Cultural Landscape of Hot Springs Toward Health Tourism and Recreation in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Abstract

The paper examined the significance and focused on two hot spring sites: Hin Dad and Lin Thin hot springs in the watershed called ‘River Kwai Noi Watershed of Thong Pha Phum' in Kanchanaburi. The main purpose was to investigate the potential of the hot spring cultural landscape to cater to health tourism and recreation. The recommendation for sustainable development of hot spring destinations has been proposed at the end. The significance was identified through five values: aesthetic, historic, scientific, social, and spiritual values accordingly. The research was studied by a combination of tools of qualitative research methodology: field study, semi-structured interview, focus group, and participant observation. The major finding showed the impact of hot springs on health and recreation. The harmonious relationship found between hot springs and Thong Pha Phum communities with their potential relevance of driving environmental sustainability. A key symbol of their cultural heritage continues to shape their cultural norms of health promotion. Socializing and talking among the community members at the hot springs, can help them stay healthier because they keep encouraging each other and share their local wisdom practices. Hot springs are regularly served for senior citizens without surcharge, they then contribute to their ecological sustainability by ensuring cleanliness and sanitation at the sites as well as regulating the human activities that would damage the hot springs. This shown that elderly people themselves having the role to audit the standard of hot springs. The author's interest in hot spring and spa sectors may motivate health tourism to some degree and drive Thai hot spring destinations, spa business, and community-based tourism.