Pimalai Resort & Spa is highlighting the importance of conserving coastal mangrove habitat with a selection of private eco tours for guests.
Mangrove habitats are critical to the health of coastal areas, not only do they provide breeding conditions and nurseries for many species of tropical fish, but they also absorb massive amounts of carbon, and provide a natural barrier to erosive powers of the ocean.
The location for these three-hour tours is Yee Peng Village on the east coast of Koh Lanta where, a bridge will welcome guests and on the other side, a path takes one deep into the mangroves.
You can spend around 15 minutes exploring the mangrove forest on your own, then jump into a gondola or longboat to go through small canals sneaking into the mangrove.
Gondolas were traditionally used to transport mangrove timbers to charcoal factories. When mangrove forests became protected, Tung Yee Peng Villagers reinvented their boats for eco-tours.
Lanta Old Town was originally a sea gypsy settlement and several decades it transformed into a village influenced by trade. There are now many shops, restaurants and homes built on stilts.
The Old Town has a distinct Chinese influence and a very slow, laid-back feel. Walking around looking at the lanterns provides a sense of days gone by. There is no charge to visit Old Town Lanta Community Museum – a converted former Sheriff’s Office that was built during the reign of King Rama V which provides a glimpse of early community life in Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta Lighthouse or ‘Pat-Cha-Chote-Wa-Chi-Ra-Pa’ inside Koh Lanta National Park was in service to warn mariners of dangerous shallows and perilous rocky coasts. Visitors can climb a cliff to see the lighthouse closely and enjoy the stunning view over the two bays of the Mu Koh Lanta National Park. The lighthouse and National Park Nature trail are only a 15-minute scenic drive from Pimalai.
Pimalai conducts three-hour day and sunrise mangrove tours by gondola including transfers, tour guide, snack, tea/coffee and drinking water and three-hour tours by longboat including transfers, tour guide, kayak and drinking water.
For more information, rates and bookings visit www.pimalai.com