Recommend October 2011 - (Page 52)

THINK GREEN CONTINUED Canoeing in Hong Island. accommodations to more modest establishments where conservation and preservation are primary concerns. In Bangkok, noted hotels like the Dusit Thani, Soﬁtel, Radisson’s Rama 9, Siam City, and the Pathumwan Princess are some of the top-tier hotels that should delight ecology minded travelers. Pattaya, the storied resort on the Gulf of Thailand, offers the Siam Bayshore and the Siam Bayview; Phuket, Krabi and other famous Thai resorts in the outlying islands of Koh Samui and Koh Chang also boast of resorts that have received Green Leaf accreditation. Eco-travelers interested in seeing ﬁrst-hand what an unspoiled southeast Asian paradise looks like, should consider a visit to Doi Inthanon, the socalled roof of Thailand, a peak in northern Chiang Mai Province, regarded by horticulturists as one of the last unspoiled spots to see more than 1,200 plant species thriving. These include 31 types of orchids not found anywhere else on earth. Doi Inthanon is a national park, and easily Thailand’s premier birdwatching destination, with more than 385 rare birds nesting on exotic trees. Waterfalls and rivers are everywhere and nothing short of a full day’s hike does justice to the magniﬁcent natural attractions there. Doi Inthanon also offers an array of treks. Most treks run year-round, and only a few routes require a ranger or local guide. One of the most interesting routes is the Kio Mae Pan trail, which is open only from T16 June 1 to Oct. 31, as its fragile ecosystem needs more time to recover than most. The distance of this circular trek is only 1.86 miles, but discerning trekkers may take a whole day to complete it. English-speaking guides are available near the park’s entrance. Also in Chiang Mai, eco-tourists will not fail to be enthralled by the sheer, raw beauty of Chiang Dao, where in 2003 an unprecedented popular uproar by locals and environmental activists resulted in plans to build a cable car to the top of the mountain to be scuttled. Doi Chiang Dao, the third highest peak in the country and the only place where a sub-alpine ecosystem can be in Thailand, is a horseshoe-shaped mountain range which is home to more than 340 species of wildlife including 206 types of birds and 110 types of orchids found nowhere else in the world. Locals call it “The Mountain of the Gods” and adventurers will ﬁnd excellent camping sites along the trails. While visiting the Dol Chiang Dao visitors must bear in mind that the wildlife sanctuary is primarily devoted to conservation and preserving its pristine ecology. Tourism here takes a backseat and the park, which is recommended only for avid nature enthusiasts, is open only from early-November to lateMarch. Thailand’s northern provinces contain a treasure chest of activities for eco-minded, active travelers. There are opportunities for whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, exploring and wildlife viewing. The south offers unparalleled beaches and a delightful jungle environment with scores of small villages where time seems to have stood still. Since the days when ecotourism ﬁrst became a buzzword for green-minded travelers, many tour companies have made considerable inroads in providing this type of excursion. One such company with the charming name of Thai Wild Orchids (thaiwildorchids.com) is based in Phuket and boasts of impressive green credentials. Its kayaking, rock climbing and ecotours are considered among the best in Thailand. “Our goal is to educate and change hearts,” says Dave Williams, a Florida-born naturalist who gave up a corporate career to become one of the premier kayaking and nature guides in the area and is a popular Thai Wild Orchids guide. “We don’t do this by force or preaching. We do it simply by showing the wonders in this still amazing tropical holiday destination. “You will feel the pulse of the natural world while paddling through Phang Nga Bay, the islands of Phang Nga Bay, Tarutao National Park or Khao Sok National Park. Though these are popular vacation destinations, we show you each place without the crowds...that’s our specialty.” Billed as “Earth-friendly Journeys for Enlightened Travelers,” Thai Wild Orchids offers cycling tours, wildlife viewing, survival treks, canoeing and kayaking tours. Prices vary depending on duration, number of travelers, http://www.thaiwildorchids.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Coworth Park, London
Tour Talk: Cox & Kings
Paws Up Ups "Glamping" to New Heights
"Alpine" Adventure at Four Seasons Resort Vail
Hotel Beaux Arts Miami
Out & About in New York City
Adventures on Hayman Island
It's the Good Life at The Leela Kovalam Beach
Peninsula Shanghai & Hong Kong
Silversea's Silver Spirit
Thailand Travel Planner
Luxury in the Wilderness, by Best of Patagonia
Savoring St. Vincent & the Grenadines
CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla
Luxurious Egypt
A Good Turn for Bern, Switzerland
Mexico's Luxury Trail

Recommend October 2011