Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This itinerary has been structured to reduce avoidable emissions where practical. Travel between key cities in Vietnam and Cambodia incorporates shared transport and, where feasible, rail journeys rather than short internal flights. In Vietnam, using the Reunification Express train for selected sectors lowers per person carbon emissions compared to flying and supports national rail infrastructure. Transfers and touring are arranged in small private vehicles based on group size, avoiding oversized transport and unnecessary mileage.

In destinations such as Hoi An, Hue, Luang Prabang and parts of Siem Reap, sightseeing is either on foot or by bicycle, reducing emissions while providing a more in depth experience. Cyclo rides in Vietnamese cities and guided walking tours through temple complexes and old towns further limit vehicle use. Across the two weeks, at least four to five days include significant walking or cycling components.

Where internal flights are necessary, such as cross border connections, we advise clients pre departure on comparing emissions using Google Flights or Skyscanner, and where available, contributing towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel schemes offered by carriers. We also recommend minimising baggage weight and travelling with reusable water bottles and refill systems.

Accommodation has been selected for smaller scale operations with lower overall energy demand. Many boutique properties on this itinerary operate energy efficient lighting, linen and towel reuse programmes, and water saving systems. In Luang Prabang and Hoi An, several properties use solar water heating and prioritise locally sourced, seasonal produce, reducing food miles and supporting lower carbon supply chains.

Vegetarian and vegan meals are readily available throughout Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and plant-based dishes are incorporated naturally into regional cuisines. Guests are encouraged to explore these options as part of reducing the overall carbon footprint of their stay.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Nature underpins much of this trip, from the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the Mekong River and the forests surrounding Luang Prabang. Entry fees included within the itinerary contribute directly to the management of protected and heritage sites, including Ha Long Bay, the Angkor Archaeological Park and Kuang Si Waterfalls. These fees support conservation staff, habitat protection and infrastructure that helps manage visitor impact.

Boat excursions in Ha Long Bay and along the Mekong are operated by licensed providers who must adhere to regional environmental regulations, including waste management and fuel standards. We work only with operators who remove all waste from vessels and prohibit discharge into the water. In sensitive freshwater ecosystems such as Tonle Sap and stretches of the Mekong, we avoid any wildlife interactions that involve captive animals or staged performances.

Accommodation partners are asked to provide details of their environmental management practices. This includes policies on plastic reduction, wastewater treatment, recycling and responsible sourcing of timber and paper products. Several properties on this itinerary have eliminated single use plastics in guest rooms and provide filtered water refill stations. Others participate in local tree planting initiatives or maintain native planting within their grounds to support birds and pollinators.

Local nature guides accompany key sections of the programme, particularly around Angkor and in Laos. These guides are from the local community, trained and licensed by national tourism authorities. Their interpretation fosters respect for cultural landscapes and discourages harmful behaviour such as climbing restricted structures or disturbing wildlife.

Guests receive pre departure guidance on reducing environmental impact, including advice on reef safe sunscreen, responsible wildlife viewing, avoiding products linked to illegal wildlife trade, and preventing the spread of invasive species by cleaning footwear between rural sites. The focus is on travelling in a way that actively supports the long term protection of these fragile environments rather than simply limiting damage.

People

The majority of accommodation used on this trip is locally owned or locally managed boutique property rather than international chain hotels. In Hoi An, Hue and Luang Prabang, we prioritise small heritage hotels and family run guesthouses that retain revenue within the community. In Siem Reap, several partner hotels are Cambodian owned and invest directly in local training and social initiatives.

All guiding and ground handling services are provided by in country teams. City tours in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Vientiane are led by licensed local guides. In rural areas and at temple complexes such as Angkor, local specialists deliver historical and cultural interpretation. This ensures tourism income supports professional employment within each destination.

The itinerary deliberately includes visits to markets, artisan workshops and social enterprises. In Cambodia, guests have the opportunity to visit craft centres supporting traditional wood and stone carving linked to temple restoration skills. In Vietnam, time in Hoi An includes locally run tailoring and handicraft workshops. Purchasing directly from these producers provides income to small businesses and sustains traditional crafts.

Restaurants selected throughout the trip are locally owned wherever possible. Seasonal, regional cuisine dominates menus, supporting farmers, fishers and market traders. By steering clients away from imported or multinational dining chains, more tourism spend remains in country.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Our in country operating partners in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos employ predominantly national staff, from drivers and guides to operations managers. The vast majority of personnel working on this itinerary are citizens of the respective country, with many drawn from the regions where the tours operate. This strengthens local economic resilience and builds long term career pathways in tourism.

We work with partners who confirm that staff are paid at or above the legal minimum wage in their country, with additional support such as training, insurance and professional development. Guide training programmes focus on language skills, cultural interpretation and responsible tourism principles.

Several experiences on this itinerary connect travellers with organisations that create opportunities for marginalised groups. In Cambodia, visits may include social enterprises providing vocational training to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. In Vietnam, certain restaurants and workshops we recommend support people with disabilities through structured employment and skills training.

We and our partners maintain equal opportunity employment policies, seeking to recruit without discrimination on grounds of gender, ethnicity or religion. Increasing female representation in guiding roles is an ongoing objective across the region, particularly in Cambodia where the profession has traditionally been male dominated.

This trip is suitable for LGBTQ+ travellers, with destinations selected that are generally welcoming and accustomed to international visitors. We provide honest pre travel advice regarding local cultural norms in each country.

Where mobility is limited, some elements such as temple steps at Angkor or uneven pavements in old towns may require adaptation. We are able to tailor aspects of the programme to suit varying accessibility needs and advise transparently prior to booking.

Overall, this itinerary is designed so that tourism supports skilled employment, preserves cultural identity and contributes meaningfully to the communities that make Indochina so compelling.