercial operators organise ‘voluntourism’ programs at islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Fee-paying volunteers, who are interested in coral or sea turtle projects, typically work a five-day week as part of a supervised team and should be certified divers.
Copyright John Borthwick
Thai beach resorts often support local sea turtle sanctuaries and involve guests who might be cash-rich but time-poor. At Khao Lumpee-Haad Thaymuang National Park in Phang Nga province guests from the nearby Aleenta Phuket Resort can sponsor and release turtle hatchlings. Further south on that same Andaman coast, guests and visitors at Phuket’s JW Marriott resort can observe the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation at work. And of course volunteer a donation.
Thai National Parks
An overlooked but major contributor to low-impact tourism is Thailand’s extensive network of national parks. Many offer ranger–led excursions as well as budget cabins and camping sites. Koh Tarutao Island in Satun province on the southern Andaman coast is a good example. The park headquarters rents basic bungalows and tent sites, from where you can range out by foot or bicycle to encounter truly untrammelled beaches, jungle birdlife and giant monitor lizards.
Tip: book well ahead for National Park accommodation and try to avoid Thai national holidays.
Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand’s unsung wonders, is a 740 sq km domain of rainforest, lakes and limestone peaks. Located inland north of Phuket it is part of Thailand’s largest wilderness area. Visitors can stay in low-impact pontoon cabins that become their base for jungle excursions to spot macaques and gibbons. A few hours spent kayaking on the park’s magical Cheow Lan Lake may be among your most personally regenerative ones ever.
Copyright John Borthwick
Meanwhile, the waterways of Phuket Marine National Park in the north of the island shelter a series of species-rich mangrove trails. Exploring them in a rental kayak is the probably the holiday island’s best, least-known thrill.
Elephants Matter
Recent years have seen a radical reappraisal in Thailand of elephant rides and other exploitative practices. ‘Due to attitudes among inbound tourists, many of the activities we once offered have changed,’ says John Roberts who oversaw the Anantara Golden Triangle resort’s elephant camp for two decades. Elephant polo and rides are gone, replaced by activities like a morning ‘Walk With Giants’, as offered by the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.
The GTAE foundation which cares for 20 rescue elephants runs a ‘no fee’ program for volunteers who make a minimum two-week work commitment. Other ethical operators include Phuket’s Elephant Sanctuary where half- and full-day programmes for visitors start from around $125 a head, as well as shorter tours of its excellent 12ha home for a dozen rescue elephants.
Copyright John Borthwick
At around $400 a week, feeding and maintaining a rescue elephant is not cheap. To be frank, with elephants (and many other sustainability programs) your most effective form of voluntourisn is to volunteer a direct donation to an efficient, dedicated foundation.
More Samlors
Samlor drivers Khun Phrayad, 52 and Khun Sa-At, 64 are among the last of their tribe. Piloting their three-wheeled pedicabs around the streets of Chiang Mai they still feel like spring chickens, especially when compared to their oldest colleague who retired at age 98. Samlors have been dying out across the country for decades, replaced by tuk-tuks and taxis. Next time you see one, hail the driver and go for a relaxing ride around town. Yes, he’s working hard (but efficiently) and you’re not exploiting him. In fact, you’re sustaining a piece of Thai communal history and, more directly, also a family’s livelihood. Tip generously, of course.
Copyright: John Borthwick
The First Resort
When checking out where to stay, first consider if your potential hotel or resort performs more than just ‘greenwashing’ eco-gestures. Have they ditched single-use plastics (especially water bottles)? Do they separate and recycle cardboard, glass and aluminium? They’ve replaced plastic straws with paper straws? And so on, from composting organic waste to the use of LED lights throughout the property. Some do, many don’t.
Aleenta Resort in Phuket rewards locals with a free coffee for picking up litter on the beach.
A tip that keeps on giving
Thailand is a tipping culture. Well-intentioned travellers engage there each day with a large, unacknowledged ‘community’ — the waiters, drivers, guides, hawkers and dozens of others who enable our journeys and entertainment. They are often members of Thailand’s large informal economy, and many have suffered greatly during Covid-19’s decimation of their livelihoods. The most effective, direct-action way that a traveller can sustain this most real community is to engage their services — and to tip appreciatively.
Random Acts of Sensible Stuff
When shopping for souvenirs, always check if they are made locally, and not in a far-off foreign factory. Be sure to turn off the air-conditioning when exiting your hotel room. Don’t buy flowers, etc from child hawkers — it’s not supporting community but child exploitation.
When tourism rebooted, guest blogger John Borthwick jumped aboard Thai Airways’ new direct flight from Sydney to Phuket. Here’s a little of what he found.
Phuket is back. That is, Phuket visitors are back. The Old Town is humming and Patong is rocking. The kayaking’s excellent and Phang Nga Bay is still as close as we get to a glimpse of heaven on earth. Sample a few of these Phuket moments.
Copyright Aleney De Winter
Copyright John Borthwick
Copyright John Borthwick
Copyright John Borthwick
Copyright John Borthwick
Mangrove Kayaking
Phuket Marine National Park in the far north is home to the island’s best, cheapest and probably least-known thrill. Kayaking along the water trails of Thachatchai mangrove forest is one of the best few hours you’ll spend anywhere. Buttressed mangrove roots line the channels you paddle through while water crows watch your progress. Hire a guide and kayak at the park headquarters.
Elephant Sanctuary
Tourist stunts like riding elephants, trunk ‘paintings’ and other mistreatments are out. ‘Look, don’t touch’ is the deal today at ethical Thai reserves such as Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Park. There’s an elevated 500 metre walkway from which you can observe the sanctuary’s dozen rescue elephants as they amble about, forage and bathe. There are scheduled tours of this excellent 12 ha domain, plus extended educational experiences.
Temples
The big one is Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most visited shrine, which houses a bone fragment said to be from the historic Buddha. A 60-metre sacred ‘chedi’towers rises over the complex.The island wouldn’t be Thailand without at least a dozen temples, so look around: there’s probably a wat, and certainly a shrine, not far from where you’re staying.
Beaches
With 50 km of Andaman Sea beaches that loop from headland to headland, if you can’t find a Phuket shoreline that love, you’re probably allergic to sand. Patong Beach was one of the original visitor magnets, and still is, but the farther north you travel up the west coast, the sands become ever emptier and lovelier. Northern Phuket is a world apart from the traffic and mall sprawl found elsewhere and up here you’ll find Mai Khao Beach. Stretching to infinity, if not 11 km, this is island’s longest and finest beach.
Copyright John Borthwick
Copyright John Borthwick
Copyright John Borthwick
Phang Nga Bay
Phuket’s east coast faces this sublime bay, one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world. Much of it is national park where karst limestone islands float like snoozing sea monsters. The Phi Phi islands are always busy but their stunning Maya Bay is now from protected from over-tourism. The bay’s twin Koh Yao islands are low-key and languid, have quality resorts and will tempt you to escape for another week longer.
Phuket Old Town
History happened here long before beachcombers and tourism talent scouts ‘discovered’ the island 50 years ago. As befits what was an important hub for trading boats from the East and Europe, Phuket Old Town still retains that past. Among its 19th century Sino-Portuguese shop-houses is the elegant Tu Kab Khao restaurant on Phang Nga Road where family recipes like spiced crab feature among the traditional Peranakan and Thai dishes.
Copyright John Borthwick
Walking Street
Phuket Walking Street is a Sunday night market that takes over historic Thalang Road in the Old Town. Sample the southern Thai culinary specialties on offer and pick up a few local handicraft gifts. It’s all family-oriented with toy stalls and buskers but if you have the chance, also duck into one of the new, upmarket bars and try a local Chalong Bay Rum-based cocktail.
Copyright John Borthwick
Museums
As the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, Phuket evolved last century from an overlooked tin mining province to a wealthy tourist mecca. Encapsulating that change, in the north of the island you can find the three-storey Art Deco home known as Baan Ah-Jor (Great-Grandparents Home).Built in 1936 by a tin-mining entrepreneur, the mansion has been carefully restored as a private museum that showcases the daily life of a wealthy 1930’s Thai-Chinese family. And then have a meal at the museum’s excellent Red Table restaurant.
Thailand has some of the world’s most progressive hotels when it comes to leaving a minimal footprint. Which means you can sleep soundly across the country in hotels that unite style and sustainability.
In Phuket, a collaboration between JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Minor Hotels (Anantara, Avani) is working to fund environmental programs that support fragile marine life, such as the foundation’s Nesting Beach Patrols, protecting leatherback turtles that return to nest on the sands of Mai Khao.
Also in Phuket, five-star Keemala has a strong commitment to environmental and ethical practices. From the villa design to the landscaping, garden-to-table culinary approach, plastic-waste free policy and ethically sourced materials, everything has been carefully considered to help ensure a greener future.
AKARYN Hotel Group is one of the hospitality pioneers in Thailand to nix single-use plastics and, among several other sustainable initiatives – it now invests in solar panels, has started an organic farmers market at its Aleenta Phuket resort which also rewards locals and guests for beach cleanups with a free coffee at its beachside cafe.
Travel north to witness the work of the trendsetting Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF), which is co-funded by the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort and Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. The sanctuary has, for over a decade, promoted the ethical treatment of elephants, with its camp where mahouts (handlers) and pachyderms co-exist in a safe, peaceful and natural setting – a benchmark for sustainability.
Green is the new black… More and more people are seeking (sustainable) fun under the sun, so here are some of Thailand’s best green locations to choose from – green in more ways than one!
Ko Phaluai, Surat Thani.
One of the larger islands in Ang Thong Archipelago, Ko Phaluai is a model of green lifestyle with locals switching to renewable energy sources including wind turbines and solar panels to help lower their carbon footprint.
Ko Mak, Trat
Known for being a green island resort, Ko Mak is a place visitors can explore sustainably with low impact activities including biking, kayaking, and sailing. Solar farms are a norm on this island.
Bang Kachao, Samut Prakarn
A huge green lung of Bangkok, Bang Krachao is dense with trees and a laidback lifestyle despite it being a stone’s throw from Bangkok.
Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima
A massive area of a lush rainforest that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, Khao Yai National Park encompasses four provinces of Thailand’s central and northeast regions and it is home to a biodiverse range of flora and fauna, from elephants, wild deer and gibbons to hornbills and colourful kingfishers.
After one of the toughest years in tourism history, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney Office (TAT) celebrated Loy Krathong with the launch of a new marketing campaign: Amazing New Chapters.
After the Great Lockdown, the tourism industry is anticipating the Great Reboot and of course the Great Rebound.
The ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ campaign focusses on three ‘Amazing New Chapters’ inviting the world’s travellers to experience a deeper connection with the Kingdom’s unique culture and precious environment.
Chapter 1: Awaken Your Senses
This chapter highlights tourism products and services that will awaken all five senses; delicious Thai cuisine and the picturesque natural scenery that can be discovered all throughout the kingdom.
Chapter 2: The One You Love
Chapter 2 focuses on tourism segments including families, couples, and friends, inviting travellers to create wonderful memories together in Thailand.
Chapter 3: The Earth We Care
This chapter aims to highlight how nature has been revitalised. The COVID-19 situation has increased ecotourism awareness among the world’s travellers and how their behaviour has impacted the environment. There is an increased trend to spending more time in nature and being increasingly conscious of the impact on natural resources.
Another focus for TAT is communicate a passion for Responsible Travel, something tourism operators throughout Thailand have embraced, providing a higher quality experience for their guests as a result. This has been achieved by considering all tourism implications on the environment, wildlife, plantations, and local Thai communities, providing tourists with a more meaningful experience.
In 2022, TAT expects the tourism sector to generate THB 1.58 trillion, accounted around 50 per cent of the pre-COVID 19 era, which includes 51 per cent international and 49 per cent domestic.
The last decade has been one of huge change for Phuket, with both government and private enterprise coming together to redefine and protect the destination for years to come. Travel writer Chris Ashton shares insights on how to be a responsible traveller in Phuket.
A little slice of tropical perfection in the Andaman Sea, Phuket welcomes almost 10 million visitors each year. With such high visitation, the small island has grappled with the effects of over tourism for years, yet that could be a thing of the past as the island looks to reinvent itself as one of the most sustainable destinations in Thailand.
There’s the No Foam No Plastic campaign which has been encouraging hotels and retail outlets to swap single use plastics for more sustainable options since early 2019. A ban on smoking on beaches has also helped to reduce the number of butts making their way into the environment, as well as make beaches a more enjoyable place for all visitors.
Image: Mai Khao Turtle Foundation
In the hotel space, a collaboration between JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Minor Hotels (Anantara, Avani) is working to fund environmental programs that support fragile marine life, such as leatherback turtles which return to nest on the beaches of Mai Khao.
How can you make a difference as a visitor to Phuket? By being conscious of your impact on the community and environment, by choosing to stay at hotels and resorts that take green initiatives seriously, and by seeking out ethical, sustainable activities wherever possible.
Keen to know more? Here’s a conscious travellers’ guide to Phuket.
Where to stay
If there’s one industry with the power to create a more sustainable Phuket, it’s hospitality.
Resorts such as five-star Keemala in the island’s west understand this responsibility, with a strong commitment to environmental and ethical practices. From the villa design to the landscaping, everything has been carefully considered to help ensure a greener future.
Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary Phuket has won numerous awards for its environmental practices too, working with eco-advisory EarthCheck to minimise its impact on the planet.
Where to dine
Farm to plate dining is so hot right now, and Phuket is not immune to its charm. Knowing and understanding where our food comes from, where it’s grown and sourced, and the passion that goes into every dish adds to the experience. It can also be a lot of fun.
The Michelin-star rated PRU Restaurant, which stands for “plant, raise, understand”, at Trisara Resort is a big advocate of the farm to plate ethos. Around 60-70% of the fruit and vegetables used within the 18-seater restaurant comes from their own 100-hectare farm.
Image: Jampa Restaurant
They’re not alone either. Local Phuket restaurant and caterer Jampa has a zero waste, locally sourced approach to cooking, and they’re never far away from a wood fire. Sustainability is at the forefront of their minds and their menus – and it shows.
What to do
When not lounging on a deserted beach or visiting the Big Buddha at Nakkerd Hill, cycling and walking tours are a fun way to get a more local perspective of the island, visiting smaller villages and contributing to communities.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a home for retired elephants, and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project do incredible work protecting the endangered animals of the island. If you want to learn about wildlife conservation from ethical operators, these are essential.
Image: Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre
Wherever you stay or whatever you do, being conscious of your impact on the environment can help ensure Phuket remains an island paradise worth falling in love with.
