Chonburi and Songkhla Local Community Product Testing 2024
The Roots Routes were thrilled to be part of local community tourism product testing events hosted by DASTA Thailand, with trips to Chonburi and Songkhla on July 29-30 and August 13-16, respectively. The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization), or DASTA Thailand, works to enhance tourism in specific areas, fostering local community growth and sustainable development. The purpose of these product testing events was to gather feedback from tourism and heritage experts in order to refine tourism offerings in high-potential local communities. The goal is to boost livelihoods, drive economic development, and preserve local cultures.
We thoroughly enjoyed both trips, as they offered us a deeper understanding of the diverse ways of life across Thailand.
Discovering Chonburi’s Takhian Tia Community
One of the highlights of our Chonburi visit was the Takhian Tia Community, renowned for its coconut plantations. We learned how locals creatively use coconuts to produce a variety of goods, from coconut water and desserts to coconut-based products. They also offer unique activities, such as cooking classes where visitors harvest coconuts and turn them into delicious curries, as well as fun disc-throwing games set amidst the coconut farms. A special moment for our team was visiting the historical “A Hundred Pillars House,” a landmark that marks the beginning of local tourism and cultural preservation in Takhian Tia.
Immersing Ourselves in Songkhla’s Coastal Life
Our journey to Songkhla and Pattalung provinces allowed us to dive deeper into the lifestyle of one-of-a-kind coastal communities. At Koh Mak, a lesser-known island in the lagoon of Pattalung, famous for its prawns and rich ecology, we tried shrimp catching and marveled at the serene lagoon views during a boat ride. We also explored the Tha Chang Community, known for Sangyod rice—a unique red rice native to the area and renowned for its nutritional value.
In Songkhla, one of Thailand’s richest cultural destinations, the old town showcases a blend of diverse cultural influences, including Muslim, Chinese, and Western traditions. Other stops included the Ban Hua Khao Community and Ko Yo Sub-District Community.
Inspired by Local Resilience
After these enriching experiences, we’re deeply inspired by the dedication of local communities to preserve their cultures while seeking sustainable growth through tourism. Their efforts align perfectly with our mission: to protect, promote, and support local cultures while proudly showcasing our roots to the world through sustainable tourism.
These trips have strengthened our resolve to continue championing community-based tourism and cultural preservation. We’re excited to see how these initiatives will grow and thrive in the years to come!