Tourism these days comes in many shapes and forms, one of which is eco-tourism. It’s a way to explore a destination’s natural beauty while being mindful of the impact you make on the environment. Eco tours in Thailand are a growing sector, with locals and tourists alike becoming more aware of how local communities and ecosystems are affected by their choices. It’s not hard to become a responsible ecotourist, but it does require some thought and effort.
What is ecotourism, and its importance in Thailand?
Thailand welcomed over fourteen million foreign arrivals from January to May 2025, according to statistics on the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website. This only shows that tourism is one of the primary drivers of the country’s economy. Ecotourism is one of the many things Thailand has to offer visitors because of its diverse natural beauty.
- Thailand has a rich marine life, wildlife, and tropical landscape that have to be preserved through responsible tourism.
- Ecotourism provides opportunities for local, small-scale travel experiences that support communities in rural areas and provide benefits to the environment.
- Promotes awareness of Thailand’s cultural and natural heritage that must be protected and preserved.
What is a responsible tourist mindset?
When most visitors only think about their personal enjoyment when visiting any destination, responsible tourists think beyond that limited perspective. They take into account the footprint they leave behind when visiting.
- Familiarise yourself in advance with the local culture, customs and traditions to avoid being disrespectful
- Avoid activities that are harmful to nature or exploitative of wildlife
- Support local businesses, especially community-led ones
- Showing respect for any tourist sites and attractions visited by not leaving any trash or taking souvenirs from nature
- Interact with the locals to fully immerse yourself in the culture and experience the local life
What It Takes to Be a Responsible Ecotourist
It’s more than just the journey and destination; it also considers the choices you make and how you travel. It’s easy to be a responsible ecotourist in Thailand if you follow some core habits.
- Eco-friendly accommodation: Stay in hotels, resorts, or other accommodation options that follow sustainable practices. Consider staying in eco-lodges, then book certified eco-tours.
- Minimise environmental footprint: Travel solo or in small groups if you visit fragile environments, never litter, and consciously follow energy and water conservation practices.
- Book ethical wildlife encounters: Instead of riding an elephant, visit sanctuaries or nurseries where animal welfare is highly prioritised.
- Stick to the path: When visiting places with marked trails, never stray from the path and always listen and follow tour guidelines. Don’t touch coral if you’re told not to.
- Take part in volunteer work: There are many conservation projects in Thailand that accept volunteers. Take the opportunity to learn about wildlife and marine life, and all efforts to protect them. June is the best time to visit Thailand and volunteer in wildlife sanctuaries.
As you can see, becoming a responsible eco-tourist isn’t complicated, especially if you’re a responsible traveller to begin with. When you’re mindful of where you stay, the activities you book, the impact you make, and being respectful overall, you make an amazing visitor wherever you go. Ready to explore the natural gems of Thailand? Book a tour with John Gray’s Sea Canoe.