{"id":96450,"date":"2015-07-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-07-15T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/thailand-green-perspective\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:52:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:52:49","slug":"thailand-green-perspective","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/thailand-green-perspective\/","title":{"rendered":"Thailand. The Green Perspective."},"content":{"rendered":"
\"A
A Thai monk in one of the temples, offers support\u00a0to the followers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There’s a\u00a0strong\u00a0smell of incense in the air as we enter the temple, the tiny sticks stand straight as soldiers\u00a0in a bowl\u00a0of sand; coins, flowers and fresh\u00a0fruit adding to their\u00a0favour. Monks sit in orange robes praying into the mics as they gently rock back and forth, tattoos visible on their bare arms. The moon has moved a call to prayer and the community gathers in unison. I’m invited forward to receive a blessing and without hesitation drop to my knees,\u00a0lower\u00a0my head and welcome the holy water sprinkled by\u00a0lotus flower\u00a0onto me, while words\u00a0I\u00a0don’t understand, are said. I feel completely at home…<\/p>\n

I’m in Thailand for the first time by invitation of the\u00a0Tourism Authority of Thailand<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to\u00a0discover\u00a0a greener<\/em> side to this popular tourist\u00a0destination. One that features Buddhist temples, spectacular islands, white beaches, a rich\u00a0history and unique culture, not to mention delicious Thai food and healing massages. Here where there’s a serenity and kindness to the people who go out of their way to serve and welcome you. Infrastructure impresses and much value is placed on the tourism industry with hotels, resorts and transport – as well as safety, well placed. Yet somehow in conversations about Thailand, the focus too\u00a0often turns\u00a0to the crazy nightlife of Phuket and holiday snaps showing interaction with exotic animals.<\/p>\n

My visit\u00a0would take a different course. After my arrival in Bangkok and a night’s rest, I\u00a0would be visiting the Trat<\/strong> region, encountering local communities, followed by some time on Koh Chang<\/strong>\u00a0where health and well-being would matter most. I would also be taking\u00a0a rather different look at the vibrant capital, partly by bicycle. I was about to be introduced to this land of a\u00a0thousand smiles<\/em>, with at least as many to cross my face in the days to come.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Ban Nam Chiao canal with its colourful fishing boats.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Colourful
Fishing boats on the canal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"With
Out on the river where one of the fishermen dives for\u00a0Tongue Shell, bringing them up by hand. These are a delicacy and are mostly added to soups.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The art of health and wellness is deeply ingrained in the Thai culture\u00a0and a day at the\u00a0Chong Changtune<\/strong> eco-museum will bring this to life while teaching you about the Chong people. On offer is a\u00a0Thai massage, herbal compress ball treatment and Spa de Chong<\/em>, a herbal steam treatment taken in a woven chicken hoop invented by Samnao, one of the ladies in the community. It’s hot in there, with only your head sticking out hoping for fresh air. A morning can be spent indulging in treatments on site, before taking Salenger bikes (side-cars) down to the river for a White Mud Spa which you enjoy with the children. Here the community leaders have founded an eco-tourism business based on health, drawing from the knowledge of previous generations to bring an authentic Thai experience to the visitors of today.<\/p>\n

\"Enjoying
Enjoying massages at the Chong Changtune.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Spa
Spa de Chong, a herbal steam treatment in a woven chicken hoop. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it \ud83d\ude42<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Thai
Thai massage oils.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Chong
Chong children in the river, preparing the mud mix of water, white mud and turmeric.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Enjoying
Enjoying the white mud health treatment in the river. The children help here, rubbing the mud they’ve made onto your arms and shoulders.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In further\u00a0search of communities offering sustainable eco-tourism, we spend a day\u00a0in the Huai Raeng<\/strong> farming district. In this tranquil forested area,\u00a0a\u00a0respect and gentle coexistence with the environment in evident. Taking a cruise on the Huai Raeng river lined with rattan palms we see how they harvest\u00a0the\u00a0leaves and catch prawns for consumption in little traps set upstream. We make\u00a0betel palm leaf wraps<\/em>, a traditional lunch pack with rice, salty eggs, walnuts, onion, pineapple. We are shown coconut oil and mangosteen soap-making\u00a0and taste palm fruit which is juicy and a little like litchi in texture and flavour. The palms along the river have many uses including soft leaves for rolling cigarettes and thicker leaves for making dams. A\u00a0day filled with rich experiences. In this area we\u00a0stay\u00a0at the Toscana Hotel<\/strong>\u00a0in Trat. For a range of accommodation options in Trat browse here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Long
Long boat on the Khlong canal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Making
Making betel palm leaf wraps, a traditional lunch pack with rice, salty eggs, walnuts, onion, pineapple.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Catching
Catching prawns on the Huai-Raeng River.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All this eating and learning calls for time out and we took just that, crossing by ferry to Koh Chang Island<\/strong>\u00a0– meaning island of the the elephants – to spend a night at\u00a0The Spa Khochang Resort<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0With\u00a0rooms tucked up in thick\u00a0palm and coconut trees, it’s very peaceful there and sleep is accompanied by the rustle of wind in the trees and croaking frogs in the steam below. Mornings bring birdsong with the option of a Thai healing massage, meditation and yoga. This is a wellness retreat, one that offers very affordable cleansing, detox, juicing, raw food diets and yoga packages. Activities from the spa include trips to the beach, walks in the mangrove forests and a lighthouse visit. There’s also very good shopping in the village if you need a change of scenery on any of the days. For Koh Chang accommodation to suit all budgets browse here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Spa Khochang Resort\u00a0and\u00a0bungalow rooms tucked up in the trees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The
The simplicity of the open treatments where health is the focus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Lotus
A giant lotus flower I\u00a0found growing in the Spa Koh Chang gardens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From here I returned to Bangkok<\/strong> and this vibrant city that never sleeps.\u00a0The Chao Phraya River\u00a0runs through the alluvial plains now developed into various regions, each branching off into their independent\u00a0lives\u00a0and offerings. Traffic is crazy, yet public transport ranging from The Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems to\u00a0river taxis and express boats can easily be used to explore the many\u00a0historic sites and attractions. Taxis are also reasonably cheap and you’d do well to take a Tuk-tuk, at least once.<\/p>\n

Of the must see attractions, is the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0where on a 60 acres property in the heart of the city, in 1782 the first King of Thailand started construction of these incredible temples and palaces with their\u00a0intricate detail, mosaic, Buddhas, turrets and bells. The mythical animals command your attention and you’ll be marvelled by the beauty. Allow plenty of time and don’t get tricked. There are often ‘guides’ on the street\u00a0here\u00a0trying to con you into paying for entrance or a tour, there is no reason, find the entrance that is ALWAYS open and walk yourself around.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Grand Palace and Buddha Temple in Bangkok.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"At
At the Grand Palace, dipping lotus flowers in water for a blessing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mythical
Mythical Animals of the Grand Palace.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A familiar sight on the busy streets of Bangkok, the Tuk-Tuk.<\/p>\n

\"Bangkok
Bangkok Tut-Tut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For me a great delight was taking a\u00a0half-day 25km city tour with\u00a0Spice Roads Cycle Tours<\/a><\/b>, crossing the Chao Phraya River and weaving our way through the Bang Kra Jao green zone known as the Bangkok lung. This\u00a0amazing wilderness can only be reached by boat as no bridges span this part of the river and incredibly it has been left untouched by developers. Its\u00a0like taking a journey back in time to\u00a0a peaceful place with lush vegetation,\u00a0a maze of tiny waterways, small villages, temples and real tropical jungle. If it wasn’t for Bangkok’s skyline, you would think you’d left the city. Actually Spice Roads<\/strong> offer numerous cycle tours around the city and the country.<\/p>\n

\"Cycling
Cycling through the Suansrinakornkhuenkan national park in the Bangkok Lung with Spice Roads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Loading
Loading the bikes for the river crossing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"River
River life in Bangkok.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Stopped
Stopped at a school to watch these children sing and play.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Take a day trip to visit the\u00a0Wihan Phira Mongkhon Bophit Tempel<\/strong> at Ayutthaya<\/strong><\/a>, the first capital of Thailand and holder of the status for 417 years. An incredible depiction of how life was and insight into the much loved royal family. The bronze Buddha inside offers serenity and blessings\u00a0and the groups of school children visiting a look at the future. We walked the ruins of Wat Phira Si Samphet<\/strong> with its ancient turrets, stairs, towers and walls. Took a long boat down the river and walked around the grounds of the Kings Summer Palace<\/strong> with it’s detailed buildings and topiary filled landscaped gardens and the surrounding village is well-developed with some good markets to shop at.<\/p>\n

\"Wihan
Wihan Phira Mongkhon Bophit Temple at Ayutthaya, the first capital of Thailand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Girls
Girls making an offering in a temple.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In Bangkok I stayed at the wonderful\u00a0Amari Watergate Bangkok<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>where the service was impeccable, the staff warm and incredibly helpful, the position excellent especially for shopping and their green sustainability policies inspiring given their location in the beat of the city. It’s easy to see why it’s the most popular hotel for South\u00a0African’s visiting Bangkok. That and their Breeze\u00a0Spa and rooftop pool and bar.<\/p>\n

Returned and rather loved up by the destination and theme, I much look forward to returning in October where my trip will focus more on the coastal areas and I’ll manage some beach time. For now though, the varied shades of green sit well with the inevitable blue beauty of this extraordinary country.<\/p>\n

\"On
On Koh Chang beach, as the sun softened on the day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thailand Travel Tips:<\/h2>\n