Ban Nai Nang is featured at the Global Meaningful Travel Summit in Thailand

An immersion into the Thai community's agriculture and beekeeping

Ban Nai Nang is a small coastal village in southern Thailand, located in Krabi province, near Phang Nga Bay, surrounded by mangroves and limestone cliffs. It's a peaceful region of stunning natural beauty, ideal for those seeking contact with nature, ecotourism, and authentic experiences with local communities.

The tourist experience goes far beyond the cuisine: well-tended vegetable gardens, chicken farms, passion fruit plantations, and local beekeeping transform the visit into a true immersion into rural Thai life. During the Global Meaningful Travel Summit 2025, held from September 7th to 13th in Bangkok and Krabi, the community demonstrated how sustainable tourism can generate income and preserve local traditions.

Colorful and sustainable agriculture

On the community property, visitors can learn about agricultural processes up close and experience the care of plants and vegetables. The enchanting sight of passion fruit flowers and the lush greenery create an ideal space for those seeking contact with nature. According to Suthee Pankwan, community leader and president of the beekeeping group, "tourists not only observe but also participate in the activities, learning how to cultivate and care for the land, which strengthens the connection with the community."

Beekeeping: The Liquid Gold of Ban Nai Nang

Community tourism also involves honey. The property is run by local women beekeepers, who cultivate different species of bees and produce honey with unique flavors. Pankwan explains that there are about 15 different species of bees, each separated to avoid conflicts and ensure that each colony can thrive.

"We have different types of honey, each with a distinctive flavor, from sweet to sour, depending on the flowers from which it's collected," explains Pankwan. The community also releases bees into the mangrove forest, reinforcing ecological balance and contributing to the pollination of local crops.

Culinary experience with Sakaowrat Wansuk

Immersion in Ban Nai Nang also includes gastronomy. Sakaowrat Wansuk (Bah), community manager and a Tourism graduate from Mae Fah Luang University, teaches visitors traditional Thai dishes. Options include:

Papaya Salad (Som Tam): Green papaya salad with cherry tomatoes, green beans, garlic, chili, lime juice, fish sauce and roasted peanuts.

Stir-Fried Morning Glory (Pak Boong Fai Daeng): Water spinach sautéed with garlic, chili, soy sauce, and fish sauce, served hot.

Bah emphasizes that the proposal is to show how Thai cuisine combines flavor and health, taking advantage of natural ingredients and traditional techniques.

Jeff Santos, from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in South America, reinforces: "In Thailand, little refined sugar and industrial salt are used. Natural substitutes, such as palm sugar and fish sauce, help maintain high health levels, making local cuisine not only delicious, but also recognized worldwide for its benefits."

Sustainable tourism and opportunities for the community

Tourism in Ban Nai Nang isn't just an experience for visitors: it generates jobs, increases local income, and strengthens the village's culture. From agriculture to beekeeping and cooking, each activity is designed to engage tourists and enhance community life.

For Bah, the mission is clear: "We want community tourism to be a bridge between visitors and residents, promoting sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic development for all."

Ban Nai Nang proves that tourism can be a tool for social and environmental transformation. With its colors, flavors, and honey produced by the community's women, the village offers a unique experience that inspires respect, learning, and a true connection with nature and its people.

Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.