Bangkok to Krabi tour, lake and river

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

No Flights: Bangkok to Krabi is done overland: local train on the historic railway over the Bridge over the River Kwai, overnight sleeper train to Surat Thani, then vans and longtail boats. Per passenger, this produces lower emissions than flying Bangkok to Krabi.

Shared Transport: Vans and longtail boats are shared by the group rather than private vehicles.

Human-Powered Activities: Kayaking on Khao Laem Lake and the River Kwai, canoeing on Cheow Lan Lake and hiking are the main activities.

Local Food: Meals include freshly caught fish and local produce from the lake and river communities.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

National Parks: The route passes through Sai Yok and Khao Sok National Parks, whose entrance fees are paid to the parks.

Rafthouses and Tents: You stay on floating rafthouses on Khao Laem and Cheow Lan lakes, in tents at Hintok River Camp and in a treehouse in Khao Sok.

Guided Wildlife Watching: The Khao Sok night safari and the Cheow Lan boat safaris are led by local guides.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations: The accommodations on this trip, including floating raft houses and river camps, are locally owned and operated, directly benefiting local communities. By prioritizing these types of lodging, the trip supports small-scale local businesses and families. The trip encourages staying in unique, locally-managed accommodations that ensure the economic benefits remain in the region and help sustain traditional ways of life.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities: Local guides, boat operators, and hospitality workers are employed throughout the trip, creating local jobs in the communities. The trip design emphasizes the use of local suppliers and services wherever possible, boosting income generation and encouraging entrepreneurship within the regions visited.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment: A significant portion of the trip’s staff, including guides, drivers, and hotel personnel, are from local communities in Thailand. This helps ensure that tourism dollars are reinvested into the local economy and that the communities benefit directly from the trip. It also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among local stakeholders, strengthening the connection between tourism and community well-being.

Cultural and Linguistic Inclusivity: The trip promotes inclusivity by hiring local guides from diverse cultural backgrounds, including those from indigenous communities. These guides provide an authentic experience by sharing their knowledge of local history, culture, and traditions with travelers, fostering respect and understanding. This approach also supports the preservation of cultural heritage and the empowerment of underrepresented groups in the tourism industry.