Bangkok to Chiang Mai tour, elephants, trekking & culture

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

No domestic flight to travel up North: This trip significantly reduces carbon emissions by avoiding domestic a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Travelers journey by overnight bus from Bangkok to Mae Sot, and then between Umphang and Mae Sot by songthaew. These transportation options help minimize the carbon footprint compared to flying.

Shared Local Transport: Local shared transport, including songthaews (local trucks) and buses, are integral parts of the trip, helping reduce emissions by allowing multiple travelers to share rides.

Human Powered Transport: The trip features mainly eco-friendly activities such as trekking through the jungle in search of wildlife and rafting down rivers. These activities have a zero-carbon impact, contributing positively to the sustainability of the trip.

Local and Seasonal Food: Meals are provided by local communities and often include locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. This reduces the carbon impact of food transportation. The focus on local, simple dishes also aligns with reducing food waste and minimizing overall environmental impact.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Support for Conservation: The Umphang Wildlife Explorer actively supports wildlife conservation efforts through its partnership with the Mahouts Elephant Foundation. The trip includes visits to elephants that have been relocated back into their natural habitats, promoting respectful and sustainable wildlife tourism.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Accommodations during the trip, including homestays and camping in Umphang National Park, are environmentally conscious. These low-impact stays help minimize the carbon footprint.

Contribution to Local Conservation Projects: The trip includes visits to nature reserves and parks, including Umphang National Park, which plays an active role in protecting wildlife and biodiversity. Entrance fees help support the park’s ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring that the environment is preserved for future generations.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations: The accommodations in Mae Sot and Umphang are locally owned, with homestays in Palatha village providing direct economic benefits to the community. These homestays offer travelers an authentic experience and help sustain local livelihoods.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities: Throughout the trip, local guides, drivers, and cooks are employed, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are spread across the community. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to purchase locally produced handicrafts, benefiting small-scale artisans and farmers.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment: The vast majority of staff, including local guides, drivers, and cooks, are from the areas the trip visits. This helps ensure that the local economy benefits directly from tourism, providing income to the community.

Inclusive Employment: The trip supports inclusive employment practices by providing income-generating opportunities for women and marginalized groups in the region.

Cultural and Linguistic Inclusivity: The trip promotes inclusivity by providing employment to individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including the Karen community. The guides and hosts represent a broad spectrum of local cultures, contributing to the overall diversity of the experience.