What is Sustainable Travel When it Comes to Koh Phangan? - Plan an Eco-friendly Getaway

With global travel increasing exponentially, and travellers becoming more conscious of the options available to them, sustainable travel is no longer a buzzword but a crucial necessity. It is interlinked with sustainable tourism practices and its core aim is to adopt sustainable practices to minimize adverse impacts and enhance the positive effects of tourism. Let us discover the many facets of travel and tourism and the steps that are being taken in Koh Phangan, the beautiful island in Southeast Thailand concerning this endeavour.

Introduction

Koh Phangan Island, with an abundance of nature’s blessings, such as its coral reefs and picturesque beaches, offers the perfect setting that attracts many visitors to its shores each year. However, its coral reefs are fragile ecosystems that need continuous nourishment for sustenance. The locals are conscious of the adverse effects of over-tourism on these ecosystems and have adopted several measures to maintain their pristine condition.While having an active interest in global warming and the ensuing rising of ocean levels, this island is rallying the support of many Koh Phangan hotels, resorts and tour operators as well as local communities; they are also being encouraged to adopt eco-friendly initiatives and support sustainable tourism practices to protect the island.

Sustainable Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation providers here, you can find a hotel in Koh Phangan which has been created to be close to nature. The design, layouts and facilities are in line with sustainable initiatives such as using renewable energy and conservation of natural resources. Out of many options available, properties like Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas stand out with their spacious villas made of natural local materials that have been carefully selected. What's more, such properties offer eco-friendly experiences to guests as well.Furthermore, the active engagement of local artisans through which guests can obtain handicrafts enables them to have an appreciation of the island's culture and feel good about helping to uplift the livelihood of the local community.

Image via Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Reduction of non-biodegradable waste

Multi-thronged efforts are being made for the reduction of the menace of non-biodegradable waste from the island. As a concerned visitor, one must always carry a refillable bottle as most hotels, resorts and restaurants do offer refill points to minimize single-use plastics. Re-useable shopping bags are encouraged to curb plastic waste. It should be noted that initiatives such as Unpacked and Trash Hero are doing their part to contribute to the sustainability of Koh Phangan as well.Unpacked – This local online operation provides eco-friendly personal hygiene products and a good selection of food and organic tea. They also support reducing their carbon footprint by doing re-fills on most of their products.Trash Hero – This effort runs regular beach clean-ups with the active participation of both locals and visitors. These efforts are friendly and build a sense of community between locals and visitors on short or long stays.

Eco-friendly transport options

Discover the island treasures of Koh Phangan by cycling and walking the many trails around it. Tranquil beaches, stunning viewpoints, incredible sunset vistas and verdant jungles open a whimsical world for visitors.Such activities help to reduce carbon emissions, and one can feel good about being a responsible traveller. However, for long excursions, you may want to use a group transport thereby making it a collective action to help reduce the carbon footprint. Another option is to rent an electric scooter. All these options that can be found on the island have helped it to offer more sustainable holidays to visitors.

Dining Sustainably

Sustainable dining is within the reach of all visitors on this island. Most local restaurant menus offer dishes using locally grown organic produce and other ingredients sourced locally. This not only supports the island communities but also reduces the carbon emissions that are associated with importing them.Furthermore, more and more restaurants offer vegan and vegetarian dishes that are preferred by health- and sustainability-conscious visitors. Trying out these dishes, which are otherwise overlooked, gives a novel foodie experience while creating an appreciation of the core elements of sustainable tourism practices.