Laos tour, history and ancient culture

Planet

Our values the native flora and fauna of Laos. Our tours do not include any unethical interaction with wildlife including riding of elephants and interaction with captive animals in non-rescue environments. We do not believe any interaction with a wild animal in a captive environment can be 100% ethical. However, we choose to support organizations that endeavor to promote the rescue of trafficked animals and the betterment of life quality for animals that have previously been used for illegal labor.

We takes steps to reduce and reuse waste by providing water bottle refill stations in our offices and homestays and through the use of waste materials in construction in villages. We are currently engaged in the continual clean up and collection of discarded plastic bottles to build community buildings in the communities we provide homestays with. By introducing construction with materials previously burned as waste, we are curbing the release of toxins into the air and encouraging the continued clean up of the village and surrounding area to keep a constant flow of construction materials.

Promoting environmental health is part of our mission as a responsible travel company and world citizens. Our efforts to curb carbon emissions take many forms. Such as:

-Employing only local guides. By doing so, we eliminate the need for airline travel or extended car/van/bus commutes.

-Using energy efficient building schemes in our FairTrek communities. Using design schemes to maximize air flow and retain optimal temperature reduces the need for electricity use throughout the year.

-Promoting locally sourced food and products. Our tours promote the full immersive experience of Laos. This includes preferring to patronize family owned homestays/guesthouses and restaurants that use locally raised produce and livestock.

-Additionally, our staff undergo ongoing training in simple steps to curb negative environmental impact in accessible ways such as choosing to carry refillable bottles for water & reusable containers for takeaway meals and the difference taking a bicycle or walking for small trips instead of a motobike can make.

We are committed to reducing carbon in ways that are replicable & accessible. We offer vegetarian & vegan options for all meals as well as focusing on local & hyperlocal foods. We urge guests to explore on foot wherever it is safe to do so or take a bicycle instead of motorized transport when it is an option.

People

Our FairTrek initiative puts responsible tourism into action. We make positive contributions to the development of communities and help to provide infrastructure and opportunities to rural villages. From hiring local Lao staff to using a local supply chain to promoting limited impact eco-tourism activities, we put Responsible Tourism into practice by adopting business practices molded around a triple bottom line: social, environmental and economic. Fair Trek develops tourism activities in line with the principles defined by the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism: Minimize negative economic, environmental, and social impacts. Generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry. Involve local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chance. Make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity. Provide more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues. Be culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

We provide year round, not seasonal, employment to all our guides and staff. They receive ongoing training including guide training, first aid, child safe, customer service, and water safety. They also receive insurance and medical care.