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    Khao Laem National Park is a park of about 1,500 square kilometers in western Thailand, located in the northern area of the Tenasserim Hills, Kanchanaburi province.
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    • Travel

    Amazing Green Route in Thailand

    Explore Thailand's historic regions and witness its commitment to environmental preservation.

    Published October 17, 2017
    • 6 min read
    This content was written by and is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic or its editorial staff.

    The Amazing Green Route, one of Thailand’s 7 Greens activities, takes travelers on a journey through Thailand’s carefully preserved natural beauty and culture. The sample itineraries featured in this route showcase communities committed to environmental conservation, demonstrated by keeping waterways clean, implementing proper waste disposal methods, and refraining from using foam or plastic containers. With its emphasis on environmentally friendly tourism, the Amazing Green Route encourages travelers to respect the beliefs, values, and customs of the local people; focus on nature-based tourism activities; and live simply and peacefully during their trip. Everyone can help make a valuable contribution to preserving the extraordinary gifts of nature for the sustainable future.

    Samut Songkhram Province to Kanchanaburi Province

    Explore a self-sufficient way of life and discover untold stories of the river on this route, which starts in Samut Songkhram, a small province in Thailand’s central region, then proceeds to Kanchanaburi, situated on the western edge of the region. This route is set among natural surroundings, with scattered local communities and well-preserved rivers and forests.

    Khao Chang Phueak is a mountain within Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Khao Chang Phueak is 1,249 meters in elevation and it is the third highest mountain in Kanchanaburi province.
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    The journey can be completed by walking, cycling, and using other low-carbon forms of transport, including riding the country’s shortest rail route (the 34 kilometers from Ban Laem Station to Mae Klong Station), cruising from a bustling pier into the peaceful atmosphere of nipa palm plantations and canal-side communities, taking off-road explorations into the jungle, and enjoying eco-friendly zip-line adventures. Visitors can take in the local way of life by learning how residents make coconut sugar, weave coconut leaves, and create Thai sweets. This inspirational route offers a chance to understand local customs, witness communities’ efforts at conservation, and participate in sustainable living initiatives.

    Trat Province

    Trat is a coastal province in eastern Thailand rich in pristine nature. Ko Chang, one of several islands off Trat’s coast, is the country’s second largest island after Phuket. The province is easily accessible by road and by air, making it a desirable destination for future tourism development.

    Hintok River Camp, Kanchanaburi province
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    Visitors can explore the rich biodiversity and conservation areas on this green tour route via energy-efficient means of travel like trekking, cycling along community roads, riding in the sidecar of a saleng (an adapted motorbike), strolling through fruit orchards, cruising along canals, and exploring mangrove forests. Tourists can participate in a variety of folk activities, such as weaving palm leaf hats, building check dams with local materials, sifting for red gems, and enjoying natural spas. Travelers will gain an appreciation for conservation as they learn about the self-sufficient lifestyle of Trat’s people and how they adapt natural resources for beneficial uses.

    Salak Khok Bay (Aow Salak Khok) is situated in the southern half of Koh Chang's east coast. The bay is approximately 1 kilometer wide, up to 2 kilometers long and only connected to the sea by a narrow passage. It is very flat and completely scattered with islands of mangroves. It is one of the best-preserved mangrove-forests in all of Thailand.
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    Loei Province

    Located in the upper northeastern region of Thailand, Loei Province boasts beautiful natural surroundings, cool weather, and rich folk culture. Its forests, mountain ranges, and location along the Mekong River cater to every taste.

    Phu Hor, Loei province
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    Visitors can get back in touch with nature by participating in trekking tours, strolling among diverse mountain plant species, crossing rice fields, and walking along the river. In addition to exploring on foot, travelers can go biking through small towns or take a ride on an adapted farm truck known as rot i-taek through the community. This low-carbon tour focuses on culture, customs, and tradition. Tourists can learn to make Phi Ta Khon masks, sew quilted blankets, and participate in activities like the Pha Sat Loi Khro ritual and the Saepang dance of the Tai Dam people. Firsthand experiences with Loei residents’ conservation efforts and their simple lifestyle based on the sufficiency economy philosophy make this a memorable and inspiring route.

    Phi Ta Khon, sometimes known as Ghost Festival, is the most common name for a group of festivals held in Dan Sai, Loei province, Isan, Thailand.
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