Northern Thailand cultural adventure

Planet

Carbon reduction

By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
We choose to travel by overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and not use domestic flights throughout the itinerary.
Vegetarian options are available at most accommodation and restaurants.

Environment and wildlife

We visit the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants near Chiang Mai. Our visit helps to improve the lives and conditions of elephants living at the sanctuary. The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves, such as Erawan National Park and archaeological sites including the Sukhothai National Park, generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles. We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you. Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.

People

Local economy

The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
In Phrae, we stop by the Aunty Sa-Ngiem House, a workshop to learn about the mo hom (indigo) dyeing process that originated in the Phrae province. Here, we watch the artisan women at work and have the chance to support the local industry.

Cultural respect:

You are expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) during visits to temples and sacred sites so packing a sarong or other suitable clothing is recommended. Also remember to remove hats when visiting a sacred site.
Do not rest your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as this symbolises the burning of incense, which is usually reserved for times of mourning.
One should not show the soles of their feet or touch someone’s head, both are considered disrespectful.