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 Thailand
is fortunate in its prime location for tourism in terms of such
natural attractions as beaches and mountains, cultural and historical
sites which reflect the glories of Thai civilisation, and a sophisticated
infrastructure, allowing visitors easy access to all these treasures.
Bird Watching
Butterfly Watching
Canoeing & kayaking
Mountain biking
Whitewater
rafting
Trekking
 The
government's policy on tourism for the past years has been gearing
towards more and more sustainable tourism development with emphasis
on community participation, safety of tourists and non-exploitation.
The term "eco-tourism" has been widely used to described
a form of tourism in natural areas that is based on the knowledge
about and responsibility towards the ecological system of the area.
At present, the number of real eco-tourism
visitors is still minimal. Mostly, those tourists are included in
other types of tourism such as nature-based tourism, agro-tourism,
cultural and historical tourism and health tourism. Most of such
tourism areas are in natural parks and specific historical-cultural
areas.
 The
national parks system in Thailand was previously
cited its growing importance to the eco-tourism industry. With most
parks easily accessible by road, there exists excellent potential
to expand the number of visitors who use them.
In the case of the Mekong River, the nature-based tourism potential
particularly applies to Northeast
Thailand, an area that the TAT has identified as a priority
for tourism development. The national parks in close proximity to
the Mekong River include sites of prehistoric, archaeological and
natural significance. As the Mekong region increases in its exposure
and popularity, these parks will experience an increased number
of visitors in search of quality eco-tours.
 On
marine eco-tourism, the last 30 years saw the country establishing
18 marine national parks as well as more than 70 terrestrial ones.
Many of the activities available on and around Thailand's crystal
seas are environmentally sound. Sea canoeing, windsurfing,
biking, walking, swimming, snorkelling and sailing
are, when practiced as they should be, perfectly respectful of nature.
Diving, the most popular water
sport in Thiland, can be just as green.
Thailand has a great opportunity to promote
ecotourism, especially when compared to
other countries in the Asian region. The kingdom enjoys such benefits
as easy access, sophisticated infrastructure and myriad tourist
attractions and activities.
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