Vietnam, Laos & Thailand small group tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Throughout our 19-days in Southeast Asia our small group (max 12) travels slowly overland by minibus, and boat from Hanoi to Chiang Mai, eliminating the need for any domestic flights.

While in Vietnam we explore villages, forests and rice terraces on foot from Pu Luong. Our walk takes us to Lan Village, a traditional weaving village where the brightly coloured fabrics are still created on traditional looms and where we will learn about the skills used by the weavers and about life in the village. Walking distance: 6-10km

We spend two days slowly traveling up the Mekong on a private boat, meandering through jungle-covered hills and dramatic limestone cliffs from Luang Prabang to the northern Thailand border. 

We will also explore Chiang Mai’s quieter streets by bicycle, heading through the city to visit the Wat Suan Dok Temple surrounded by beautiful gardens before taking in the Wat Umong Temple. From here we will venture along local roads through fields of rice paddies, passing through different communities, stopping to learn about life here. 

ENVIRONMENT 

From the village of Ban Son Koua in Laos we board a longtail boat and journey on the Nam Nern River deep into the jungle for 1.5-2.5 hours. Later that evening we take a night safari, stopping along the way at a salt lick where our local guide, a skilled hunter and tracker, will be able to identify animal tracks. From here we will cruise back silently downstream to park headquarters, where our accommodation for the night is in traditional basic Lao-style huts in the forest, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Free The Bears located near Luang Prabang works to rescue animals, predominantly bears from the wildlife trade. Taking a tour of the center contributes directly to the work that the team are doing to rehabilitate and care for the animals and gives visitors an insight into the challenges the team face.

During a visit to Living Lands Organic farm, we will learn about the traditional way in which rice is grown and taste foods made from rice.

We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. We encourage our clients to reduce their personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle on the trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Vietnam - While in Hanoi we enjoy lunch at KOTO, a social enterprise supporting under-privileged youth by assisting them into careers in the hospitality industry.
There is also the opportunity to take a food tour in the Old Quarter, soaking up the atmosphere of the narrow lanes and trying some of the delicacies that can be found here.

After a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, a sequence of cave temples and pagodas, we’ll enjoy some traditional dishes in a local home for lunch and meet the family who live there.

There is also the opportunity while in Pu Luong to learn some traditional culinary techniques from local experts in a cooking class, after which we will experience some of the vibrant culture of the region with a dance performance in the local community.

Laos - The Nam Et Jungle Forest Camp, in Nam Et National Park, is traditional accommodation, built and managed by the local community. 
A visit to Living Lands Organic farm allows us to learn about the traditional way in which rice is grown and taste foods made from rice.

Thailand - A farm visit and cookery lesson is included, learning techniques of northern Thai cuisine and making delicious dishes with organic produce gathered from the farm in Doi Mea Salong.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local hosts, guides and drivers are employed throughout the trip, offering not only employment opportunities but a wealth of knowledge of their regions and country.

A donation is made on behalf of every traveler to our foundation, which supports education and community empowerment projects worldwide.