Kanchanaburi adventure vacation in Thailand

Planet

Environmental degradation and habit loss are among the main drivers of species extinction globally so every effort must be made to slow and reverse this process. A highlight on this trip to Kanchanaburi is spending time at Ourland Conservation Project to learn about the excellent work being done there. This is a private initiative that has bought up land to establish a corridor of protected forest to provide safe passage for the elephant population of Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary to reach the Kwai Yai River. The project also gives visitors an insight into elephant-human conflict management and how it is being achieved in Thailand. As the project grows, the protected forest area has expanded and support given to other local conservation projects, in particular the Banteng Project at Khao-namphu which is gradually introducing this species of wild cattle back into the forests of Thailand. Some relaxing time walking and kayaking in Saiyok National Park shows visitors the beauty of the tropical forest environment which needs our protection.
In addition to giving help and protection to the wild elephant population we also need to address the welfare of the captive elephant population. Elephants have been an important element in Thai life and culture for thousands of years and although they no longer fulfill their traditional functions, the close to 4,000 captive elephants in the country require very special attention and care. A visit to Elephant Haven will show what is being done here to provide a safe and comfortable life for its population of elderly retired and infirm elephants.

People

Conservation and wildlife protection projects always have secondary benefits in that they provide employment for local people and aid the survival of small rural communities. We have always been dedicated to the idea that tourism should be a force for good in the world and that it can be one of the best ways of improving the lives of local people. By actively engaging villagers in our activities, as equal partners, and guaranteeing fair payment for all services provided, and its equitable distribution, we help ensure that the benefits of tourism help support the community and preserve its way of life; boost demand for local handicrafts, create job opportunities which strengthens social cohesion and which offer alternatives to such illegal activities as mineral exploration, deforestation and hunting wildlife, which in turn helps preserve their environment. Beyond the individual communities involved in our tours, we also give support to local people everywhere and encourage our clients to do the same; buy from local markets and family run shops, not supermarkets and convenience store chains, buy local handicrafts for souvenirs, eat in local restaurants and use local transport where possible.