Welcome to Responsible Thailand
Responsible travel to Thailand advice, tips and inspiration
Think you know Thailand? Whether you have visited before or not, it is easy to conjure up images of the country. But there is so much more to Thailand than simply beaches and buzzing nightlife.
For there is another more authentic Thailand to discover. You can trek on barely trodden trails. You can explore over 100 national parks, looking out for wildlife in its natural habitat – elephants, gibbons and tigers are still found in the wild here. You can interact with locals through staying in homestays or through hotels and experiences that support community-based projects. You can support or volunteer in projects that conserve wildlife or local traditions.
Thailand has it all – fascinating cultures, layers of history, scenic beauty, gorgeous beaches, fabulous food, wildlife and nature. Here, we look at some of the best activities and experiences for the discerning and responsible visitor.
To find out more about Thailand's responsible, sustainable and community-based initiatives, head to ResponsibleThailand.co.uk
Have you been impressed by the eco credentials of a hotel you’ve stayed at in Thailand? Perhaps you visited a particularly ambitious wildlife sanctuary? Then make sure you nominate your sustainability champion for this year’s awards...
The Responsible Thailand Awards highlights the individuals and organisations that go above and beyond to help protect Thailand’s nature, local communities, wildlife and heritage.
The nominations process is very straightforward and can be completed by either a member of the organisation or a member of the general public who has visited.
Nominations for the 2023 awards are now closed. Please see the winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023 below.
You can enter one or more of the following categories:
Nature, marine & heritage
Thailand is fantastically rich in natural wonders. This category looks for projects, organisations or other bodies, who offer the best of Thailand and in a sustainable way. It could be a conservation programme or it could be a tour company, either local or UK-based.
Community-based tourism
Community based tourism is when the tourism experience is managed and operated buy the local community. The community benefits by receiving an income that can be fairly distributed, and by operating a type of tourism that helps them preserve their community and way of life.
Animal welfare
With this award, we want to reward those places that genuinely care about their animals, and put their welfare first. Places where the animals line in a natural, enriched and healthy environment, and where normal behaviour is allowed. Note that there does need to be a tourism element.
Hotel/eco-lodge
An eco-lodge or green hotel which is actively promoting its eco-friendly credentials. The judges will be looking for hotels that, regardless of size, go well beyond the basics (recycling etc.) and can prove they are making a positive difference to Thailand, whether through conservation, working with communities, education etc.
Green steps & innovation
A tourism-related organisation which has recently made steps - however modest - towards introducing a green/sustainable travel policy. This is open to an organisation of any type, eg it could be a local tour, a transport provider, a restaurant, accommodation, an attraction, a travel company.
To find out more about Thailand's responsible, sustainable and community-based initiatives, head to ResponsibleThailand.co.uk
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