Community Based Tourism Initiative
Community Based Tourism (CBT) is a unique type of tourism that is managed and operated by local community groups. Under the concept of CBT, unique and authentic tourism experiences, which also support community development and conservation are developed and marketed to responsible travelers.
The Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute (CBT-I) is an organization which aims to “provide support and facilitate cooperation among stakeholders from grassroots to international levels, in order to strengthen the capacity of Thai communities to manage tourism sustainably.” Phu Phiang is taking part in the CBT-I Springboard Project for Responsible International, National and Ground Partnerships, which sees a small group of carefully selected UK tour agents and Thailand tour operators paired with CBT communities in order to responsibly market these unique tourism products to responsible travelers.
The following is some information about each of the communities taking part in this CBT-I initiative. Itineraries within each of these communities can be incorporated in a Phu Phiang custom built tour or can be added as an extension to any of our existing tour itineraries. To learn more about incorporating Community Based Tourism into your Thailand holiday, please contact us.
Mae Kam Pong, Chaing Mai. Located in the rolling hills of the North, this community is surrounded by forest and home to successful tea plantations.
Ban Pha Mon, Chiang Mai. A charming Karen village located in the mountains and overlooking beautiful rice paddy fields.
Mae Klang Luang, Chiang Mai. An ethnic Karen community located in Doi Intanon National Mark where visitors can enjoy fresh, locally grown Arabica coffee.
Ban Ja Bu See, Chiang Rai. This tiny Black Lahu community consists of just a few households. The local people were once famous for their hunting skills, but now concentrate on growing mountain rice.
Huai Kee Lek, Chiang Rai. The people of this very traditional Akha community face many challenges but use tourism as a way to keep their traditions alive and generate much needed cash.
Kho Yao Noi, Pang Nga. This is a small Muslim fishing village that is attempting to protect their coastal resources from wide-scale commercial fishing by developing sustainable fishing practices.
Ban Leeled, Suratthani. Located on the Tapee River delta, this community has been negatively affected by the depletion of the local mangrove forests, a problem to which they have developed solutions.
Ban Klong Noi, Suratthani. This serene and beautiful area consists of many small streams, rivers and canals. The people here grow fruit, primarily coconut, which is used to make many diverse creations.
Sub Sai Thong, Nakorn Rajchasrima. During a visit to this small community in Thailand’s Northeast visitors will experience local Isaan culture and learn about conservation and the local protected areas.
Ban Prom Loke, Nakorn Sri Thammarat. This community is situated in a scenic area of high plains and jungle covered mountains and is very near the world renowned national park, Khao Luang.
For more information on the Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute please visit www.cbt-i.org
License No. 11/3477