“Almost there!” he bellows down the trail at us. He’s smiling and doesn’t seem at all winded by the last few hours of trudging through thick vegetation and brush, during which he expertly pointed out a slithering snake, sweet-smelling lemongrass and a weird, edible nut. The trail we’ve been following – when there has actually been sign of a trail – has recently grown wider into a dirt road, hopefully an indication we’re almost to the top of the mountain and the local village where we will spend the night.

A group of 12 trekkers marches toward a hill-tribe village in northern Thailand. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas

I hear a low rumbling noise that gets louder and louder until a motorcycle comes roaring up the trail carrying two Thai boys who look about 15. They weave around me and stop when they get to Ti, who greets them joyfully. After a minute, the motorcycle takes off again and I notice bags of what looks like groceries strapped to its back.

“Think that’s our dinner?” jokes my fiancé, who has joined me on this adventure.

“The villagers drive motorcycles up and down the mountain?” is my surprised response. I’m aware they need to get around; I just assumed it was rare and via foot or animal. I’m more curious than ever to see this mountain-top village. We round a few more bends and arrive.

The village is more massive than I expected. Faded wood huts with thatched roofs, most on stilts, dot the landscape. As I walk around I notice a cluster of animals; puppies, pigs, chickens and roosters all abuzz amongst the overgrown grass and dirt paths winding between the huts. Joining them are a dozen young children, running around laughing, the setting sun dancing off their eyes as it creates a hazy glow over the mountains in the distance.

With glowing mountain views like this one, a northern Thailand trekking experience can seem staged for tourists. But the wild landscapes were here long before the treks. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas

The children are barefoot, but look well fed and dressed. Another motorcycle whizzes by and the children chase it, giggling. It stops next to an empty lot where a low-slung volleyball net is strung and teenage boys, their western-looking clothes rustling lightly in the low breeze, are hitting a soccer ball over it with their feet. I wonder if they’re wearing hand-me-downs from visitors or if the money from tours actually covers the costs of such clothes.

I look around at the motorcycles, the well-dressed children and the minimalist huts and find myself wondering if it’s all an act. Do they head back down the mountain after we’re all asleep? Is this just a well-produced illusion for tourists? Then I notice a woman hanging up laundry and I pass what looks like a bare-bones general store. This definitely is a lived-in – and by all appearances happy – village.

Later, after the sun has set and a chill sets in, Ti regales us with stories. We’re huddled around a blazing bonfire adjacent to a long room we trekkers will be sleeping in. The bonfire is the only heat we’re going to have the luxury of experiencing tonight.

21st-century transport is set against a traditional wood hut, reminding us that this is a very real village and not a tourist display. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas

A local woman, dressed in a long gold and red robe, enters our bonfire circle from the darkness beyond the hut (there is no electricity here). I look at her in surprise. Her outfit is so different from the ones I saw on the playing children and teenagers earlier this evening. She murmurs something in Ti’s ear and he nods before turning to us.

“Anyone want a Thai massage?” he asks. “200 baht,” which is roughly US$6.50.

My fiancé and I – and six other trekkers – excitedly raise our hands.

We head into the long room and climb onto our mosquito net–covered cots. Teenage girls, also dressed in robes, join us and begin massaging us over our clothing. It was relaxing, although these girls aren’t anywhere close to being professional masseuses. It’s just another useful (and clever) way for them to make some money through tourism.

Trekking in northern Thailand is a great way to enjoy the local environment's natural wonders while benefitting local villages along the way. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas

As we leave the village the next morning, passing by a one-room schoolhouse, it is clear this is every bit an authentic mountaintop village – just not exactly what I expected. The villagers appear to have found a way to embrace the 21st century and make a living without having to leave their serene home up here where the air is crisp. From the trekkers they get what is most likely much-needed income and, in turn, trekkers such as myself get to share their beautiful mountains and home. The community’s peaceful existence is maintained through this low-impact form of village tourism, preserving the beauty of the river- and waterfall-filled environment, the habitat of wildlife such as the elephants I see along the way.

As I set off back down the mountain to where an afternoon of whitewater thrills on bamboo rafts awaits us, rows of bright green mountains fill the distance for miles and local children’s laughter follows me down the trail. To me, visiting this community is a remarkable experience, unlike any I’ve ever had. I hope it has helped to protect the little village and the majesty of its surroundings.

To experience overnight treks to the hill-tribe villages of northern Thailand, contact the whl.travel local connection in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Ang Thong National Marine Park, 31 kilometres northwest of Koh Samui in southern Thailand, spans an area of 102 km². This includes 42 lush, mountainous islands harbouring wildlife, emerald lakes, deserted beaches and all sorts of nooks, crannies and caves that can seize the imagination. Famously, Ang Thong was Alex Garland’s inspiration for his novel The Beach (now infamously known as the book that became that movie with Leonardo DiCaprio).

Low tide at Ang Thong unlocks secret passageways and kayaking gives you the freedom to explore them. As water levels drop, entrances into the seemingly impenetrable fortress are revealed. One arch is so low that I have to lie down in my kayak and blindly slip into the darkness, propelled by my hands moving along the rock. Suddenly the space opens up. Sunlight faintly trickles in from a small hole. I blink and let my eyes adjust. I’m in some sort of chamber and above me I spy a narrow tunnel that leads upwards, its terminus not visible.

Where does it go? I wonder, letting the fantasy of a hidden paradise blossom in my mind. I’m content to leave this question unanswered; often times the mystery is more satisfying than the reality.

When I look at this photo I get a taste of what I experienced kayaking in Ang Thong. ‘The sublime’ is to feel our smallness in the natural world, to feel overwhelmed by its power and greatness. In turn, this feeling of wonder and humility grants us a connection to that world.

And through this photo I also relive the joy of kayaking – I remember the childlike excitement of everyone getting out onto the water, the first few nervous strokes and wobbles, how people playfully splashed each other before setting off like a paddling of ducks, the bright bellies of the kayaks gliding through the crest and dip of every wave.

As the UN’s World Tourism Organization has acknowledged, tourism can play a vital role in promoting cultural understanding, tolerance and respect, which is why the theme “linking cultures” has been chosen for the 2011 World Tourism Day (to be celebrated on September 27). Often, in an area with indigenous populations, or people who are original to the land, one of the greatest assets is traditional culture. Through mindfully operated cultural tours, indigenous groups have something a great deal to offer – and to gain! – from exchanges with tourists.

Here we share a roundup of some of our favourite indigenous culture tours found in the whl.travel network of local tour operators.

In the Embera indigenous communities of Panama, women wear a traditional headpiece of tropical flowers and use corporal paint. Photo courtesy of Panama Tourism Authority

Visit the Embera Indigenous Community of Panama

In a world faced by rapidly paced globalisation, sometimes it becomes necessary to take a moment, close your eyes and just breathe. If you are searching for a place that lends itself to breaths of truly fresh air, a place where you can break from modernity and ‘progress’, you will have much to learn from contact with the traditional Embera indigenous tribes and their playful children. In Panama, the Embera maintain a careful distance from global influences and a deep respect for their environment. They use palm trees and natural fibres as construction material; they wear only simple multicoloured woven cloth garments; they practice corporal painting and have dances for all occasions. Complete with flowers in their hair, they are just as their ancestors before them were.

To start a memorable day with the Embera, your hosts paddle you down a river in a traditional dugout canoe to their community, where the village warmly welcomes you. During your day, you witness traditional dances, feast on typical foods and learn local crafts. A walk through the village and the botanical surroundings further helps you understand the wild diversity of their natural environment. At the end of the day, you leave with tender memories of a remarkable cultural exchange with the indigenous Embera, a uniquely beautiful community.

Two local girls on Malekula Island in Vanuatu greet visitors with shy smiles. Untouched by the forces of globalisation, their curiosity about foreign cultures matches outsider's intrigue about Makekula daily life. Photo courtesy of John Nicholls

Explore the Malekula Island People of Vanuatu

Visitors to the Malekula Island of Vanuatu are always intrigued by the history of cannibalism on the island. The belief system of the island’s indigenous Namba population included cannibalism until about 100 years ago, when the practice became obsolete (on the Malekula). These days, however, among the indigenous Namba, other tribal practices continue to thrive in full colour, such as matting, dancing, face painting and vibrant costumes.

As part of a special seven-day island safari, whl.travel local partners John and Silvana Nicholls include a visit to Malekula and a taste of life with the local Namba people. The tour begins in the capital city of Port Vila and then proceeds to Malekula, where you stay in the locally operated Nawori Seaview Bungalows for three nights. During that time, you follow local guides on excursions to nearby tribal villages and even take a canoe trip to ex-cannibal Rano Island. Another highlight is a visit to the Big Nambas tribe, which is distinct from all other tribes in Vanuatu; their red-dyed textiles are a highly prized and much photographed artifact of indigenous Vanuatu island life.

An Akha woman smiles warmly. The Akha are one of the five main indigenous hill tribes of northern Thailand. Photo courtesy of flickr/AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker

Trekking to the Hilltribes of Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai is the second-largest city in Thailand and part of the Golden Triangle travel loop of Southeast Asia. It is also the gateway for tours of the hilltribes of northern Thailand, fascinating encounters in sharp juxtaposition with the pace of contemporary urban life. On a trip into the lush scenery of rural northern Thailand, you reach the mountainous region near the border of Myanmar and encounter the small communities of several different tribes, like the Lahu, the Karen, the Hmong (or Meo), the Lisu and the Akha, each with its own distinct costumes, language, traditions and livelihoods.

You can arrange a trip to the hilltribes of northern Thailand through Hilltribe Holidays, a tour operator dedicated to exploring areas near Chiang Mai in a respectful, culturally sensitive and sustainable way that creates enriching and mutually beneficial exchanges for everyone. You can take in the scenic mountain passages, waterfalls, breathtaking views and local tribal ways of life. Sharing home-cooked meals and ancient customs with the local communities is one powerful way Hilltribe Holidays creates a safe and constructive context for cross-cultural understanding.

In Venezuela's Canaima Nationnal Park, an indigenous guide of the Pemon tribe leads tourists through the protected area of the park and to the main attraction: Angel Falls. Photo courtesy of flickr/whl.travel

Discover Angel Falls with a Pemon Guide in Canaima Park, Venezuela

As one of the highest waterfalls in the world, Angels Falls is the major attraction at Canaima National Park in Venezuela. The waters of Angels Falls plunge 2,648 feet (807 metres) from top to bottom, inspiring photographers and filmmakers alike with its roar and mists set against lush green forests and glistening gray rock faces. Because of its remote location, though, reaching the famous cataract takes some doing. One travel option is a five-hour upstream trip in a traditional dugout canoe.

If you’re looking to experience Canaima Park beyond a glimpse of Angel Falls, a two-day tour led by an aboriginal Pemon guide takes you deep into the natural wonders and everyday customs of the indigenous populations. (The local language of the Pemon people is Cariban, spoken only by an estimated 15,000 people.) During the tour, the Pemon guide explains the indigenous people’s symbiotic relationship to the land. Over dinner, he shares some of the myths and beliefs of the tribe before you retire to sleep in hammocks under a brilliantly starlit sky and within earshot of the roar of the Angel.

The Bassari people of Senegal practice subsistence farming in their remote villages and celebrate their rites of passage with decoration and fanfare. Photo courtesy of Association ACoSTE

Experiencing the ‘Teranga’ of the Bassari People of Senegal

In Senegal, the Wolof word teranga describes the warm welcome that Senegalese people are known to bestow upon their guests, something the whl.travel local partners in Senegal are determined to share. One way of doing so is to lead you outside the hustle and bustle of the country’s urban areas and head straight into the heart of its local villages, some of which are inhabited by people indigenous to the land.

Tours like the 12-day Great Unknown Senegal or the nine-day trip to Park Niokolo Koba  and the surrounding area take you inside the daily life of several villages in Bassari country near the border with Guinea. The Bassari are subsistence farmers who speak a local language from the Tenda family and adhere to a belief system that is, at its root, animist.

Both tours, run by Réalirêves, the whl.travel local partner in Senegal, spend several days in remote villages outside Niokolo Koba National Park. Lodging is taken in a village encampment and the daily activities focus on time spent with the people. Lucky visitors arrive in time for to witness an initiation ceremony, the most common kind of Bassari celebration. On the way out of the area, the tour passes through a Bedick village, home to another tribe similar to the Bassari.

One major destination in the Golden Triangle is the historic city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The second-largest city in the country, it is a vibrant gateway to the spectacular northern region. Sitting comfortably at 316 metres above sea level, it is also a vital hub at the heart of a mountainous territory perfect for anyone seeking a cooler climate and opportunities to experience the rich and diverse cultures of the many ethnic minorities who reside in these hills.

Bamboo rafts along the river are one of the many modes of transport offered on tours around Chiang Mai, Thailand

Hilltribe Holidays

As the number of visitors to the Chiang Mai region grows, though, the availability of responsible and sustainable travel options – those looking out for the welfare of local cultures and environments – is a growing concern. Fortunately, there is a broad selection of hotels and a number of tours in Chiang Mai available to conscientious travellers who really want to travel locally.

One such outfit, Thailand Hilltribe Holidays, was established in 2007 by partners Pat and Mel to meet the needs of mindful visitors keen to step into the lives of the tribes that have resided in the area since 300 AD… and to do so in a way that both is an enriching experience for the visitor and makes a beneficial contribution to the local communities.

Pat and Mel (centre), the cofounders of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays, pose with a couple of volunteers

The Thailand Hilltribe Holidays tour along the Mae Song Hon Loop, for example, is a five-day four-night journey that hits the highest point in Thailand and takes in the remote villages of the Lawa and Karen hill tribes. Other highlights include the ancient pagodas and sacred sites of Vispasana and Theravada Buddhism, home-cooked Thai meals, several waterfalls and breathtaking views of the region.

Alternatively, those with less time can indulge in a two-day Undiscovered Hilltribes of Chiang Mai tour, during which travellers live with a hill tribe and visit the amazing sites that form part of the culture.

For travellers passing through the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai, perhaps en route to Laos, the Real Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai tour covers the distance by 4WD, elephant, bamboo raft and ox-driven cart. In the span of only three days, journeyers make their way through scenic mountains, pause at an opium museum and learn about local culture during visits to the towns bordering Myanmar and at an Akha hill tribe community-based tourism project.

Beautiful sunsets like this are part of the daily routine in the mountain hills around Chiang Mai, Thailand

Sustainable Adventures

Just as important as the tours offered by Thailand Hilltribe Holidays is their proven commitment to giving back to the local communities. Care is taken to ensure that every trip makes a positive impact on the places they visit – purchasing locally made products and educating travellers about proper cultural and environmental practices – and several programs are now in place to support the tribes’ own sustainable tourism initiatives, all of which are important additional sources of income for the locals, the poorest of which have particularly enjoyed a marked increase in living standards as a direct result.

Through Hilltribe Homestays, for example, many village families now welcome visitors to stay with them. Their guests become truly immersed in their everyday lives as part of a cultural exchange that is immensely rewarding to both visitors and hosts. Pat and Mel of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays have also organised a Local Youth Tour Guide program through which young aspiring tour guides accompany experienced leaders and learn the values of responsible tourism.

A volunteer English teacher in northern Thailand has a great time at a local school with his eager students

On top of these worthwhile undertakings, Thailand Hilltribe Holidays can organise volunteer opportunities for travellers who wish to work as English teachers in local schools. The children benefit immensely from their exposure to other cultures and a chance to practice their English. Through the growing network of former volunteers and tour guests, the company has even raised funds for rural kids to continue their education.

When asked why they do all this, Mel simply says: “Because we have both experienced how tourism can negatively impact locals and communities. As tourism brings with it tourism dollars, the traditional values of once-peaceful communities started to erode. In particular Pat has seen these negative impacts on northern Thailand, his homeland, and this inspired him to try and change this. We saw how tourism, if managed responsibly, could be channelled in such a way that it would positively and directly help local communities. We are proud of northern Thailand and its beauty and aim to share with travellers this warm and friendly way of life.”

Visit the Thailand Hilltribe Holidays website for more information about their tours and sustainable travel programs in and around Chiang Mai. For accommodation and tour bookings, as well as more information about Chiang Mai, check out www.chiang-mai-hotel-link.com.

After months of site visits and very careful review of the final six candidates, the judging panel selected winners from Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, all of which were announced at a special ceremony during the 2010 ITB Asia conference.

Representatives from Heritance Kandalama and Sarinbuana Ecolodge accept their Wild Asia 2010 Responsible Tourism Awards

Making a positive impact on local communities and the environment is an increasingly important consideration to a growing number of the nearly one billion international tourists per year (as estimated by the UN World Tourism Organisation) that hit the road. Picked for their innovative programming and their commitment to high standards of environmental protection and socially responsible business practices, all six finalists in the 2010 Responsible Tourism Awards are among an elite group of mindful entrepreneurs helping to change the face of the travel business for good.

“The purpose of the Awards is not to give out ‘gold stars’ to candidates each year,” commented Dr Reza Azmi, Wild Asia founder and director. “Our intent is to share the best practices of responsible operators to a broader audience and seek out new operators engaging in innovative programmes.”

The WHL Group congratulates the following winners of Wild Asia’s 2010 Responsible Tourism Awards:

Heritance Kandalama: Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Winning the award in the Large Accommodation category is the Heritance Kandalama in Sri Lanka, a hotel that has received numerous accolades since it opened in 1992, including being the first LEED-certified hotel to be recognised outside of the USA.

Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Situated in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and close to the town of Dambulla, the hotel idles blissfully in an area of rich biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty. Blending seamlessly with its surroundings, Heritance Kandalama has a unique architectural design; it is built entirely upon a raised platform, which allows for minimal impact on the local ecosystem and lets water and wildlife flow beneath it.

Other innovative facilities include a waste separation centre, a sewage treatment plant, an indigenous plant nursery and an eco museum. There is even a wildlife rehabilitation centre, where rescued animals are cared for before being released into the wild.

Mr. Jeevaka Weerakone, General Manager of Heritance Kandalama, noted “It is a great honour to receive the Awards and will continually raise the game in making Heritance Kandalama an example in Sri Lanka and to the world, at the same time a learning centre for responsible tourism.”

Sarinbuana Ecolodge: Bali, Indonesia

Taking first place in the Mid-Sized to Small Accommodation category is the Sarinbuana Ecolodge, nestled in the stunning rainforests of northwest Bali, Indonesia. This remote ecolodge, which opened 10 years ago, offers guests a welcome retreat from Bali’s tourist trail and a refreshing experience that many people do not feel when visiting this island.

Sarinbuana Ecolodge, Bali, Indonesia

Although only a small lodge, with just four villas, Sarinbuana Ecolodge has had an enormous positive impact on the local village. Since their arrival in Sarinbuana village, the vant Hoff family has been dedicated to improving local livelihoods and establishing strong relationships with the local people, while also promoting and consulting other developers about strategies for sustainable development.

“Winning the Awards has helped us increase our profile thereby bringing in more conscious travellers and increasing revenue streams for the local community,” said Norm vant Hoff, owner of Sarinbuana Ecolodge.

At Sarinbuana Ecolodge, guests can embrace the lush tropical setting and rich Balinese culture. The ecolodge operates in a truly holistic manner, exemplifies sustainability environmentally, economically and socially, and provides comfortable and pristine surroundings for true peace of mind.

Making squid cages on an Andaman Discoveries tour in Phang Nga, Thailand

Andaman Discoveries: Phang Nga, Thailand

Coming in first in the Tour Operators category is Andaman Discoveries, a truly unique program that helps connect travellers with local guesthouses and homestays in Thailand.

Known previously as North Andaman Tsunami Relief (NATR), the successful project began with Bodhi Garrett, who lost his home, job, and many friends in the 2004 tsunami. After the initial rebuilding of homes, the organisation turned its attention to long-term post-tsunami development strategies. Community meetings sparked the idea of using tourism as a means for economic renewal, with villagers seeking to welcome tourists in a way that would positively impact communities hit hard by disaster.

Today, guests can choose from among six fishing villages where they will be offered a good night’s rest. Accommodations are simple and clean and usually include fans, mattresses and mosquito nets in a local family’s home. Guests often leave with more than just great memories and new friendships. Many even stay on to help out and volunteer.

Connected to the sea through an underground tunnel, the hidden Emerald Lake on Ko Mae Ko (Mother Island) in Ang Thong National Marine Park is a spectacular sight, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Photo by Lee Sheridan

Taking It All In

It’s easy to understand the choice of the park as the setting for a novel. Ninety minutes offshore, Ang Thong is the ultimate secret backpacker’s paradise. Known as the Golden Basin, this protected nature area covers roughly 250 square kilometres and encompasses dramatic seaside cliffs, unusual limestone outcrops, secluded caves and hidden lagoons.

If you’re in a rush, the park is becoming a popular destination for speedboat day tours, although it’s unlikely you will encounter more than one or two other boats all day. Most day trips include lunch and sea kayaking and/or snorkelling. Swimming about in the colourful coral gardens, you can expect to see angelfish, parrotfish and grouper, and glimpses of blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles and oysters.

Kayaking is an exciting way to explore the limestone caves and hidden beaches through Ang Thong National Marine Park. Photo by Lee Sheridan

If you’ve got time to spare, consider spending a few nights on the islands, as there is lots more to explore amongst the deserted beaches and postcard-perfect coves. All of the islands are uninhabited with the exception of Ko Paluay, where there’s a small village of sea gypsies who earn their living from fishing. Savour some fresh island-style seafood at their village restaurant/bar before returning to the campground on Ko Wua Talab. Close to the park headquarters, a few rustic bungalows are also available.

Regardless of the approach you take, one must-see stop is the spectacular emerald lagoon on Ko Mae Ko, also known as Mother Island. This hidden saltwater lake lies at the centre of the island, ringed on all sides by towering limestone walls. There’s a steep hike to the heights, but it’s well worth the climb for the magical views.

Another near-vertical trek departs from the park’s visitor centre on Koh Wua Talab – the largest island – and rewards hikers who reach the summit with panoramic views of the entire Ang Thong park. On your way up, stay alert for spectacled monkeys, dusky langurs, crab-eating monkeys, iguanas, tree frogs and silver-haired bats. More than 50 bird species have also been sighted, including kingfishers, egrets, little herons and sea eagles.

Nearly every traveller to the island of Koh Samui pays at least one visit to the Big Buddha Shrine – where many come to light incense and pray. For anyone arriving by plane, the 12-metre-high golden statue is one of the first sights visible from the air. Photo by Lee Sheridan

On Nearby Koh Samui

Back on the island of Koh Samui, you will find accommodation to suit all styles and budgets, from charming boutique hotels boasting lavish swimming pools and spas to quaint private cottages and secluded Thai-style beachside bungalows.

Beaches are a highpoint of any stay on Koh Samui and some of the most popular are Chaweng, Lamai and Mae Nam. A quick pause in the sun could charge your batteries in time for some adventure, like hiring a moped for the day to explore the island’s tropical interior and more remote roads and coastlines.

Beat the heat with a side trip to the twin waterfalls of Na Muang, where a large natural rock pool is the perfect setting for a cool, midday swim. Explore the old-fashioned fishing village of Hua Thanon, where you can wander streets lined with old teakwood houses, brightly painted fishing boats and superb seafood establishments.

Round out the trip with a visit to the Big Buddha Shrine, a 12-metre-high golden relic that’s visible from a distance of several kilometres.

For more information about Koh Samui, including things to see and do, photos, tours and activities, contact your whl.travel local connection: Teamworkz Consulting at www.samui-hotel-link.com.

Making squid cages on an Andaman Discoveries tour in Phang Nga, Thailand

“We received a selection of high-quality checklists and this proves to show that the network and awareness of RT is building up,” said Deborah Chan, Wild Asia’s Programme Manager. “Travel operators from around the region are truly striving to make a difference for a better and greener future.”

Wild Asia shortlisted two choices in each category: large-size accommodation, small- to midsize accommodation and tour operators. These were determined after careful review, research, discussion and debate of all applications by a judging panel composed of responsible tourism (RT) experts, academics, conservationists and eco-consultants.

Frangipani Langkawi Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia

Judges first examined all of the completed checklists submitted by the applicants, which outline best management practices and specific RT efforts. Then, through a scoring system, the panel analyzed and ranked each answer from the entry forms. Given the extremely high calibre of this year’s entrants, judges were impressed by the broad and innovative application of RT practices. It was such a close competition!

Winners will be announced on 21 October 2010 during the Responsible Tourism Award ceremony at ITB Asia in Singapore (20–22 October 2010).

The Shortlist

Large-size Accommodation
* Frangipani Langkawi Resort (Langkawi, Malaysia) – In addition to getting its guests and staff involved in their RT practices, Frangipani Langkawi practices and promotes environmental conservation.

Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

* Heritance Kandalama (Dambulla, Sri Lanka) – The unique architectural design blends the hotel into the natural surroundings and maximizes natural light. The structure is built on a raised platform allowing for the flow of water and movement of wildlife under the hotel.

Sarinbuana Ecolodge, Bali, Indonesia

Small- to Mid-size accommodation
* Sarinbuana Ecolodge (Bali, Indonesia) – Environmental conservation and community empowerment figure prominently as commitments to the highest standards of sustainability, also including a reliance on local, low-impact, sustainable materials and businesses.

Soneva Gili, Lankanfushi Island, Maldives

* Soneva Gili (Lankanfushi Island, Maldives) – Technological innovations help Soneva Gili focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources and effectively managing energy and waste.

Pepy Tours, Cambodia

Tour Operators
* Pepy Tours (Siem Reap, Cambodia) – Pepy Tours believes tours should be adventurous, educational and responsible, all at the same time. They also involve the community through educational, volunteer and tour programs.

* Andaman Discoveries (Phang Nga, Thailand) – Community leadership and participation through open dialogue inspire respectful interaction between visitors and local communities, and ensure direct economic benefits to the communities.

A young lady from the Akha hill tribe (Thailand) sports a traditional head-dress

As idyllic as it sounds, we believe that there is more to the experience of Thailand than your snapshot taken beside a giant Buddha or a secluded beach, no matter how stunning they may be. In each destination, our local partners connect travellers with a selection of socially conscious tours and experiences designed for real immersion in Thai history and culture. It’s the difference between “I was there” and “I was there and did this… and by doing this I was able to help!”

Consider these alternative tour options around Thailand, all able to deliver an experience that is unforgettable and possibly life-changing, not just for you, but for the communities you visit.

Bangkok: A Trip to the Floating Market and Jim Thompson’s House

Instead of shopping in Bangkok’s modern malls, try visiting the famous, traditional floating markets of Damnoen Saduak, 50 miles west of the city. Unlike most tours to the floating market, this one starts at 6:45am, so you see what happens before the bulk of tourists arrive. A small boat gets you up close to the action, so you can explore the commerce of this colourful and bustling daily gathering. On the way back to Bangkok, you stop at the 127-metre-high Chedi at Nakhon Pathom – the tallest stupa in the world – and then enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the house (now a national museum) of Jim Thompson, the renowned 20th-century American designer who revitalised Thailand’s silk industry.

The floating markets of Damnoen Saduak, 50 miles west of Bangkok, have been a popular tourist destination since featuring in the 1974 James Bond movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. Photo by Teamworkz

Chiang Rai: Hill Tribe Excursion

Like other Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is home to a variety of ethnic minority groups. The hill tribes of today living peacefully in the highlands of northern Thailand are the descendants of groups who migrated from China and Tibet centuries ago. On this tour near Chiang Rai, you get an inside look at the traditional culture of the Akha tribes (see photo at top) in the villages of Santikhiri, Therd Thai and Laoma. You also pass through an extensive tea plantation and even visit the former headquarters of notorious drug baron Khun Sa! There’s no better way to immerse yourself in remote village life than this.

Chiang Mai: At the Crack of Dawn

This unique tour sees you start the day in Chiang Mai at sunrise when there’s much more happening than you might have thought. On the grounds of an ancient temple, you get introduced to Buddhism ritual by witnessing the monks embark on their daily morning prayers and food offerings. Then it’s off to the market to purchase freshly delivered goods, followed by a morning rickshaw ride around town.

At the Wat Chedi Luang Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai, morning alms collection is a tradition dating back to the days of Lord Buddha. Photo by Asia World

Phuket: All-in-One Safari and Sunset Cruise

This action-packed and highly educational tour of Phuket Island begins in the Chalong Highlands, where you meet and greet the gentle beasts of the Siam Safari Elephant Camp. You climb aboard your favourite pachyderm and then trek across the highlands, learning how rubber latex is extracted from rubber trees, and watching how trained monkeys pick coconuts that are harvested for milk and oil. The trip concludes with a sunset dinner cruise of Chalong Bay on a traditional Thai boat. Even better, your tour fees help cover elephant vet fees and contribute to a fund for supplies at underprivileged schools in the area.

Elephant trekking with Siam Safari is a great way to see Phuket from a different angle - that of the back of an elephant! Photo by Siam Safari

Ayutthaya: Not Your Everyday Cruise

After time spent exploring Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand (for 417 years and more than 30 kings), this truly unusual cruise experience awaits you aboard the 12-passenger Thanantharee Rice Barge, when it makes the three-day trip down the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok. Stopping regularly along the way, it allows you to hop on a bike and ride through rural villages to visit famous temples, watch monks on their morning alms rounds and meet the hill-tribe children in a local orphanage. You can even accompany your cook to a local market to shop for the ingredients for your on-board meals. You learn about Thai cuisine, local life, drum making and even pottery – part of a journey of mind as well as body. In Bangkok, you’re dropped off at your hotel.

A Buddha statue at the Sukhothai Historical Park is just one reminder of why Sukhothai is considered the foundation of Thai culture. Photo by Thin Lei Win

Sukhothai: Reliving Grand History

Sukhothai is a must-see if you’re keen to explore the ancient past of Southeast Asia. As the first state and former capital of Thailand, this historic city boasts numerous monuments and temples from Thailand’s Golden Age. On this Sukhothai tour, you spend a full day exploring Sukhothai Historical Park and the Sri Satchanalai Historical Park by foot or bicycle. You not only get an intimate look at Thailand’s history, but your fees support an orphanage in Luang Prabang (Laos) and the Aspara Arts Association in Phnom Penh (Cambodia).

These are just some of the many experiential tour options awaiting you in Thailand. For more alternatives throughout this captivating country, visit the whl.travel portals in Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket and Sukhothai.

Located 85 kilometres north of Bangkok is Ayutthaya, the World Heritage Site and ancient capital (for 417 years and more than 30 kings) of Thailand. Just a 1.5-hour train ride from Bangkok, this relaxing city seems modern enough, but retains its mysterious shroud of age-old royal history.

"NATTAWARIN ('Wise Man of the River' in Thai) – Ayutthaya Cruise" is an exquisite converted traditional teak rice barge that cruises along the Chao Phraya, Thailand's River of Kings, passing one of Ayutthaya’s many historical sites

The architecture of Ayutthaya’s many temples and palaces – perhaps its most striking feature – is a distinctive admixture of Khmer and Sukhothai influences. History, art and design buffs will easily lose themselves in these aesthetics, as well as the city’s timeless sense of serenity, but there are also a great many other things to see and do in Ayutthaya for any visitor, including cycling, boating and barging.

Whether during the day or at night, a bicycle is the best way to tour the massive Ayutthaya Historical Park and take in the numerous wats (temples). Despite weather and war damage, many wats have now been carefully restored to their former glory, and particularly worthy of visits are one of Thailand’s oldest statues of Buddha (in Wat Panan Cheong) and the Buddha wrapped by the sacred bodhi tree at Wat Phra Mahathat. Another must-visit sight is the Bang Pa-in Summer Place, getaway for holidaying Thai royals, which is notable for its intricately carved pavilions set among decorative ponds and waterways.

The best way to explore the historical sites of Ayutthaya is on a good-quality bicycle with an experienced English-speaking guide

At the end of any Ayutthaya tour, a stroll through the famous Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts & Crafts Village is just one of the many experiences that make shopping in Ayutthaya appealing on its own merits. Then it’s off to the ease of homey Thai-style Ayutthaya hotel and perhaps an evening in a Thai restaurant for a taste of the kind of cuisine one can learn how to prepare at authentic Thai cooking courses.

For the trip home, rather than returning to Bangkok by bus or train, a three-day river cruise down the Chao Phraya River is one relaxing alternative. By visiting local villages along the way, travellers gain unique and revealing insight into rural life in Thailand.

In-depth and genuinely local travel experience of Ayutthaya like this are now possible through the whl.travel local connection, Nithi Subhongsang (known to all as ‘Nutty’) and the rest of his team at Ayutthaya Boat and Travel. When asked about the new launch, Nutty replied, “We are really excited and looking forward to creating new opportunities to benefit nature, culture and the local economy. We feel happy to be the best local tour operator in Ayutthaya and to offer community-based ecotourism. The whl.travel website will enable us to better reach out to future guests while promoting our community.”

Ayutthaya-cruise-tours.com is the eighth whl.travel portal in Thailand, following Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket, and Sukhothai.

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IN THAI / ภาษาไทย

จังหวัดพระนครศรีอยุธยา ตั้งอยู่ห่างจากกรุงเทพมหานครไปทางทิศเหนือ 85 กิโลเมตร เมืองแห่งมรดกโลกและราชธานีเก่าของประเทศไทยที่ทรงอำนาจถึง 417 ปีภายใต้การปกครองของพระมหากษัตริย์ มากกว่า 30 พระองค์ ถ้าเลือกเดินทางโดยรถไฟจะใช้เวลาเพียงแค่ 1.5 ชั่วโมงจากกรุงเทพฯ ก็จะนำท่านมาสู่เมืองที่มีความผ่อนคลายและทันสมัย แต่ก็แฝงไว้ด้วยความลี้ลับของหน้าประวัติศาสตร์แห่งราชวงศ์โบราณ

สถาปัตยกรรมของวัดและพระราชวังในอยุธยาได้รับอิทธิพลที่ผสมผสานกันระหว่างอิทธิพลของศิลปะขอม และศิลปะสุโขทัย ผู้ที่มีความชื่นชอบใน ประวัติศาสตร์, ศิลปะและ งานด้านการออกแบบ อาจหลงไหลไปกับความสุนทรีย์แห่งความงาม และความสงบเงียบของเมืองที่อยู่เหนือกาลเวลา แต่นอกเหนือจากนั้นยังมีอีกหลายสิ่งที่ยังเป็นที่สุดยอดที่ยังสามารถเห็นได้ที่ อยุธยา สำหรับนักท่องเที่ยวซึ่งรวมไปถึง การขี่จักรยาน และล่องเรือ ไม่ว่าจะเป็นช่วงกลางวัน หรือช่วงค่ำ ซึ่งการท่องเที่ยวด้วยจักรยานถือว่าเป็นการท่องเที่ยวที่ดีที่สุดภายในอุทยานประวัติศาสตร์ รวมถืงวัด ต่างๆที่มีอยู่มากมาย ถึงแม้จะถูกทำลายด้วยสภาพอากาศและสงคราม แต่ยังมีวัดอีกเป็นจำนวนมากที่ได้มีการทำนุบำรุงเป็นอย่างดีและแสดงถึงความอลังการในอดีต โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งการได้เข้าไปนมัสการ หลวงพ่อโต วัดพนัญเชิงวึ่งถือว่าเป็นหนึ่งในพระพุทธรูปที่เก่าแก่ที่สุดของประเทศไทย หรือการได้เข้าเยี่ยมชมวัดมหาธาตุวึ่งมีสิ่งที่น่าสนใจคือเศียรพระพุทธรูปที่ถูกหุ้มโดยต้นโพธิ์ ยังมีอีกแห่งที่ต้องไปแวะชมนั้นคือ พระราชวังบางปะอิน สถานที่ประทับแปรพระราชฐานของพระมหากษัตริย์และพระบรมวงศานุวงศ์ อันมีพระที่นั่งมากมายภายเขตพระราชฐานที่ถูกสร้างขึ้นอย่างวิจิตรงดงามบริเวณริมสระและฝั่งน้ำ

Adventurous guests enjoy another fun moment on a kayak trip. Ayutthaya Boat & Travel is the only tour operator providing such recreational opportunities in Ayutthaya.

ก่อนจบการเดินทางท่องเที่ยวที่อยุธยา อาจเลือกที่จะเดินทอดน่องที่ศูนย์ศิลปาชิพบางไทร ซึ่งเป็นหนึ่งที่ดึงดูดความสนใจในประสพการณ์อันหลากหลายที่จะได้จากการมาจับจ่ายที่อยุธยา จากนั้นก็เลือกที่พักที่อยุธยา อันมีความสะดวกสบายเหมือนบ้านและเลือกลิ้มรสอาหารค่ำรสเลิศจากร้านอาหาร ที่มีอยู่หลากหลาย หรือเลือกที่จะเรียนรู้การประกอบอาหาร ให้ถึงแก่นแท้ของรสชาดอาหารไทย สำหรับการเดินทางกลับแทนที่จะเดินทางกลับกรุงเทพด้วยรถโดยสารหรือรถไฟ การล่องเรือ 3 วัน ล่องมาตามลำน้ำเจ้าพระยา เป็นทางเลือกที่เป็นการเดินทางที่แสนสบาย โดนการเยี่ยมหมู่บ้านในชนบทต่างๆตามเส้นทาง นักท่องเที่ยวจะได้รับประสพการณ์และได้เรียนรู้สภาพความเป็นอยู่ที่แท้จริงของชาวชนบทในประเทศไทย

การได้รับประสพการณ์การท่องเที่ยวในท่องถิ่นดีๆและลึกซึ้ง ซึ่งขณะนี้สามารถทำให้เป็นจริงได้โดยผ่าน เครือข่ายท้องถิ่นของ whl.travel, นิธิ สืบพงษ์สังข์ (หรือรู้จักในนาม “นัทตี้”) และทีมงานของ อยุธยา โบ๊ทแอนด์ทราเวล เมื่อเขาถูกถามเกี่ยวกับการเริ่มเปิดตัวใหม่ นิธิตอบกลับมาว่า “พวกเราตื่นเต้นและรอคอยที่จะได้สร้างสรรค์โอกาสใหม่ๆ เพื่อเป็นประโยชน์และดูแลปกป้องสภาพแวดล้อม, วัฒนธรรม และเศรษฐกิจชุมชน พวกเรารู้สึกยินดีที่ได้รับรางวัลชนะเลิศผู้ประกอบการท่องเที่ยว และดำเนินกิจกรรมท่องเที่ยวโดยชุมชน เวปไซท์ของ whl.travel จะเป็นการเปิดตัวพวกเราที่ดีในการประชาสัมพันธ์งานของเราให้แก่แขกผู้มาเยือนในอนาคต”

Ayutthaya-cruise-tours.com คือเครือข่ายท้องถิ่นอันดับที่ 8 ของ whl.travel หลังจาก กรุงทพ, เชียงใหม่, เชียงราย, เกาะสมุย, พัทยา, ภูเก็ต และสุโขทัย

The floating markets of Bangkok draw both locals and tourists in Thailand (photo courtesy of Alison Agnew)

“For many people Bangkok is their first taste of Asia and it can often be an overwhelming experience. Once you arrive in the city you are faced with the crazy traffic, exhaust fumes, humidity and crowds, all of which can take time to get used to. Though before long the friendly smiles and hospitality of the Thai people will help you settle in and you can get down to exploring the many experiences this buzzing city has to offer.

Some of my favourite options for a short stop in Bangkok include exploring the khlongs that crisscross the city by long tail boat, haggling at the local markets and pounding the pavement to visit many of the huge (and thankfully air conditioned) shopping malls to hunt for both brand names and bargains alike.

The food is a huge drawcard and whether dining at a restaurant or local market stall, the flavours are amazing. For a cheap eat you can’t beat the value of the delicious pad thai from the street vendors at a cost of 25 baht, approx $1. They whip up the generous serves in their oversized woks and you can either eat on the move or take a seat on the little plastic tables and chairs, that have been set up to let you relax while you savour the tasty, budget-friendly meal.

One of my stopovers in Bangkok happened to coincide with Queen Sirikit’s birthday on August 12, and like the King’s birthday this is a national holiday. There were many extra festivities and fun to be had around the city. At night the streets were lined with locals holding candles and singing, whilst watching the birthday celebrations broadcast on small TV’s that people had set up as makeshift viewing stations. It was hard to not get caught up in the festivities and soon we too joined in with the candle waving, singing and celebrating, adding a unique and wonderful experience to my Bangkok stay!”

Tour Thailand with Intrepid Travel, whl.travel and Urban Adventures on trips like these:

• Tap Into Thailand with Intrepid Travel – 8 days
• Thailand Tours and Activities with whl.travel – 1 to 4 days
• Bangkok Urban Adventures – day tours
  Choose from exploring Bangkok by bike to discovering the canals of Chao Praya River by longtail boat and more! Urban Adventures are authentic local travel experiences that unlock hidden secrets of the world’s great cities.

This article was first published by our friends at Intrepid Travel, who have agreed to its republication here.
View the original article on their Intrepid Express Blog.