Turquoise blue sea, dreamy white beaches and limestone cliffs rising steeply from the water invite you to climb, hike, dive, snorkel and discover the jungle. Of course, this spectacular scenery attracts a vast number of tourists, but Krabi has more to offer than just these tourist hotspots.
The local tourism authority, TAT, has developed strategies for a more sustainable vacation that also benefits the local communities. Additionally, travel in the low season contributes to more sustainable and authentic travel experience, a win-win situation for everyone!
Which projects does Krabi Support to Ensure Sustainability
In 2018, the region was named a “Global Low-Carbon Ecological Scenic Spot” at the 2018 Annual Session of Global Forum on Human Settlements and Sustainable Cities award ceremony, UNESCAP. The campaign “no single-use plastic, no foam containers” has been running for over a year and has been successfully implemented at some major events, such as the Krabi Naga festival. The food stalls found alternative ways to cook dishes using solar energy and biodiesel plants. Last year also saw the launch of the far-reaching “TRASH” Project (Tourism to Recycling Actions for the Schools and Homes) in collaboration with the Unilever Group, which includes waste reduction, recycling and clean-ups. The TRASH Project supports communities, schools and tourist attractions with training programs and information, as well as waste management and waste separation solutions. The aim is to establish a circular economy and to expand the project to the whole of Thailand in the future. “Discarded, non-recycled waste is the cause of many social and ecological problems. They also affect Thailand’s image as a high-quality travel destination. This project will give our 55 up-and-coming provincial travel destinations a chance to address these challenges now so they don’t have to deal with the consequences later,” said Chutathip Chareonlarp, executive director of the TAT Governor’s Office.
Community-Based Tourism in Krabi
If you are looking for insights into the local culture, then look no further than Andaman Discoveries. The organisation is focused on community-based tourism and you can book multi-day homestays or day trips from and with locals. This is a unique experience benefitting both you are the communities as your payment goes directly to them. With the inhabitants of the Laem Sak community, for example, you can spend two days kayaking to a rare 3000-year-old painting, visit seaweed and sea grape farms and taste local food. Laem Sak is a well-kept insider secret, with its stunning mangrove forests, turquoise sea and cultural diversity. The different religions have managed to live peacefully side by side for centuries; in the region, you will find a Buddhist temple next to a mosque and a Baba Nyonya shrine. If you decide to experience Laem Sak for several days with overnight homestays you will learn a lot about the life of the local people. In the early morning you can go out with the fishermen, then at noon, you can watch how long-tail boats are made or batik clothes before you set off for an afternoon trip into the diverse natural surroundings. To end the fascinating day, you will prepare your evening meal together.
Further readings: Sustainability despite long-haul flight: discover gentle tourism in Thailand
Nature and Nothing Else: Khao Phanom Bencha
If you enjoy immersing yourself in nature, the many amazing national parks of Krabi are perfect for you. We recommend a visit to the densely forested 50 km2 national park Khao Phanom Bencha, which is known for its many caves and waterfalls. Make sure not to miss the spectacular Huai To Falls where the water cascades over 80 m into five large and many smaller pools – and you can even swim here! We advise you to plan a little extra time and to also experience the remote paths and unique places.
If you are looking for more of a physical challenge, the ascent to the top of the mountain Phanom Bencha (1,397m) as well as the two circular trails (Dogslide Trail and Nature Trail) are ready and waiting. They are only 2-3 km long, but because of the gradients and high temperature combined with the humidity, they can still be quite exhausting! However, once you reach the top you will be rewarded with peace and tranquillity. Another Green Pearls® tip for our surefooted travellers is the Khao Pueng Cave, which can be reached by following a steep, uphill path without guard rails.
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