Highlights include cleaning up the Phu Kradueng National Park and planting saplings. Participants can also enjoy the “Long Do Loei” workshops that explain the province’s unique way of life.

The top plateau of Phu Kradueng is blessed with beautiful scenery, a lush pine forest, indigenous wild flowers and a cool climate, making it a place where hikers like to camp to catch the spectacular first light of day or the sun dipping into the horizon in the evening.

Climbing to the summit of Phu Kradueng requires stamina and endurance to conquer the rise in elevation that reaches an altitude of 1,325 metres and is considered a rite of passage for many Thai trekkers.

Other attractions include Pha Nok Aen, a cliff that offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise, Pha Lom Sak, a sandstone ledge jutting into space providing a terrific view of the hills and valleys, and Pha Yiap Mek, where cottony clouds suggest a misty world of shadow figures.

Limited to 200 participants, the event is now open for registration on the Facebook Page: TAT Loei office or via Fax: (041) 811 480.

Admission is Bt300 per person featuring one night’s accommodation, dinner on May 31 and breakfast on June 1.

For more information, contact the TAT Loei Office at (042) 812 812 and (042) 811 405, or email: tatloei@tat.or.th.

AS I step out of the boat on the shore of Maya Bay, my brain goes into overdrive. Where, I ask myself, is the tranquil beach that I fell in love with five years ago? Has it been replaced by the waterpark at Bangkok’s Siam Park City? It certainly looks that way as hundreds of Chinese tourists splash around happily and loudly in the clear turquoise waters while others crowd the 400-metre white sand beach in a selfie-taking frenzy.

The front of the bay seems to have morphed into a boat expo with turbo speedboats and classic long-tail boats jostling for position and for business too, their owners shouting out offers for sightseeing and marine tours.

Maya Bay, which currently welcomes more than 3,000 tourists a day, will be closed for its fourmonth rehabilitation and makeover for sustainable tourism. 

Looking around me with something close to despair, I can understand why Maya Bay is being closed from June 1 to September 30 for rehabilitation and a major makeover that should bring about better tourism management.

The bay will be capitalising on the success of the Phi Phi Set to Change Project, a collaborative effort by Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, veteran marine ecologists Thon Thamrongnawasawat and Thaithaworn Lirdwitayaprasit and Singha Estate to turn Phi Phi Island into a model of sustainable tourism.

In 2016, this initiative led to the closure of Yung Island and the National Park and its designation as a Strict Nature Reserve Zone to preserve coral reefs and prevent coral bleaching.

Focusing on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s nature-based solution, the expert team has used reef propagation techniques to recover and restore the ecosystem while simultaneously controlling the numbers of tourists and vessels in Loh Ba Gao Bay and Koh Phai.

Today Koh Yung has come back to life. Coral bleaching is down by 10 per cent and the reefs have expanded from 1,300 to 1,480 square metres along the beachfront.

Just 10 kilometres away from Maya Bay, Koh Yung was closed in 2016 and is today testament to the success of its marine rehabilitation project.  

“This is part of the national strategy on sustainable growth and the national reform of the environment and natural resources. We picked Phi Phi Island as a model because it was such a hopeless site. Three years ago, Koh Yung had less than five per cent of coral reefs and was just a spot for tourists to feed the fish,” says Thon, deputy dean of the Marine Science Department at Kasetsart University and a member of the national strategy and national reform committees on sustainable growth and the environment and natural resources.

“Tourist boats gathered sand from the beaches and dropped them over the corals while moving in and out. Meanwhile, they wiped out the coral reefs when anchoring underwater. To solve this problem, Singha Estate has provided us with mooring buoys to create a park-and-ride spot for the tour operators.

“In some areas of Koh Yung, we find the coral reefs are increasing from five to 80 per cent. We’ve joined forces with local residents, restaurateurs and other business owners to launch the ‘No Shark, No Parrotfish Sold Here’ campaign,” he adds.

At depths ranging from one to 12 metres, Koh Yung now boasts a diversity of coral reefs such as acropora, diploastrea, favia, davits, fungia, heliopora, montipora, physogyra, pocillopora and porites, making it a striking learning centre for marine ecology.

The reefs have expanded from 1,300 to 1,480 square metres along the beachfront of Koh Yung. 

Last year, Singha Estate initiated a new project called “Toh Wai Wai” (“Quick Growth”) in collaboration with scholars, government agencies, and local communities to increase awareness of the value of biodiversity to humankind. The project set out to rehabilitate the ecosystem and restore balance to Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

“Singha Estate is committed to community development and environmental conservation for sustainable growth. We focus on two major components – impact reduction and value creation for harmonious coexistence with the environment,” says chief executive Naris Cheyklin of Singha Estate.

“The Quick Growth project aims to educate the communities and entrepreneurs on how to reduce impacts from the tourism industry and conserve the biodiversity of Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.”

Part of the Quick Growth project, the grey mangrove trees are planted around Baan Laem Village, using saplings provided by the Biodiversity-based Economy Development Office to regenerate the marine ecosystem.

Singha Estate has supported Kasetsart University in conducting a project that sets out to restore and monitor the coral reefs in the park with drone-enabled aerial photography as well as propagate corals in Maya Bay.

Using drones, the rehabilitation of marine resources will be tracked continuously and sustainably, in line with the national strategic plan for coral reef restoration of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Loh Ba Gao Bay has been turned into a nursery for coral reefs that will be moved to Koh Yung and Maya Bay when they are strong enough.

The project has teamed up with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to turn some areas of Loh Ba Gao Bay into a nursery ground, using hanging techniques at depths of four and seven metres to propagate corals, which will be moved to Koh Yung and Maya Bay when they’re strong enough.

“We’ve collected broken pieces of live corals and cut them off before reattaching them to the rocks with glue. We also use a few drop of catalyst to help boost their growth and protect them from disease. We have discovered more than 80 kinds of corals around Phi Phi Island,” Thon says.

Maya Bay’s tourism management makeover in collaboration with the Phitak Phi Phi (Protecting Phi Phi) group is scheduled to operate for a year. It will permanently close the front of the bay, resulting in transportation shifting to Loh Sama Bay at the back of the island.

The Marine Nation Parks Operation Centre 3 is responsible for building a top-quality plastic-based pier and bridge to transport tourists as well as developing the e-ticketing application to cut the number of tourists from almost 4,000 to 2,000 a day.

Maya Bay, which currently welcomes more than 3,000 tourists a day, will be closed for its fourmonth rehabilitation and makeover for sustainable tourism. 

“We’ve been generating income of Bt3 billion a year, but we don’t have a specific figure for enhancing the tourism management. It’s a worthwhile investment though and Phi Phi Island will be a model, focusing on one-day trips to Koh Poda, Talay Waek, Maya Bay and Koh Mai Phai. We’re developing smart e-ticketing software to control the volume of tourists and boats, which will link with 132 natural marine parks such as Similan, Tarutao, Chang and Samed islands,” says Ariya Chouchom, director of the National Park’s development division.

“We plan to spend Bt10 million building a plastic water-based pier for Maya Bay and improving other facilities and security. The pier will be equipped with electronic gates for the e-ticketing system. Meanwhile, we’re pulling down all accommodation in the Similan Island National Park – that means tourists won’t be allowed to stay overnight on the islands anymore.”

During Maya Bay’s closure, visitors can explore the underwater world of Phi Phi Island at the brand-new Marine Discovery Centre, which is run by Singha Estate. Located in its five-star Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, the Bt10-million marine centre occupies 440 square metres and houses four stunning exhibition rooms that portray the importance of the marine ecosystem and the roots of Phi Phi Island.

The brand-new Marine Discovery Centre showcases fascinating exhibitions and fun activities focusing on marine biodiversity and Phi Phi Island.

Young visitors will love the Shark Room, where the biology and ecosystems of different shark species are displayed. There’s even a nursery tank for injured baby sharks, which have been caught in trawls and wounded, where they are left to recover before being released back into the ocean.

The Phi Phi Islands Room showcases all attractions in Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park as well as a map of diving sites such as Mai Phai Island, Poda Island, and the separated sea in Maya Bay.

The Clownfish Room is popular with amateur biologists both old and young admiring the tanks of different clownfish species found in Thailand. It also offers interactive games about clownfish for children and a laboratory for clownfish breeding, as well as coral planting and clownfish release activities.

The auditorium serves as a venue for lectures on marine ecosystems and other training sessions for students who are on camping trips in the national park.

“The Marine Discovery Centre will serve as a model for other future marine learning centres that Signha Estate will develop both in Thailand and Maldives. We try to create some new activities and content to raise awareness of environmental conservation,” Naris says.

IF YOU GO

>> Admission to the newly opened Marine Discovery Centre is free.

>> Find out more at http://www.PhiphiIslandVillage.com.

Four in five Thai travellers have regrets over missed travel opportunities

However, travel can be transformative and life enhancing for all generations as nearly as 40 per cent of Thai travellers say they found their purpose or passion in life when travelling, 29 per cent have overcome a major fear and 26 per cent learned a new language

Whether it’s wishfully thinking about that long distance vacation you could’ve booked, or that road trip you should’ve taken, Booking.com research reveals that a whopping 81 per cent of Thai travellers have had regrets over missed travel opportunities.

The research was conducted across 20,500 global travellers and revealed that among Thai travellers, the biggest missed travel opportunities include not travelling more often (44 per cent), not travelling more when younger (38 per cent), not doing more adventurous travel (38 per cent), not going to more remote destinations (38 per cent), not visiting a destination when I could afford to (37 per cent) and not seeing more of the countries travelled to (35 per cent).

However, regrets are a lot higher amongst Generation Z with half of this age group regretting not travelling more often and about 34 per cent regrets not being more adventurous. It’s also no surprise that 42 per cent of the selfie generation (18 to 24 year olds) found it upsetting when they failed to capture more photos to commemorate their trip. This figure stood at only 34 per cent for overall travellers.

Despite their sense of regret, chiefly stemming from perceived barriers around language, expense, directions and safety in the unknown, 83 per cent of all Thai travellers have overcome their worries about travelling to a new destination and have travelled there. Baby Boomers are the most willing to face their travel anxieties head on with the majority saying they have. This has positive impacts as it encouraged 52 per cent to travel more widely in the future, 49 per cent gained increased confidence in life and 25 per cent a sense of personal achievement. Travelling deepen existing and create new relationships too, with 31 per cent of Thai travellers becoming closer to their family and 34 per cent making new long-lasting friendships while on vacation.

Travelling can also be beneficial both physically and mentally, with 60 per cent saying it had a positive effect on their mental health and 25 per cent deciding to improve their physical health.

Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 20,500 respondents were surveyed (1,000+ from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, China, Brazil, India, the USA, the UK, Russia, Indonesia and Colombia and 500+ each from Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel.) Respondents completed an online survey in March 2018.

“The ‘Insight Thainess’ travel documentary series has seven episodes, each three minutes long. It showcases local experiences and the natural affability of the Thai people in a way that hasn’t been told before. We are gradually rolling out the series each month between March and September,” said Kitsana Kaewtumrong, TAT’s executive director of Advertising and Publications Department.

“This series also corresponds with this year’s communication concept of Amazing Thailand’s ‘Open to the New Shades’, which highlights the many different ways tourists can see Thailand, whether through new perspectives on existing attractions or through experiences in new attractions,” he added.

The first two episodes were uploaded recently to TAT’s official public relations channel. “Mango with Sticky Rice” was filmed in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram, a small province in Central Thailand.

Amphawa is a small community surrounded by orchards. The fruits that blossom and grow here are mostly coconuts, pomelos, lychees, and mangoes.

Mango is one of the most popular fruit trees and also gives plenty of shade. Thais carefully pick the old mangoes from the trees and allow them to ripen in old-fashioned baskets before serving them with sticky rice and coconut milk.

The second episode is titled “The Riviera of the Salt Field” and has a “roadside travel” storyline. It was filmed in Ban Laem, Phetchaburi where the numerous salt fields turn the horizon white.

The Gulf of Thailand is an area full of marine resources and coastal resources, rich with shrimps, mussels, crabs and fish. On the lowland coastal plain ranging from Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi province, local farmers make salt from seawater.

In Ban Laem seawater from the Gulf of Thailand is released into ponds where it becomes crystallised white salt full of nutritional value.

The salt is used in a variety of local products including shrimp paste, fish sauce and other kinds of seafood. The “riviera” road along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand is always open for travellers to have new experiences.

“The Art of the Andaman” episode features a “natural inspiration” narrative covering the time-honoured batik handicraft of Ko Yao Noi in Phang Nga province.

The series concludes with episodes four to seven filmed in Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, Surin and Mae Hong Son, respectively. These will highlight ancient handcrafted gold techniques, a local artisan wood-working story, elegant hand-woven silk laced with gold and the simple way of life in Northern Thai towns.

Watch the first episode at https://youtu.be/v1HHKy-T_4w and the second at https://youtu.be/WI1BDF9xe0A.

The Buddhist belief says lanterns are lights of wisdom that drive out darkness, anguish and ignorance.

Vibrantly colored lotus-lanterns can offer an exquisite sight to both Koreans and foreigners. On this day, visitors to the Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, were busy taking photographs to capture the exotic scene.

Jogyesa Temple is the general headquarters of the Jogye order of Korean Buddhism. Its history dates back to the 14th century. But elsewhere across Korea, similarly festive lanterns can be spotted at every Buddhist temple in the month of May.

Buddha’s Birthday falls on May 22.

Photographed by Park Hyun-koo (phko@heraldcorp.com)

Written by Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)

HONG KONG is well known and loved as a shopping and entertainment paradise but it is also an important destination for those wanting something a little more spiritual from their visit.

Temples are everywhere in the SAR, the loud prayers and the heavy scent incense wafting into the street testament to the Chinese love for paying respect to their deities.

The Mall Group recently held an exclusive trip for its M Card members, organising it in such a way as to allow the Thai visitors to experience another side to Hong Kong. Dubbed “Unseen Hong Kong”, the trip was led by Voralak Tulaphorn, chief marketing officer and well-known feng shui master Khatha Chinbunchorn and took in not just the power of Taoism but also some of the SAR’s Michelin-starred Chinese restaurants.

The secret chamber at Wong Tai Sin Temple

The itinerary highlighted five temples, among them the secret underground room of 60 Chinese Wealth Deities (Cai Shen Ye) at Wong Tai Sin temple in Kowloon.

“The underground room is rarely open to the public but feng shui enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the room was designed to represent the complete and perfect world of feng shui beliefs,” Khatha told participants.

“It features a beautifully decorated night sky with each of the stars positioned as a specific Chinese Wealth Deity, The splendid Highest Deity (Ming Ming Shangdi) illustrates 12 stars clusters and 60 Chinese deities, and on the ground represents Yin Yang and eight tri-grams (Bagua), which comprise eight directions and five geometric elements – water, wood, fire, earth and gold. The room is thus considered the assembly point of the power of gods.”

Apart from praying for good fortune and divine guidance through offerings, Khatha recommended that participants, especially those not having a “lucky” year, follow the Chinese tradition and pay respect to the deities in the chamber.

“Wong Tai Sin temple is home to three religions; Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It is the residence of many gods from Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Yum, the guardian spirit, Yue Lao (God of Marriage and Love), and Kong Qiu (Confucius). The year 2018 is the earth element year of the Dog, and the deity of this year is the God of destiny warlord, Butai shengong, the 35th deity of the Phoesuk year. Those who should pay respect to the deity include people born in the year of Dragon, Dog, Goat and Ox,” he explained.

Kwan Yum Temple

Kwun Yum Temple, built in 1873, in bustling Hung Hom is the residence of the God of Mercy, Kwun Yum or Guan Yin. The temple is believed by Hong Kong people to have the power to revitalise the economy.

“Worshippers, mostly businessmen, pray here to borrow money from the goddess and invest it in their businesses. If successful, the borrower would come back to return the money,” Khatha told the group.

“Having some struggles in life is normal but you wish the power of faith will ease those problems or help you find solutions and go through it as quickly as possible.”

Continuing to pay their respects to Kwan Yum, the group was then taken to Tin Hau Temple at Yao Ma Tei. Tin Hau, Goddess of the Sea, is revered by fishermen and anyone whose life and destiny are tied to the ocean. Temples that honour her are found in abundance in Chinese coastal communities throughout Asia, including in Thailand, where believers flock to the riverfront Lhong 1919 in Khlong San district to pay their respects.

Known to almost all Thai visitors, Che Kung Temple’s windmill is said to blow away bad things in life. It is believed that rotating the windmill clockwise would change one’s life from bad to good. The lucky windmill enhances good luck, prevents unfortunate events, and ensures victory.

Che Kung Temple

It doesn’t mention bringing worshippers the finest dining but that’s precisely what the group enjoys next as Voralak leads the way to the legendary congee restaurant at Ho Hung Kee. The house offers speciality Wonton noodles in soup and fragrant minced fish balls with clams Cantonese style. The rice noodle rolls filled with twisted cruller are a must.

The group also eats at the Michelin-starred Lei Garden restaurant, a 40-year-old dining establishment that offers Double Boiled Soup of the Day, BBQ Pork and crispy roast pork belly. The sauteed scallop is simply delicious.

Lung Tang restaurant is another well-kept secret. Located in the fish market, it’s well known for its fresh ingredients and countless seafood dishes.

Castello Di Pavone – Pavone Canavese, Italy

If you are looking for an ancient castle that has transformed into a charming hotel, then the Castello Di Pavone is the place to stay. Surrounded by a tropical garden, all rooms mix traditional furnishing with modern amenities, offering a truly unique setting steeped in history. The property features a number of dining halls, small and large, and each one has unique features that will you bring you back in time such as chandeliers and beamed ceilings.

Parador de Cardona Cardona, Spain

With a magical setting inside a ninth-century castle, the Parador de Cardona is straight out of fairy tale. Offering panoramic views over the Catalonian countryside, and interiors faithful to the Cardona’s history with medieval styling, vaulted ceilings, stone walls and gorgeous courtyards, you’ll be treated like a king or queen. Guests will be spellbound with the delicious and authentic Catalonian specialties, before retreating to a charming bedroom with canopy beds and the beautiful furnishing highlighted by theatrical lighting and rich fabrics.

The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian – Dalian, China

Given the iconic Bavarian-style of The Castle Hotel, you might think you were in the hills of Germany’s Black Forest. But you’re actually only a few steps away from Xinghai Square – the largest city square in the world. Offering high-end accommodation and the royal treatment every guest deserves. Surrounded by lush forests, this luxurious property features elegantly decorated rooms and offers the royal treatment at the spa and indoor pool.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel – Ballynahinch, Ireland

Set in the striking woodlands of Galway County with the beautiful backdrop of the 12 Bens Mountain Range, this luxury castle overlooks its impressive salmon fishery on its large private estate. Nature lovers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities fit for a royal, such as pony trekking, woodcock shooting or just relaxing walk by the lake and the river to admire the local wildlife.

Roch Castle – Roch, UK

This impressive castle overlooking the St Brides Bay will transport guests to a mystical time. Dating back to the 12th century, Roch Castle is standing proudly on a rocky outcrop high above the Pembrokeshire landscape. Guests can enjoy a unique sense of history combined with a romantic getaway as each room is luxuriously decorated offering a modern feeling with beautiful views of the British coast and countryside.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac – Quebec City, Canada

Situated in Old Quebec, this heritage property boasts views of the St. Lawrence River and the Old fortified City. Being a landmark on its own right, guests can make themselves at home in the luxurious, European-style rooms as well as spa facilities to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day exploring upper and lower town districts of Quebec City.

RAAS Devigarh – Delwara, India

For something a little less ordinary during your trip in India, rest your head at the RAAS Devigarh. Housed in an 18th-century palace in the village of Delwara, this heritage property is nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills and has a picture-perfect mountain backdrop. Guests can have a quiet read in the library or relax in their spacious suite adorned with grand furnishings and intricately carved archways.