What is Andaman Discoveries?

Andaman Discoveries is one of North Andaman Tsunami Relief (NATR)'s on-going community-driven development projects. NATR is an independent, non profit organization that continues to provide assistance to tsunami-impacted coastal communities of the North Andaman. NATR's projects work towards self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.

Andaman Discoveries is the result of many months of community workshops and discussions in-village to assess the suitability and potential of tourism. Villagers, with the assistance of NATR, are developing tourism products based around the principals of Community Based Tourism (CBT), that are commercially viable with maximum benefit to communities and minimum impact on environment.

Homestay

It is highly recommended to stay in-village with a host family in a homestay if you are participating in a multi-day trip. You will be made to feel like a member of the family, due to the warmth and hospitality of the villagers. Being welcomed into a villager’s home is a truly intimate occasion and allows you to take a privileged look into their lives, as well as share your experiences with them.  Villagers open their homes and their hearts for a truly memorable experience. This kind of genuine hospitality and authenticity can not be replicated in a hotel or guesthouse. An English-speaking guide is always on-hand to help people interact with the host family and other villagers.

Alternatively, there are a number of accommodation options available to meet any budget.

Where are the villages?

Just a stone's throw from Phuket and Khao Lak, Khura Buri is located on the west coast of the southern Thailand mainland.  Only 2-3 hours drive from Phuket and less from Khao Lak, Andaman Discoveries can arrange transfers for you.

For those of you who are adventurous enough to try the local transportation, directions are available here.

The Muslim, Buddhist, and Moken communities that live alongside each other exude a warmth and generosity of spirit that is rare to find nowadays. Most villages along the coastal belt are predominantly fishing communities that survive on the bounty of the sea to which their fate is inextricably linked. On 26th December 2004 when the tsunami hit, these communities were devastated by its impact but their resilience and incredible recovery has become a source of inspiration to visitors.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary, depending on the itinerary you chose and the number of people participating in the tour.

One-day tours (usually 11-12 hours) start at THB 1400 per person (A$50).  Two-day tours including overnight accommodation starts at THB 3400 per person (A$125).

For more itineraries and prices, click here

Volunteering

Volunteering, or being a "volun-tourist," is a great way to experience authentic village life and really become part of the community you are working with. With Andaman Discoveries you can:

* Teach English in village schools
* Do light construction work
* Environmental youth projects
* Help tsunami handicraft cooperatives
* Mangrove restoration
* Design and make community information boards and maps
* Assist with hospitality train with homestay families
* Have fun and games with rural children
* Beach clearance and recycling assistance
* Work on community gardens
* Guide training with local guides
* Pilot tour activities for community-based tourism development
* Write and edit materials for publication or promotion

For more info on volunteering, click here