Village Ecotour Activities

Ecotour activites - Traditional Longtail Boat

The North Andaman region boasts a variety of pristine eco-systems ranging from dense tropical jungle, lush mangrove forests, and colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Explore deep into these ecosystems with a trained local guide and translator to discover a variety of exotic wildlife, flora, and fauna. You will forget the hustle and bustle of modern life as you adventure into the great outdoors, while learning how local communities live in harmony with their surroundings. Whether you're an eco junkie or novice, we'll help you learn more about the fascinating eco-systems and wildlife of the Andaman.

Amazing Sunsets

Ecotour activites - deserted beach sunset

A short walk from the village is an endless stretch of white sandy beach, the ideal place to watch the sun set over the tranquil Andaman Sea. As the sun sets, the sky often becomes a canvas of warm hues of pink, orange, and red, set against the silhouette of faraway islands. The result is a truly unforgettable sunset with plentiful photo opportunities! The beach is usually completely deserted, although you might spot the buffalo that come down to bathe in the warm tropical waters in the evening.

Bicycling

Ecotour activites - deserted beach sunset

For cyclists passing through the region, visiting a village makes a welcomed break. Villages offer comfortable accommodation and excellent food, everything you need for a good night's sleep to prepare you for the next leg of your journey. Tung Nang Dam Island is perfect for cycling. There is a well-maintained path that meanders through fruit orchards and plantations, past quaint wooden houses and takes you right to the beach, where you can go for a relaxing dip in the sea. The island is flat and is suitable for all levels of fitness.


Island Discovery

Ecotour Activities - Deserted Island discovery

Have you ever dreamed of being on your very own deserted island? Imagine no more! Several uninhabited islands are a short boat ride from the coast, and each contains only sand, forest, and rocky outcrops for exploring. You can enjoy a barbeque lunch on the beach and feast on freshly-caught seafood, garden-fresh vegetables, and Thai curries. Swaying palm trees, powdery soft sand, and clear waters make this a picture-perfect destination to laze away a couple of hours in the sun.

Jungle Trek

Ecotour Activities - Eco Jungle Trek

The villages are surrounded by dense jungle, and a light trek is an ideal way to get a sense of what this magnificent ecosystem has to offer. The villagers have created interpretive nature trails ideal for people of all abilities. The trials include guide ropes, informative signs, and viewpoints over the Andaman Sea and mangroves. The jungle is home to a variety of animals including gibbons, hornbills, macaques, and lizards — a delight for nature lovers! A local guide will highlight points of interest and explain how plants and trees are used by the villagers in cooking and for medicinal purposes. You can also have a snack along the way if you choose to sample all the edible plants.

Our guide was very knowledgeable about plants in the forest. He was engaging and humorous with people in the group. He was helpful when on the trek making sure as a group we were safe, helping us down slippery parts of the trail. He makes a good guide and would be able to support others to become forest guides.

Heather Rick, Go Differently tours

Laem Son National Park

Traveling by long-tail boat, guests can explore the uninhabited islands of Laem Son National Park, where snorkeling is possible in the dry season.

Mangrove Exploration

Ecotour Activities - mangrove restoration

The North Andaman region is home to Thailand's healthiest and most extensive mangrove forest. Head deep into the mangroves on a kayak or traditional long-tail boat to uncover the amazing world camouflaged amongst the tangle of roots, branches, and foliage. Experience a wonderful display of wildlife, which may include crab-eating monkeys feeding along the waters edge, land-walking mud-skipper fish, black crabs, playful otters, and electric blue kingfishers.

Mangrove Restoration

Particularly hard hit following the tsunami of 2004 were coastal mangrove swamps, and the work of restoring the mangroves, a vital coastal buffer and ecosystem, continues to this day. Make a positive contribution during your trip, for as little as an hour. We invite you to get your hands dirty and help rehabilitate the mangroves on a reforestation project.

Orchid Nursery and Restoration

Ecotour Activities - tropical orchid conservation

Wild orchids are illegally harvested from the forest for use as decoration in homes and restaurants. In an effort to protect orchids, a local resident on Tung Nang Dam started an orchid nursery with support from Andaman Discoveries. You can learn more about orchid conservation while lending a hand at the nursery by building orchid pots from twigs and coconut shells. You can autograph the finished product, which you will surely be proud of! With the help of a local guide, you can also replant the orchids in the forest while enjoying a relaxing jungle trek.

Snorkeling

Thailand tours - Ecotour activities snorkeling

There are many uninhabited tropical islands a short boat ride from the Andaman Coast. Swaying palm trees, powdery soft sand, and crystal-clear waters make this area a picture-perfect destination to laze away a couple of hours in the sun. Snorkeling reveals the island’s splendid underwater paradise, teeming with colorful fish and vibrant corals. Sea turtles frequent the coast which is well-known for its amazing bio-diversity.

Waste Management

A waste management program was created to reduce the impact from dispersed landfills and to maintain a more pleasing landscape. Join a village coordinator and school children to collect garbage. The garbage is burned in an incinerator each weekend.

Ecotour Activities - jungle waterfall

Waterfalls and Jungle Rivers

The North Andaman coast contains breathtaking waterfalls, rapids, and rivers that are easily accessible from many villages. These places are great for swimming or simply relaxing, and the surrounding forest provides shade and an idyllic location for lunch and a nap (don't forget your book!) A light trek into the forest offers the possibility of seeing variety of wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birdlife such as the white-throated kingfisher and great hornbills. Your English-speaking guide will highlight points of interest throughout the trail before you are rewarded with a gorgeous waterfall — perfect for swimming and cooling off! Note: The waterfalls are best to visit during the rainy season when the water volume is highest.

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Tourism Authority of Thailand 2009 Green Award Winner

Virgin Holidays Award Winner - Best for Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Winner of the 2008 SEED Initiative

Travel Leisure Global Vision Award 2008

BBC World Challenge Finalist 2009