Eco-Friendly Travel in Thailand for Backpackers [2025]

Discover all the best eco-friendly travel tips ahead of your adventure around Thailand in 2025!

In this post, you will:

🛶 Discover the best environmentally-friendly activities in Thailand

🏝️ Learn the best eco-friendly destinations in Thailand

🛌 Find eco-friendly accommodation recommendations

🚌 Learn about eco-friendly ways to travel around Thailand

💼 Discover other great responsible travel tips including items to pack as an environmentally-conscious backpacker

Let’s face it… when you hear ‘backpacking’ who doesn’t automatically think of Thailand?

As one of the biggest hotspots for backpackers, Thailand’s tourism industry is quickly recovering post-pandemic with 19.6 million tourists flocking to the country within the first half of 2024!

If you’ve visited Thailand then it’s not hard to understand why.

Thailand is jam-packed with incredible adventures, the most breathtaking natural scenery, and the locals’ welcoming nature only adds to its formidable reputation.

However, with its immense popularity with tourists also comes much more pollution.

Unfortunately, this is not difficult to notice as a backpacker. I remember feeling quite shocked by the amount of rubbish I saw lining the streets of Bangkok and even more saddened to hear about the plastic being washed onto the shores of Koh Tao following a large storm earlier last year.

Despite the Thai government introducing measures to help reduce single-use plastic, it is still very much used throughout the country.

Plastic waste is not the only pollution Thailand is battling with. The air pollution in major cities such as Bangkok is notoriously poor.

It is therefore up to us as tourists to make better decisions during our time in Thailand.

We must begin to make more of an effort to opt for more eco-friendly travel options where we can!

This is crucial to preserve the country’s natural beauty so that it can be appreciated by future generations of travellers while also making the lives of the Thai population a lot safer!

You may be wondering how to ensure you are travelling responsibly. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this post, you’ll find lots of useful and practical advice you can take with you on your next adventure in the Land of Smiles. This includes finding eco-friendly accommodation, activities to do and using less-polluting modes of transport.

So if you’re looking for ideas on how you can sustainably travel around Thailand, this post is for you!

It’s a great idea to plan some eco-friendly activities when you’re exploring this wonderful country. These will immerse you in beautiful nature and will allow you to witness the exotic wildlife that Thailand has to offer!

Thailand has some beautiful national parks, the most popular being Khao Sok National Park and Doi Inthanon National Park.

Located in the south of Thailand in the Surat Thani region, Khao Sok National Park consists of huge rainforests and waterfalls, making it an exceptional place to visit for those who love getting stuck in with nature.

There are a variety of tours you can choose from, including those where you can stay for a night or two in the tranquillity of the 739 km2 park!

The park entrance fee that you will pay which is around 200 Baht for adults goes directly toward the maintenance of the park too. This fee will either be included or excluded from your tour price depending on the chosen operator.

Code of conduct: as stated on their website, you should ensure that you do not litter when visiting the park. There are also no toilets so when you need to go, avoid going to the ‘bathroom’ by any open water and bury your waste after! (Now that’s called being at one with nature!)

Doi Inthanon National Park is located in the north of Thailand about 70km southwest of Chang Mai city centre.

This park is referred to as “the roof of Thailand” since it is part of the Himalayan mountain range!

Sadly due to poaching, many large animals including elephants are no longer found in this park, however, the renowned small villages and waterfalls you’ll see along your hike make this experience one not to miss!

If you find yourself in the park around late January-February, you may even be lucky enough to witness the Siamese Sakura flowers (cherry blossom)!

Kayaking is an extremely fun way to explore the open waters using pure muscle power and absolutely no polluting boat engines. Not to mention it’s a great upper-body workout too.

Ao Thalane in Krabi is particularly favoured by tourists who prefer taking in the impressive beauty of limestone cliffs and mangrove forests on a kayak!

Snorkelling is another great way to preserve the ecosystem while spectating the colourful marine life. Koh Tao is especially popular for snorkelling due to its clear waters and vibrant marine life.

When snorkelling or scuba diving avoid touching the coral reefs and wear suncream that does not harm marine life.

If you’re eager to go scuba diving, then choosing an operator with PADI instructors is a good idea.

PADI is an organisation that is actively working to help conserve the ocean and make the diving industry sustainable. You can read about their environmental conservation efforts to learn more here.

In addition, there are a couple of reputable diving companies to take note of that are particularly eco-conscious. These include:

• Hidden Depths Diving in Ko Lanta: awarded with the Padi Green Star Award (displaying that the business is taking action to protect the environment)
• Big Blue Diving in Koh Tao: offers marine conservation diving courses which involve working on projects with marine biologists!

Stand-up paddleboarding is another fun (and hilarious) water-based activity with minimal negative environmental impact.

Freebird Stand Up Paddleboard Co. offers incredible tours around Railay Beach. You can choose from crystal clear water morning tours to bioluminescent night tours!

Why not visit a local village during your time in Thailand?

This will allow you to delve further into the Thai culture, leaving you with unique memories that will last you a lifetime!

If you’re heading to Chiang Mai then you’re in luck. There is an abundance of cultural activities you can throw yourself into here such as:

• Visiting Mae Kampong Village: an eco-tourism village where tourists can learn and try the results of traditional tea and coffee cultivation, experience Thailand’s most famous ziplines by tour operator Flight of the Gibbon and taste the famous Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage). There are also no hotels in this village meaning you will spend the night at a local homestay (more on these later!)
• Taking a Cooking Class at Thai Farm Cooking School: this cooking school uses ingredients from their organic farm during their classes! They also educate their visitors about organic and sustainable farming to combat the negative ecological effects of using pesticides.
• Try out a Traditional Weaving Workshop in Ban Rai Phai Ngam (Lamphun): this area is renowned for producing high-quality hand-woven cotton using natural dyes and special weaving techniques.

Visiting eco-friendly destinations in Thailand not only benefits the environment and supports the local community but also adds a unique sense of meaning to your trip.

If you’re eager to make sustainable choices while travelling, why not plan your itinerary to include some of these destinations?

Ko Lanta is an extraordinary place. Located in Southwest Thailand, this island is one of the first that comes to mind when considering sustainable tourism.

Unlike other popular backpacking islands in Thailand, Ko Lanta is much more peaceful, making it one of the most understated paradises in the country.

There is a wide range of eco-friendly activities to do here including kayaking around hidden lagoons, exploring Ko Lanta from up high at one of their stunning viewpoints or watching the most beautiful sunsets along one of their pristine beaches.

If you find yourself on this island, be sure to spare a day to explore Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

Here you’ll have the opportunity to see many different species of exotic birds, monkeys and wild boars!

For the adventure-seekers, you’ll also have the opportunity to zipline through the treetops or explore the vibrant reefs and tropical marine life while snorkelling in their clear waters or diving with a reputable eco-friendly company such as Hidden Depths.

Eco-friendly practices are adopted throughout the island as shown by the launch of several projects such as sustainable coworking facilities and the work carried out by Lanta Animal Welfare charity to protect the lives of rescued dogs and cats.

There is also an abundance of responsible resorts and hotels ready to welcome you into the Ko Lanta way of life. My top recommendations include:

• Pimalai Resort & Spa: This resort demonstrates incredibly sustainable virtues with meticulous waste management and projects that support marine life cultivation.
• Mook Lanta Eco Resort: This eco-resort has the cutest huts that weave seamlessly into the greenery.
• Bee Bees Bungalows: I stayed in my own bungalow located a minute from the beach in 2022. This was the most incredible experience considering how affordable this accommodation is. The staff are so welcoming and even have a little restaurant making this the perfect place to rest and enjoy the tranquility of Ko Lanta.

Awarded as 2nd most sustainable location in the world by the Green Destination Foundation in 2023 and becoming Thailand’s first low-carbon tourism destination, Koh Mak is leading the way when it comes to sustainable tourism.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Mak is the dream destination for eco-conscious travellers wanting to make a difference.

This island is much less ‘developed’ when compared to other tourist destinations in Thailand. However, this is by choice.

Koh Mak’s leaders are actively avoiding opening their island up to large retail chains such as 7-Eleven and Starbucks (which are extremely prominent in the rest of the country) in an attempt to maintain their considerably low plastic consumption and pollution.

Here, you’ll find lots of eco-friendly activities to do. This even includes getting involved with charities so you can make a difference and support the sustainable initiatives of Koh Mak!

To give you an idea of some of the environmentally friendly things to do in Koh Mak, you can:

• cycle around the island along trails that take you through the protected rubber and palm plantations
• Join in with work carried out by ‘Koh Mak Trash Heroes’ charity where you’ll help clear beaches of any rubbish while learning about sustainable waste management
• Relax on Koh Mak’s stunning beaches such as Ao Suan Yai Beach and Ao Tan Beach which open out onto the tranquil aquamarine sea
• Learn and practice Thailand’s famous martial art ‘Muy Thai’ along the beach
• Visit a Coral Nursery and participate in coral reef cultivation. Koh Mak Coral Conservation Group is a great community-based project that planted over 1100 individual corals in 2023, making this an amazing place to learn and support coral restoration in Koh Mak and its surrounding areas!
• Take a Thai cooking class and become educated about organic farming and the practices for reducing food wastage in Koh Mak

If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Mak, Little Moon Villas Resort is an eco-friendly choice of accommodation which contributes to the island’s sustainability goals. Guests are provided filtered water in glass bottles to avoid plastic consumption. Each villa also has an “open-architecture design” to adhere to the local’s wishes for a fence-free island.

Many backpackers plan to travel “off the beaten path” on their next adventure, so why not you do the same?!

The Isaan Region, situated in the Northeast of Thailand, is the perfect place to go on a unique adventure during your time in Thailand!

With the aim of boosting this region’s economy while implementing sustainable practices, Isaan welcomed Thailand’s first-ever sustainable innovation expo in 2022.

This mission involves the implementation of the Bio-Circular-Green economic model, which focuses on improving education, using more environmentally friendly materials and energy, and improving water-management systems.

The Thai-Isan Farmers Cooperative have also adopted a sustainable farming model to encourage agricultural biodiversity in the area.

The initiative is supported by high-end restaurants with the creation of seasonal menus that focus on dishes that use the local and organic output from the farms at that time of year.

This makes visiting these sustainable restaurants an especially awesome activity to do if you’re a huge foodie!

Other incredible yet responsible activities you can do in the Isaan Region include:

• Khao Yai National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to many different species such as elephants, macaques, gibbons, dragons and porcupines!
• Than Thip Waterfall: nestled in the heart of a Thai jungle!
• Phanom Rung Historical Park: located on top of an extinct volcano, here you will find the ruins of an old Hindu Khmer Empire!
• Sala Kaew Ku: a sculpture park filled with impressive Buddhist and Hindu-inspired concrete sculptures!
• Wat Phu Tok: considered one of the ‘must-see temples’, this temple involves climbing 7 levels up of the mountain to reach its stunning cliffside summit. Each level represents the ‘7 stages of awakening‘ taught in Buddhism.

Eco-friendly recommendations to stay in the Isaan Region include:

• Lala Mukha Tented Resort Khao Yai: opt for the Eco-Safari Tent for a memorable getaway in the Thai countryside
• Recall Isaan Isan Concept at Khaoyai: Recall hotels make an effort to limit plastics, using harmful chemicals and give back to those in need within their community

Try to avoid getting taxis or using Grab wherever possible and instead opt for public transportation such as buses and trains.

This reduces the amount of individual carbon dioxide you emit into the atmosphere, helping to reduce air pollution and conserving energy.

Using public transport often saves a lot of money too!

Other great eco-friendly transport options include cycling, using electric scooters or going on walking tours.

My number 1 eco-friendly travel tip has to be avoiding using planes to reach other destinations within Thailand.

For each passenger on a flight, much more carbon dioxide is released when compared to using greener alternatives such as buses or trains.

However, sometimes it may not be possible to avoid flying. As an eco-conscious traveller, you may therefore be interested in carbon offset schemes.

Carbon offset schemes calculate how much CO2 is used from your flight and then you can pay a proportionate sum to a project that reduces emissions by the equivalent amount.

How does this work? Well, a few individual airlines have their own schemes such as planting trees or helping to develop wind farms.

Before you opt into these it’s important to note that research has shown that using a scheme directly funded by an individual airline may not be an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Instead, it is recommended to use a third-party non-profit organisation’s climate-friendly air travel scheme such as Atmosfair.

On their website you can input your flight route, an they will calculate the carbon emissions as a result of your journey and allow you to fund one of their climate protection projects!

Alternatively, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint via air travel Skyscanner is a great place to start!

During their search feed, they indicate which flights release less CO2 emissions. Here’s an example below.

Other tips for reducing your carbon footprint when flying:

✈️ Fly economy: First and business class produce 4 times more CO2 than economy! (besides flying economy shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re a backpacker on a budget like me!)

✈️ Pack light: a heavier airplane uses more fuel!

✈️ Look out for greener aircraft: newer models such as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900 and A320neo are much more fuel-efficient!

Finally, let’s take a look at other small ways you can make a big difference when travelling to Thailand!

We’ve already discussed the importance of packing light for eco-conscious travelling.

However, if you’re prone to overpacking or simply do not know where to start, I have a complete packing guide for Southeast Asia which may be of use to you!

Essential eco-friendly travel ideas include:

• A reusable water bottle: to help reduce the problematic plastic water bottle consumption in Thailand!
• Eco-friendly powder shampoo and body wash: this waterless hair and body cleaning product is lightweight and does not need to be packed in your liquids bag when going through security!
• Eco travel laundry detergent
• Reusable cutlery set: in case there are only plastic cutlery options!
• A universal adapter: this is essential if you’re travelling to many countries with different power outlets. This minimises purchasing many different plastic adapters while you go along!

Here are some simple and effective tips for remaining a responsible traveller:

🌿 Use a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the 1 baht reverse osmosis machines located all around Thailand!

🌿Take photos/ videos ONLY, not any shells, rocks or other pieces of the environment that you’re in

🌿 Book with responsible tour operators: research the company beforehand, ask about accommodation, whether the tours are led by locals, and how the company gives back to the community

🌿 When hiking, avoid littering the trails and take your rubbish with you until you find a bin

🌿 When snorkelling, avoid disturbing the reef’s fragile ecosystem by not touching the coral or any other marine life

🌿 Buy local products or souvenirs instead of goods that have been manufactured elsewhere (however, please be careful and check that these have not been made from endangered animals or plants!)

🌿 Respect the locals and their customs by learning a few Thai words and dressing appropriately, particularly in sacred places

🌿 Consider volunteering to give back to the local communities!

Thailand is packed with large retail chains, cafes and restaurants that cause local businesses to struggle to compete.

As an eco-conscious traveller, take the time to explore local markets, try local cuisine at family-owned restaurants and take home unique handcrafted souvenirs made by the locals of the area.

This makes a huge difference in their lives and contributes immensely toward sustainable tourism in Thailand.

Plus the food from local restaurants is so much cheaper and tastes absolutely incredible! You wouldn’t want to miss out!

As a backpacker, there are many practical ways to travel in an eco-friendly manner around Thailand.

In this post you’ve discovered the importance of participating in low-emission activities such as visiting National Parks, going kayaking or exploring the life under the sea.

Choosing to visit destinations with sustainable tourism initiatives is another excellent way to encourage the rest of the cities and islands to follow suit while also reducing your individual carbon footprint.

I have also recommended various environmentally friendly companies and hotels where you can ensure that you are promoting responsible travel while making lasting memories in the land of smiles!

I hope you find this guide to eco-friendly travel in Thailand useful. Let me know what environmentally-friendly activities excite you the most in the comments below. Additionally, if you have any other great recommendations I would love to hear them!

I’d appreciate it if you saved or shared this post so more backpackers can learn how easy it is to sustainably travel in Thailand (and it helps me out a lot too 😊).

Thank you for reading and happy travels!❤️

This post aims to educate readers about eco-friendly ways travel to travel in Thailand. Don’t forget to share or save to refer back to later!

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