Thailand and Laos on a shoestring vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

No Flights: All 16 days are overland: bus and songthaew in Thailand, the public slow boat down the Mekong, the train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and the overnight sleeper train from Vientiane back to Bangkok. Per passenger, these produce lower emissions than flying the same routes.

Shared and Public Transport: Songthaews, buses and the Mekong slow boat are shared with other travelers and local passengers.

On Foot and on the River: Jungle trekking, elephant tracking and rafting in Umphang are done on foot or by raft, not in motorised vehicles.

Local Food: Meals in Palatha are cooked by host families, and elsewhere we point you to local restaurants and market stalls.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Mahouts Elephant Foundation: We work with the Mahouts Elephant Foundation, which relocates elephants back into the forest around Palatha. You observe the elephants in the forest alongside the foundation's mahouts.

Homestays, Camping and Hostels: You stay with Karen host families in Palatha, camp one night by Ko Tha waterfall, and use hostel dorms in Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

National Park Fees Included: Entrance fees for Umphang National Park and the waterfalls are included and paid to the park.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations: The trip includes stays in locally owned accommodations, including guesthouses and hostels. This supports local entrepreneurs and ensures that the benefits of tourism are directly felt by the local communities. The homestays in Umphang offer an authentic experience, where visitors interact with the Karen people and contribute to the local economy.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities: The trip supports the local economy by employing local guides, drivers, and hosts. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to buy souvenirs from local artisans and visit local markets, ensuring that the financial benefits of tourism stay within the community.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment: The majority of staff employed throughout the trip, including guides, drivers, and hotel personnel, are from the local communities in both Thailand and Laos. This ensures that the trip provides meaningful employment opportunities and supports the local economy.

Inclusive Employment: The trip provides income-generating opportunities for marginalized groups, such as women and indigenous people. For example, women are employed in local guesthouses and handicraft production, where they can earn a fair wage and contribute to the economic development of their communities.