An hour’s drive from Phuket’s Pa Tong Beach, Bang Rong seems to be an ocean apart from its western counterpart. Located on the east coast, it doesn’t have a white sandy beach. Luxury beach clubs, Sunday brunch with free-flow sparkling wine and a pampering spa are most definitely not on its menu.

 

But Bang Rong offers a different side to a tropical

 

“Bang Rong has long served as a pier to Koh Yao and islands further out in Phang Nga Bay. This place, however, has never been a destination in its own right,” says local guide Prasert. “Those who came here earlier were either on their way to other places or looking for mangrove charcoal.”

Mangrove charcoal, yes. You read that correctly.

 

Visitors enjoy sea kayaking through the mangrove forest. (Photo by Phoowadon Duangmee)

Mangrove charcoal is considered to be the best for cooking. It’s a local restaurant favourite because it burns longer and produces less smoke than the average charcoal. Located in the lush mangrove forest, Bang Rong was always the best place to find premium charcoal. A few decades ago a state concession was even granted to a businessman to clear the mangrove trees and turn them into charcoal. The government concession was later revoked because turning a pristine mangrove, a breeding ground for marine creatures, into a solid piece of carbon is not good at all. The reclaimed forest was reforested by the locals andeventually returned to its pristine state.

 

Top photo: Locals travel by sampan down Phuket’s Bang Rong Canal. (Photo by Phoowadon Duangmee)

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-other-side-of-paradise/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-05

 

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4 hours ago, webfact said:

A few decades ago a state concession was even granted to a businessman to clear the mangrove trees and turn them into charcoal. The government concession was later revoked because turning a pristine mangrove, a breeding ground for marine creatures, into a solid piece of carbon is not good at all. The reclaimed forest was reforested by the locals andeventually returned to its pristine state.

Amazing what a little knowledge can do.

Phuket is Paradise? Does it have enough virgins?

18 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Phuket is Paradise? Does it have enough virgins?

I think I met one in Patong once, but then again.....................