With Thailand’s diverse natural landscape the travel options are endless, from treks to tribal villages to scuba diving is some of the world’s best coral reefs. Whether you are looking for a beach vacation, cultural experience, or jungle safari the following five Thailand eco lodges provide something to appeal to every kind of traveler.
Lisu Lodge: Chiang Mai
Lisu Lodge offers travelers an authentic cultural experience, as it is part of a community project to help preserve the cultural heritage of the Northern Thailand hill tribes. The eco lodge is named after the nearby hill tribe village called Lisu; the tribe migrated from southern China and Tibet in the early 20th century. All employees of the lodge are local villagers and all guides have grown up in the area and have an immense amount of knowledge of the surrounding regions and cultures.
The lodge oversees the lush fields and hills surrounding the valley. On an eco tour of the village a family elder explains the Lisu customs and culture. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the local shrine, admire the work of local silversmiths and view some of the fine embroidery work, as well as be invited to a local home for tea. Other activities available include biking, white water rafting, and trekking.
Elephant Hills Eco Camp: Khao Sok
Elephant Hills is the first luxury tented jungle camp in Thailand, bringing the idea of African safari camps to the Thai tropical forest. There are 20 luxury tents at Elephant Hills set in the rainforest of Southern Thailand. The furniture in each tent is handmade by local craftsmen using natural materials. Located at the center of the camp is the open-air restaurant, where resident monkeys often make appearances and there is a variety of bird life to watch.
Elephant Hills can provide a range of safaris and activities, including elephant trekking, canoeing down the Sok River, jungle trekking, and visits to the Cheow Larn Lake and mangrove forests. On their tours, guests can learn about the jungle and its inhabitants, elephants and conservation efforts, and some Thai cooking secrets. The forest is full of unique animals and plants, some which can only be found in that environment.
Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort and Spa: Chiang Rai
Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort and Spa was one of the first boutique hotels in Northern Thailand. Once a bamboo forest hill, this family run resort was developed with the help of Thailand’s leading interior designer, ML Sudavdee Kriangkrai. Phu Chaisai is popular among city dwellers hoping to escape the hustle and bustle and experience a place of solace and restoration. The resort has 34 rooms constructed from bamboo and all are without the distraction of TV’s and alarm clocks.
With a green concept as the backbone for the resorts design, construction and interior decorations, the lodge has taken it a step further to truly immerse itself in the green lifestyle. The resort has a tea plantation, garden, and fruit farm to allow for a fresh selection of cuisine. Phu Chaisai also helps support the local community by employing local villages and training the local staff in hospitality, culinary, and superior service skills.
The Houben: Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta, located in the Krabi Province, where there’s plenty of cheap flights to from Bangkok, consists of more than fifty islands that are part of a protected Marine National Park. At the Houben Koh Lanta you’ll experience pristine nature and incredible greenery. The lodge has fifteen oceanfront rooms, all with easy access to the island’s white sandy beaches and other attractions.
The Houben provides a sanctuary of relaxation after a day full of exploration. Guests can unwind in the red infinity pool or the Jacuzzi while listening to sound of the waves crash. The hotel restaurant serves a blend of Thai and international cuisine, including the fresh catch of the day from the Andaman Sea. In an effort to support local and eco friendly products, the hotel purchases rice from local farmers and fruit and vegetables are selected from an organic farm.
Activities offered through the hotel include mountain biking, motor biking, island discovery tours to visit Lanta Orchid Nursery, Lanta Butterfly Garden or the Old Town, swimming snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and more.
The Racha: Phuket
In an effort to preserve the environment; no cutting or filling of the land was allowed while creating any of the hotels in Phuket. Further, all of the villas were built with double thick exterior walls to help reduce the amount of air conditioning used. The resort also uses low power energy saving lamps to conserve electricity, and has a comprehensive recycling program in place.
In an effort to preserve the environment no cutting or filling of the land was allowed during the hotel’s construction. Further, all of the villas were built with double thick exterior walls to help reduce the amount of air conditioning used. The resort also uses low power energy saving lamps to conserve electricity, and has a comprehensive recycling program in place.
At The Racha your days will be filled with fun outdoor activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, nature walks, and mountain biking. Rejuvenate your body at the fitness center, which offers yoga sessions and has a spa with a variety of services. The Racha also has a 5-star PADI Dive Center and the island is famous for it’s coral and marine life.
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