Travel Indochina leads the way for responsible travellers

The introduction of a new 13 day “Indochina Footprints” small group journey from Travel Indochina is testament to the operator’s continued commitment to sustainable tourism and further cements the company’s reputation as the leading Asia specialist for responsible travel.

This new addition to the recently-launched Small Group Journeys brochure incorporates all the usual high standards and benefits associated with Travel Indochina’s touring, but also enables travellers to give something back to the destinations they are visiting. Featuring all three of the tour operator’s key destinations, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, the journey highlights many of the issues facing these incredible countries and gives travellers a chance to help out on volunteer programmes for 2 days of the inspiring itinerary.

Travel Indochina’s General Manager, Chris Orme explains: “We are delighted to introduce the “Indochina Footprints” journey to our programme as responsible travel is becoming increasingly important to our customers. To demonstrate our commitment to the destinations we sell, we will donate US$100 to our chosen charities for every traveller who books this journey.”

One of the causes that volunteers can help out with is the Childsafe Centre in Phnom Penh, which was set up to help local street children; guests will also have the chance to eat at a local restaurant run by the disadvantaged kids. Other opportunities include working at the inspiring Angkor Hospital for Children, the Gecko Environment Centre in a floating house on Lake Tonle Sap and taking part in a ‘book party’ organised by Big Brother Mouse, that aims to improve literacy in the rural villages of Laos.

As well as the two days’ volunteering, highlights of the “Indochina Footprints” small group journey include the fascinating sights of Saigon, the mesmerising temples at Angkor, the ornate monasteries of World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang and learning to cook Laos style.

The Small Group Journeys and tailor-made travel arrangements offered by Travel Indochina allow for more genuine experiences with local people and their environments, thus avoiding the negative impacts of mass tourism. With group sizes limited to a maximum of 15 people, Travel Indochina’s customers benefit from opportunities for cultural exchange, with options such as homestays and eco-lodge experiences enabling social interaction with people from different backgrounds.

Travel Indochina differs from many other tour operators in that it employs local staff, wherever possible, in its overseas offices. With a base in several cities across Indochina, the tour operator is better-placed to control the content of its itineraries and the actions of its suppliers. The Asia specialist also involves its customers, enabling them to learn more about responsible travel and how they can help through provision of their ‘Tread Lightly’ booklet. More details on Travel Indochina’s responsible travel policy can be found at: travelindochina.co.uk.

The 13 day “Indochina Footprints” journey starts from £1,530 and is operated on two dates: 13th April and 12th October 2009. Prices are based on twin-share accommodation and include 12 nights’ bed and breakfast, domestic transport, sightseeing as per the itinerary, a western tour leader and local English-speaking guides.