Laos small group tour

Environment

Responsible travel and sustainable tourism are fundamental ideas that we have been committed to since our birth. It is our strong belief that these words should not be simply ‘tagged on’ to dossiers and websites but should be at the very core of each trip, and our adventures are therefore designed with the local people, culture and eco-system in mind. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our clients, but that it also benefits the peoples whose lands we are privileged to visit.

In order to facilitate an enduring support structure for the communities we visit, and to show a commitment to these values, we have set up a charitable foundation through which we can channel funds to both existing NGOs and our own development projects. In addition to organising ethically sensitive cultural tours, having our own charitable foundation allows us to raise money – through the cost of our tours, charity trips and fund raising events – which can then be used to fund various projects in education, sanitation, reforestations and a number of other important issues facing developing communities. Wherever possible we are happy for our clients to visit these projects to see for themselves where and how this money is being spent.

Our “Leave No Trace” ethic is applied to this trip to Laos and Northern Vietnam. We have a strict environmental policy to make sure that the fragile eco-structure of the land is not damaged or spoilt in any way. Our guides are trained to uphold this policy and all clients are fully briefed on appropriate/responsible behaviour whilst in wilderness areas. This will be particuarly important on day 7, the group will visit and spend the night in Nam
Et National Park. This incredible national park covers more than 11,500 square miles and is home to many endangered species such as tigers, leopards and white-cheeked crested gibbo - so it is vitually important to leave no rubbish behind that might affect these incredible creatures. Fees into this park go towards to protecting the jungle and it's inhabitants.

Trying to do our bit for the environment, in 2005 we were among the first UK-based travel companies to automatically offset every client’s international flight (if booked with us) with a payment to Carbon Clear to help promote sustainable energy. Devoted to ‘offsetting’ or ‘neutralising’ harmful greenhouse gas emissions caused by your flight, Carbon Clear achieve this by funding projects across the world that will reduce greenhouse gases on your behalf through sustainable energy or rainforest restoration.

Community

During our trip, we visit local communities. Such visits not only help the communities financially but also break down boundaries over decades of misunderstanding. It will enable close interaction with clients and local people offering the chance to see how people live and learn about their livelihoods and culture through first-hand experience. Secondly and probably most importantly, you will be contributing directly communities and homes some of those most in need.

On this trip to Laos we incorporate home-stays, locally owned hotels, restaurants and the services of guides into our itineraries. This ensures that money goes directly into the local economy and local communities benefit from tourism.

In order to facilitate an enduring support structure for the communities we visit, and to show a commitment to these values, in January 2009 we set up a charitable foundation through which we can directly channel funds to both existing NGOs and our own development projects. In addition to organising ethically sensitive tours, having our own charitable foundation allows us to raise money – through the cost of our tours, charity trips and fund raising events – which can then be used to fund various projects in education, sanitation, reforestations and a number of other important issues facing developing communities.