Guidelines for Community-based Tourism Development in Khung Bangkachao Area

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to 1) examine tourists’ characteristics and behaviors that affect tourism components in Khung Bangkachao, 2) analyze the effect of the tourism components on the satisfaction of tourists who travelled to Khung Bangkachao, and 3) propose guidelines for tourism development in the area.  

This quantitative study is a questionnaire-based survey. Eight groups of 48 Thai tourists who travelled to eight attractions in Khung Bangkachao, namely Sri NaKhon Khuean Park and Botanical Garden, Wat Pa Ket, Wat Kongkaew, Wat Rajrungsan, House of Aromatic Joss Stick, Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery, and Mon Song Khanong Village, were selected, comprising a total of 384 sampled tourists. Three hundred and sixty-two questionnaires (94.3%) were completed.

The results reveal that the majority of the respondents are female students, aged 30 or less, without college degrees, earning less than 20,000 baht per month, and residing in all Bangkok districts other than Bangna. The findings indicated that the respondents rated their opinion at a high level on the attraction, accessibility, amenity, accommodation, and activity.

The study’s recommendations to the management of Khung Bangkachao areas include: (1) the development of tourism attractions be emphasized in terms of historical identity, art and architectural landmarks, (2) security and tourist-safety policies be reinforced to prevent an unexpected life and belongings issues, (3) house owners be encouraged to provide more homestay service to tourists, (4) telecommunication infrastructure be upgraded to provide efficient internet and mobile phone services,  (5) directional signs intelligible to tourists be installed, (6) tourist information centers be established to advise travel route and tourism products and service, and (7) practical activities for building a particular kind of experience be regularly offered.