Ecotourism Thailand:
Travel as Green as the Jungles

Formerly known as Siam, the Kingdom of Thailand is west of Laos and Cambodia, north of the Gulf of Thailand, and east of Burma. About the size of France, ecotourism Thailand packs a potent ecoholiday for green travelers. The mountains around Chiang Mai and to the north offer challenging trekking, while the coast to the south around Phukhet nurtures vegetation of both the leafy and ecoholiday variety. Isan, a region in the northeast, is a great area to soak up local culture and perhaps live as a typical rice farmer while visiting. The climate is true to its tropical nature year-round. The heat and humidity (and air pollution) are so strong that the marathon in Bangkok begins before dawn so the runners can run in slightly better air conditions.

One of the best places to see protected wild elephants in Thailand is Kui Buri National Park near Burma to the west. You can also catch glimpses of endangered species like leopards and tapirs. Also highly endangered are the giant leatherback turtles, who come to Tai Muang beach north of Phukhet as the last place in Thailand where they lay their eggs. Volunteers with diving experience are sometimes invited to participate in the marine life surveys as part of the project to protect these turtles.

As part of the cultural aspect of ecotourism Thailand, I thoroughly enjoyed Monk Chat at one of the monasteries in Chiang Mai. For a brief time on certain days, visitors are allowed to come chat with monks as an opportunity for the monks to practice English and other languages as well as for us to ask them questions about monastic life. Be advised that women are not allowed to touch the monks or their robes. And if you are interested in a home-stay cultural experience, visit Phu Wua Wildlife Reserve in the northeast near the Mekong River.

Bangkok, the capital city, is bustling and can be overwhelming with traffic, noise, heat and haze. But it does have some treasures not to be missed. As is the case all around the country, beautiful, ornate and intricately decorated Buddhist temples or wats abound.

Ecotourism Thailand: Know Before You Go

• If you are a woman, never touch a monk or his robes.
• The head is considered the highest part of the body (figuratively). Never touch someone's head.
• Feet are considered the lowest part of the body (also figuratively) and are dirty. Do not touch someone with your feet or point them at someone.
• Do not step over someone.
• Ask before taking someone's photograph.
• Thai avoid confrontations when possible. Please do not raise your voice or yell.

And as good ecotourists:
• Do not take pictures from peddlers who are hawking endangered or captive animals.
• Do not purchase, barter for, or remove any endangered species or any species that looks like it has been removed from its natural environment. Wild birds, wild orchids, wild animal skins...do not take them.
• Do not participate in the mistreatment of animals. If you choose to take an elephant trek, make sure the elephants are treated with care and are not mistreated in any way. Check to make sure they are fed and watered well and are not abused. Do not participate in activities that would traumatize animals--like petting baby elephants.
• Do not litter.
• When you see violations of proper ecotourism practices, point them out to officials politely and in a non-confrontational manner. Otherwise those conditions may never change.

Thailand is a truly magical place to visit...the people and the place are beautiful. And as ecotourists, we can help keep it that way. Enjoy!

Interested in exploring an Ecotourism Thailand adventure? Check out Trouble-Free Travel before you go.