Conscience-free travel to Thailand
Conscience-free travel to Thailand
As the number of tourists visiting Thailand continues to increase, measures have been taken to protect the environment and preserve the country's rich culture. With growing awareness of sustainable and ethical tourism, visitors to the country are now increasingly able to make informed decisions regarding their holidays.
A heavy flow of tourists can go hand-in-hand with exploitation and this is sadly still the case in many areas of Thailand, particularly with regard to mistreatment of animals. Gibbons being dragged around busy streets to pose for photos with tourists is a familiar sight, however visitors are advised not to encourage this, as the experience can be extremely distressing for the animals, who are often treated questionably by their owners.
Similarly, in the excitement of arriving in the country tourists may be tempted to leap onto the back of the first domesticated elephant they see, but it is worth researching ethical animal centres to avoid funding this cruel practice. Rescue centres for elephants, gibbons and other native animals are dotted throughout the country and tourists can visit these sanctuaries and help to support their important work.
Thailand offers a variety of volunteering opportunities and it is possible to arrange homestay visits in small villages whilst volunteering in the daytime at nearby rescue centres. Deforestation has meant that there is less logging work for domesticated elephants and many of their owners have been trying hard to find ways to supplement their income which don't involve exploiting the animals. Just outside of Pattaya there is a camp that offers tourists the chance to spend time with mahouts (elephant handlers) where they can learn to care for these majestic creatures.
Tourists looking for an authentic cultural experience might even wish to consider a homestay with one of the hill tribes of Northern Thailand. These communities migrated south from China, Tibet, Burma, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand over 100 years ago and settled in Chiang Mai. There are several main tribes, each with distinct beliefs, customs, costumes and languages. The largest of the hill tribes is the Karen tribe from Burma who help to preserve the forest by practicing crop rotation and cultivating the land. Visitors can stay in wooden stilt houses with no running water, sleep upon bamboo mats, eat freshly prepared meals made from locally farmed produce and learn about the tribe's unique culture.
These communities really benefit from tourism and are very welcoming to visitors. By showing an interest in their culture, tourists can help to instil pride in the tribes and by purchasing handicrafts from local artisans they can ensure that their money is going directly to the community.
If rustic life doesn't appeal then the villages can be visited on a day trip, either independently or through an organised tour. If you desire a more luxurious holiday then you can still enjoy a guilt-free trip by carefully selecting a hotel that practices sustainable tourism, employs local workers and utilises local services, produce and materials.
However, these are just some of the many ways to help conserve Thailand's environment and cultural heritage whilst enjoying ethically responsible holidays to Thailand. Rental Villas in Holidays are the Best Staying Option you will Ever Have What to look for when choosing a travel agent Hiranandani Upscale Villas (call @ 9717841117) Hiranandani Upscale Villas Bangalore Caribbean Holiday Deals For Early Or Late Booking Colorful Rajasthan Tour: Explore the Glory of India Value Packed Beach Holidays To The Caribbean All Inclusive Disney Florida Holiday Packages Priced Just Right Secrets To Cheap Caribbean Holiday Plans Luxury Super Yachts Getting Larger, CostaBaja Marina the Super Yacht Premier Destination Explore Great Thailand Tourist Destinations African Mango Does It Work? Take the Right Step to Make Trip Memorable Through Golden Triangle with Shimla The Change in Climate in Tattoo Shops