DPUIC

“Nature Touch at Surat Thani, Ranong and Chumphorn provinces”- Part 1 of 2

// August 14th, 2009 // Friends of DPUIC, Uncategorized

By Ajarn Tipvaree Sriparn (IHOST)

 

 

 

 

 

 

During 27-30 June 2009, Ms.Ajaree (IHOST 4^th year student) and I represented DPU at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) educational trip called “Nature Touch at Surat Thani, Ranong and Chumphorn provinces”. This trip was joined by lecturers, students, travel agencies and journalists from a number of universities. This was a great chance for us to know each other and share our academic experiences.

On 27^th June, at 9.15 am, we departed Bangkok by public bus that took 9 hours on board (very exhausting).  When we arrived, we directly went to Klong Roi Sai, situated in the area of Nai Bang Mae Nam Tapee, Amphur Muang, Surat Tanee province where there are hundreds of canals called “Klong Roi Sai”.  It consists of 6 different Tambons or sub-districts. It is where people maintain a unique way of life. I experienced the study of the life-cycle of fireflies and it was amazing to see thousands of them along the river (the real one not LED light!). The locals were very nice and they cooperated very well to maintain natural environment.

On the next day, in the early morning, we went to Sin Mana Farm Stay, the geographical area and the climate around the gulf of Ban Don in Amphur Kanjanadit Surat Thani province, are perfectly situated for the growth of oysters. It is the spot where the Tapee River joins the sea. There is not much tidal variation during the day, allowing the freshwater and the seawater to mix, which, when combined with appropriate temperatures, promotes the breeding of numerous planktons. As a result, the size and the number of oysters in this area are greater than in other areas (I do confirm after tasting fresh oysters around the world!).

This farm stay has built facilities so that they can carefully look after and protect oysters, cockles and mussels. The farm has also been developed to accommodate tourism activities, making it a great place for holiday and relaxing. It is also an excellent resource to study fishery, the management of mangrove forests and the ecological system of the sea creatures. At noon, we had a lot of activities at the Lee Led communities. We traveled by long-tail boat along the river to experience nature and the ecological system of the mangrove forests. It is very interesting that mangrove forests here are invading the sea up to 1.2 Km.  naturally because of good destination, environment and community management. Anyway, we ate wonderful meals every day which are traditional Southern style food (delicious but very spicy).