Author: ryan@placeworks.co.th

Loy Krathong, the annual festival of light and gratitude, is a treasured tradition in Thailand, bringing communities together to honor the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha, and reflect on the passing year. At Koh Jum Beach Villas, we embraced this special occasion with a mindful celebration, balancing the beauty of the tradition with a commitment to sustainability and environmental care. 

The History of Loy Krathong 

Dating back to the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom, Loy Krathong involves floating delicate krathongs, crafted from natural materials such as banana leaves and flowers, on waterways as an offering of gratitude for water’s essential role in life. It is also a symbolic gesture, allowing participants to let go of negativity and make wishes for the year ahead. Over time, this tradition has evolved to become one of Thailand’s most beloved and visually stunning festivals. 

Celebrating Loy Krathong Sustainably at Koh Jum Beach Villas 

While many traditional celebrations involve releasing krathongs into rivers or the sea, this practice can inadvertently contribute to pollution, especially when modern materials like foam or synthetic decorations are used. Recognizing this, we celebrated Loy Krathong in a way that was both culturally respectful and environmentally conscious. 

During dinner at Driftseed Restaurant, staff and guests were invited to participate in floating fully biodegradable krathongs in our restaurant pond. These krathongs were made from natural materials, ensuring no harm to the environment. It was a quiet and meaningful moment of reflection, accompanied by the soft glow of candlelight. 

The Environmental Impact of Loy Krathong 

While Loy Krathong is a celebration of gratitude towards nature, it is important to acknowledge the environmental impact the festival can have. Each year, waterways across Thailand are often left with significant amounts of non-biodegradable waste from krathongs made with plastic or foam, posing a threat to marine life and ecosystems. By adopting sustainable practices, we can honor the festival’s essence while reducing its environmental footprint. 

How to Celebrate Loy Krathong Sustainably 

• Choose Natural Materials: Opt for krathongs made from banana leaves, bread, or other biodegradable materials. Avoid synthetic decorations and materials that could harm wildlife. 
• Celebrate Locally: Instead of releasing krathongs into the sea or rivers, consider floating them in small, controlled water bodies like ponds or pools, where they can be collected and composted after use. 
• Minimise Waste: Encourage the reuse of materials where possible and avoid unnecessary packaging or waste. 
• Educate and Inspire: Share the significance of the festival and its environmental impact with others, encouraging sustainable practices. 

A Quiet Reflection on Koh Jum 

At Koh Jum Beach Villas, our commitment to sustainability aligns with the values of Loy Krathong. Through mindful celebrations, we aim to honor traditions while preserving the natural beauty of our island. 

The simple act of releasing biodegradable krathongs into our pond provided a meaningful way for our guests to connect with this cherished tradition, ensuring no harm was done to the local environment. 

Loy Krathong serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of gratitude, reflection, and living in harmony with nature, a message that resonates deeply on our peaceful island. 

Loy Krathong reminds us of the importance of gratitude, reflection, and living in harmony with nature, a message that resonates deeply on our tranquil island. 

In recent years, tourism has been compelled to confront its ethical and environmental impact, especially regarding wildlife. A critical issue in this arena is the role tourism plays in either supporting or exploiting animals. Southeast Asia’s elephant tourism industry is a stark example, where elephants have long been used for entertainment, from circus-like performances to elephant rides, often at the expense of their well-being. However, as travelers grow more ethically conscious, initiatives are emerging that aim to realign tourism with the principles of animal welfare and conservation. 

At Koh Jum Beach Villas, we are committed to a tourism model that fosters enriching guest experiences while promoting the well-being of local wildlife and ecosystems. Our partnership with the Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary in Krabi embodies this commitment, establishing a new standard for ethical wildlife tourism in a region traditionally associated with exploitative practices. 

Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary: Mission and Approach

Following Giants provides a haven for elephants rescued from the tourism and logging industries. Here, elephants roam freely in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. In stark contrast to traditional elephant tourism, which often includes elephant rides and direct interaction, Following Giants emphasizes a hands-off approach, allowing visitors to observe elephants in a way that respects the animals’ comfort and autonomy. This focus on natural behavior, rather than forced performances, showcases the sanctuary’s dedication to the highest ethical standards in wildlife care. 

The sanctuary’s mission is rooted in the belief that humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously without harm. This ethos shapes every interaction with visitors, educating them on the physical, emotional, and social needs of elephants. These animals are treated as sentient beings, with rights to space, social bonds, and a life free from stress and cruelty, rather than mere tourist attractions. 

Why Ethical Wildlife Tourism is Essential 

The importance of ethical wildlife tourism cannot be overstated. Studies show that tourism, when mismanaged, can seriously harm animal populations, leading to stress, behavioral shifts, and even physical harm. Ethical wildlife tourism presents a responsible alternative that aligns tourist interests with animal welfare and biodiversity preservation. 

In the case of elephant tourism, the contrast between ethical and exploitative practices is particularly stark. Traditional elephant tourism, such as elephant rides, places immense strain on these animals. According to the World Animal Protection Organization, over 77% of elephants in Thailand’s tourism industry live in inadequate conditions that do not meet their fundamental needs: physical space, access to nutritious food, and social interaction with other elephants. 

In contrast, sanctuaries like Following Giants represent a paradigm shift in responsible wildlife tourism. By supporting these sanctuaries, visitors not only avoid contributing to the abuse of elephants but actively engage in their recovery and conservation. Often, the funds from ethical tourism go directly toward conservation, medical care, and the long-term sustainability of the sanctuary. 

Empowering Guests to Make Informed Choices 

Travelers play a crucial role in shaping the future of wildlife tourism. Every choice they make, from the facilities they visit to how they interact with wildlife affects the animals and ecosystems they encounter. At Koh Jum Beach Villas, we strive to equip our guests with the knowledge they need to make informed, ethical decisions. 

Through our collaboration with Following Giants, guests experience firsthand the benefits of ethical tourism. A visit to this sanctuary offers more than just observation; it provides educational insights into the history of elephant tourism, the complex needs of elephants, and the importance of conservation for their future. This experience empowers guests with a deeper understanding of how sustainable tourism can actively support wildlife preservation. 

Moreover, ethical tourism has ripple effects that extend far beyond the sanctuary. Guests often leave with a renewed commitment to conservation and ethical practices that influence their future travel choices. They become ambassadors for ethical wildlife tourism, sharing their experiences and encouraging others to adopt conscientious practices when engaging with wildlife. 

Conclusion: Championing Ethical Tourism in the Modern World 

At Koh Jum Beach Villas, our partnership with Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary is more than just a unique offering for our guests, it’s a reflection of our dedication to responsible tourism that respects the balance between human enjoyment and wildlife preservation. As the industry moves toward more sustainable models, collaborations like these demonstrate that ethical tourism is not only achievable but essential for the future of travel. 

By making thoughtful choices and supporting responsible tourism, travelers have the power to drive positive change, not only for elephants but for wildlife worldwide. Through partnerships like ours with Following Giants, we continue to “walk the talk,” ensuring that guests leave with memories and a meaningful appreciation for ethical tourism’s vital role in conservation. 

Nestled within the serene beauty of Koh Jum Beach Villas, our sophisticated wine room and Sommelier Table Concept awaits discerning wine lovers and curious explorers alike. This exclusive experience invites guests to journey through a curated collection of over 200 exceptional wines from award-winning producers worldwide, each handpicked to showcase the unique character of the world’s finest wine regions. 

A Tailored Wine Tasting Journey 

Our Sommelier Table Concept offers a relaxed, immersive stand-up wine tasting, expertly guided by our professional sommelier. Each tasting brings the stories behind each wine to life, from the subtle nuances of vintage and terroir to the craft of organic and biodynamic winemaking, all featuring selections from small, artisan producers. With a minimum of five wines, each session is customized to suit your taste and budget, delivering a unique, memorable experience for your palate. 

For a more complete experience, optional snack platters and a basket of artisanal breads are available, along with complimentary water to cleanse the palate between tastings. Each intimate session accommodates up to eight guests, creating a personalized, engaging environment that encourages you to deepen your appreciation for fine wines. 

Beyond Tasting: A Walk-in Wine Experience 

Our wine room isn’t just for tastings; it’s a walk-in wine list that allows you to browse and select wines to pair with your meals or to enjoy privately in your villa’s mini-bar. Carefully curated with a focus on small-production, organic, and biodynamic wineries, the collection lets you explore sustainable choices with every pour. Updated frequently, the collection always offers something new to discover, from hidden gems to rising stars in the world of wine. 

Exclusive Access for a Refined Stay 

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious about wine, our wine room offers an intimate space to connect, learn, and savor the art of winemaking in a setting that celebrates both tradition and innovation. To ensure a private, uninterrupted experience, we ask that reservations be made at least one day in advance, creating a truly exclusive and memorable addition to your stay at Koh Jum Beach Villas. 

Indulge in an elevated evening with us, where luxury meets the vine and every tasting is a story waiting to be told. To discover more about our culinary experiences, visit our web page: www.kohjumbeachvillas.com/experiences.