Vietnam with added comfort holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Throughout Vietnam we try where ever possible to use small locally owned hotels that reflect the character. We work in partnership with our local in-country ground agents to introduce environmental policies which help to conserve water usage and energy expenditure. We cut down carbon emissions on this trip by using low carbon methods of travel such as cycling and boat rides where possible, examples of this are in the Mekong Delta and Ha Long Bay where we travel by boat and Hoi An where we travel around by bicycle.

As a travel company we are acutely aware of our impact on the environment. All of our tours display a carbon footprint, and we strive to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our tours and embracing low-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which offer the added benefit of getting a closer connection with the destination and local community.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

On this trip we visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites: Ha Long Bay and Hoi An. The entrance fees that we pay contribute to the upkeep of these special places. Tourism is steadily increasing in Vietnam, and we therefore want to ensure our groups are having a positive impact on the country, and are leading by example. We do this by recycling and re-using wherever possible, and ensuring that all waste is disposed of appropriately. We provide a large central tank of filtered water on all of our transport, and encourage our customers to come with re-fillable water bottles.

We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth.We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour, and our leaders give advice on refill points each day. Where tap water isn't safe to drink we recommend Water-to-Go bottles, a filtration bottle allowing you to drink water from any source.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

In Vietnam we work with an entirely local crew, from tour leaders, to drivers, guides and even cycle mechanics. The hotels we use are locally owned. We only include breakfast on this tour so that passengers eat out at a variety of small restaurants and street stalls, thus spreading their spending wealth and also getting to sample the best of the fantastic local cuisine.

Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travellers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest. We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

We work with a local partner in Vietnam that is entirely Vietnamese-owned and Vietnamese run, providing employment opportunities for local people across the many areas of Vietnam where they operate.

We also include a dinner at the famous KOTO restaurant. KOTO (Know One, Teach One) is a social enterprise restaurant, renowned for its mission to provide disadvantaged young people with vocational training and life skills. Dining at KOTO is more than just a meal, it's an experience that'll connect us with the local community and supports a noble cause.