7 Incredible Sustainable Travel Ideas in Thailand

If you're looking for a low-carbon, or non-carbon, sustainable tourism experience in Thailand, here are seven great options.

“Low carbon tourism” is an ecological alternative to traditional tourism.

Travelers who opt for this form of tourism actively participate in efforts to combat global warming while continuing to enjoy the convenience and pleasure of traveling.

Forecasts indicate that without the adoption of low-carbon tourism practices, carbon emissions from tourism could increase by 130% by 2035.

It is encouraging to see a positive trend emerging, with 69% of global travelers expressing a desire for sustainable travel options.

Thailand has adopted numerous sustainable tourism-related projects, accompanied by initiatives aimed at educating and raising awareness among entrepreneurs about the benefits of low-carbon tourism.

However, the dissemination of knowledge on this crucial issue remains problematic.

The Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association ( TEATA ) has played a role in this movement by developing 50 low-carbon tourism routes and offering environmentally friendly travel alternatives within the country.

The Nation Thailand newspaper has highlighted seven must-do itineraries, whether you're concerned about your carbon footprint or not:

1. Bang Ko Bua – Samut Prakan province

Canoe trips in Bang Ko Bua in the province of Samut Prakan. Photo: Ban Pak Klang Suan Bang Ko Bua

This scenic route has been meticulously designed as part of a tourism initiative by the Sustainable Tourism Designated Areas Administration.

Located in Phra Padaeng district of Samut Prakan province in southeast Bangkok, Bang Ko Bua is the greenest area near Bangkok .

Bordered by the Chao Phraya River, the atmosphere on either side of the river feels like you are entering separate worlds.

Travelers can experience this intriguing contrast by taking a boat from Bang Na Pier, leaving behind the urban jungle and immersing themselves in the refreshing green surroundings of Bang Ko Bua.

Exploring the community closely linked to the waterway offers a unique insight into local life.

Originally, it was an important waterway with abundant foliage and lush trees on both sides, but the area has been improved and has now become a tourist route for nature exploration along the Phae Canal.

Visitors can take a boat trip along the canal and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Bang Ko Bua community, which is closely connected to the water.

Here, tourists can truly appreciate the tranquility of the Chao Phraya River, imbued with silence and serenity.

Activities offered in this region include traditional crafts, such as creating and dyeing fabrics with natural colors, a do-it-yourself experience using unique natural dyes.

Other interesting activities include:

• The collection of waste from the Phae canal by boat;
• The Nypa palm plantation;
• Tasting sacred lotus leaf wraps and Thai herbal juices;
• Learning the art of making Thai herbal compresses;
• Participation in a cooking class to discover the secrets of Thai gastronomy.

This travel experience is organized by Ban Pak Klang Suan Bang Ko Bua.

Of note is the commitment to environmental sustainability, with this package being carbon neutral through low-carbon activities and offsetting 4 kg of CO2 equivalent per traveler through local projects.

2. Healthy Samui Coco Life – Surat Thani province

Photo by GO by The Glory Worldwide

This enriching tourist experience is organized by “GO by The Glory Worldwide”.

Embark on a scenic bike tour around the island of Koh Samui in southern Thailand, exploring unique destinations in the southern part of the island.

Other interesting activities:

• Enjoy the refreshing taste of coconuts at a charming beach bar;
• Enjoy a coconut juice at Fisherman Village;
• Cycle through coconut plantations to reach a secluded beach, and visit a local restaurant to learn about the different herbs and ingredients used in preparing healthy Thai dishes.
• Participate in the creation of Thai herbal compression balls.

Healthy Samui Coco Life offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Samui Island by bike.

Immerse yourself in the local community, meet the locals and observe their unique way of life, centered around Samui's famous coconut.

With a mix of food, adventure and breathtaking scenery, this trip provides an in-depth understanding of Samui's beautiful way of life.

Additionally, this trip is environmentally friendly, with low-carbon activities and offsetting 14.75 kg of CO2 equivalent per traveler through local projects.

See also: Koh Samui Island in the Gulf of Thailand: The Guide

3. Natural habitat of elephants – Krabi province

Photo: Following Giants

When visiting Thailand, elephant watching is a must.

However, if you prefer not to ride them or attend unnatural shows, but rather see them in their natural habitat, safely for you and the elephants, this activity is for you.

See: Elephant Rides in Thailand: An Activity to Avoid

You can explore the forest with the elephants as part of the “Walk with the Wild Giants” activity, followed by the “Shoot Seed Balls to Plant Trees” activity.

The trees you plant will become a food source for elephants.

This not only avoids carbon emissions, but also contributes to the absorption of carbon by the planted trees.

This choice is perfect for those looking for a pleasant, authentic, sustainable and elephant-friendly experience.

You will see our gentle giants roaming freely and leading the way in their natural environment.

Additionally, this trip is environmentally friendly, as it is carbon neutral through low-carbon activities and offsets 1.82 kg of CO2 equivalent per traveler through local projects.

This immersive travel experience is organized by Following Giants.

See also: Krabi, Complete Guide to the City and Province

4. Cooking Class – Nakhon Pathom Province

Thai cooking class. Photo: access tasty explore

This sightseeing experience is organized by AccessTasty Explore.

Nakhon Pathom, located 60 km west of Bangkok, is a province with abundant and high-quality food resources.

It produces premium ingredients for first-rate culinary experiences.

The region is known for its delicious fruits and excellent rice, and is a delight for food lovers.

A visit to the area and learning about cooking from the locals will be a memorable experience.

Participate in the exciting one-day activities “Cooking Pad Thai Using a Charcoal Stove” and “Making Homemade Tofu.”

It is a day filled with fun, satisfaction and culinary knowledge, which offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai cuisine .

Additionally, this package emphasizes environmental responsibility, being carbon neutral through low-carbon activities and offsetting 6.31 kgCO2eq per traveler through local projects.

5. Rafting in Phraek Namdaeng, Samut Songkhram Province

Bamboo rafting along the Praek Nam Daeng canal in Samut Songkhram province. Photo :

If you're looking for adventure, bamboo rafting along the Praek Nam Daeng Canal in Samut Songkhram province, located west of Bangkok, is the perfect option for you.

It is the smallest province in Thailand, but it is rich in agricultural products.

With numerous rivers and canals, exploring the waterways is an experience like no other.

Our favorite adventure is using bamboo rafts along the Praek Nam Daeng Canal.

Bamboo rafting through the local village is an environmentally friendly and nature-friendly tourist activity.

It is part of the natural ebb and flow of the hydrographic system.

Each descent of the canal is guided by the water's timetable, in accordance with the principles of nature.

From the river system to the passing birds and the monkeys playing, every element depends on the natural rhythm.

Even the sea crabs that enter the traps to be observed are guided by the forces of nature.

It is an immersive experience that allows you to connect with nature in its purest form.

These activities take place throughout the year, especially during the current season when water levels rise.

Most importantly, this activity helps generate income within the community, which also benefits the rowers.

In addition, additional activities are offered, such as catching sea crabs using Thai equipment called "Yok Yo", creating toys using pieces of mangrove trees and rafting through a mangrove tunnel.

This package is designed to be environmentally friendly, being carbon neutral through low-carbon activities and offsetting 0.45 kg of CO2eq per traveler through local projects.

6. Local life in Phang-Nga Bay and the forest market

Canoes in Phang-Nga Bay. Photo: Silver Hawk Group

Immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the new generation of tourists by experiencing life with the locals in the southern province of Phang-Nga.

The journey begins at “Lard Long Lae @ Bang Nu”, a market created through the collaboration of environmentally conscious villagers.

The market, surrounded by a lush atmosphere, features stalls offering a variety of vegetables, local fruits, traditional foods and snacks passed down from generation to generation.

Prepare your taste buds for a delicious culinary experience.

Next, you will venture to the community of Ban Sam Chong Nuea, a seaside community deeply rooted in marine resources for generations.

Enjoy a village lunch before boarding the iconic longtail boat known as the 'Hua Tong', a local boat used by villagers in the south.

Phang Nga Bay offers several travel itineraries, and this particular trip offers a unique perspective away from the crowded tourist areas.

Visit the Longlae ​​Market in Baan Nu, soak up the atmosphere of the Baan Sam Chong Nuea community, and marvel at the beauty of the mangroves and iconic trees in the middle of the sea.

Cruise through Diamond Cave, Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island and Ping Kan Island, all operated by the Silver Hawk Group.

This package is committed to respecting the environment, being carbon neutral through low-carbon activities and offsetting 17.80 kg of CO2eq per traveler through local projects.

7. Bang Rong Community Tourism – Phuket Province

Bang Rong Community Tourism in Phuket. Photo: Bang Rong Connect

Embark on an enriching journey to discover the hidden gem of the Andaman region through the authentic Phuket lifestyle in the “Bang Rong” community tourism.

These experiences provide a unique insight into the local way of life and offer something that money can't buy.

Packages are available for half-day experiences or two-day adventures.

It is important to note that these initiatives contribute 100% to sustainable development within the community, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared and support the well-being of local residents.

Here you can paint batik bags, peel and taste fresh pineapples, experience rubber tapping with locals, collect coconuts and prepare food, take a longtail boat to explore the mangroves, learn to fish for octopus, release blue crabs, and have a barbecue on Pae Island.

This tourist experience is organized by Bang Rong Connect.

This package is carbon neutral thanks to low-carbon activities and the offsetting of 8 kgCO2eq/traveler as part of a local project.

See also: Phuket, the complete guide, what you need to know before you go

See also:

Thailand focuses on sustainable tourism

Thailand moves towards sustainable and high-value tourism by 2024

'Always hot' Thailand emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism

Source: The Nation Thailand