Where nature greets tourism

Sustainable tourism is much more than a flimsy fad in the travel industry. Awareness of the concept is spreading rapidly and reaching corners of the region where tourism is still just a twinkle in the eye of its community.

While Krabi Province is renowned for its sparkling jewels such as Railay and Koh Phi Phi, there are many hidden gems yet to be unearthed.

Passing through Ao Luk, the small town appears nothing more than a cluster of dusty shophouses crowded around a busy junction. However, within a radius of a few miles there lies an array of natural attractions to rival any of the Kingdom’s nature resorts.

Ao Luk is set amongst a pristine natural landscape which includes ancient caves, meandering canals and lush vegetation. It is home to an adventure playground designed by nature that offers kayaking, trekking, caving, climbing and cycling.

Often confused with the concept of ecotourism, sustainable tourism focuses on more than just conserving the local environment. It is concerned with protecting communities, culture, customs and lifestyles.

Eight communities in Ao Luk have formed a group (Ao Luk Community Based Tourism) in hope of creating an alternative style of tourism which not only protects their livelihood, but offers travellers a rich and authentic experience.

Instead of ‘selling out’ to capitalist developers, residents are encouraged to convert their humble abodes into homestay accommodation, so guests can sample the warm hospitality of the people in the area.

Guest rooms are set apart from the owner’s residence for maximum privacy and relaxation; however, visitors are invited to join residents in all other aspects of their daily life such as fishing, farming and religious ceremonies.

Homestays have been built in a variety of natural settings, so visitors can choose a location to suit their mood. Rooms are thoughtfully positioned to offer the best views and indulge guests’ vision of a private and scenic getaway.

At Raipreda Homestay, the rustic-style bungalows are perched precariously on a rugged hill, and encircled by a protective mountain range. Tropical fruit trees and exotic flowers add dapples of colour to the emerald blanket which covers the hillside.

It’s a peaceful setting with only the chorus of birds and insects breaking the silence. Camping is also available.

The owner, Mr Jatuaporn, lives on site and takes care of visitors as if they were guests staying in his own home. There are bicycles and kayaks for rent, and the grass-roofed restaurant doubles up as a meeting centre for group tours.

For those who prefer sea-green tones, Laemsak Homestay is the ideal choice. Comfy air conditioned chalets sit on the edge of the water, offering stunning coastal views.

Opaque silhouettes of rugged karsts jut from a watery bed - it’s a still scene apart from the occasional longtail boat cutting across the seascape and leaving a white foamy trail.

It is well worth consulting nature’s timetable when planning a visit to the area. Each month at the peak of low tide, a geothermal beach, ‘Hat Sai Rawn’, is unveiled, providing the ultimate nature spa setting. Trips arranged by local agents include traditional massage, mud masks and ample time for wallowing in the warm soothing water

Fresh air, clean water and lush jungle will always be in demand, so communities and travel operators must take social and environmental responsibility.

Ao Luk CBT not only takes responsibility for its land and culture, but allows tourists the chance to show their support for true sustainable tourism and enjoy a cultural exchange with locals - which is sure to enrich their travel experience.

Cultivating a backyard pharmacy

The majority of amateur gardeners could easily identify an aloe vera plant as treatment to soothe a burn, but to ease an upset stomach, most would overlook their own fruitful garden, full of natural remedies. Instead, they would make their way to the pharmacy to buy a familiar remedy.

That trusted brand-name formula is most likely to be based on chemicals that were originally discovered in plants. While this isn’t a major revelation, most people don't realise just how many plants in a home garden have contributed to modern medicine.

Mother Nature holds a recipe book of remedies which have soothed sore throats, settled stomachs, and cured diseases for many centuries. Around fifty percent of today’s prescription drugs are derived from chemicals which were first found in plants.

Since ancient times, man has experimented with thousands of plants to treat dozens of ailments. Even some animals have the ability to seek out bitter herbs in response to illness.

A garden can double up as a pharmacy, and you don't need green fingers and a white coat to reap the benefits. When considering entering the field with clean wellies, it’s best to stick to certain plants, as some are very toxic. Without being a gardening enthusiast or a closet chemist, anyone can create a few handy herbal concoctions with just a little bit of plant knowledge.

Medicinal plants are hardy; they can survive and flourish with little water or fertilizer. Extracting the useful chemicals is also easy, usually involving little more effort than making a pot of tea.

Na Tin Spicy Garden, just outside the beach resort of Ao Nang, in Krabi province, is a lush and leafy enclave and home to hundreds of medicinal and edible plants.

Retired pharmacist and keen botanist Piet created the garden in hope of enriching visitors’ appreciation and knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs.

On guided tours, Piet points out plants which have contributed to various conventional drugs, ranging from testosterone to laxatives.

He explains, “In some species the chemicals are found in the roots, while in others the leaves contain a useful sap. The best genus for a beginner herbalist is ginger, which includes turmeric and galangal. It is very easy to grow, isn’t toxic, and can be used as both a spice and a medicine.”

The rhizome - the knuckled root stalk - is the useful part which can be peeled, sliced and stewed with honey to make an aromatic and therapeutic tea.

Ginger is often used to relieve a long list of ailments including nausea, congestion, coughs, headaches, indigestion and inflammation. Research also suggests it may also help with arthritic pain and diabetes.

Turmeric is another useful household herb. The active ingredient, curcumin, found in the rhizomes, has many healing properties, as well as culinary, cosmetic and horticultural uses.

Herbalists believe turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and can provide considerable relief for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. The herb is strongly linked with cancer prevention, particularly colonic cancer and is also believed to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, lower cholesterol and treat inflammatory bowel disease.

Turmeric is found in sun screens and the Thai government is currently funding a project involving the extraction of compounds which might have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin lightening properties.

The plant is also an effective ant deterrent, making it a welcome addition to any Thai garden.

The ginger family is the ideal species for the amateur herbalist as it is easy to grow, prepare and store. The turmeric rhizome should be boiled, dried in the oven and ground into a deep orange powder, ready for use.

Na Tin Spicy Garden is an A to Z of herbal remedies, and home to many familiar plants such as coffee, tea, black pepper, chilli and an array of fruit trees, but behind pretty petals and delicate scents, there are also potential killers.

Allamanda and oleander are both popular ornamental plants in Thailand, but in Africa the milky juice and seeds are traditionally used for poison darts.

Find out more about plants that can cure you, or kill you, at Na Tin Spicy Garden. www.natinspicygarden.com