The Ecolodge

Our facilities include bungalow accommodations for guests, research staff, and volunteers, a restaurant and large beachside sala (traditional Thai open air lodge), office space, and dive center complete with rental dive gear, compressor and dive center. All this is set on a private bay and beach with the Ecolodge nestled in the pristine jungle of Koh Ra.

These facilities have been constructed and are run as an example of an ecologically sound way to use land in this fragile coastal habitat. Natural building materials were obtained locally; sustainable sources of wood, like bamboo and causarina were used; lacquer was used instead of toxic paints; large canopy jungle trees were left intact which provide food and habitat for the many bird species in the area (hornbills live amongst the bungalows); we have continued to plant the area with fruiting trees to provide food for wildlife; cooling is provided by ample shade, well ventilated building design and the regular sea breeze, not air conditioners. The Koh Ra Ecolodge is run on the tenets of conservation, sustainability, and reduce-reuse-recycle. We separate waste, recycle and compost on site.

The core principle of ecologically sound tourism ("ecotourism") is to simultaneously explore and protect the local ecology and culture (read more about our Environmental Philosophy). In addition to the sustainable design and operation of the Koh Ra Ecolodge, and our various marine ecological projects we work with several local communities helping them move towards more sustainable resource use. In 2008 the Koh Ra Ecolodge has set a goal to donate a full 10% of its profits to ecological and community projects in the area (in the future our goal is to increase that percentage). Read more about the community projects supported by the Ecolodge here.

You can join us on Koh Ra for a research expedition, long term volunteer project or just to relax in this unique natural location. Visiting researchers are welcome to use our facilities for research projects in the local area. The Resort can accommodate and feed up to 40 people. With advance reservation, boats, diving equipment and guides can be arranged for groups as well. Just e-mail us at info@thaiecolodge.com for more information.