Set between a cerulean lagoon and the flour-soft sands of Bang Tao beach, Banyan Tree Phuket is as far from Patong – the island’s heaving party capital – as you can get. Here it’s all about switching off, with a focus on wellness that runs from morning meditation and Muay Thai sessions to secluded pool villas that are silent but for the birdsong.
This tranquil retreat was built around a sustainable ethos, having been transformed from an abandoned tin mine into its current incarnation. When Banyan Tree’s founders first bought the land in 1984, the lagoon was so toxic that it eroded the water pumps being used to treat it. After a large-scale regeneration that saw thousands of trees planted and pollutants removed, the water was finally cleaned up, paving the way for Banyan Tree Phuket to open about ten years later.
Veya Restaurant at Banyan Tree Phuket (Kiattipong Panchee/Banyan Tree Phuket)
Today, there are plenty more eco-efforts underway. Among the most notable is a rewilding project launched last year that has seen more than 7,500 native species planted across the resort, creating a series of ‘pocket forests’. A number of ‘Stay for Good’ excursions were also launched that support nearby communities. On a trip to Bang Tao village, we visited a female-led co-operative to try our hand at making herbal rice, before embarking on a hike through the lush jungle. It’s just one of a handful of community-focused initiatives at the resort, with others including a nine-month vocational programme for young people at Laguna Phuket’s Seedlings Café and training for local therapists at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy.
Wellness is an important concept at Banyan Tree Phuket (Banyan Tree Phuket)
Restaurants in Banyan Tree Phuket serve a wide range of healthy dishes (Banyan Tree Phuket)
The resort’s own spa offers Thai-inspired treatments, as well as two outdoor pools and a lazy river in which to relax. Its 218 villas don’t skimp on luxury either, with some even including heated jet pools. Meanwhile, there are an array of bars and restaurants to sample, ranging from signature spot Saffron, which serves up modern Thai cuisine, to fine-dining TRE, where dishes including lobster bisque and sea urchin are served by the lagoon as lights dance on the water. Guests can also dine at any restaurant within the wider Laguna Phuket complex – a 400-hectare luxury development home to six other hotels.
The site is a tremendous refuge for birds and other wildlife too. As we explored the lagoon by boat, we spied a heron perched on the bank, then a monitor lizard gliding, camouflaged, through the water. The area’s transformation is a testament to the power of nature to rebuild itself, as well as a promising sign of things to come.
The annual Responsible Thailand Awards shine a light on the organisations and businesses going above and beyond to ensure travellers have responsible and sustainable experiences that make a difference in Thailand. As always, this year there was tough competition but thanks to our judges’ thoughtful consideration, we’re proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Responsible Thailand Awards. So, without further ado…
To find out more about Thailand’s responsible, sustainable and community-based initiatives, head to ResponsibleThailand.co.uk
Mahouts Elephant Foundation is a charity creating ethical and sustainable partnerships with Karen indigenous communities in northern Thailand. The foundation protects Asian elephants, the communities surrounding them and the forest they depend on. The foundation’s work enables the elephants to live in peace and dignity.
Judges’ comments: An exemplary project caring for and rewilding elephants that have been exposed to cruel practices. An exceptional coming together of welfare for rescued elephants, benefit to the Karen community, and instructive tourism.
Watch our video below, where Wanderlust’s Lyn Hughes speaks to Sarah Blaine from the Mahouts Elephant Foundation.
NATURE, MARINE & HERITAGE
Winner: New Heaven Reef Conservation Program
The New Heaven Reef Conservation Program protects and restores beautiful coral reef ecosystems around the island of Koh Tao, raising awareness and educating both tourists and locals about marine conservation and the plight of our planet’s most biodiverse and fragile spaces.
Judges’ comments: New Heaven’s diving courses, focusing on conserving coral reefs, are making a crucial contribution to protecting Thailand’s marine life. Education is the key to safeguarding vulnerable environments, which is why New Heaven Reef Conservation’s work is vital.
Watch our video below, where Wanderlust’s Lyn Hughes speaks to Kirsty Magson from the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program.
COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM
Winner: Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant
The Kao Tep Pitak community, based in Ban Kao Thep Pitak, Suratthani runs a communityled ecotourism enterprise providing homestays, meals and tours. It’s located next to a beautiful suspension bridge with a clear view of a heart-shaped mountain. The tourism programme engages all members of the community and provides a new income source while also promoting local entrepreneurs.
Judges’ comments: Far more than a restaurant, this project is deeply rooted in the community it serves by offering responsible and enlightening tourist experiences.
Watch our video below, where Wanderlust’s Lyn Hughes speaks to Selene Orellana from Planeterra, a non-governmental organisation that helps support local projects like the Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant.
HOTEL
Winner: Devasom Khao Lak Beach
Devasom Khao Lak Resort is a small luxury resort by the Andaman Sea in Khao Lak. Paying homage to the opulence of the Asian maritime Silk Road during the 6th and 7th centuries, the resort’s intricate design is based on the archaic art and architecture of a lost civilisation that once resided here.
Judges’ comments: This resort admirably tackles the many issues which can arise in the hotel industry – both environmental and social – to rise above other worthy nominees in a strong category. It’s inspiring to see a resort so dedicated to its local area – especially in areas of educational uplift and employment.
Watch our video below, where Wanderlust’s Lyn Hughes speaks to Bon Atirak, co-owner of Devasom Khao Lak Beach.
ECOLODGE
Winner: Elephant Hills
Elephant Hills is a luxury tented jungle camp that also offers soft-adventure excursions. The camp is based in the tropical evergreen forest of Khao Sok National Park and comprises luxurious glamping tents made from waterproof canvas, which are fully equipped to provide a comfortable jungle stay.
Judges’ comments: Bridging the connection between its guests, the surrounding environment and wildlife in need, Elephant Hills does an outstanding job in its contribution to responsible travel.
GREEN STEPS
Winner: Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary
Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary provides a caring home for once mistreated elephants. The sanctuary adheres to an ethical model, limiting interaction with people, as well as a range of other measures. This allows the elephants to express their natural behaviours, including foraging in the jungle and interacting with one another.
Judges’ comments: Renu’s courage and will to protect abused elephants has led to this wonderful and necessary sanctuary that shows a better way to treat elephants in the name of tourism. There isn’t a more deserving initiative to win this award – she’s an inspiration to us all.
How the winners are chosen
We asked Wanderlust readers and the UK travel trade to nominate the Thailand-based organisations that they felt deserved recognition for their responsible initiatives and ongoing commitment to sustainable travel. The criteria for judging included the sustainability for each organisation, their demonstrable successes, and the legacy benefits for both Thailand and international visitors.
To find out more about Thailand’s responsible, sustainable and community-based initiatives, head to ResponsibleThailand.co.uk
Everyone knows about Chinese New Year. It’s celebrated the world over: from a 23-day festival in the country itself, to fireworks in Las Vegas and a parade through London’s Trafalgar Square.
But little is said about Songkran – the equally exciting Thai equivalent. Aquaphobes, avert your attention now…
What is Songkran?
Water-splashing during the Songkran Festival in Thailand (Shutterstock)
Songkran – also known as the Water Splashing Festival – is a celebration to mark the start of the Buddhist New Year. Buddha images are bathed, and younger Thais show respect to monks and elders by sprinkled water over their hands.
Parades, dancing and folk entertainment mark the lunar change too, although getting wet is what Songkran is most famed for.
The festival is an all-out water war, with unsuspecting victims and eager participants being blasted by high powered super-soakers.
Why is Songkran so special?
Women throwing water at Songkran (Shutterstock)
Songkran is the epitome of fun. In a nutshell: vast quantities of water are stored in whatever vessels take your fancy (squirt guns, buckets and water balloons are all acceptable), before being used to saturate your nearest and dearest.
It’s a welcome reprieve from the intense heat but has a serious side too, the original focus being on enriching religious intentions and building family bonds.
When and where can I join in?
The Songkran Festival is a celebration (Shutterstock)
Songkran runs between 13 and 15 April, and festivities can be found countrywide.
There are usually parades of flower-laden floats in Khon Kaen in eastern Thailand, and waterfights on Bangkok’s Khao San Road. The northern city of Chiang Mai celebrates with the most gusto. It’s practically pandemonium – people literally flood the streets.
Alas, this year there will a lot less water, but a traditional soft sprinkling (rather than using water guns) is permitted, and there will be more focus on the festival’s traditional side, with people encouraged to wear Thai dress or colourful floral print shirts. While water fights are banned, you can still pour water over Buddhist statues.
What else should I do in Thailand in April?
Kayaking in Krabi (Shutterstock)
Thailand is moving from high season into hot season. Some services are reduced and it can be soul-sappingly muggy so avoid densely populated areas.
Instead, head north – as it’s cooler in the highlands. Alternatively, cool off on the islands and beaches in the south: dive off Ko Tao, climb in Krabi, kayak around Phuket or hang in a hammock wherever you like.
Elephants crossing the road near the Chobe River, Chobe National Park (Shutterstock)
Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park has the largest population of elephants in the whole of Africa. With an estimated population of between 120,000-130,000 in the country, a safari here is guaranteed to feature large numbers of these wonderful animals.
Sightings are best in the dry season (June-November), when the elephants line the banks of the river and regularly cross in search of fresh grazing. Probably the best way to view them is on a boating safari, as you can cruise up close and get fantastic photographs.
But it’s not only elephants you’ll see here; large herds of buffalo are present, alongside other herbivores, such as zebra, wildebeest and giraffe. Predator sightings are also common, with lion, leopard and wild dogs spotted on the plains.
2. Elephant Nature Park, Thailand
A happy young elephant in Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park (Shutterstock)
The Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province makes for a pretty unique experience of elephants.
This elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre can be found 60km from the city and operates as a a sanctuary for dozens of distressed elephants who have been rescued from circuses or camps from across the country. Here the elephants are free to interact and roam in their natural surroundings as they would in the wild.
The park’s mission is to promote sustainable elephant-friendly tourism, and avisit here means not only can you contribute to the rescue work itdoes but also the chance to ‘roll up your sleeves’and take part in its volunteer programme too.
3. Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Elephants in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi (Shutterstock)
Prince Harry famously lent his efforts to the ‘500 Elephants’ initiative undertaken by African Parks in Malawi, in what has proved to one of the largest and most significant elephant translocations in human history.
Once a near-empty forest, the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve has come back to life with more than 520 elephants and 2,000 other animals moved from Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park to the reserve. It’s an incredible story and one that you can be a part of too, for when you pay a visit here not only will get the chance to see these animals frolicking in the wild but you know they’re there as a result of a great conservation effort.
4. Sayaboury Elephant Conservation Centre, Laos
Elephant Conservation Centre in Sayaboury (Shutterstock)
Laos was once known as the ‘land of a million elephants.’ Sadly, that’s not the case today; deforestation, poaching and expanding urban areas means there’s now only an estimated 400 elephants left in the wild and 400 still in captivity. It’s thought, if the problems aren’t solved, Laos’ elephant population could disappear entirely in the coming decades.
Seeking to try and turn the tide is Sayaboury’s Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC). The centre supports a handful of retired elephants that travellers can meet, as well as providing veterinary support and care for the animals and employment for the former Mahouts who worked with them.
5. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Large Bull elephant at a watering hole in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (Shutterstock)
Hwange National Park is something of a happy oddity; while many places in Africa have seen elephant populations dwindling, the opposite is happening in Hwange, which now has 45,000 elephants.
Currently, this population is doing stable and doing well, with a good working relationship between conservationists, the camps and lodges in the park and the local San population, which means the chances are high that the population will continue to thrive.
Game viewing in the park is impressive, particularly during the dry season (July to October), with large numbers of buffalo. Lions are also commonly seen and the park also has one of the largest populations of wild dog in Africa. There are over 100 species of mammals and over 400 birds in total recorded here. The majestic Victoria Falls is only a short drive away too.
6. Periyar National Park, India
Indian elephant in the forests of Periyar National Park (Shutterstock)
Designated a tiger reserve in 1978, the Periyar National Park is one of South India’s most popular reserves and is, oddly enough, best known for its elephants. Visitors to the park also have the chance to view barking deer, wild dogs, bison, sambar, mouse deer and the elusive Bengal tiger, as well as extensive bird and butterfly life.
Located in the steamy southern region of Kerala and close to the plantation town of Kumily, Periyar is rich in biodiversity and scenic charm, encompassing lakes, forests and mountains. One of the highlights of the park is to enjoy a boat trip on Periyar Lake, which also provides fantastic wildlife watching opportunities.
7. Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, Sri Lanka
The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is a refuge for baby elephants (Shutterstock)
The Elephant Transit Home is an admirable initiative, sponsored by the Born Free Foundation, which sees baby elephants who are injured or orphaned in the wild brought into the centre, where they are cared for and rehabilitated in a natural setting. Once the elephants are old enough and strong enough, they are radio-collared and released into Udawalawe National Park in small groups.
You might also wish to take a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park – close to the famous Sigiriya Rock in central Sri Lanka – famous for its migratory herd of approximately 300 elephants, that ‘gather’ in the midst of the dry season (between August-September) around the Minneriya reservoir. Whilst exploring the park Sri Lankan junglefowl (the national bird of Sri Lanka) and small crocodiles can also be spotted.
8. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
Elephants playing in the mud in Addo National Park (Dreamstime)
Set within the Sundays River region of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, around 70 kilometres from Port Elizabeth, the Addo Elephant National Park was set up to save the local elephants, whose populations were close to extinction. Only 11 were left in 1931, when the park was established. Today, there are more than 600 stomping in South Africa’s third largest national park, which covers a massive 1,640 square kilometres.
As well as elephants, the park is home to lions, leopards, black rhinos, spotted hyenas, buffaloes and zebras, which all can be spotted on jeep safaris, walking safaris and from horseback. It’s also possible to see ancient rock art in the surrounding area.
9. Kinabatangan River, Borneo
Pygmy elephants on the Kinabatangan River (Shutterstock)
Malaysian Borneo has some of the world’s oldest rainforests, teeming with exotic flora and fauna, as well as canopy walkways and mysterious cave systems. But it’s the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river, you’ll want to make your way to for a chance to spot wild pygmy elephants.
This bio-diverse environment is one of the best places to see these little elephants in the wild, as they live along and around the river, alongside orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques and monitor lizards.
The Kinabatangan River is accessible on foot on jungle walks or by river cruise, and the animals can often be seen walking in open areas or traversing the river. Pygmy elephant families can number up to 70 animals, so spotting them should be relatively easy.
10. Katavi National Park, Tanzania
Elephant in Tanzania (Dreamstime)
During the rainy season, Katavi National Park in remote western Tanzania is a mass of lush greenery and waterways, but it’s during the dry season, when the water retreats, that the park really comes into its own. The Katuma River forms one of the only drinking sources for miles around, attracting astonishing amounts of wildlife, particularly elephants, together with buffalo, zebra, giraffes and impala, which in turn attracts numerous prides of lions and hyenas.
Not only is this a great place to spot large numbers of wildlife, but the park’s remote and wild setting means a visit here is like stepping back in time. Bush walks are a great way to explore the area at the animals’ level, or opt for a guided excursion down the river for a chance to see colourful birds, hippos and crocs.
More widely, late 2019 saw a large-scale 20-day wildlife survey of Tanzania’s Katavi-Rukwa and Ruaha-Rungwa landscapes take place that counted more than 20,000 elephants. This encouraging number points to an elephant recovery across the area and helps to make these regions among some of the most important in Africa for elephants outside of Zimbabwe and Botswana.
A rocket in a parade during Bung Ban Fai festival (Shutterstock)
One of the most spectacular festivals in Thailand, Bung Ban Fai, or rocket festival, is more than just a giant fireworks display. This ancient tradition marks what Thai people hope will be the start of the rains which are so crucial to their rice harvest.
There are several myths as to why these phallic-shaped bamboo tubes, filled with gunpowder and charcoal and decorated with a serpent creature called Nagas, are fired into the sky. One is that only when the gods are in love will the rains arrive. In order to encourage romantic antics, parties take place across Thailand and these giant rockets – some of which are over 9m high and contain more than 100kg of gunpowder – are projected into the sky.
Held from late April to early June, the exact dates vary depending on the region. The festival can be seen across Thailand but is best experienced in the north east region of Isaan when it traditionally takes place mid-May.
2. Songkran
Throwing water during Songkran, Thailand (Dreamstime)
The world’s biggest water fight marks the beginning of a new year in Thailand. Songkran is is a time for adults and children alike to indulge in the Thai concept of sanuk – having fun. Oversized plastic water guns are often the weapon of choice.
Water is an important element in Thai culture. By having it thrown or poured on them, Thai people believe that their bad luck will be washed away for the new year so they can start the year fresh, clean and full of good luck. Even elders join in by having jasmine-scented water poured over their hands.
As well as dousing each other with water, one of the most important traditions of Songkran includes cleaning Buddha images. Locals will throw water as Buddha images are paraded through the streets.
3. Wan Lai
Sand sculptures during Wan Lai (Shutterstock)
Wan Lai is also an extraordinary festival, which takes place at the same time as Songkran in the province of Chonburi, between Bangkok and Pattaya.
Thai people take sand to their local temple, which is then formed into chedis (Buddhist stupas) that are decorated. This act of merit-making is to return the soil that one may have unwittingly removed from the grounds of the temple under their feet in the previous year. This tradition evolved into what is now Wan Lai.
Held annually between 16 and 20 April, the festival sees Bang Saen Beach transformed into a sand-sculpture gallery of stupendous craftsmanship. Most sculptures are in the form of chedis but there are other designs too, such as elephants, mermaids and tuk-tuks. Teams work on the elaborate designs for days to ensure they are ready in time for the judging that takes place on the final day. By that evening all the sculptures are knocked down and the beach cleared as a reminder of Buddha’s teaching “that nothing is permanent”.
A boy wearing tanaka powder, Thailand (Shutterstock)
Deep in the heart of the mountains in Northern Thailand lies “the city of three mists”. Mae Hong Son is the gorgeous capital of this region and it comes alive every April with one of Thailand’s most colourful festivals. The three-day Poy Sang Long festival (also written as Poi Sang Long) marks the ordination of Shan boys into monkhood. It’s a time of immense pride for their families.
The rituals begin in temple courtyards when boys have their hair shaved off to symbolise the renouncement of material goods. The following day the boys are adorned in make up including lipstick, eye shadow, rouge and a yellow powder called tanaka. They are dressed in their finest, most colourful clothes and carried on the shoulders of their relatives under a golden umbrella as they are paraded around town.
Each day starts with a morning prayer at their temple followed by a feast. On the last day, the boys swap their glamorous garments for the iconic saffron robes before shaving off their eyebrows to be welcomed into monkhood. They will then often stay at the temple for a few weeks before returning home to their families.
5. Phi Ta Khon
Masks worn during Phi Ta Khon (Shutterstock)
Ghost Festival is Thailand’s own rendition of Mexico’s Day of the Dead, and it takes place annually in June.
Legend has it that Prince Vessantara – the penultimate incarnation of Buddha – was gone for so long that people presumed he was dead. Upon his unexpected return, the locals were so overjoyed that their raucous celebrations woke the dead. Pi tam khon (the “ghosts that follow people”) began to wander the streets to join in the celebrations as a mark of respect to the prince.
These days, for three days the streets are filled with mask-wearing partygoers who try to “wake the dead” and welcome their spirits to join them in celebration. What started as simple masks made with sticky rice baskets and decorated with soot and turmeric has evolved into stunning designs that are meticulously painted. They are no longer throwaway items, with the best ones selling for thousands of bahts after the festival.
There is also an ulterior motive for the locals. Many of them carry around wooden phallic-shaped objects with the hope that they will tempt the gods into bringing rain. And if this fails, on the final day, as per Bung Ban Fai, bamboo rockets are launched into the sky to awaken the clouds.
Tourism has had a devastating impact on Thailand’s captive elephants, but a new project in a northern Karen village suggests it might also be their saviour.
Amid tangled vines and stepping-stone crossings where the cool stream lapped my feet, I paused. The sound of snapping bamboo heralded the arrival of a herd of five Asian elephants. Their wrinkled hides were sticky with red riverbank mud and they browsed heartily, tugging up trunkfuls of greenery amid the humid jungle. Two of these animals had a particularly sad story that I’d been following online. At just a year old, baby Par-Gae-Mae lost his mother after she ingested agricultural crops that had been sprayed with pesticide; the calf was found crying beside her body. He was now being cared for by a soulmate in grief, Mo-Go-Nar, who had lost her own baby to herpes (EEHV) and had adopted him.
We followed the herd upstream to a waterfall. The young elephant slipped on a rock and blew a squeaky trumpet of dismay. Yet these captive animals are generally finding peace in the Om Koi jungles of northern Thailand; they are free, for now, from the cruelty that the country’s elephant-tourism industry metes out upon them.
There are 59 elephants at the new Evolution Om Koi Project, a collaboration between the American non-profit Gentle Giants and the Karen hill-tribe people, the owners of these animals. The aim is to find a more compassionate form of elephant tourism; one that delivers income to the community so that they can avoid sending these creatures to barbarous riding camps.
Any visitor to Thailand cannot fail to notice that elephants are an enduring and omnipresent national symbol, whether taking the form of jade statuettes in Buddhist temples, embellishing the labels of beer bottles, or as batik fabric patterns sold in tourist markets. When I arrived at Chiang Mai railway station, on my way to Om Koi, I even stepped outside onto a little plaza and was surrounded by four stone elephants.
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Yet, for all their veneration, Asian elephants are declining across their range – not just in Thailand – and are subject to brutal abuse in captivity in the name of tourism, and sometimes religion. In the wild, the IUCN has upgraded their threat level to critically endangered, and the numbers make for some tough reading. At the end of the 19th century, 300,000 were estimated to inhabit Thailand’s jungles. Now an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 wild elephants remain, perpetually on the run from human-wildlife conflict as the national parks become increasingly isolated refuges.
Baby William is a young star among the Om Koi elephants
Baby William is a young star among the Om Koi elephants
Meanwhile, some 3,800 captive elephants are subjected to physical and mental abuse at riding camps, circuses and illegal logging operations. Thai law forbids taking them from the wild, so captive females are forcibly put to bulls to provide babies that will become the next generation to be exploited. Those little ones will undergo the enforced compliance of phajaan: removal from their mothers and being beaten and stabbed by bullhooks until their wild spirits are crushed.
When COVID-19 struck, riding camps were shut down. This might seem a good thing, yet it also precipitated a welfare crisis as elephants began starving in the camps that went bust. These animals are invariably rented to the camps by their actual owners, many of them ethnic Karen living on the border with Myanmar. It was a situation that went largely unreported until one dramatic moment.
In May 2020, the rescue of 11 riding-camp elephants by Lek Chailert, a world-renowned elephant conservationist, saw their plight suddenly become news. Like a modern-day Hannibal, Chailert led these elephants on foot for three days, taking them back to the jungle of their Karen owners in the Mae Chaem region. In the wake of this, the non-profit Gentle Giants was formed to fundraise elephant upkeep during the pandemic.
“I became aware of the terrible situation that elephants and their mahouts were going through when Thailand’s tourism industry came to a halt,” said Diana Muñoz, one of the co-founders of Gentle Giants. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation was supporting several hundred elephants across Thailand in order to keep them in food. But it was clear to Muñoz that once the pandemic ended and tourism restarted, the elephants would return to the same cycle of abuse. For the economically marginalised hill-tribe communities, renting them to camps and for logging remained a tempting source of income.
“Lek told us of 35 elephants in Om Koi that were going to be taken to logging because their Karen owners didn’t have any choice,” said Muñoz. So, to keep the community’s elephants in their native jungle, Gentle Giants began supporting the villagers financially. “This was an eye-opener for the people of Om Koi; they were able to see they could do things in a different way.”
Soon, the elephants they were supporting increased to 55 (and now 59 due to impregnation by the males who live wild around Om Koi). A more sustainable way of offering support was needed, so rather than just compensating the Karen to not send their animals into logging or riding camps (which is costing Gentle Giants US$35,000 [£28,950] per month), an idea was hatched to create a self-sustaining income whereby eco-volunteers would pay to stay in Om Koi, to be immersed in local culture and visit the elephants in their native habitat. Part of the agreement with the village was that the mahouts refrain from controlling their animals by using bullhooks or chaining them. To stop the elephants crop-raiding at night, chain-free shelters are being funded, with the first one now up and running after US$25,000 (£20,675) was raised to build it.
“The local community is eager to be involved, as they see a way to keep their sons and husbands at home (rather than travelling to the camps as mahouts),” said Muñoz. She hopes this can be a template for a new, more compassionate and cruelty-free elephant tourism across Thailand. Yet it needs a regular stream of visitors to make it work. In order see it in action for myself, I became one of the first eco-volunteers to visit the project.
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Setting off from Chiang Mai with two Karen-speaking guides trained by Lek Chailert, it was a seven-hour drive to the village in Om Koi, climbing into the lushly tropical hills near Myanmar, some of Thailand’s wildest landscape.
Traditional Karen clothing
Traditional Karen clothing
An ochre-coloured soil track took us to a hillside village, Tung Ton Ngiaw, surrounded by rice-terraces and jungle. Locals here speak a Sino-Tibetan language and live in wooden, tin-rooved houses that are raised up on stilts. Many of the Karen women and elder men wear home-woven, red embroidered fabrics, which are also on sale – another revenue stream for the villagers.
The volunteer accommodation was basic – a mattress on the floor and cold-water showers – yet I felt instantly welcomed into the community and quickly discovered that while the villagers depend on earning money from their elephants, they do not like the riding camps, nor having to spend so long away.
The lives of the mahouts have been vastly improved by not having to go to the camps – instead they now monitor their elephants to make sure that they stay away from the crops of the village
The lives of the mahouts have been vastly improved by not having to go to the camps – instead they now monitor their elephants to make sure that they stay away from the crops of the village
One mahout, called Chuan, recalled taking his elephant to a riding camp near Chiang Mai: “I was there for three years. I was stuck. It was part of the contract that I had to sign,” he complained. “My elephant, Moh-Par-Na, gave rides all day, mainly to Chinese tourists. She was chained all night. I felt so bad for her, but how else can I feed my family? We have no choice. I am so happy to be back home, and the elephants deserve rest. Already they’re getting healthier, eating more and feeding from the jungle – and we no longer have to be so hard on them.”
He said that he was prepared to earn less money from ecotourism, rather than accept the higher prices that the camps will pay for renting his elephant, so long as it meant he could stay at home.
Image captions
Each day, I undertook a community activity and at least one elephant trek. Besides a welcoming ceremony featuring the village’s shaman, where I was blessed for a long life, I also took part in rice planting one morning. It was hard work spending my time immersed in squelchy mud under the watchful gaze of the locals. Perhaps they were wondering if my slow-paced amateurism might result in crop failure? On another morning I attended their elementary school to give an English lesson to a classroom of polite local children. I asked them to name the top ten things that Thailand is known for, and smiled when ‘weed’ came in at number three and a pop princess managed to usurp the king.
Stays in the Om Koi Karen village don’t just benefit elephants – volunteers spend time teaching children English in the elementary school.
Stays in the Om Koi Karen village don’t just benefit elephants – volunteers spend time teaching children English in the elementary school.
Otherwise, I enjoyed unrushed viewings of the elephants in their native habitat. The experience was completely magical. I would even argue that this is the best elephant watching anywhere in Asia because the animals are comfortable and rediscovering their wild instincts for browsing. They had also experienced captivity, so it meant that they were at peace with having humans around.
I could see how relaxed the mahouts were. Just watching over their animals, to make sure they remained in the jungle and not too close to the community’s crops, is a far easier life than dragging selfie-loving tourists around all day. I saw no bullhook use; instead, the mahouts enticed their elephants to a waterhole with a treat of bananas, which the animals eyed avariciously. It was adorable to watch the two little ones, Suk Dee and William, manically splashing around, hosing water like dainty fountains, while their mothers larruped mud all over themselves with a swish of their mighty trunks.
On another day a recent wild-born baby called Moe Sae got thoroughly overexcited by our presence and chased us around before slumping to the ground exhausted under Mother’s protective gaze. We were urged to avoid touching this infant as she needed to develop her wild instincts, although it was hard to avoid this bouldering little tyro. I reflected on how, if this initiative works, this five-month-old will never endure phajaan; she will exist in a semi-wild state, untrained and unchained.
But can it succeed? Once Chinese tourists (who account for the lion’s share of riding activities) start returning en masse with the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions, will the inducements from the camps to the elephants’ owners prove an overwhelming financial temptation?
Diana Muñoz hopes not. “True sanctuary is for elephants not to have to entertain humans in any way,” she said. “We truly believe this can break the mould of elephant tourism if visitors are shown how incredibly beautiful it is to see these gentle giants express themselves and interact without fear in this magical, natural habitat.”
Image captions
Image 1
Volunteers will have the opportunity to spend a morning in the rice fields
Image 2
Baby Moe was so excited that he chased the volunteers around
Volunteers will have the opportunity to spend a morning in the rice fields
Volunteers will have the opportunity to spend a morning in the rice fields
Baby Moe was so excited that he chased the volunteers around
Baby Moe was so excited that he chased the volunteers around
About the trip
A six-day adventure in Om Koi includes transportation from your hotel in Chiang Mai, all meals, guides, activities and homestay accommodation. Trips run with a minimum of four people and are currently booked through the non-profit Gentle Giants.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK to Chiang Mai, though daily direct services with Thai Airways fly from London Heathrow. Flights take around 11.5 hours. From Bangkok you can find numerous flight connections to Chiang Mai with local airlines, including Thai Air Asia and Bangkok Airways; these typically take around an hour and cost from £44. A slower, more interesting way to get there is to take the 12-hour sleeper train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphung Station (Krungthep Aphiwat Central Station is due to open and replace this soon); this leaves at 7.35pm and arrives in Chiang Mai at 8.40am the following day.
Please check official festival websites for date changes, ticket booking and event cancellations before travelling.
World festivals in January
5 January-late February: Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, China
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, China (Shutterstock)
Harbin’s annual festival is officially the biggest winter festival in the world. Located in China’s most northerly province, it’s typically always cold in Harbin, and the city’s seriously-chill temps have earned it the self-explanatory title of ‘Ice City’.
Expect jaw-dropping ice installations and snow statues galore, lit up with rainbow lights as evening descends. These include Harbin’s full Ice & Snow World, and even a giant Buddha made of snow. Be warned, only true winter fans should attend: temperatures average at -7°C during the day, but sink to -20°C at night.
The festival runs from the beginning of January until the end of February.
8-14 January: International Kite Festival, India
Gujarat’s Kite Festival (Shutterstock)
Each year, the westernmost state of Gujarat Uttarayan celebrates an important day in the Indian Calendar, when winter transitions into summer. Residents spend months preparing grand, colourful and decorative kites. It’s a sight to behold.
The festival’s been one of the biggest and most important in India since its inception in 1989. As such, the state’s largest city, Ahmedabad, always celebrates in style, becoming a buzzing epicentre for cultural events in the weeks leading up to the kite display.
As the festival is held outside, visitors will be able to see kites flying from dawn till dusk.
27 January: Wakakusa Yamayaki, Japan
Wakakusa Yamayaki (Shutterstock)
On the fourth Saturday every January (weather permitting), residents of Nara gather at dusk to light a bonfire, in the mountains of Wakakusa Yamayaki, in the east of Nara Park.
The bonfire is lit in ceremonious fashion, and local temples take part in the procession. As the mountain’s grass is set ablaze, people watch from a distance, and as Wakakusa Yamayaki burns into the night, an impressive firework display frames the fires.
Why? There are a few theories. One dates the practice back to the days when Nara’s temples were conflicted over boundaries, while another suggests the grass was traditionally set on fire to drive away any wild boars in the area.
30 January: Up Helly Aa, Scotland
Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, Scotland (Shutterstock)
If you need a reason to visit chilly Scotland in the dead of winter, here it is. The fiery chaos depicted in this image is exactly what to expect from Up Helly Aa: a series of 12 fire-focused festivals that take place in numerous locations across Scotland’s Shetland Islands.
Lerwick, the Shetlands’ main port town, hosts the biggest and best-known on the last Tuesday of January each year. Volunteers from all over the Shetlands come together to arrange gallery exhibitions, a strictly-organised procession and countless flaming torches – all led by a townsperson chosen as the ‘guizer jarl’.
Preparations for the next festival begin as early as the previous February, all to ensure a dramatic, traditional and poignant show, designed to mark the end of the winter yule season.
The Lantern Festival changes location every year in Taiwan (Shutterstock)
Tainan will be hosting Taiwan’s famous Lantern Festival in 2024. The city has been selected due to it celebrating its 400th anniversary with the festival considered to be Tainan’s first major event in many years. Which is why it’s been included in our 2024 Editors’ Hot List.
The event marks the end of the Lunar New Year, and sees thousands of glowing lanterns being released in to the night sky across the country on the 24 February.
Every year has a specific theme. In 2024, the theme ‘Glorious Tainan’ will focus on the city’s ancient history. Lanterns will be displayed throughout the city and designated areas during the festival period.
4-11 February: Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
Sapporo Snow Festival outside of Sapporo’s Chocolate Factory, Japan (Shutterstock)
Sapporo’s Snow Festival is one of the biggest of its kind. It has been running for over 70 years, and every year, millions descend on Hokkaido’s capital to admire the winter wonderlands set up in Odori Park, Susukino, and dotted across the city.
It was first held in 1950 with snowball fights, snow sculptures and a carnival. Despite its simplicity, more than 50,000 people showed up, encouraging the festival to become an annual event.
There’s a real international feel to the festival: ice sculptors from around the globe attend to compete in the International Snow Sculpture Contest. It’s fascinating to watch the frozen masterpieces being constructed right in front of your eyes.
5-14 February: Oruro Carnival, Bolivia
Dancers on the streets of Bolivia during Oruro (Shutterstock)
Witness a cavalcade of parades, folk dancing and live performances at Carnaval de Oruro, Bolivia’s world-renowned carnival.
The festivities began as a religious festival in the 1700s. Today, the celebrations still have a religious element thanks to the country’s largely Catholic population. Oruro begins before Lent with a ritual dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria. It’s so powerful, in fact, that it’s one of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
9-17 February: Rio Carnival, Brazil
Rio Samba School performs during Carnival, Brazil (Shutterstock)
Is there a more famous, electric and colourful carnival in the world? We’d argue not, and go as far to say that Rio de Janeiro‘s pre-Lent celebrations can’t be challenged.
Summing up Brazil’s party spirit in a nutshell, you can expect exuberant parades, gloriously loud music and a rainbow of colours in the form of costumes, decorations and feathers. There’s even a purpose-built Sambadrome, where Samba Schools perform and compete, but even a stadium can’t contain the excitement.
13 February: Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA
Mardi Gras in New Orleans (Shutterstock)
Mardi Gras festivities take place on Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday in the Christian calendar. Fat Tuesday is typically the feasting before the ‘fasting’ of Lent begins.
In New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardi Gras celebrations usually go on for two weeks before Fat Tuesday even arrives, culminating in a series of neon-coloured parades through the city. The carnival-esque party has become synonymous with New Orleans, and is a must-see if you’re visiting the United States.
16 February-3 March: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras celebrations in Sydney are an important part of the city’s heritage (Alamy)
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the largest and oldest Pride festival in the southern hemisphere, with amazing exhibitions, drag performances, the Mardi Gras Fair, and much more.
The Mardi Gras parade is the pinnacle of the celebrations, when tens-of-thousands of participants take to Oxford Road to march along with enormous floats that represent ‘every corner of the community’.
The first Mardi Gras march took place in 1978, and became a major civil rights milestone for not only the country, but the world.
World festivals in March
1-2 March: Yap Day, Micronesia
A traditional thatched house on Yap Island, Micronesia (Shutterstock)
Yap State, one of Micronesia’s four states, marks Yap Day each year as an official holiday. It is, at its core, a true celebration of Yap culture. So, you can expect traditional dancing, coconut husking competitions, crafts and weaving activities, and plenty of friendly rivalry between Yap’s proud and talented villages.
Yap State welcomes visitors to witness their celebrations and immerse themselves in the local culture, so don’t be shy to book a guided tour or get involved.
24-25 March: Holi Festival, India
Holi Festival, India (Shutterstock)
Holi Festival is celebrated throughout India during the beginning of spring. The ‘festival of colours’ celebrates Lord Vishnu, and triumph in the face of evil, as well as a plentiful harvest, as a way to give thanks.
Revelry can usually be expected in Rajasthan and Mumbai, and all over the country and beyond, in Australia, Mauritius and the United Kingdom.
For the most authentic experience, book your travel to Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. This is where Lord Vishnu is thought to have spent his childhood, giving the colour-bursting celebrations throughout the city a special significance.
21-25 March: Paro Tshechu, Bhutan
Dance of the Black Hats at Paro Tshechu (Shutterstock)
Bhutan is known for its festivals, but its biggest and most popular festival takes place in spring, on the 10th day of the second Bhutanese lunar month (usually March or April). Paro Tshechu dates back to 1644 when, after the construction of the mighty Paro Dzong (the festival venue), a grand celebration commenced with masked dances, music and traditional songs.
These days, the festival is in memory of Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. On the fifth and final day, the festival begins with the unwinding of a thangka (embroidered painting seen at all festivals) of Guru Rinpoche on the wall of the Dzong. It is believed that simply seeing this sacred artwork will cleanse one’s sins. Following the unwinding of a thangka, there are spectacular masked dances that re-enact the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.
24-30 March: Semana Santa, Guatemala
Locals re-enacting biblical scenes in Antigua, Guatemala from Holy Week (Shutterstock)
Over half a century old, the religious tradition of Semana Santa takes place during Guatemala’s Holy Week, the week before Easter. Antigua in particular comes alive during the celebrations, with processions, re-enactments of scenes from the Bible and the creation of colourful, sawdust carpets.
Semana Santa is also recognised all over Spain, and is usually celebrated in cities across the country, particularly in the region in Andalucia.
World festivals in April
13-15 April: Songkran, Thailand
Water-splashing during the Songkran Festival in Thailand (Dreamstime)
The Water-Splashing Festival, Songkran, marks the beginning of Buddhist New Year all over Thailand. Images of Buddha are bathed in water, and younger Thai people show respect to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands.
Despite this traditional element to the festival, people tend to know Songkran for one thing and one thing only: getting completely drenched! As the years go on, the festival morphs into all-our water war, with locals and tourists being blasted by high powered super-soakers.
13 April: Lao New Year, Luang Prabang, Laos
Locals in the procession at Lao New Year (Shutterstock)
Lao New Year, sometimes known locally as Songkran or Bun Pi Mai, too, celebrates the Buddhist New Year over the course of three days. Just about everywhere in Laos – from Luang Prabang to Vientiane – offers their own version of the festivities.
In Luang Prabang, parties and processions can go on for up to 10 days, so it’s certainly a lively time to visit. Rest assured, the water-based action will be slightly less intense than its Thai counterpart. Still, you can expect to need super soakers and a change of clothes!
10-27 April: Al Ula Skies Festival, Saudi Arabia
Al Ula Skies Festival (Shutterstock)
There may be bigger Hot Air Balloon Festivals (see October for the biggest in the world), but Al Ula’s other-worldly landscape makes this event particularly captivating.
During the festival, more than 200 colourful balloons fly over the UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city of Hegra, creating a magical view for those both in the air and on the ground. But that’s not all. The fortnight-long celebration also has immersive events which celebrate the magical desert landscape, including stargazing experiences and more.
World festivals in May
5 May: Cinco de Mayo, Mexico
A street in Puebla, the Mexican state best known for its Cinco de Mayo celebrations (Shutterstock)
Cinco de Mayo doesn’t necessarily bring to mind a 1800s conflict, but beyond the brightly-coloured parties, it’s actually a reminder of the Mexican victory over French colonialists in the 1832 Battle of Puebla.
No wonder, then, that the state of Puebla in central Mexico, is known for being the ultimate place to visit on the 5 May. Historical re-enactments –with residents dressing as French and Mexican soldiers – and group meals are common. Events have not yet been planned for 2022.
Cinco de Mayo is also recognised in the United States and Canada. This usually involves a feast of Mexican cuisine and dancing to Mexican music.
9 May: Procession of the Holy Blood, Belgium
Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges, Belgium (Shutterstock)
Forty days after Easter on Ascension Day, the street of Bruges are filled with – quite literally – a procession of the Holy Blood. Religious leaders and locals – up to 3,000 – walk through the streets holding a vial of blood, said to be Jesus Christ’s blood. Some are dressed in robes; others costumed to represent scenes from the Bible.
It may seem rather unusual, but the people of Bruges have been doing this since the 13th century. It’s so important that the Procession of the Holy Blood has UNESCO World Heritage status, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
World festivals in June
24 June: Inti Raymi Festival, Cusco, Peru
Inti Raymi Festival, Cusco, Peru (Shutterstock)
Inti Raymi was and is a traditional Inca religious festival, a way to worship the sun god, Inti. Not only did the date, slap-bang in the middle of June, mark the end of winter, but also the winter solstice: the beginning of the days getting brighter and longer again.
During the reign of the Inca Empire in Cusco, it was undoubtedly their biggest and most significant religious celebration. Hundreds of years later, indigenous communities living in Cusco and throughout the Andes still celebrate Inti Raymi with music and colourful costumes. Cusco also hosts a theatrical performance – or re-enactment – of an Inca Inti Raymi celebration, which welcomes travellers.
27-30 June: Haro Wine Festival, Spain
Batalla de Vino Festival in La Rioja, Spain (Shutterstock)
Batalla de Vino, a.k.a. Wine Battle, is as sticky as it sounds. The residents of the La Rioja town of Haro get together around the day of their patron saint, Saint Pedro, to pelt each other with wine.
The dress code is simple: wear a white t-shirt that you fully expect to become grape-purple by the end of battle. Following mass led by the town’s mayor, fill up your water pistols and buckets with La Rioja red, and prepare to get spraying.
World festivals in July
1-31 July: Gion Matsuri, Kyoto, Japan
Float parading through Kyoto, Japan from Gion Matsuri (Shutterstock)
Undeniably the biggest festival in Kyoto and Japan, Gion Matsuri is steeped in history. Gion Matsuri first began in the year 839 during a plague. Kyoto residents tried their best to appease their gods by offering up a child messenger.
These days, a young lad is chosen to sit on a decadent parade float (one of many), without his feet touching the ground, for four days before the first procession ends on 17 July. The second parade takes place on 24 July, but the whole month is filled with vibrancy, all-night parties and delicious street food.
Naturally, Gion is one of the busiest times to visit Kyoto, so to fully experience the city and the festival, you’ll need to book your trip several months in advance – and possibly prepare for slightly higher hotel prices.
5-14 July: Calgary Stampede, Canada
Calgary Stampede in 2004, Calgary, Canada (Shutterstock)
They don’t call Calgary the Stampede City for nothing! Each July, one million visitors flock to the Alberta city for a hugely impressive, no-expense-spared multi-day rodeo, complete with stage shows, parades, competitions, festivals and concerts.
Highlights include chuckwagon races and a funfair. Yep, there’s also an abundance of fairground rides, with your usual waltzers, rollercoasters, Big Wheels and deliciously unhealthy fried doughnuts.
11-15 July: Naadam Festival, Mongolia
Naadam Festival, Mongolia (Shutterstock)
Drinking, gossiping and dancing aren’t usually a core component of a sporting festival. But in Mongolia, the Naadam Festival or ‘Manly Games’ – testing the country’s greatest wrestling, archery and horse racing champions – wouldn’t be the same without a tipple or two.
Ulaanbataar, Mongolia’s capital, is probably the biggest celebration, but across the country you’ll find smaller versions of the same event. All are quite traditional, and the competitors will all be wearing traditional Mongolian dress. It’s likely you’ll attend with a guide, and visitors are welcomed by locals.
Dates TBC: Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
Boryeong Mud Festival in action of Daecheon Beach, Boryeong, South Korea (Shutterstock)
Slipping, sliding, swimming, throwing, wearing, wrestling – whatever you like to do with your mud, you can do in Boryeong, South Korea, during the annual Mud Fest (Be careful with the throwing, though).
Going strong since 1999, there’s no real backstory behind this one. It’s just fun, and the parties surrounding the mud-based activities prove it. Better yet? Apparently, the mud in Boryeong is high in minerals, and can do wonders for plumping and brightening your skin. No wonder thousands from all over South Korea, Europe and the Americas flock to take part.
World festivals in August
Late July-early August: Feria de Flores Festival, Medellin, Colombia
Floral displays during Medellin’s famed flower festival (Shutterstock)
August in Colombia, weather-wise, is a bit hit and miss. One thing Medellin has in August that makes up for its (at times) overcast appearance is the spectacular 10-day celebration of nature, known as Feria de Flores(Festival of the Flowers).
Expect locally-grown, intricate and beautiful floral arrangements and floats for the festival’s star show: the Parade of Silleteros. It seems a shame to judge them, but indeed they’re all competing to be named the most impressive arrangement. There are numerous categories each arrangement can enter into – even one for kids!
August dates TBC: Guca Trumpet Festival, Serbia
Trumpet performers in Guca, Serbia (Shutterstock)
The Guča Trumpet Festival, known sometimes as Dragačevski Sabo, is probably a little less well-known that the likes of the Edinburgh Fringe and Notting Hill Carnival.
Nevertheless, the small Serbian town of Guča comes alive for three days in mid-August for its annual festival, showcasing the best in brass music performances. Hundreds of thousands attend each year.
17-18 August: Mount Hagen Show, Papua New Guinea
Tribes participating in the Mount Hagen Show, Papua New Guinea (Shutterstock)
Every August, the city of Mount Hagen in the western province of Papua New Guinea comes alive for two days of performances, feasts and musical festivities hosted by locals during the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.
The show reflects Papua New Guinea’s unique cultural landscapes, with more than 80 groups coming to Mount Hagen to dance and sing in their traditional colourful headdresses, face and body paint.
Of course, Papua New Guinea is a challenging destination and truly off the well-trodden trail. As such, only very experienced travellers should plan to visit, keeping a close eye on the FCO’s Official Travel Advice before going, too.
World festivals in September
1 September: Regata Storica, Venice, Italy
Regata Storica (Shutterstock)
Venice is famous as a bustling tourist hot spot, for its rainbow-coloured sister islands, and the ebb and flow of lazy (also: expensive) gondola rides along its azure waterways.
On the first Sunday of September, the city roars into a different kind of action: rowers surround the island and rowing fans gather in the city, to watch the annual races and enjoy the bright introductory parade along the canals.
26-29 September: Hermanus Whale Watching Festival, South Africa
A southern right whale off the coast of Hermanus, South Africa (Shutterstock)
Should you ever find yourself in the South African coastal town of Hermanus, let’s hope your visit coincides with the annual Whale Watching Festival in late September.
Locals and visits alike gather together to witness the migration of Southern Right Whales, and celebrate this natural wonder with talks, events and exhibits. Of course, much of the conversations are about our oceans, and how to protect them and the creatures living in them.
September-October: Golden Eagle Festival, Mongolia
During the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia (Shutterstock)
Another competitive festival in Mongolia, though this time without all the arrows buzzing around. Instead, it’ll be golden eagles flying in high during this two-day tradition held in different locations in the Bayan-Ulgii province across September and October.
Eagle hunters – not actual hunters, but those adept at falconry (training the eagles themselves to hunt) – from across Bayan-Ölgii, the most westerly region of Mongolia, come together to test their skill, by comparing the birds’ accuracy.
In such a remote part of the world, you’ll be able to witness the Golden Eagle Festival as part of a tailor-made tour to Mongolia. Exodus Traveloffer an excellent one.
World festivals in October
5-13 October: Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, USA
Balloons ascend above Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (Shutterstock)
Every year, more than 500 hot air balloons soar into the clear-blue skies above Rio Grande Valley in Alburquerque, New Mexico. The Mass Ascension, as its known, is quite an unforgettable sight: an explosion of rainbow colours, funky patterns and awe-inspiring design. It’s known to be the largest hot hair balloon festival in the world.
Events also take place at night, and you don’t need to have your own hot air balloon to join in. You can buy a ticket, rock up and simply enjoy the view.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival isn’t necessarily a straightforward celebration of all things vegetarian. It’s also known as The Nine Emperor Gods Festival, and it’s actually one of the most bustling – and some might say brash – festivals in Thailand.
It’s raucous, busy and a little bit ‘out there’ for a religious festival. Participants follow strict diets, give up sex and avoid alcohol for the duration, and wear white outfits to denote their purity. Then, it all kicks off: chants, firecrackers and some strange stunts from performers. You may spot someone walking on nails or even piercing their cheeks with their swords. Needless to say, this festival is best witnessed from a distance.
18 October: Lord of the Miracles, Peru
Lord of the Miracles procession in Lima, Peru (Shutterstock)
Lima residents parade through the capital in honour of Señor de los Milagros, quite literally translated to Lord of the Miracles. Everyone wears purple to signify their loyalty and devotion to the Lord (some throughout the entire month of October).
There are usually thousands taking part in the procession, which follows the painting of Señor de los Milagros carefully propped on a large float, all singing religious songs and saying prayers.
Undeniably, it’s one of South America’s biggest festivals. Again, if you’re not one of the locals, one best seen from the sidelines.
World festivals in November
1 November: All Saints Day Kite Festival, Guatemala
A kite on display in Guatemala during the festival (Shutterstock)
A version of Día de los Muertos(often given a slightly different name), or the Day of All Souls, is celebrated throughout Central America. If not, the Day of All Saints (usually 1 or 2 November) acts as an opportunity for communities to gather in cemeteries, decorate their altars, and remember their lost loved ones.
In Guatemala’s Sacatepéquez cemetery, Day of the Dead is marked with the All Saints Day Kite Festival, also known as Barriletes Gigantes. Locals and visitors alike design and create large kites out of natural materials – and when we say large, we’ve seen some 20m wide.
1-2 November: Día de los Muertos, Mexico
Women painted with sugar skulls on their faces for Día de los Muertos, Mexico (Shutterstock)
On 2 November, Mexico celebrates Día de los Muertos – commonly called Day of the Dead in the English-speaking world – to pay tribute to, remember and also welcome the spirits of the dead.
Celebrations take place all over Mexico usually from 31 October-2 November, but there are a few regions where locals and visitors alike truly revel in the spirit of the holiday. Michoacán, Oaxaca and Mexico City are three must-visit destinations for those hoping to have the full experience.
5 November: Burning Barrels at Ottery St Mary, Devon, UK
Ottery St Mary, Devon during the burning of the Tar Barrels (Shutterstock)
The village of Ottery St Mary in Devon is known for its Tar Barrels, but no one really knows where the tradition of burning them on a November night came from. The festival’s official website reckons it began shortly after Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot was foiled.
So, on 5 November, residents grab the large Tar Barrels and carry them, fully aflame, through the streets. Certainly, carrying the barrels (as opposed to rolling them) makes this a particularly unique UK experience.
11 November: Black Necked Crane Festival, Bhutan
A performance during the Black Necked Crane Festival in Bhutan (Shutterstock)
We must admit: a festival dedicated to an endangered bird is right up our alley. The fact its in rural Bhutan makes it even more appealing. The black necked crane is a vulnerable Asian bird, a species incredibly important to the Bhutanese people. Particularly in winter.
So, locals gather at Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha Valley to celebrate the bird’s arrival each November, having waited for its return since March. They sing folk songs, perform cultural dances, and enjoy a number of performances, themed around the environment and protection of the crane.
World festivals in December
1-10 December: Hornbill Festival, India
A tribal dance performed for Hornbill Festival in Kohima, Nagaland (Shutterstock)
Nagaland, an Indian state, is quite unique as the home to many differing tribes. Each tribe has their own cultural celebration, or agricultural festival. Hornbill, named after the bird, is the ultimate festival: the coming together of these neighbouring tribes to celebrate their unique heritage, with the support of local organisations and councils.
The tribes spend 10 days in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, near Kohima, and partake in a variety of activities. There’s everything from craft events, scultpure displays, food markets, stalls selling herbal products, traditional music, sporting events, fashion shows, tribal ceremonies and performances. Locals even crown Miss Nagaland in a beauty pageant.
December 2024 to January 2025: Junkanoo, Bahamas
Gospel singers perform during Junkanoo, in Nassau, Bahamas (Shutterstock)
Junkanoo is the national festival of the Bahamas. Legend states the festival takes root from West Africa, though no one really knows its true origins. Today, the festival is a cavalcade of sound and colour.
Expert good vibes all around and a roaring party, with residents and visitors wearing bold, bright costumes. Musicians play brass instruments, drums and whistles. There’s a big parade, and groups of performers gather together for the chance to win a cash prize.
The early morning was misty, cool and fresh. Sitting on the edge of a long wooden bridge, my feet dangling over the edge, arms and head resting on its railing, I stared straight down to the waters of Lake Vajiralongkorn in the little-visited district of Sangkhlaburi.
Slowly, the prow of a sampan appeared below, hauling an emerging trove of mangoes, bananas and a full clutch of rambutan. The only sound was the splash of wood on water as an old man wearing a tattered bamboo hat materialised, paddling his rafthouse and his breakfast.
Taking time out to savour the quiet moments while travelling in Thailand is what can make a trip here so very memorable. Whether you’re daydreaming above the lake in Sangkhlaburi, cycling through the ‘lungs of Bangkok’, tracking wild elephants in a national park or just lazing on the beach of a little-known island, the country offers plenty of opportunities for introspection and connection with not only nature but the local people.
So much of the Thai kingdom remains little-visited by mainstream tourism, and exploring these overlooked areas is a profoundly rewarding experience. On even the simplest trips to Thailand, it’s easy to take the road less travelled and go somewhere you’ve never heard of…
The other Bangkok
Tha Kha floating market (Dreamstime)
Best for: Culture vultures and floating markets
Duration: 3-5 days
Bangkok is so full of traffic and noise, who would have thought you could simply putter across a river in a long tail and be delivered to a world utterly removed from its bustle?
Bang Krachao is a small conservation area formed by an oxbow in the Chao Phraya River and given over to palms, market gardens and mango plantations. It gives an insight into what Bangkok must have been like before it became, well, Bangkok. If you’d just like a taste, try a day-long bicycle tour with ABC Bangkok Cyclist. Those with more time can stay at eco-hotel Bangkok Tree House or one of the traditional homestays in the area.
While Bang Krachao fires the imagination, Thonburi – on the western bank of the Chao Phraya – fires the senses. A community of artists is clustered around Baan Silapin, a period teak house that sits beside an even older chedi structure, dating back to the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767 AD). Inside is an artist-run café and performance zone, with exhibits, puppet shows and local acts aplenty.
The area is easily visited via canal boat and cycling day trips. To soak up the area some more, try a longer stay at the waterside Bang Luang House, across the canal from Baan Silapin.
Next, head to Wongwian Yai railway station and catch the local train to Samut Sakhon (one hour), then a ferry across the Tha Chin River for another train from Ban Laem Station. This tracks west, inching through the legendary Mae Khlong Market (shoppers will scatter), finishing in Samut Songkhram.
Grab a tuk-tuk or songtheaw (shared taxi) to Amphawa (16km away), which is known for its wooden housing and its traditional vibe (at least on weekdays). Fruit orchards feed into the area, and Tha Kha floating market (10km away) should also be on your hit list.
Route: Bang – Thonburi – Amphawa
Why go: To experience traditional, green Thailand up close and personal
When to go: Year-round
The road to Burma
Railway bridge in Kanchanaburi (Dreamstime)
Best for: History, waterfalls and boat trips to a sunken village
Duration: 5-7 days
Just a couple of hours’ drive west of the Thai capital is Kanchanaburi, best known for its Death Railway and Hellfire Pass. Some 15,000 Allied POWs and 90,000 Asian conscripted labourers died in constructing this infamous rail link in the Second World War. Cemeteries and museums honour their memory, and a visit to Hellfire Pass, where the line cuts through the Tenasserim Hills, is essential.
Elsewhere in the region, it’s all about the outdoors. Test your legs by clambering up Erawan National Park’s namesake falls or work up a sweat by kayaking the River Kwai. Alternatively, grab a bite of local life back in the city with a cookery course at Apple and Noi’s.
About 200km north-west of Kanchanaburi lies the lakeside town of Sangkhlaburi. What you see here today is relatively new, built after the site’s Mon (originally a Burmese ethnic minority) town was flooded in the early 1980s, creating Vajiralongkorn Lake. Near the end of dry season (March-May), when its waters recede enough, you can take a boat to the remains of its old central temple and walk through its ruins. The roof may be gone but its Buddha niches remain in the walls, their icons replaced by shiny black mussels.
A large Mon community now lives on the far side of the water here, near the Burmese border. Cross the 400m-long wooden bridge to visit and explore Wat Wang Wiwekaram and Buddhakaya Chedi – the latter is a replica of the Mahabodhi stupa of Bodhgaya, India.
Route: Kanchanaburi – Erawan National Park – Sangkhlaburi
Why go: For cooling off in a jungle waterfall
When to go: Year-round, although April and May can be extremely hot
The wild west
Buddha statues in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park (Dreamstime)
Best for: Mountains, waterfalls and volunteering opportunities
Duration: 6-10 days
Weather-worn Buddha statues adorned with lichen and golden sashes sit evocatively in the woods at Kamphaeng Phet, once a key defensive stronghold for the Sukhothai kingdom (1238-1438 AD). The city was flattened by marauding Burmese in the 18th century, and what remains today is mostly spread across two atmospheric, yet little-visited, historic parks.
Bag a stay at the family-run Three J Guesthouse, where staff can also arrange multi-day retreats on the edge of Khlong Lan National Park, with camping and chalets on hand. Here you can hike, swim in waterfall pools, learn silk weaving at a Karen village, and relax around an evening campfire.
Mae Sot’s population – a legacy of its position near the Burmese border – is a heady mix of Karen, Mon and Shan minorities, as well as Thais and Westerners. It also boasts a rich and diverse market scene, while stays at the creative and socially-responsible Picturebook Guesthouse can hook you up with Youth Connect for volunteering opportunities. The centrally located Borderline Café also offers a cookery course, so you can learn to cook some of the fine Shan, Karen and Mon fare.
Head south from Mae Sot to Umphang, driving the ‘Death Highway’, so-named for traversing what was once prime opium-growing and guerrilla territory. Its 164km route ribbons along a spine of mountains that abut the western reaches of Khlong Lan National Park. And while the dangerous bandits and poppies are now long gone, the compelling views remain.
As one of the most isolated towns in Thailand, Umphang is the launching point to visit the lush jungles of Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. Here the Thi Lor Su waterfall crashes over its 200m-high cliffs and can swell up to 400m across during rainy season. Rafting is pretty popular, where you get to cruise behind, around and directly under the falls over an exhilarating half kilometre – just be prepared for a shower.
Route: Kamphaend Phet – Mae Sot – Umphang
Why go: Ancient civilisations and the wilds of Thailand
When to go: November to March
Into the jungle
Mother and baby elephant in Khao Yai National Park (Dreamstime)
Best for: Wildlife, trekking, Khmer ruins and food
Duration: 6-10 days
Khao Yai National Park is just a half-day’s travel from Bangkok and is home to more than 40 waterfalls, 112 mammals and almost 400 bird species. Larger mammals include deer and wild Asian elephants, but while tigers are believed to inhabit the park, don’t hold your breath. There are a number of campsites and bungalows, though, as well as accommodation outside its bounds. Visit independently or opt for private tours with Ms Nang at Thailand Your Way or trips with perennial backpacker favourite Greenleaf.
Continue east and make your way to Nang Rong, where you can ascend an extinct 402m volcano to visit the best preserved and most spectacular set of Khmer ruins in Thailand, Prasat Phanom Rung. This temple complex (similar in style to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat) was built between the 10th and 12th centuries, when the site formed a part of the greater Khmer Empire. It was created to honour the Hindu god Shiva, and some of its lintels and carvings are more than 1,000 years old.
Move on to Buriram and catch the eastbound train (3.5 hours) to Ubon Ratchathani, bordering Laos and Cambodia. The Royal Lotus City, as it’s known, has long been something of a cultural melting pot, and you’re as likely to hear the Lao dialect spoken here as Thai.
The city is famous for its spicy salads and has some impressive cuisine – be sure to try the kuay chab yuan, a Vietnamese-inspired pork-based soup. As a seat of Buddhist learning, it also has several interesting downtown temples, though it pays to venture outside town to Wat Nong Pah Pong and Wat Pah Nanachat, too. These fascinating forest temples are primarily known as meditation retreats, but the serenity of their grounds is unmatched.
Route: Khao Yai – Phanom Rung – Ubon Ratchathani
Why go: Trek through the jungle in the footsteps of wild elephants
When to go: Year-round, but June to October (wet season) is best for Khao Yai, with cooler hiking.
The unspoilt south coast
Buddha statue park in Nakhon Si Thammarat (Dreamstime)
Best for: Beaches, culture and birdwatching
Duration: 6-8 days
Sit on the sands of Khanom and Sichon on Thailand’s mainland and watch the ferries chug back and forth with their cargo of tourists to the more popular islands in the Gulf. While you’ll not find the crystalline waters of those picturebook islands here, you will discover a sedate scene with lashings of peace and quiet. Come on weekdays and you will likely be the only foreigner on the beaches, which stretch for 50km or so. Stick around longer and just a few days of exploration can deliver you to some wild waterfalls and splendid viewpoints.
Head south to the little-visited provincial capital of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where you can fill a day taking a cultural walk along the downtown section of Rajdamnern Road. The route takes you by old wooden houses and historic buildings, with one highlight being Suchart Subsin’s House of Shadow Puppetry, home to one of the country’s largest collections of shadow puppets.
Nakhon Si Thammarat is also famous for its khanom jeen– fresh rice noodles served with Southern Thai curry, a spread of fresh and pickled vegetables, and an egg (or two). Try it on the street or at dedicated small restaurants, such as the accomplished Khanom Jeen Mae Add, near Wat Mahathat.
Just 25km west of Nakhon Si Thammarat, at the foot of Khao Luang mountain (1,835m), lies Baan Khiri Wong. This eco-friendly market garden area has blossomed into one of Southern Thailand’s best examples of community-based tourism. The best way to experience the area is at a village homestay, and those with time on their hands can engage a local guide for the three-day trek to the summit of Khao Luang. If you’re pressed for time, hire an inflatable tube for the day and hit the waters of the nearby rivers, fed by the surrounding waterfalls.
Route: Khanom – Sichon – Nakhon Si Thammarat – Baan Khiri Wong
Why go: Experience some Thai-style homestay hospitality
When to go: Year-round, but November to March – after the monsoons end – is best
Island-hopping the south west
Ko Lipe beach (Dreamstime)
Best for: Beaches, diving and snorkelling, and lots of hiking
Duration: 8-14 days
The island of Ko Libong is reached from the mainland by boats leaving from Hat Yao pier, but it isn’t an obvious destination. While the fine tan sands of its Haad Lang Kao beach are none too shabby, nor are they the best on the Andaman coast. But the real lure of this little-visited isle isn’t what lies above the high watermark – it’s what lives below it.
Over 100 dugongs feed on the seagrasses stretching out from the island’s east-coast mangroves, a part of the Libong Archipelago Wildlife Reserve. To see them, bag a dugong-spotting trip with the LifeLong Learning Foundation, which uses peaceful kayaks rather than noisy longtails, which can disturb the creatures. At night, skip the popular beach bungalows for east-coast village Batu Bute, where homestays afford the chance to experience traditional life in a Muslim fishing community.
Boats to Ko Bulon Lae go from the pier at Pak Bara, back on the mainland. The majority will likely be going to the more popular Ko Lipe, though, which is rather the appeal of this remote escape, slightly north of the main ferry run. In fact, it is an anomaly as far as Thai islands go, having become a model for sustainable tourism in the area, with solar panels providing clean power to the gaggle of locally owned resorts that scatter its bays and hinterlands. These are often simply furnished, with most only flicking on power in the evening, but wandering the lonely shores is a serene experience, and it’s worth a visit to see another side of Thailand.
For many, Ko Tarutao is little more than a pause on the ferry to Ko Lipe, yet its history is truly fascinating. Once a home to political prisoners, including the son of a Thai king, its residents later turned to piracy after food supplies stopped. Today, little remains of their former pirate lair save for some cell barracks, but the Ao Talo Wao historical trail, which runs halfway down the island (set aside a day for it), delivers a curious insight into the island’s story, with camping also allowed on several of the beaches here.
Giants guard The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand (Shutterstock)
The Grand Palace and the breathtaking series of buildings surrounding it is now over 200 years old, and remains perhaps the most famous, recognisable destination in Bangkok.
Yes, it can feel like a tourist trap at times, but the complex’s vast history and gold-dripping grandeur is palpable: since 1782, it has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand).
While you’re exploring the Grand Palace, don’t miss the Emerald Buddha and nearby Wat Pho, which is home to the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand. Another must see is Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which is stunning from a distance and intriguing close up, with its mosaic detailing, as you climb to the top.
Sunset is a particularly attractive, if busy, time to admire the palace. As the sky darkens, the Grand Palace is illuminated, and although you’ll likely still encounter the crowds even into the night, it’s a very romantic experience.
2. Visit the Golden Triangle
The Mekong River’s Golden Triangle, in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand (Shutterstock)
The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known locally as Sop Ruak, but to the rest of the world it’s the Golden Triangle: the point at which Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand meet.
Even standing on the Thailand river bank, you can look across to Myanmar and Laos, though you may wish to hire a boat for an even closer look. You won’t get lost: there are plenty of market stalls, Buddha and elephant statues, and plenty of signage to confirm that, yes, this is in fact the Golden Triangle.
Sop Ruak was once known as a prolific opium-growing area, and the exhibitions at the Hall of Opium in Golden Triangle Park, offer a solid introduction to the local history and effects of the industry, as well as the potency of the drug.
Once you’ve seen all Thailand has to offer, keep cruising along the Mekong to visit Laos.
3. Enjoy an ethical elephant experience
Elephants roam the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand (Shutterstock)
The elephant is Thailand’s national symbol and is considered a highly-revered animal. There are plenty of ways to encounter or work with the animals all over the country. Unfortunately, animal cruelty is a real problem in some elephant ‘sanctuaries’ – for instance, avoid any centre that makes the elephants perform tricks.
Fortunately, there are plenty of good ele’ experiences out there. The Elephant Nature Park rehabilitates rescue elephants, and your visit helps their work. To combine your elephant experience with luxury accommodation, try the award-winning Elephant Hills; a comfortable tented camp, with opportunities to interact with the animals.
4. Hop through some of the world’s prettiest islands
See Phang Nga Bay, and explore Thailand’s prettiest islands (Shutterstock)
Thailand boasts over 5,000 miles of coastline, all of which is just waiting to be explored. Travel by long-tail boat and discover as many beaches and islands as possible.
See Phang Nga Bay and the limestone rocks off Thailand’s west coast. You know the ones – they’re frequently photographed. Or island hop in the Andaman Sea off of Phuket and Krabi. Here, you’ll discover white sand beaches and abundant snorkelling on Ko Phi Phi Lee and Ko Phi Phi Don.
The calm sea and clear conditions are perfect for kayaking, too. It’s a great way to explore the islands without the masses on tourist boats or passenger ferries, and take the experience at your own pace. The coastlines of Koh Phan Ngan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand are particularly picturesque.
5. Meet the hill tribes of northern Thailand
A Hmong women with locally-made souvenirs, northern Thailand (Shutterstock)
Akha, Lisu, Hmong and Karen tribes are found all across the north of Thailand. Take a break from the tourist trail, and spend a day or a few nights with a local family to learn and experience their way of life.
Choose your tour guide wisely – ensure that they operate in an ethical and sustainable manner.
6. Go off-the-beaten-track in Chiang Mai
See another side to iconic Chiang Mai, Thailand (Shutterstock)
In the hills of northern Thailand sits Chiang Mai, a city popular with everyone from experienced travellers, to backpackers on their inaugural South-East Asia adventure, to digital nomads who call it home.
But are there are any hidden corners left in a city so firmly on the beaten track? Magnificent wats (temples) are a dime a dozen here, and you won’t miss the classics. But don’t shy away from the lesser-visited temples, like the ornate complex at Wat Ket Karam located on the River Ping, or head approximately 50km north to the intricate Buddhist temple, Wat Ban Den.
Had your fill of temples? Shop artisan crafts and experience the city’s arty side at Baan Kang Wat Artist Village, a community of creatives neatly tucked away in the Doi Suthep hills just outside of the city’s Old Town.
7. Get soaked during Songkran Festival
Revellers get drenched during Songkran Festival in Thailand (Shutterstock)
Every April, Thai locals and visitors alike gather their supersoakers and prepare to get wet during Songkran, Thailand’s unique New Year celebration. Of course, there’s much more to it than taking to the streets with a water pistol in tow. Our guide to Songkran will explain it all.
Other must-experience festivals celebrated all over the country include Loi Krathong in November, and the Naga Fireballs in October – a natural phenomenon that occurs just once a year. Visitors are very welcome to respectfully join the locals as they celebrate. Certainly, these festivals will offer a unique insight into local customs and traditions.
8. Float on by a floating market
Thailand’s most famous floating market, Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi (Shutterstock)
It’s the iconic photo shot: the floating market, with rickety wooden boats piled high with colourful local produce. You’re spoiled for choice across Thailand, so simply pick your market, and arrive early to avoid the crowds and bag the best bargains.
Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi is the most famous of the floating markets, located 100km south-west of Bangkok en route to Hua Hin/Cha-am. Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram is a real gem, open only in the afternoons, and situated next to a temple.
Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market in Bangkok has only fairly recently been discovered by tourists. To this day, it’s still very authentic and frequented by the locals. While you’re there, you must try a range of Thai fruits including custard apples, yellow longan and the pungent durian.
9. Explore the dark side of Kanchanaburi
The so-called Death Railway in Kanchanaburi, Thailand (Shutterstock)
Kanchanaburi province, an area of lush forest and a haven for backpackers, has a dark past hidden beneath the surface.
Here, you’ll find the start of the infamous Death Railway (which links to Myanmar), and the bridge over the River Kwai. Both are haunting relics from the Second World War, constructed by prisoners of war. It’s a chilling spot, but essential on any Thailand itinerary.
Close by is what’s left of the controversial Tiger Temple, which was the focus of some damning animal welfare reports, and began closing down in May of 2016, after the Thailand Wildlife Conservation Office intervened. As of 2020, the site is no longer a visitor attraction, with few animals remaining on site.
As with anywhere in the world, there are always tempting opportunities to experience close-up encounters with wildlife. Thailand will have its fair share. As always, consult other travellers for advice, read reviews, and follow your conscience before booking.
10. Discover ancient Khmer ruins
A Khmer castle made of sandstone in Phanom Rung National Park, Thailand (Shutterstock)
Most travellers with any interest in South-East Asia will know Angkor Wat: Cambodia’s undisputed travel icon, originally built during the Khmer Empire as a Hindu place of worship. Head to Phanom Rung Historical Park and Phimai Historical Park in Thailand, and wander around similarly impressive Khmer relics, many built in the 12th century.
Phanom Rung, in the Buriram Province, is located at the summit of a volcano. Reach the top and you’ll be greeted by views of Cambodia in the distance. Turn your attention back to the historical sites before you, particularly Prasat Phanom Rung, thought to be built sometime between the 10th and 13th centuries.
11. Hike through the UNESCO-listed nature
Haew Narok Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand (Shutterstock)
Thailand’s national parks are revered for their beauty and scale. You’ll also find UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and superb hiking and biking trails in plenty of spots.
Our favourite national parks include: Doi Inthanon National Park (home to Thailand’s highest peak); Khao Yai National Park (considered to be one of Asia’s largest monsoon forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Sai Yok National Park (with several waterfalls, caves and rare animals to discover); Khao Sok National Park (considered the finest in southern Thailand).
Of course, Thailand’s natural wonders don’t end with its national parks. Consider visiting some of its best-known waterfalls, all renowned for their size and tranquility. At the16-level Khao Sai Dao Waterfall, which flows year-round, visitors can also enjoy the wildlife sanctuary. Erawan Waterfall is made of seven tiers, each feeding freshwater pools prime for swimming. Thilosu Waterfall might be the ultimate – it’s considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in South-East Asia.
12. Shop til you drop, wherever you go
Chatuchak: a haven for secondhand goods in Bangkok, Thailand (Shutterstock)
From street stalls to bustling markets (all on land), you can shop at every turn. In Bangkok, Chatuchak (JJ Mall) is one of the biggest, best-loved secondhand markets in the country, taking place every Saturday and Sunday. Each night from 4pm, city dwellers can also peruse the Asiatique Night Market, full of kitsch stores and street food stands.
Travelling north to Chiang Mai, the daily Night Bazaar is probably your first stop. Each Saturday, Wualai Walking Street Market opens from 2pm, and is a short distance from the city’s walls. Expect locally-made souvenirs, street food treats and a few hidden gems – though make sure you’re getting a good bargain.
Whether you’re in a large city or a smaller village, northern Thai markets and shops often specialise in local handicrafts, wooden carvings, silverware, silks, pottery and furniture. Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima has a popular night market, too.
With thanks to Tourism Thailand for their contribution to this article
Feel a sense of tranquillity as you hover above the calm, crystal clear waters of Holandsfjorden fjord and take in the outstanding natural scenery or Norway.
Located just above the Arctic Circle, Svart is the world’s first energy-positive hotel which opened in 2021. The circular property has a 360-degree view of the Svartisen glacier, and aims to reduce its yearly energy consumption by 85% compared to other modern hotels, by using solar energy.
The beautiful beach-front suites at Jetwing Surf (Jetwing Surf)
Experience a piece of eco-luxury on the beaches of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s south-eastern coast. The hotel’s construction and design has been inspired by nature with structures made from wood, palm leaves and dried iluk grass, built to create as little disturbance to the surrounding vegetation as possible.
Where feasible, natural ventilation and lighting is used and waste water is biologically treated to protect the natural habitat.
Get back to nature in more ways than one at this luxury tented camp in the Makalai Conservancy. The camp does everything it can to reduce its carbon footprint including using solar panels for 30% of its energy consumption.
The property also has a heater pump system to reduce electrical power by 80%, and a bio-gas system to turn food and natural waste into natural gas to cook with. Used water is filtered and cleaned so it can be fed back into the camp’s waterhole for the animals.
The four resorts in Palawan live by a green ethos, which includes buying their products and employing staff locally, giving guests the opportunities to experience nature and the area’s culture, and building new sustainability programmes every year.
As well as green design and architecture, the resorts offer sustainable menus and plenty of nature-based activities in their verdant environment.
Hidden in the tropical rainforests and surrounded by gorgeous beaches, this Thailand resort is the ideal combination of eco-friendly and luxury.
Soneva is committed to sustainability across all its resorts, but at Soneva Kiri it has developed a Carbon Calculator to monitor the full footprint of its operations; from energy consumption to freight, food, paper, waste and water. They even have their own organic garden, reducing their impact on the environment by not importing produce over a long distance.
Kachi is the first permanent lodge of its kind in Saral de Uyuni, Bolivia’s otherworldly salt flats. Sitting at the foot of the Tunupa volcano, it offers a sleek, solar-powered spin on glamping, all set at a breathless altitude (3,600m).
Here, its six white domes seemingly float on the horizon. Lanterns keep you warm at night, and local cuisine comes courtesy of the chefs from La Paz’s much-lauded Gustu restaurant, which also serves as a foundation to give under-privileged youths a start.
Three Camel Lodge (Nomadic Expeditions, Michael Kleinberg)
In the light of the Gobi Desert, the Three Camel Lodge appears like a mirage, nestled between the Bayanzag cliffs and the Altai Mountains. A cluster of comfortable, eco-conscious gers: round, felt tents, decorated warmly in the Mongolian tradition, with local materials and hand-painted interiors.
Yes, it looks sensational, but most importantly it’s socially responsible – the solar-powered ger camp has banned plastic use, protects wildlife and uses profits to support struggling nomads in winter.
Set deep in the Central Highlands’ rainforest, no roads lead to this eco-lodge, so if you decide against navigating the Pacuare River’s rushing rapids, you can cross the river by a hanging gondola instead.
It’s typically known for high-octane adventures, natural beauty and exotic animal sightings, but commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the lodge.
Clean energy is the big focus, with electricity generated by a turbine in a nearby stream. There are no buffets here – you pre-order the superb meals so that nothing is wasted. No trees were felled to house the bungalows, which are lit up with lanterns, creating a natural warmth. You can then wash off the day with the solar-heated water – or take a dip in the infinity pool, framed by rainforest and the sounds of nature.
With its handful of hand-carved teak houses and bamboo ‘tents’ set among the treetops, Bambu Indah is super-stylish yet sustainable – and won’t blow your budget.
After a dawn yoga session, bathe in the freshwater pools and breakfast on organic ingredients – the restaurant has even replaced plates with bamboo leaves, and straws with papaya stems.
With its hulking gorges, thundering waterfalls and rolling hills strewn with wildflowers and wallabies, Karijini National Park is one epic spot for hiking, climbing and canyoning.
What’s more, this eco retreat (based in the park) treads lightly on the landscape, thanks to its solar power, lack of air conditioning and non-permanent (yet beautifully furnished) tented suites.
Owned and operated by a local Amerindian community, Rewa Lodge in Guyana has garnered many accolades among lovers of wild places. It first opened in 2003, when manager (and community chief) Rudy led the charge to open an eco lodge to benefit the local community and wildlife.
Rewa Lodge is an example of true grassroots tourism, with the community running it and directly benefitting. Rudy took our editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes to the nearby village, where a newly consecrated church, a health centre, nursery school and primary school were all funded through the lodge.
Ecuador’s extraordinary Mashpi Lodge is an eco-wonder set deep in the amazing Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest. At night, you can sleep well, knowing that not a single tree was removed during its construction.
During all hours, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of rainforest from your room, and the hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, and jungle frogs that call this jungle home.