Soundscape perception of visitors to Khao Yai National Park

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the soundscape perception of visitors to Khao Yai National Park and their recreation experiences, to investigate factors correlated to soundscape perception, and the relationship between soundscape perception and the quality experience of those visitors. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 400 park visitors. The survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired-sample t-test and correlation analysis. The study found that the average score of soundscape perception, for both natural and man-made soundscapes, was moderate. The most desired recreation experience was the experience of being with nature and the least desired experience was the experience of meeting new people. The paired-sample t-test found that three pairs of desired and actual recreation experiences were significantly different. These included the experience of being with nature, the experience of solitude and being isolated, and the experience of escaping from noise and crowds. The average scores of desired experiences were higher than for the actual experiences in all three pairs. Correlation analyses found nine variables significantly correlated to soundscape perception: visiting duration, experience of natural beauty, experience of being with nature, experience of nature learning, experience of escaping from noise and crowds, experience of meeting new people, experience of adventure and skill testing, experience of diverse recreation participation, and experience of visiting a new area. It was found that natural soundscape perception significantly correlated with a quality recreation experience.

Keywords: Soundscape perception, visitors, Khao Yai National Park