Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
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Where possible, accommodation has been chosen for its eco friendliness, for example the Topas Ecolodge in Sapa. At this property, electricity and hot water is self generated, the bungalows are made from local materials, and much of the produce used in the meals cooked at the lodge is grown on the premises. The Villa Hue is also a great place to stay to support the local community, as it is actually a training school for young people wanting to learn the hospitality trade and all the staff here are extremely friendly and obliging.
Where possible, travelling by bicycle or on foot on many of the excursions means that environmental impact has been kept to a minimum. Eating in restaurants which train local disadvantaged youngsters supports the local community and helps give children an education and a respectable future career as opposed to a life on the streets.
Shopping in small shops such as Indigo in Sapa ensures that you buy local handicrafts direct from the locals rather than from big city shops where little of the revenue makes its way back to the villagers. Finally, visiting organisations such as the 15th May School or the Christina Noble Foundation in Saigon, will give you the opportunity to help out other Vietnamese children who have been orphaned or cannot be supported by their families.
The directors of this company went to university together and met up again when they were travelling. They started doing tours to Vietnam in 1996 and were so successful that they expanded to many other destinations. Their company now employs 170 well-travelled staff who can advise customers on how to put together the perfect itinerary. They share the same no-nonsense, honest approach and ensure anyone who travels makes the best use of their time and budget. The amount of research that goes into these trips means you get to see the slightly quirkier places and can travel at your own pace.
Listen to the podcast below:
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
