Tourism Route Development Model for Phachan Samphanbok Geopark, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This study aims to investigate suggestions on the tourism route development model in Phachan Samphanbok Geopark in Ubon Ratchathani Province. A mixed research methodology was applied and sample representatives in this study were 30 stakeholders of the geopark, 30 supposed tourists, and 400 visitors. Interview forms and focus groups were employed for data collection while content analysis and descriptive statistics were used for data collection. The findings of the study demonstrated that Phachan Samphanbok Geopark was established in diversity regarding natural and cultural contexts, representing the unique local lifestyles of villagers along the Khong River. Furthermore, a variety of tourism activities focusing on villagers’ participations to promote new experiences for visitors were found in the area. Significantly, the tourism route could be categorized into three patterns consisting of 3 days/2 nights and 2 days/1 night itineraries along three routes: 1) Geomorphology of the Mekong River Spirit; 2) First Light of Siam to the Dinosaur Kam Area; and 3) Colorful Pha Taem History and Phu Prao Landscape (amazing fluorescent trees portrayed on the monastery in dark nights).