Between August 21–23, 2026, the team from Plan Vacation Asia joined the EV Caravan Low Carbon Tourism activity along the MEKONG GREEN ROUTE: Driving an EV Along the Mekong.
The journey formed part of an initiative to promote and further develop tourism in Thailand’s northeastern region, connecting four provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Mukdahan, and Nakhon Phanom.
Over three days, participants travelled by electric vehicle (EV) while discovering local attractions, communities, culture, cuisine, and ways of life along the route. The journey offered a practical example of how regional tourism can combine meaningful travel experiences with the principles of sustainable tourism
EV Travel and the Low-Carbon Tourism Concept
One of the key aspects of the journey was the opportunity to experience electric vehicle travel throughout the route.
Based on preliminary travel estimates, a journey of approximately 450 kilometres by electric vehicle would cost around 1 Thai baht per kilometre in energy expenses, or approximately 450 baht for the total distance.
By comparison, a conventional fuel-powered vehicle may cost approximately 4–5 baht per kilometre, or around 1,800–2,250 baht for the same distance.
Based on this preliminary comparison, travelling by EV could potentially reduce energy costs by approximately 1,350–1,800 baht over a distance of around 450 kilometres.
These figures are preliminary estimates based on average costs per kilometre. Actual costs may vary depending on the vehicle model, driving conditions, driving style, charging method, and electricity rates.
The Journey Day by Day
Day 1: From Ubon Ratchathani to Amnat Charoen and Mukdahan
The journey began in Ubon Ratchathani, where participants gathered and officially started the EV Caravan. After registration, the group set off on the first stage of the journey by electric vehicle.
The first day combined cultural experiences, local creativity and community-based tourism. Along the route, participants visited local communities and cultural attractions in Ubon Ratchathani, before continuing towards Amnat Charoen.
One of the highlights of the day was the visit to a local community and the experience of “Amnat Art of Rice,” which introduced participants to the connection between local identity, agriculture and tourism. The activity offered an opportunity to better understand how local culture and everyday life can become part of a meaningful tourism experience.
In the afternoon, the caravan continued its journey towards Mukdahan. After a full day on the road, the group arrived in the province and checked in at Hotel de Ladda Mukdahan, where participants could rest and prepare for the next stage of the journey.
Day 2: Discovering Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom
The second day began with breakfast and a check of the electric vehicles before departure, highlighting one of the practical aspects of travelling by EV on a multi-province route.
The group then explored Mukdahan through a city tour, visiting important local attractions, community areas and places that reflect the character of the city.
Afterwards, the journey continued with local food experiences and visits that introduced participants to the culture and identity of the Mekong region. Food was not simply part of the itinerary, but also an opportunity to experience local ingredients, culinary traditions and the connection between communities and tourism.
In the afternoon, the group travelled to Nakhon Phanom and visited Wat Phra That Phanom, one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in the region. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the temple.
The journey also included a visit to a local community, where participants joined a workshop and community-based learning activity. This provided a closer look at how local knowledge, traditional skills and community participation can contribute to sustainable tourism.
Later in the afternoon, the group checked in at BTP Nakhon Phanom, followed by a dinner where participants could continue exchanging experiences from the journey.
Day 3: From Nakhon Phanom to Carbon Neutral Tourism
The final day began early in Nakhon Phanom with activities connected to local culture and community life, including the morning atmosphere along the Mekong.
After breakfast and a final EV check, the group prepared for the journey back to Ubon Ratchathani. Before departing, participants also had the opportunity to reflect on the experiences gained throughout the three-day journey.
One of the key sessions of the final day focused on Carbon Footprint and the concept of Carbon Neutral Tourism. The activity encouraged participants to consider the environmental impact of tourism and explore how transport choices, travel planning, energy use and tourism activities can contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
Following the discussion and closing activities, the EV Caravan continued its journey back towards Ubon Ratchathani, bringing the three-day journey across four provinces to an end.
More Than Simply Changing the Vehicle
Low-Carbon Tourism is about more than replacing a conventional vehicle with an electric one.
It also involves thoughtful trip planning, efficient energy use, supporting local communities and businesses, and finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of tourism activities.
Along the route from Ubon Ratchathani through Amnat Charoen and Mukdahan to Nakhon Phanom, the activity demonstrated how sustainable tourism can connect destinations, local communities, and more environmentally conscious forms of travel.
Moving Forward with Sustainable Tourism
For Plan Vacation Asia, this experience provided another valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from different stakeholders, and explore emerging approaches to sustainable tourism.
The three-day journey not only highlighted the tourism potential of the Mekong region, but also demonstrated that the principles of Low-Carbon Tourism can be applied in practical, real-world travel experiences.
Plan Vacation Asia would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports for driving this initiative forward.
We would also like to thank the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Ubon Ratchathani Office, for its support in promoting tourism in the region.
Our sincere thanks also go to Win Win Smile Co., Ltd. for managing and coordinating the activity throughout the journey.
Finally, we would like to thank all participating organisations, local communities, and everyone involved in making this journey a meaningful example of how tourism, local communities, and sustainability can come together.
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