| Responsible Tourism | ||||
Ecotourism and ‘Responsible’ tourism is playing an increasingly important role in Laos and rightly so. Visit Asia Travel are committed to ecotourism and responsible tourism in Laos and actively seek to research and promote projects that will benefit the local community and environment, as well as being a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the client. One of the most significant and worthwhile projects we support and work in conjunction with is Big Brother Mouse. A great idea, and one we wholeheartedly support. We have now devised a number of trekking routes to incorporate a visits to local schools in order to distribute the books. We have also talked to the village heads and agreed to contribute US$3 per pax for every Viengchampa tour conducted as part of the BBM excursion. Should the popularity of this particular excursion take off, in Luang Prabang, then we will look to expand this idea to other areas Big Brother Mouse operate (such as in Luang Namtha) and devise other trekking routes so the wider area as a whole can benefit. Long term we would plan to keep all partners updated as to the progress of the villages and schools as a result of the extra funding they receive. Another excellent project is Mak Phet Restaurant in Vientiane. As well as being a great restaurant in itself, it is also part of Peuan Mit, a program that works with street children in Vientiane province. The restaurant itself serves delicious food, while the profits help improve the lives of the street children offering education. Free the Bears Rescue Centre is next to Kuang Si, so it is easily incorporated into any itinerary. Future plans include a more interactive program where clients can help the bear keeper. The Royal Ballet Theatre in Luang Prabang has done a great job in preserving and reviving traditional Lao dance and music. The Royal Ballet Theatre is set within the grounds of the Royal Palace, so provides and wonderful setting to watch a very professional show, which includes dances from the numerous ethnic minorities in Laos. We can pre book tickets for this. Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre (LDWDC), is a worthwhile project providing support skills for disabled women in Laos to be self sufficient. Here you can meet the staff, tour the workshops and browse the excellent handicraft shop. It is located on the way to Buddha Park and the Friendship bridge. Further a field, there are a number of ecologies, the best being the Boat Landing in Luang Namtha, of which there are details in our accommodation section on this site. Kingfisher Lodge in southern Laos, close to the 4000 Islands is also worthy of a mention. Here you can stay in beautiful comfort bungalows in the heart of the countryside. Activities include elephant riding, trekking and bird watching. Money for the tours there goes back to the schools to improve the education. |
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