Golden Buddha Beach Resort

Frequently Asked Questions

Responsible Tourism

You claim to be a responsible tourism location/eco resort. What is your rational for this status?

• Our resort has lived and breathed ecological and community sensitive hospitality for the over 17 years
• Please download our PDF Information sheet for full information.
• Energy Conservation
  • We restrict availability of self generated electricity from 6pm – 11pm
  • We use natural air circulation and fans, not air conditioning
  • We use natural light during the day
  • Minimum use of fossil fuel powered vehicles and machines. We just have 1 truck and 1 tractor.
  • We use no hot water except in 4 houses that use solar power
  • We use energy efficient appliances and electronics
  • We use low wattage fluorescent light bulbs
  • We change linens, table cloths, napkins upon request only
  • We switch off lights when not used.
• Water Conservation
  • We pump and treat fresh water from shallow wells
  • We use rainwater for drinking
  • We naturally treat fresh captured water using aeration
  • We use low water use toilets
  • We use table mats that can be wiped and not laundered
  • We use biodegradable laundry detergent and dish soap
  • We do not have a swimming pool and instead have the Andaman sea
  • We use septic tanks for waste water management
• Recycling and Waste
  • We use durable service items such as cups, glasses and dishes
  • We buy fresh and local to reduce packaging and emissions from transport
  • We purchase in bulk to reduce packaging
  • We recycle paper, glass and aluminum
  • We have zero waste in the kitchen
  • We serve local water not bottled water
  • We compost organic matter and use it in our gardens
  • We limit our paper based marketing and other administration to an absolute minimum.
• Land and Nature Conservation
  • We minimize tree removal when building houses
  • We minimize external illumination
  • We do not burn
  • We plant plants that prevent erosion
  • We support the local Naucrates Turtle conservation project
• Community
  • Over 90% of Golden Buddha Staff are local
  • We use local suppliers
  • We re-invest resort income locally
  • We pay above the local prevailing wage
  • We pay into local social security
  • We support projects in the local village of Baan Lion

Do you have any tips for how I can be a low impact guest at Golden Buddha Beach?

• We should not forget that we are guests in Thailand and that there are local customs we should adhere to. Not only is it respectful but it will make you new friends.
• “Thank you” goes a long way. Kop Khun Ka (if you are female) and Kop Khun Kap (if you are male). This is the most appreciated saying you can learn.
• Our staff will greet you with a “wei”. They do not expect you to return the wei but a smile is appreciated
• Dress suitably. There is no special dress code at Golden Buddha and beachwear is normal attire but please consider that others live here. Wear cover-ups going to the beach. Thai people are very embarrassed to see you half naked! We also advise that when you are in cities like Bangkok that men wear trousers and women wear skirts or pants.
• Touching anyone on the head is offensive; including children. The head is considered a special and spiritual part of the body.
• When visiting the local villages, please avoid intrusive photography
• When visiting the local villages please relax and buy a local beverage. They are in business for a reason.
• In Thailand sitting with your feet pointing out at someone is rude. Nor is sitting with legs crossed done in polite Thai society. Look when you are at the airport and see how many Thais sit with their foot on top of their knee (none). However, don’t be surprised to see agile Thai’s sit with both feet (shoes off) under themselves even on nice furniture. That is culture for you!
• Keep cool. You will get a lot more assistance by acting cool, rather than losing steam. Do like the Thais and say “no problem” then work on a practical solution to your problem. This garners respect and gets you a lot more help.
• Water, water everywhere! Please use water sparingly. Although we are on an island we depend upon a limited supply of groundwater that is depleted dramatically during the dry season.
• Garbage on the island is always problematic. Please reduce your waste. Please take your rubbish away with you if you can and re-use containers such as water bottles.
• Help us conserve. We will only change linens every third day unless you request otherwise. Laundry wastes water and requires transport to the mainland.
• If you found it here, leave it here.
• If you brought it here, take it back.

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