South East Asia food holiday, private departure

Environment

On Day 6 we will be trekking on foot to a picturesque waterfall and then taking by bamboo raft down the river to admire the landscape. Visiting natural areas on foot and via raft, reduces noise pollution and air pollution to the surrounding environment.

We visit MandaLao elephant sanctuary on this trip which does not offer any elephant rides or entertainment - there are still a number of sanctuaries in Laos that do so supporting one which treats its elephants ethically helps to make a difference here.

We have a strict environmental policy to make sure that the environments we visit are not damaged in any way. Our “Leave No Trace” ethic is applied to each one of our trips, and as a responsible tour operator, it is something we are careful and steadfast about promoting. Each one of our guides are trained to uphold, promote and put into practice such responsible behaviour, especially in wilderness areas or whilst traveling to UNESCO heritage sites, which many of our trips undoubtedly do. We attempt to reduce plastic bottle use wherever possible by promoting use of reusable bottles. We understand this is not always possible in countries where tap water is not safe to drink.

We attempt to reduce plastic bottle use wherever possible by promoting use of reusable and filtered water bottles. Our partnership with Water-To-Go provides a discount on filtered water bottles to our clients. We do not provide water from plastic bottles to our clients in country but always ensure there is regular access to drinking water on our tours.

Community

On this culinary tour we will be delving into the food culture of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The three countries are diverse and this is reflected in the food – which has had French and Chinese influences in history. The best way to share stories and meet new people is over a plate of great food and a drink in hand.

On Day 8 you will learn about the secrets of Lao cuisine, visiting a local market to sample your fresh ingredients before joining your expert instructor as they guide you through some of Laos' most famous and delicious dishes. On Day 5 you will do the same in Chiang Mai and on day 3 in Bangkok. Supporting the local food industry in Thailand and Cambodia not only maintains the cultural identity and helps boosts the local businesses in the two countries but connects cultures through the most ancient of pastimes, eating!

On Day 14, you will learn how to make traditional Cambodian cuisine in the setting of a beautiful rural village. The class will include a visit to a local family to learn about cooking in a traditional Khmer household, local food customs and beliefs. Through food and good conversation, tourists and locals can connect with each other and create a co-beneficial partnership. The family also benefit by profit going directly to them.