Explore 5 sustainable communities in Thailand

There are many local communities that focus on sustainable tourism in Thailand but we want to introduce five communities from five provinces recommended on the DASTA website or Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism [Public Organization]. Some communities are recipients of Thailand Tourism Awards and the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) Nawatvithi model, which is a type of tourism that brings travelers to experience local community lifestyle and culture – resulting in the generation of income for the community.

1. Ban Soen Nuea community of Khon Kaen province

Ban Soen Nuea community is located in Phu Pha Man district, with Phu Pha Man National Park as its backdrop. It stands out with limestone mountains marked by curtain-shaped cliffs. Within the park are caves, stalagmites, stalactites, waterfalls and forests. The local community is made up of the Tai Phu people, whose culture and traditions are preserved. Examples are Khit Tai Phu cloth weaving and the 100-year-old Tai Phu wooden buildings called “Huean Thai Phu”.

Highlights: Boat trip to Phu Pha Man, Wat Chaliang Yai and handicraft shops
Transportation: The community is 123 kilometers from Khon Kaen Airport. You can rent a car or use public bus services between Khon Kaen to Mueang Loei.
Facebook: OTOP Nawatwithi Tourism Village Ban Soen Nuea

2. Ban Pha Chan community of Ubon Ratchathani province

Have you been to the “Grand Canyon of the Mekong River” called Sam Phan Bok? This seasonal attraction is the biggest rock reef in the river; and is created by sandstone eroded by water streams every rainy season. Visitors are recommended to go to the Ban Pha Chan community situated by the Mekong River as it retains its traditional lifestyle and allows you to admire nature. Other activities include fishing on a boat like local fishermen, and experiencing local culture of people living by the Thailand-Laos border along the Mekong River.

Highlights: Spend a night at a homestay in the community. Taste local food such as Jaew Bong chili paste from the Northeast that has herbs and fermented fish as ingredients. See Sao Chaliang – the giant terrace pillars at the first Geopark of Thailand.
Transportation: The community is 130 kilometers from Ubon Ratchathani Airport. You can rent a car or charter a bus to take you to the village.

3. Laem Sak community, Krabi province

Laem Sak is a community with a cultural mix of people from three cultures: Thai Buddhists, Thai Muslims, and Thais of Chinese descent. Villagers still go out on their fishing boats to catch fish. A beautiful marine life habitat is surrounded by mountains that offer a 360-degree view, in addition to the area’s abundance of natural resources. There is a batik dyeing community group which is a profession that generates income for people in the community.

Highlights: Kayaking to the mangrove forest. Visit fish and lobster farms, taste cultivated sea grapes or green caviar, and local desserts.
Transportation: The community is 65 kilometers from Krabi Airport. You can rent a car or charter bus to take you to the village.
Facebook: Laemsak CBT

4. Ban Chiang community, Udon Thani

Ban Chiang community is located near the Ban Chiang archaeological site which is more than 5,000 years old. It is a source of learning for those interested in history. Visitors can experience community life and learn about Ban Chiang handicrafts such as cotton weaving, indigo dyeing, basketry and watch the beautiful Thai Phuan dance.

Highlights: Learn how to make clay pots, paint and string beads.
Transportation: The community is 60 kilometers from Udon Thani Airport. You can rent a car or charter a bus to take you to the village.
Facebook: Ban Chiang Community Tourism

5. Songkhla Old Town community

This tourist attraction is a former Port city dating back 200 years. It is a connecting point of three roads: Nakhon Nok, Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam roads, whereby trade prospered in the past – a key factor contributing to the presence of many old buildings built in Chinese-European architectural style. Local food delicacies such as Tao Kua and Khanom Bok are the highlights of Songkhla; street art is also a cultural highlight being featured, and a reflection of the way of life in Songkhla – with murals depicting the art of drinking morning tea and fishing activities to name a few.

Highlights: Follow all 14 street art works and do not forget to stop by Sawa, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Songkhla that has access to fresh local ingredients and signature dishes such as the famous Naranot Crab Fried Rice and fresh seafood.
Transportation: Disembark at Hat Yai Airport. Take a car rental to the city area. The Songkhla Old Town community is approximately 23 kilometers from the airport.