Living in Pattaya, it’s all too easy to forget Thailand is a country of stunning natural beauty and extraordinary bio-diversity, with lofty mountain ranges in the North and Northeast, an alluvial central plain, and rain forest in the South.
Despite Thailand’s rapid development, there are still pristine areas for the adventure-inclined to explore. Accordingly, while in Thailand, one should take every opportunity to experience its amazing natural features in all their glory.
However, because this series of articles concerns green issues, the only tourism it can recommend is ecotourism. This type of tourism demonstrates a keen concern for the environment, culture, tradition and the sustainable resources of the planet, while simultaneously creating revenue, and involving and guaranteeing a fair distribution of income to the local people.
Over the past few years, Thailand’s tourism and its prosperity have undoubtedly benefited the country’s economy, but, sadly, to the detriment of its natural environment.
Logging and encroachment have decimated forests. Industry has polluted waterways and marine waters. Unchecked development has replaced greenery with concrete.
The sea has suffered, too, as over-fishing and looting of marine life have ruined previously unspoiled areas. This particularly applies to Pattaya, where the neighbouring coral has become degraded by irresponsible diving.
Animals have suffered most, as habitats shrink and illegal trading in wildlife continues.

Sustainable development
Thankfully, Thailand is realising the need to preserve its natural heritage, advised by green groups and international organisations so as to establish guidelines and practices leading to sustainable development.
In its forest and marine parks, locals have been encouraged to participate in tourism, showing them the benefits of preserving the environment rather than exploiting it.
By its very nature, ecotourism is ‘Responsible Tourism’, emphasising a ‘low-environmental impact’. Groups are small, and tours advise on safety and give guidance on how to avoid damaging the environment.
What to see
Waterfalls
Many of Thailand’s national parks house some absolutely spectacular waterfalls (though beware of flash floods). They are not always in the most accessible of places and frequently involve trekking, but the end result almost invariably makes the effort well worthwhile, not to mention the often incredibly beautiful scenery en route.
Once you reach the vicinity of the waterfall, you can picnic and/or join the locals in the waterfall pool. Here are some highly recommended waterfalls for your delectation. In the South, 100 m-high, 12-tiered Dat Fa Waterfall is the finest in the area, approximately 46 km from Surat Thani. Nearby is 40m-high, nine-tiered Muang Thuat Waterfall, 20 km from Amphoe Ban Na San, and Than Thip Waterfall in Amphoe Wiang Sa. Going up north, in the vicinity of Kanchanaburi, of Bridge over the River Kwai fame, are Erawan and Sai Yok Waterfalls, in the national parks of the same name. In the same area are Pa La-U, Namnuang, Mae Surin and Mae
Sa Waterfalls. If you want to stay overnight at the various sites, it’s advisable to take your own camping gear.

Caving
Likewise in Thailand’s National Parks, you can find some fascinating caves. Some are distinctive, not least because of their magical and mystical associations, with others serving as active temples and meditation retreats.
Many feature spectacular rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites, while others contain rivers and ponds.
Two of Thailand’s most famous caves are at Chiang Dao in the North and Tham Phi Hua To (Big-headed Ghost Cave) at the very southern tip of Thailand in Krabi.

Hot springs
The therapeutic value of hot springs is beyond dispute, particularly for sufferers of back pains, rheumatism and arthritis.
Thailand possesses a wide variety of hot springs, ranging from simple pools to those incorporated in spas and health centres, but nearly always in highly attractive settings.
Three notable hot springs are at Sankampaeng in the North, and Ranong and Raksawarin Park Arboretum in the South.

National parks
Thailand possesses 102 national parks (81 land & 21 marine), 57 wildlife sanctuaries, and 55 protected non-hunting areas, covering an area of around 25,000 square kms.
Originally created to protect to preserve Thailand’s natural heritage from exploitation and feature a wide range of flora and fauna, the parks are home to a considerable variety of animal species, from elephants and bears to bats and birds.
The parks are of two sorts: the ‘forest-based’ parks that comprise jungle and trees, or the ‘marine’ parks that often encompass strings of islands and help protect a range of marine life.
Trekking is very popular in the mainland parks, especially in the North, whereas the parks in the South are favourites among divers and snorkelers, offering as they do clear waters and rich coral reefs, far more spectacular than those around Pattaya. Most of the parks are relatively accessible, but there’s an entrance fee of Bt200 per head for foreigners.
Key parks include Tham Pla Phaseau and Huai Nam Dang National Parks in Mae Hong Son, Thale Ban National Park in Satun, Phu Wiang National Park in Khon Kaen, Phu Jong Nayoi Forest near Laos, Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchburi, Angthong National Marine Park in Samui and Koh Tarutao National Marine Park, and Tai Rom Yen National Park in Surat Thani.

What to do
Ecotourism now encompasses a considerable range of adventure and travel activities, but it’s highly inadvisable to go off adventuring on your own, especially in the rain forests.
It’s far better to avail yourself of the services of small eco-tour groups. One such is “Open World” that conducts culture, nature and conservation tours throughout Thailand and the Great Mekong Sub-region Countries, including the Tiger Conservation Programme, Thai Lifestyle, Sightseeing, Flora & Fauna Programme and bird-watching trips.
Another eco-group, Treetop Asia, was featured in our issue two months back and includes not only the rainforest adventures, zip-lining etc. dubbed the “Flight of the Gibbon” in Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan and near Sri Racha, but also a variety of other kindred adventures like trekking, white water rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking, all including the option of home-stays in Mae Kompong, a traditional Thai village.

Cycling tours
Off the beaten tourist track, there is a wonderful opportunity to explore the essential Thailand in all its splendour. The sheer mobility of cycling allows first-hand experience of a simpler rural life, with its distinctive sights, sounds, aromas, and tastes.
Northern Thailand’s mountainous region, comprising natural forests, ridges, and deep narrow alluvial valleys, is most suitable for expert riders; whereas easier options are the Central Plains, the basin of the Chao Phraya River, with its lush, fertile rice fields; the Northeast region, of the Korat Plateau, with its undulating hills; and the Southern region, varying from hills to mountains, dense virgin forests, as well as the coastlines of the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west.
The beauty of cycling is that you can include a variety of eco-adventure options in your itinerary, including river rafting, trekking, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking or rock climbing.

Rock climbing
Some of the best locations for rock climbing are in the central regions near Huay Kha Khaneng Wildlife Sancturary in Uthai Thani Province, or in the magnificent limestone mountains that run through Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khuri Khan.
There is a site in Chonburi, but by far the most spectacular are the coastal cliffs of Railay Beach in Krabi; the climbing mecca of the South. For abseiling, Ban Pha Ngam, Prachinburi Province is quite popular. Needless to say, unless you’re an expert, you’ll need an experienced guide and instructor.

Snorkelling/scuba diving
Many of you will be familiar with the dive sites around the waters of Pattaya, but they are a poor second to the dive sites of the Ang Thong National Marine Park, near Samui, particularly the clear waters of Koh Tao, recognised as the best diving venue in the Gulf, and those on the other side of the peninsula in the Andaman, near Phuket.
All of which guarantee tropical marine environments like no other, superbly rich in extraordinary flora and fish.

Kayaking/canoeing
Kayaking/canoeing, the eco-tourist activity par excellence, tones you up and heightens your sense of awareness, without alarming the wildlife.
Some of the most spectacular sites for sea-kayaking/canoeing are around Krabi, Phuket and Phang-Nga Bay, and the waters off Trang; all of which feature breathtaking, sheer-sided sugar-loaf islands.
Alternatively, if you want to combine spectacular tropical islands, dense verdant jungle and amazing underwater scenery, go to Tarutao National Park. If exotic bird and wildlife observing is your preference, try the Khao Soke National Park; the ultimate sanctuary in Southern Thailand.

White water rafting
Thailand’s mountain streams meandering through the rainforests are perfect for white water rafting. Apart from the exhilaration and death-defying experience of the rapids, the more tranquil passages allow an unprecedented exposure to the rich bio-diversity of flora and fauna, unlike anything you’ve ever encountered. Rafting comes in three categories: beginners (class 1-2), moderate (class 3-4) and experienced (class 4-5); just take your pick.

Trekking
Being positioned in a unique biological crossroads, Thailand contains the richest variety of flora and fauna in Asia, and what better way to experience it than by trekking? With one proviso, it’s advisable to go with an experienced eco-tour company, to get the most out of the experience.
Most of the wilderness areas are in the national parks, with the richest diversity of wildlife. It’s definitely a seasonal pursuit, though, best experienced in the Cool Season, when the trails are dry, there are fewer leaches and insects, and the streams are clear. Try Doi Inthanon, Doi Luang Chiangdao, Doi Lanka, Doi Pui in the North; Phu Kradung, and Phu Rua in the Northeast; and Khao Luang in the South.
Summer may not be as pleasant, but the forest has a beauty all its own, as like autumn in the West, leaves change colour and various wild orchids bloom. Tung Yai, and Huay Kakeng in the West, and Khao Sok, Halabala in the South are ideal in this season.
The Rainy Season, however, sees the forest its best, with an abundance of bamboo shoots, mushrooms and edible wild plants and berries, to accompany the plethora of exotic wild flowers. The only drawbacks are heavy rainfall, slippery and muddy trails, and insects galore. Doi Intanon and Pu Soi Dao in the North; Pu Woa, Pha Tam in the Northeast; and Khao Yai, and Pang Sida in the Central region are best suited to this season.

Flora and fauna
Having a varied climate and a unique natural diversity, from rainforests and freshwater swamp forests, mountains and lush valleys, to spectacularly beautiful beaches and islands, Thailand inevitably revels in an amazing array of fruit trees, pine and maple, bamboo, tropical hardwoods, and about 10,000 floral species, many unique.
The Northern wildlife is largely Indochinese in origin, whereas in the South it’s similar to that of Malaysia and Indonesia. The national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are home to many hundreds of species of mammals, including tigers, leopards, bears, civets, tapirs, elephants, deer, and monkeys.
Khao Yai, with its herds of wild elephants and barking deer, is considered one of the best managed parks in the world, whereas Kang Krachan, Thailand’s largest park, is home to tigers, elephants, boars, wild cattle, gibbons, hornbills, barking deer, and Asiatic black bear.
Bird-watching
Thailand is considered one of the most bird-rich countries in the world, with 955 species; more than in Europe and North America put together. Many, however, are migrants from Northern Eurasia.
The majority of birds are found in forested national parks or sanctuaries, like Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s tallest mountain, home to 400 bird species; some of the most common include woodpeckers, hornbills, jungle babblers, sunbirds, flycatchers and flower-peckers. The wetlands and coastal areas also support a great variety of open-country and water birds.
This brief survey will have given you a taste of ecotourism.
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