About the author
Edwin Briels has been crafting experiences for travellers for over 20 years. He is the managing director of Exploration Travel, where he recently expanded operations to Thailand from Myanmar. He currently splits his time between Bangkok and Yangon.
In the dynamic world of travel, I believe the main job of a tour operator transcends conventional logistics; it is about telling the story of the country and the place a traveller visits.
Anybody can use Google maps to get from A to B or find the facts of a country online, the essence of what really makes a travel experience special lies in establishing a personal connection with the people on the ground. Travellers want to understand the place they visit – they want to hear, smell and engage all their senses to understand and enjoy the places they visit.
Exploration Travel takes travellers to South West Thailand, guiding them through a unique experience themed around trains, canals, and coconuts.
When creating new itineraries and tours across Thailand, we look first at each region and town and ask ourselves, ‘What makes this area special? What is the story we should tell about this region?’. We delve into the history, traditions, food, culture, or ways of living or anything that distinguishes the area from another area. Thailand is full of places with special stories, and I see it as our job to share these narratives with visitors.
Exploration Travel works with like-minded travel agents around the world who prioritises experiential travel over logistics or accommodation arrangements. We actively advocate for a shift in focus within the industry, urging fellow tour operators to concentrate more on offering meaningful experiences that go beyond conventional sightseeing – a transition from 'sights-to-see' to 'stories-to-experience.'
Wat Phumin, also known as Nan Temple, boasts unique cruciform architecture and captivating murals depicting local life.
Our dedication extends to showcasing Thailand's secondary destinations, where authentic and traditional locales hold stories waiting to be told. Whether it's unravelling the traditions of Lanna in Lampang or Nan, narrating the story of rice farming in Sukhothai, exploring the historical significance of Phanom Rung, or delving into the lives of national park rangers and wildlife in Keang Krachan – each destination is a story waiting to be shared.
Even in established places like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, we aim to spotlight different stories. The historical old town in Bangkok, adorned with heritage buildings, is often overlooked in itineraries even though it stands as one of Southeast Asia's best-preserved heritage neighborhoods. Partnering with The Roots Routes, our goal is to showcase untold stories in and around Bangkok, adding depth to the travel experience.
In beach destinations, we also veer towards quieter havens such as Ko Kood in the Gulf of Thailand or Ko Phrathong in the Andaman Sea. Thailand boasts excellent infrastructure, a good air, road and rail network, and plenty of good hotels, so it’s easy to venture off the beaten track and spread tourism more sustainably.
Exploration Travel’s travelling dining with a welcoming local family in Sukhothai, providing them with an authentic experience of the genuine local lifestyle and flavors.
As Exploration Travel extends its footprint in experiential tourism throughout Thailand in a sustainable way, just as what we’ve done over the past 15 years in Myanmar, our commitment remains rooted in helping local people with a passion for storytelling to show their own region.