Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, Mekong adventure

Planet

All our adventures are privately guided vacations and as such we retain a commitment to working with small group sizes. By traveling in small numbers and using expert local guides we can limit the potential for damaging ancient temples and trails.

You will visit several world heritage sites on this itinerary, including Luang Prabang in Laos and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields in Cambodia. In our detailed pre-departure travel pack we have included a note to remind you not leave any litter around these environments – everything you carry in, you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to wildlife.

We aim to reduce transport emissions on this trip through boat transportation. Instead of taking a car, you’ll travel down the Mekong river in Laos on a private boat for two days, cruising past beautiful jungle scenery and traditional villages.

Our UK office takes a leading role in setting the standards for an environmentally friendly work environment. We work with local government to recycle our waste and continually look for new ways to be greener, including encouraging travelers to bring reusable water bottles on their vacation.

People

In partnership with a grassroots charity we encourage all guests to use some of your luggage space to take supplies to Pakbeng Lodge, Laos where even the most basic supplies and medical equipment will help to support the great work of the associated free community health clinic. Talk to us for more information about how to get involved.

We employ local guides and support staff who we pay fair wages, often exceeding government standards which we still consider too low, and thereby remove the reliance on tipping from travelers for livelihoods.

Our accommodation choices make use of locally owned properties where possible and often include adventurous, authentic choices such as local homestays which therefore involve local people and their communities in the very fabric of our vacations.

We encourage all our travelers to research local customs and read your trip notes before you depart to ensure you are conscientious and respectful in a different culture.

In most cases we strongly recommend that you do not give money to children beggars. If begging is a successful enterprise, parents are encouraged to forsake their children’s education in pursuit of this opportunity.