If you’re one of the many repeat visitors to Thailand you will already know that it is an amazing destination for so many reasons. And right at the top of the list of reasons that makes this country such a special place to visit are the Thai people.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and would like to enjoy an unforgettable holiday with a local flavour, check out any of the various community-based tourism (CBT) initiatives that can be found across Thailand. Specialist travel companies like Nutty’s Adventures can help you plan your trip so that you can make more meaningful connections with local people. And your support of CBT initiatives directly benefits the local community.
What is community-based tourism?
This is an initiative managed and owned by the community, for the community. This form of responsible tourism takes into account the need for cultural, environmental and social sustainability. There are many mutual benefits to community-based tourism in Thailand. As a guest, you are able to participate in the daily life of the local community in a non-obtrusive way as you learn more about the ups and downs of the lives of the people who live here. And the community can see that there are Thai and international tourists who are genuinely interested in learning more about them and their traditional way of life.
About Nutty’s Adventures
Nutty’s Adventures, are an award-winning responsible tour company who specialise in community-based tourism. Whether you want to get off the beaten track in Phayao, experience hill-tribe hospitality in Chiang Rai or learn about traditional farming in Ayutthaya, Nutty’s Adventures can arrange it all for you.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
In the Responsible Thailand Awards 2020, Nutty’s Adventures won the ‘Green Steps’ category. The award recognised the partnerships Nutty’s Adventures have forged with local communities. They also received special praise for their work with clients with disabilities and visual impairments.
Top tips from Nutty and his team
Thai travel expert Nithi Subhongsang (aka Nutty) is the co-founder of Nutty’s Adventures and a passionate advocate of the benefits of community-based tourism. We asked Khun Nutty and his team for their number one piece of advice for travellers who want to travel responsibly in Thailand.
The number one thing is to show respect to the local people, their culture and environment. If you do that, just about everything else will be OK.
– Nutty’s Adventures
We also asked Nutty and the team to recommend some of their favourite destinations in Thailand that travellers should visit.
Phatthalung
Nutty recommends Phatthalung province in Southern Thailand for its, “Unique scenery, great food, lovely people and interesting activities.” With the diverse landscape featuring mountains and the serene beauty of the Thale Noi wetlands, Nutty describes Phatthalung as “a real taste of the South.”
Nan
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The charming northern province of Nan is a personal favourite of Andrew Lewis. Andrew says, “Historically isolated from the rest of the country, Nan has retained a very distinct local culture with its music, food and architecture. Sparsely populated and surrounded by mountains, it is a wonderful escape.”
Kanchanaburi
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Natasha picked out Kanchanaburi province. Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for a day trip from Bangkok, but as Natasha points out, it’s a destination with so much to see and do and worth spending at least a few days here if you have time. Natasha says, “Kanchanaburi is home to mountains and nature and so many adventurous activities: elephants, ethnic minorities, trekking . . . such variety. It’s also my home province!”
Ko Lanta
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Julian recommends the island of Ko Lanta, because it has a “Great mix of beautiful beaches, good infrastructure and is not too crowded.” And as Julian also says, Ko Lanta has “Charming local life to discover and great community based tourism projects”.
Discover local experiences in Thailand with Nutty’s Adventures
Like many tourist-related businesses in Thailand, the repercussions of Covid means these are extremely tough times for Nutty’s Adventures and the team who work there. When you return to Thailand consider supporting local businesses and community-based tourism projects and you will be directly helping local communities.
If you’re interested in responsible travel, eco-adventures or would like a custom-made itinerary, get in touch with Nutty’s Adventures and let them show you another side to Thailand.
Find out more from Nutty’s Adventures
Website: https://www.nutty-adventures.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NuttyAdventures/
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