Phuket is a gorgeous island with so much natural beauty. Unfortunately, it’s all at risk due to overtourism, but it’s salvageable as long as travellers are willing to do their bit.
How to Travel Sustainably in Phuket
It may sound like a lot of effort goes into travelling sustainably, but it’s easier than you think.
Here’s an overview of how you can help Phuket revive its pristine natural environment and traditional way of life.
- Don’t bring plastic to the island. Plastic has become a major issue in Phuket, which worsens when tourists discard their used plastic on the island. Instead of plastic, use eco-friendly alternatives like reusable water bottles and bags made of biodegradable materials.
- Would you like someone to come into your home and trash it? No, right? So, don’t do it when you’re in Phuket. The island welcomes you and invites you to come and enjoy its beauty, so the least you can do is find a bin to dispose of your trash. You should never leave trash on beaches or hiking trails. If you see someone doing it, call them out on it.
- Support local businesses by purchasing from them.
- It’s important to respect local culture. When visiting temples and other religious sites, make sure to dress modestly.
One more thing to do is opt for excursions in Phuket with minimal impact on nature – you’ll read more about it later in this article. Activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking have no negative effect on the environment – unless you decide to leave a trail of trash behind, which is something you shouldn’t do.
Stay at an Eco-Friendly Hotel
You can support Phuket’s sustainability efforts by staying in an eco-friendly hotel. Hotels and resorts are conscious of the impact of tourism, and they want to minimise it.
However, not every place is honest about its eco-friendly practices, as for some, it’s merely a marketing tactic. That’s why it’s important to do your research and find a place that actually cares about the environment.
Luckily for you, there are several places that do their bit in terms of sustainability, including Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas.
Community Based Tourism
A great way to have not only a memorable but also a meaningful experience in Phuket is through community-based tourism. It’s a sector of tourism where the income goes directly to the local community.
You can visit local villages and join activities organised by locals. This way, not only do you get to support the locals, but you also get to interact with them.
More examples of community-based tourism include cooking classes, local handicrafts, and pottery classes. These types of activities allow you to experience a bit of local life, learn about the culture, and support locals.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
Thanks to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, gibbons can now return to their habitats. What made them leave in the first place? Well, it wasn’t a choice they made; it was humans who made the choice for them. These innocent wild creatures, now living in the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area, were taken away from their natural habitat to be used as entertainment.
For many years now, the project has managed to rescue them from abuse and release them back into their natural habitat.
By visiting this sanctuary, you show your support for the cause. It’s also a rare opportunity to learn about gibbons, their habitats, and conservation.
Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve
The so-called elephant sanctuaries have gained a bad reputation lately. It has come to light that elephants living in some of these sanctuaries are treated very poorly. This is why it’s important to choose the right place to visit, as you don’t want to support any wrongdoing by going to places that abuse these innocent animals.
Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is a place where elephants are treated with respect. The sanctuary focuses on sustainable tourism, ensuring that the elephants are well cared for while providing visitors with an educational experience.
You can meet and feed these majestic creatures of the jungle, but you cannot ride them, and you should not expect elephant performances.
It All Starts with You!
Being an eco-friendly traveller comes down to the choices you make. If overtourism is what might cause Phuket’s charm to one day disappear, making it right ultimately comes down to you, doesn’t it? You don’t even have to do much – all you need is the right mindset, and everything else will fall into place.
Whatever you do in Phuket, think about its natural surroundings and local community – the two things that make the island worth visiting.
