Banyan Tree Krabi stands as an exquisite resort nestled along the serene Tubkaek Beach. Its utmost aim is to provide guests with a truly immersive experience of the local Southern Thai culture. To achieve this, the resort goes the extra mile by organizing weekly excursions to a nearby island renowned for its exceptional batik fabrics and woodcrafts.
This initiative finds its roots in the “Stay for Good” program, which was launched by the esteemed Banyan Tree Group two months ago. The program encourages guests at their 5-star hotels worldwide to actively engage with neighboring villagers and support their work.
For instance, at Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape in Bali, guests spend a day with local farmers, actively participating in gathering fruits and edible plants. Similarly, at Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto in Japan, visitors immerse themselves in the traditional craft of weaving grass to create thatched roofs for the villagers’ homes.
“At Banyan Tree Krabi, we invite our guests to embark on an adventurous day trip to the tranquil fishing town of Ban Koh Klang, situated on a small island in the middle of the Krabi River,” shared Ms. Thepsuda Loyjiw, the Sustainability Manager. “Accompanied by the gentle flow of the river on a traditional longtail boat, guests have the opportunity to spot rare bird species and wild monkeys amid the enchanting mangroves. Moreover, the island itself is a hidden gem, featuring majestic limestone caves that we explore during the excursion.”
During this remarkable journey, guests are treated to a delectable lunch inspired by locally grown fruits, vegetables, and treasured recipes passed down through generations. This special meal is served in a floating restaurant nestled within the lush mangroves. This setting offers a unique chance for guests to forge a connection with the environment while relishing their food. Following the satisfying meal, guests have the opportunity to engage with the villagers and delve deeper into their way of life.
Travelers are presented with a variety of daily activities to choose from, such as joining skilled local craftsmen in carving intricate wooden models of longtail boats—a popular souvenir in Krabi. Alternatively, they can sit alongside the experienced women of Ban Koh Klang, who excel in the art of batik. These skilled artisans effortlessly paint vibrant and colorful fabrics using organic dyes. Furthermore, depending on the season, guests might even have the chance to experience rice harvesting alongside a local family.
The “Stay for Good” program, initiated in May, seeks to establish a profound connection between guests and the destinations they visit. Through this program, Banyan Tree upholds the significance of local heritage and traditions while creating valuable opportunities for the local communities.
In line with its commitment to reducing carbon footprint, Banyan Tree Krabi has partnered with a local artisan project called “Souvenirs From the Sea” since December. This innovative project involves collecting discarded items from the beach and transforming them into upcycled products, such as stylish tote bags.
Among the recent sustainability initiatives undertaken by Banyan Tree Krabi, an Earth Day beach clean-up was organized, highlighting their dedication to preserving the environment. Additionally, they introduced Forest Bathing—an educational tour designed for guests, including children, to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the importance of safeguarding the local flora and fauna.
