Photo / Stephen Chapman

We first met Kelly May from Andaman Discoveries at the World Travel Market, London in 2007 where they won ‘Best for Conservation of Cultural Heritage‘ in the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. That same year they were finalists in Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism Awards and this year they won the SEED Award for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development.  Located just a few hours from Phuket and Khao Lak on Thailand’s west coast, Andaman Discoveries is a non-profit tour service offering eco-tours, cultural tours, interactive handicraft workshops, and volunteer placements whether you are just passing through or have several weeks to fill.  The operation they run defines community based tourism.

“Your involvement will help protect the traditional cultures of the North Andaman from the ever-present threat of mass tourism and assist with the long-term economic rehabilitation of the region left devastated by the tsunami of 2004.”

When the Boxing Day tsunami hit the Andaman Coast in 2004 Bodhi Garrett lost his home, job, and many of his friends.  He had arrived in Southern Thailand the previous year as Director of a sea turtle conservation project.  In an effort to serve the communities he had come to know, and to harness the huge influx of good will and support entering the region he founded North Andaman Tsunami Relief (NATR). Through a network of friends, dedicated volunteers, and donations, NATR implemented over 120 projects in 12 villages along the coast, by listening to and working with the villagers themselves. All projects have focused on long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability and creating realistic economic opportunities through training and marketing.  NATR recognised early on that If consideration is not given to the sustainability and eventual self-sufficiency of projects their implementation is irrelevant to the lives of the villagers.  Andaman Discoveries was created following the success of projects instigated by NATR and enables the creation of concrete job opportunities in tourism which allows the villagers themselves to benefit directly from hosting guests.

“Andaman Discoveries acts as the bridge to connect communities wanting to participate in tourism and those people wanting to experience traditional lifestyles and pristine eco-systems, away from touristy destinations.”

Andaman Discoveries offer an extensive range of tour options and activities for every type of tourist, and even have long-term volunteer opportunities for those with plenty of time on their hands.