Vietnam food and culture vacation

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, rail and boat rides where possible, examples of this are in the Mekong Delta and Halong Bay where we travel by boat, Ninh Binh where we travel around by bicycle and on day four where we get the overnight public train from Hanoi to Hue.

On this trip we visit the incredible Phong Nha cave network, which is protected under a National Park status. We travel through the area on foot and by kayak, ensuring we leave only the lightest of footprints behind. We pay an entrance fee here which helps support the conservation of this incredible environment and its rich wildlife.

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.

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.

Environment & Wildlife

One of the key focuses on this trip is to discover, learn about and most importantly sample the wonderful local cuisine. We visit many local markets along the way, which is great for mixing with, and supporting, the local community. They are also superb spots for lunch with small cafes and restaurants offering dishes made from the fresh produce of the market. We visit a Barista School in Saigon, one that helps local students and young people to earn an international accreditation which supports them finding work either in Vietnam or abroad. We learn to brew, press, grind and blend all the wonderful local coffees Vietnam produces, alongside an expert Barista. We also spend an evening with a family just outside of Hue, where we spend time learning of centuries-old traditions and help to prepare all of the locally-sourced, delicious food.
Meeting the people is often a great highlight of a tour and our leaders are real facilitators; enabling us to meet and mix with the locals wherever possible – all the more fun when we are traveling off the beaten track. Our local leaders take us to small, locally owned and run restaurants wherever possible throughout the trip, ensuring that small businesses benefit from our visit, and that we enjoy a very authentic experience. We have included a number of meals and food experiences that will help us achieve that goal.
Our local 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 travelers 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. 

People

LOCAL ECOMONY

Our local 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 travelers 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.

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 travelers 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 & DIVERISTY

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.