Responsible Travel in Thailand
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What is responsible travel? Well, responsible travel can be defined in many ways but is basically travel in any country that minimizes its impacts on the local communities and environments of that country whilst brining benefit to those local communities through increased revenue and improved protection for their local environment. The truth is there is no universal definition by which everyone in the academic and non academic world agrees upon. Responsible travel incorporates the ideas and ethics of ecotourism, nature tourism, responsible tourism, home stay travel, green travel and many other catch phrases that have evolved from the same ideology.
We at thailandecoportal.com have settled for responsible travel. It should be as sustainable as possible whilst minimizing environmental and cultural impacts but take into account the needs and wants of the host community above all else. There can be no tourism to an area if the local people do not want it and it has to be agreed upon by all stake holders for it to truly work. We all have an impact on the environment be it at home or on holiday but we can minimize this impact and bring benefit through the choices we make. Choices such as where to stay and which hotels you book in Thailand will determine where the money goes. If possible, book locally owned and run lodging and avoid multinational companies that do not plough any revenue back into the surrounding community. Do some research, find out the hotels waste management policies, who they employ and what they do to help the environment and surrounding community? You have to think that staying in a large hotel complex where there is no need to go outside is not that great for the surrounding villages. Venture out into the country side and show your respect of their culture by visiting their temples, (please dress appropriately and show some respect for their religion) ask them about their traditions, and show an interest in their nature. Eat at locally run establishments, don’t be scared if menu’s are not in English or your home language, order what the guy next to you is having, smile, and most of all have fun with the locals. They don’t call Thailand the land of smiles for nothing and if you interact with the local population you will have such a rewarding holiday that for sure you will be heading back to share your experiences with them again next year.
Other responsible travel activities include booking tours to the local national parks, entrance fees are great revenue for the park and help with the general upkeep and running of the area. Snorkeling and cycling, shopping at local markets, sampling their food and letting everyone know that their way of life is interesting to you. Cultural dilution is an ugly side effect of travel but if we show that we are interested in the Thai peoples traditions and culture they have much more to proud of and a heritage which brings them revenue to upkeep.
Generally using your common sense when travelling around is the best form of responsible travel, not using plastic bags, refusing them if they are offered to you, not littering and understanding a little of their culture. Respect the rules when entering temples and cover your shoulders and legs if you are a woman and do a little research about the country you are visiting. No one expects you to be an expert on Thailand but things such as making a ‘wai’ when saying hello, not touching people’s heads and not showing the soles of your feet to anyone are all simple things which will have you interacting with people much easier.
Public transport is easy, cheap and much better for the environment than air travel. Local busses, trains and tuk tuks are easy to book and as they say, it is not all about the destination, the journey is half of the fun.
Responsible travel is not about cheap hotels and uncomfortable journeys, you don’t have to grow a beard and carry a backpack for hours on end, it is an ever increasing sector in Thailand’s tourism industry. You can travel responsibly throughout Thailand and still at the level of comfort found in any large hotel. There are first class trains for great prices and fantastically comfortable home stays and locally run bed and breakfast. Only through this type of tourism will local communities benefit from tourisms revenue for generations to come. Get out there and be a responsible traveler!!
