ECOTOURISM ROUTE ARRAGEMENT IN PAI DISTRICT, MAE HONG SON PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

Abstract— The objectives of this research are to 1) create a geographic information database for ecotourism routes, 2) study the shortest paths for ecotourism, and 3) make maps showing ecotourism routes in Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province by applying geographic information technology to manage community tourist routes in Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province. The research found that there were 8 ecotourism places, comprising Yunnan Chinese Cultural Center, Tha Pai Historical Bridge, Klang Temple, Mor Paeng Waterfall, Phra That Mae Yen Temple, Nam Hoo Temple, Muang Paeng Hot Spring, and Mae Yen waterfall. The information was used to create a map using the Geographic Information System, Google Maps, and then ecotourism routes were created. The route analysis found that tourists could organize 3 types of tourism routes: 1) arranging tourism routes according to the popularity or reputation of tourist attractions, 2) arranging tourist routes according to the suitability of the tourism period, and 3) arranging shortest eco-tourism route, which has a total distance of 723 kilometers and a total travel time of 15 hours and 34 minutes. This shortest one-way-route tourism allows visitors to enjoy the nature along the route without returning to the original. From collecting tourism route information, the community can create a map for visitors' tourism planning and for ecotourism development in Pai District, Mae Hong Son province further.