Development of the Khao Muk Krong Nature Trail, Phang Nga Province by the Co-Design Process

Abstract

Ban Khok Krai community has community-based tourism. The community tourism enterprise group want to develop the Khao Muk Krong Nature Trail as a new tourist destination. Objectives of this research were to study the composition and pattern of the Khao Muk Krong Nature Trail through a participatory design process and to suggest guidelines for the development of routes and facilities for Khao Muk Krong tourism. Researchers design research methods using a collaborative design process. The steps were 1) joint learning to identify challenges 2) search for opportunities for development of Khao Muk Krong 3) understand the development method 4) Do the design together and check the design results. The results showed that community members participated in determining the objectives and goals of the nature trail. The results of the research presented the image of natural limestone mountains, the history of the mountains connected with the community’s way of life. The researcher proposes a design idea for tourism facilities. Design work supports adventure travel by using natural materials. The building overlooks the natural scenery, with signs communicating the names of plants, herbs and rare wildlife. In addition, a one-day trip program is designed and the focus is on setting environmental management guidelines.