One type of ecotourism is adventure tourism. Hard adventure tourism combines excitement and a degree of risk in an outdoor setting, frequently demanding physical exertion and skill. Soft adventure tourism involves only a minor element of risk, little physical exertion, and limited skills.
Whitewater rafting at Nam Wa, Nan Province
The province of Nan, an area steeped in Lanna culture in the north of Thailand, provides many opportunities for whitewater rafting. One of these is on the Lam Nam Wa River in the forests of the Mae Charim National Park. Sections of this river offer challenging grade 3+ rapids with the promise of potential thrills and shivery spills, all in the beautiful scenery of the Mae Charim tropical forest.
Trekking in the hills of Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai Province
Chiang Dao is located to the north of Chiang Mai, on the way to Fang and Tha Ton. Treks to the highest peaks of Doi Chiang Dao will provide you with spectacular sights of stunning mountain scenery. The cool season (December to February) is the best time to visit here since the forests have their own special beauty as the leaves change colour and wild orchids bloom.
Rock climbing at Rai Le Beach, Krabi Province
Krabi province in the South has towering limestone crags, crystalline sunlight, brilliant white beaches, and emerald seas. At Rai Le Beach, there are more than 700 rock climbing routes, varying in diffi culty from 5a (easy )to 8c (extremely challenging).
Abseiling at Tan Rattana Waterfall, Nakhon Nayok Province
Chuck down at the 4 cliffs, 5 waterfalls of heights between 18 and 70 metres at Tan Rattana Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Nayok province. However, the main entrance is in Prachin Buri province. This extreme adventure consists of abseiling down rocky cliff-faces and waterfalls. At the fi rst cliff, the height is 70 metres and steep cliff is about 70 - 90 degrees. The second is 18 metres and steepness is around 70 degrees. The third has a steepness around 90 degrees and the height is 38 metres. The final one, the height is 26 metres and steep cliff is about 90 degrees.
Scuba diving at the Similan Islands, Phang-Nga Province
The Similan Islands are consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites. The Similan Archipelago consists of nine islands arranged like a pearl necklace from north to south of Phang-Nga province, and it has been a national marine park since the mid-80s. The islands have a rich marine life, consisting of sea fans, barrel sponges, feather stars, and an abundance of reef fish, and spectacular underwater granite rock formations.
Kayaking in Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani Province
Kayaking in the Khao Sok National Park allows you to visit magnificent waterfalls and paddle under the stalactites hanging down like icicles from the limestone formations. At the same time, you can watch hornbills, pig-tailed macaques, and white-hand gibbons in stunning rainforests.
Snorkelling in the Surin Archipelago, Phang-Nga Province
The islands of the Surin Archipelago are one of the best places for snorkelling in Asia. About 60 kilometres off-shore from Kuraburi Pier, they have shallow reefs with beautiful corals, turtles, lobsters, humped head parrot fish, and bat fish. After experiencing the underwater scenery, relax under the gentle breeze and clear blue skies and enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches of Phang-Nga.
Birdwatching at National Parks:
Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Khao Yai National Park is the closest national park to Bangkok and probably the most popular birdwatching site in the country. It is home to many rare species of birds, most notably, all four species of hornbill; great, wreathed, oriental pied and brown. Birdwatchers can stroll along one of the forest walking trails or simply roam the open grasslands, catching constant glimpses of lively and colourful birds.
Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchburi Province
Another prominent location for birdwatching is Kaeng Krachan National Park, at over 3000 square kilometres the largest national park in the country. It is home to 250 species of birds, including the hornbill and the grey peacock, at least 40 species of mammals, and many types of butterflies, insects and plants. The park is situated next to the Tenasserim Mountains near the Burmese border.
Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province
Doi Inthanon, the highest peak of the mountain ranges in the North, is a leading birdwatching site due to its high altitude and cold weather. It is a haven for migrating birds in summer (March-June).
Cycling Tours in Thailand
Going on a tour by bicycle is probably one of the best ways to visit some of Thailand’s important sites. You can enjoy easy-going bicycle trips around the capital, Bangkok, or cycling in the Pai district of Mae Hong Son province – visit hilly environs, waterfalls, hot springs and ethnic tribes, like the Karen long-necked women. For a slower pace, you can cycle and explore a real Thai rural life and charm of the countryside at Ko Kret (Kret Island), or take a half-day cycling tour in Kanchanaburi province – cycle along village roads passing agricultural villages and community preservation forest to Hellfire Pass.
