This email, sent by my business partners only a hour after the tsunami struck south eastern Thailand, arrived in my in-box even before the news hit the world’s television screens.  Grateful for the reassurance, I have to confess that it wasn’t until a few hours later that I began to realise the full impact of what had taken place…

And yet… even with the undoubted enormity of the tragedy, as I personally made contact with each of our clients to ensure that they were indeed safe and happy with the arrangements being made for them, it became increasingly obvious that such a very small part of the country had actually been directly affected…  One group of clients, only two hours inland from Phuket, did not feel or see anything unusual on that fateful morning.  Another family, exploring the jungles of North Eastern Thailand, only made contact two days later having been blissfully unaware of the entire event. 

It is impossible to overstate the horrors faced by so many on that tragic day and indeed, the extensive media reports barely touched the surface of the human suffering and loss… And yet, without exception, all of our clients chose to continue with their trips and found that, far from being a miserable experience, the warmth and friendliness for which the Thai people are rightly renowned, took on an even greater meaning as they shared in their grief but also their hopes for happier days to come. 

And yet now, these same courageous people are feeling deserted by well-meaning westerners who are choosing to stay away until they deem the time is “right”.  This misplaced sensitivity isn’t simply unnecessary… it’s currently threatening the very livelihoods of those who’ve survived the tsunami only to face financial ruin if the tourists don’t return and soon.  To quote a recent plea from one of our local suppliers - “Please tell everyone we need them to come back now!”

So where to go if you want to heed the above request and really make a difference with your next vacation? 

An ideal option is to head south from Bangkok along the untouched eastern coast, where the coastal resorts are as beautiful as ever but now unusually (and unnecessarily) quiet.  On a recent trip we spent several days wandering between the magnificent National Parks and the beaches – an ideal combination particularly for families and those who love wildlife.  In fact, one is quite spoilt for choice with Kaeng Krachan famous for its dusky langurs (a small black and white monkey), birds and butterflies; Kui Buri with its elephants; and Khao Sam Roi Yot where you can take a river boat trip through the mangrove forests to visit local temples, a village school and even spend a few days experiencing life with the friendly local community.

And there can be no better way to end a busy day’s adventuring than retiring to your hotel on the beach and throwing oneself into the ocean!  Followed of course, by leisurely drinks on the veranda while watching the sunset…

Chumpon, a beachside town, also en route, provided a convenient place to stop over for a few days “off”.  With mountain bikes for exploring the area and a boat trip to an idyllic island nearby where we were provided with snorkelling equipment to get a closer look at the brightly coloured underwater world teeming with fish and magnificent coral formations, there was plenty to do for those who tired of chilling on the beach…

No visit to this southern part of Thailand would be complete without also visiting the breathtaking scenery of Khao Sok National Park.  On the western side, and just inland from Khao Lak, one of the areas of Thailand worst affected by the tsunami, and yet itself completely untouched, this tropical rainforest with its awesome lakes and limestone formations is not only an area of outstanding natural beauty but is also currently suffering more than most from the reduction in tourist numbers.  Yet there is absolutely no reason to stay away… 

Khao Soke National Park is one of South East Asia's best preserved habitats for tropical flora and fauna. The park covers an area of about 645 km, with evergreen virgin jungle, waterfalls, massive limestone cliffs and crystal clear rivers and streams. Many species of protected wildlife live in the park including elephants, gibbons, monkeys, tapir, birds of prey and wild gaur. Strikingly beautiful Chio Larn Lake features spectacular limestone karst rising out of the sparkling waters…

On a recent visit, local guides took us on a half-day hike through the rain forest criss-crossed with waterfalls and streams, enjoying the flora and fauna before stopping to swim in a clear, safe pool in the middle of the forest. The next day we headed for Chio Larn Lake where we took a boat trip through a fairyland of majestic limestone cliffs and caves, followed by swimming in the lake while the evening was spent watching for large birds and animals emerging to feed.   Staying in candle-lit raft houses on the edge of the lake only added to the sense of magic in this most unspoilt and mystical place…

Of course, Khao Sok itself, and all the other beautiful places we visited along the way, will not cease to exist… and yet, without our support, the eco-lodges will be forced to close and those who love and give their efforts to preserve these areas will have to find work elsewhere…

All it takes to prevent this is for those of us who care enough to choose a vacation that really will make a difference.  For now, the friends we made during our journey through southern Thailand are there still there and they’re waiting to share their paradise…  We’ll be back soon… and we hope you’ll join us.