Over the last few years there has been a world-wide explosion in interest in eco-tourism. People from many walks of life have recognized 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.