Andaman Discoveries supports community-based tourism projects in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. A rather spontaneous aid project became a sustainable model over time.

Quite frequently we introduce on our Green Travel Blog community-based tourism and projects. One of those is Andaman Discoveries whose history is connected with a tragedy: After the tsunami which hit the coast of the Andaman Sea in Thailand in 2004, Body Garrett founded NATR, North Andaman tsunami relief. A group of volunteers who wanted to support the reconstruction work of the locals. Little by little the group developed and in 2007 Andaman Discoveries was founded. They continued the work of the NATR and together with the affected villages installed community-based tourism projects. More and more municipalities became aware of the possibilities, wanting to participate in gentle tourism.

Sustainable development

As a second pillar NATR founded the North Andaman Network foundation (NAN) in 2014 dealing with development projects. Nowadays the network supports different sustainable projects which support the municipalities in different areas: from adult’s education and child education, the construction of community centers, projects for the protection of the mangrove woods up to the conversion to biological cultivation or an efficient garbage management. By the way, you can apply for some of these projects as a volunteer. 

„From, for and with locals “

…is the description for community-based tourism. What makes it special is that the locals are offered a second pillar which benefits the communities. Besides, traditions and culture are preserved and the locals are proud to introduce their culture. The benefit for you:  unique experiences, contact with the locals and their traditions and you take home more than only the impression of nice beaches. If you are interested you can stay at a Homestay or join a guided tour with locals in the little touristy parts of town, the offer in Thailand is huge. 

At home in the fishing village Ban Sam Chong

The coast of the Thai province of Phang-Ngas is home to diverse cultures: Buddhists, Muslims and Moken (sea nomads). Andaman Discoveries offers two to three-day-long tours with a local translator to get to know the country and people and spend the night in a Homestay. With the „Phang-Nga Bay tour „you explore, for example, the small fishing village Ban Sam Chong which lies at a mangrove canal. Together with locals you go kayaking in the mangroves, learn traditionally fishing and the natural coloring of textiles. On the second day a special highlight awaits you when you go out on the sea with the Longtail boat early in the morning and marvel at perfect sunrise!

Quite different, but no less exciting “Moken Experience” is the national park with which you dive into the exciting world of the sea nomads in the Koh Surin. Read more here:

A different Thailand: staying with sea nomads

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