Responsible Tourism

Langur Project - Conservation Holiday

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Langur Conservation

Volunteer on this conservation holiday where you'll spend your time helping and observing these charming, monkey-like creatures in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Volunteers are welcomed as homestay guests in the nearby fishing village in this lovely and uncommercialised part of Thailand.
The Langur Project was established by our partners in Thailand together with the local villagers in order to help preserve the langur population in their natural environment. Education to both local people, as well as visitors is a very important task at this project, the aim being that local people will benefit from tourism and maintain their natural resources, while, visitors can help create awareness about this unique species and help to minimize the negative effects of standard tourism.

During the project, you will spend time observing the animals as well as having the opportunity to experience the traditional life and local customs of the forest villagers. Our partners in Thailand have an advising and supporting role at the project and in the future it is the intention that the villagers will be able to manage and control the conservation of the langurs and their natural environment themselves.

The Project

On a day-to-day basis, you will study the behaviour of the dusky langurs in the forest and report your findings to the project staff. You will also feed the animals in some areas where needed. This conservation project offers you the opportunity to work in a stunning location with local people who are responsible for wildlife and environmental conservation. An additional task is to talk to tourists about the project and problem areas when they visit the location. Ideas on how to benefit more from tourism will also be discussed together. We will occasionally visit local schools in order to teach about ecology, wildlife and English.
Evenings and weekends are free. You can stay at the village, visit the beach or explore the beautiful area around the National Park. Some of the highlights here are visits to caves, gorgeous temples and the beautiful Huai - Yang waterfall. We can arrange local guides to join you on these nature trips. At the village, you can experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people.

The Problem

Worldwide, our forests are dwindling at an ever-increasing rate and Thailand is no exception. The dusky langur, also known as the spectacled langur, can only be found in three regions of the world: Thailand, Myanmar/Burma and parts of Malaysia.
In all of these regions deforestation is destroying the langur habitat and their numbers are being decimated as they are hunted by the locals for their meat and sold to markets for export.

In Thailand, the dusky langur lives in relatively small areas which are increasingly being surrounded by roads and villages restricting their ability to mate with other langur groups and forcing them to mate with their own family resulting in genetic problems. The reduction in their area also means that they are not getting enough food and water to keep them healthy and support their population.
Faced with rapidly reducing numbers the dusky langur faces extinction in the wild unless something is done. This is the objective of the Dusky Langur Conservation & Community Centre.

 About the Village

Ban Khung Thanod is a small coastal fishing village that lies within the boundaries of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, 300 km Southwest of Bangkok.
With a population of approximately 250 residents, this peaceful village offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and appreciate life at a slower pace as well as the chance to experience traditional Thai life at close quarters.
There are many attractions to be discovered both for the adventurous and more laid back visitors, including trekking, fishing and cycling, not to mention lazing in the shade and soaking up views of the bay.
Along with some fantastic restaurants serving fresh local seafood, the village contains several guesthouses and home-stays, offering a high standard of accommodation whether you are travelling in a group or alone, and whatever your budget.
You will receive the warmest of Thai welcomes in this undiscovered paradise that remains unspoilt by commercial tourism. Come and see for yourself - you won't regret it!
Accommodation
There are a range of accommodation options in Ban Khung Thanod depending on your budget and the type of holiday you are interested in.
Guesthouses: There are some great guesthouses and apartments along the beach front with fantastic views of the bay. Many come complete with kitchen, Thai and Western style bathroom and shower, TV, air-conditioning and sea-view balcony.
Homestays: A few of the villagers will rent out rooms within their homes giving you the opportunity to experience Thai culture and cuisine firsthand. Rooms usually come with mosquito nets, linen, towels and fans. A shared Asian toilet and shower are also standard. There is often access to a communal area containing a fridge and some seating.

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