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Koh Pra Thong Discovery
Spend two weeks or more on the island of Koh Pra Thong, in search of four species of sea turtle and help out with other conservation projects.
15 days from £1,159 - find out more...
15 days from £1,159 - find out more...
By choosing to take part in the Koh Pra Thong Discovery, you are donating a sizable amount of your trip cost directly to the project.
During 2010/11 STA Travel will be building a community tourism training centre on Koh Phra Thong. This will be accessible to communities across southern Thailand, providing a way for them to increase income, preserve the environment and develop sustainable tourism in the area.
In the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami, Koh Phra Thong was one of the worst affected areas, with many people losing their families, homes and livelihoods. As tourism becomes a huge force in the area, there is a real danger that if the local communities are unprepared, both in terms of job skills, conservation skills and cultural resilience, they will not be able to cope or prosper from this new source of income. In response, STA Travel and Planeterra will support the development of a sustainable community tourism program in the entire region. By teaching these people and STA Travel volunteers’ essential conservation skills, we can all help to save and preserve the local environment and ensure a sustainable future for everyone.
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About this project
For the last 12 years, a team of dedicated scientists has been cooperating with local villagers to protect the sea turtles, mangrove forests, and coral reefs of Prathong (Golden Buddha) Island. The team focuses on protecting leatherback, green, Olive-Ridley, and hawksbill turtles, which normally lay and hatch their eggs from January to March.
How you make a difference
The number of turtle nests found in the last few years has been steadily increasing, and now more than ever, volunteers are needed to help protect these gentle creatures. By staying with a local family you will be supporting community development and provide a much needed source of income for villagers.
A day in the life of a Volunteer
As part of an ongoing conservation research program, your day will include monitoring beaches, conducting behavioural observation on turtle feeding grounds, and assisting with nest hatching. Environmental education will be conducted in the local school of the village and meetings will be set up with villagers to discuss conservation.
Fast facts and what's included
| Project start day |
Daily between 10 Dec- 10 April |
| Accommodation |
1 night guesthouse, Home stay for 13 nights |
| Getting there |
Transfers from Phuket to the project are included |
| Duration |
Minimum stay 15 days, maximum unlimited |
| In-country support |
Volunteer project co-ordinator and staff |
| Meals included |
All meals except on day 1 |
| Trip code |
GATATTCJ |
