Bagan hot air balloons and Yangan tour in Myanmar

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Our tour prioritizes minimal use of motorized vehicles, ensuring most of the exploration in Bagan and Yangon is powered by human effort or electric bikes. This tour includes walking tours and the eco-friendly convenience of e-bikes as to wander through destinations. For example: the morning tour of Yangon is conducted solely by public transport and by foot. The days in Bagan are conducting solely by e-bike (except for airport transfers by car).

Vegetarian cuisine is available every day, with all food locally sourced to support community vendors. Participation in a unique cooking class in Bagan will not only to get to know of the local cuisine but also contribute to an organization dedicated to neighborhood support. Experience a "Veggie-Day" for lunch, emphasizing our commitment to sustainable dining.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

Accommodations are carefully selected in which their adherence to strict environmental policies, ensuring minimal ecological footprints. Our local guides, certified in responsible management, are committed to providing the guests with comprehensive information on minimizing the environmental impact.

Here below are some examples of carbon reduction and environmental sustainability.

On Day 2: Explore downtown Yangon on foot to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. Discover hidden heritage buildings while respecting historical and architectural significance. Engage with local artisans who create crafts using sustainable materials, promoting wildlife-friendly practices that avoid harm to natural habitats.

On Day 3: Cycling reduces carbon emissions compared to motorized transport, contributing positively to air quality and reducing carbon footprint. Visiting an urban organic farm supports sustainable agriculture practices that minimize chemical inputs and promote biodiversity.

On Day 4: Exploring temples in Bagan by e-bike minimizes carbon footprint compared to traditional vehicles. Respect local heritage and refrain from damaging ancient sites.

On Day 5: Exploring temples on foot and joining a goat herding walk ensures minimal ecological disturbance. Engaging with local communities who practice traditional goat herding helps preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit both local livelihoods and biodiversity.

On Day 6: During the picnic lunch, use reusable utensils and containers to minimize waste and environmental impact.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

All the accommodations on this trip are locally owned, ensuring that the economic benefits stay within the community rather than going to international chains.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities

This tour maximizes local economic opportunities by employing local guides and organizing visits to artisans, local markets and villages. For instance, the visit to the black-pea pastes making workshop provides income to the villagers and gives guests a deeper understanding of local traditions and livelihoods.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment

100% of our operating partners in Myanmar are from the country, with a significant number coming from the local communities we visit. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism flow directly to those who live in the areas we explore.

We pay our workers far above the minimum wage and encourage our partners do likewise.

Within our Employment Handbook we have a workplace diversity strategy that nurtures equal employment which does not allow discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. Additionally, our partnerships include working with cooperatives that support people with disabilities, offering them meaningful employment and economic independence.

This trip is LGBTQ+ friendly, with our team trained to provide a welcoming and respectful environment for all guests, regardless of their sexual orientation. Although, as a socially conservative region, discretion is advised to both heterosexual and homosexual couples when on tour.

Here below are some examples of community involvement:

On Day 2: By exploring downtown Yangon on foot and trying local food, tourists can contribute to the local economy through spending on local businesses. Engaging with local artisans in craft-making activities provides them with a sustainable livelihood. Supporting these artisans helps maintain traditional crafts and skills within the community.

On Day 3: By cycling around northern Yangon and visiting an urban organic farm for lunch, tourists support local businesses involved in eco-tourism and organic farming. This contributes directly to the local economy by generating income for farmers and sustainable tourism.

On Day 5: Participating in the goat herding tour and purchasing local products supports the rural economy of Bagan. It provides income opportunities for local families involved in goat herding. Interacting with local goat herders fosters cultural exchange and understanding, promoting inclusivity by appreciating the lifestyles and traditions of rural Myanmar.

On Day 6: Visiting local artisans supports the local economy of Bagan. Spending money on locally made products like lacquerware contributes directly to the income of artisans and their families. Learning about lacquerware making involves interacting with local artisans, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

On Day 7: Visiting the black-pea paste making workshop or joining a cooking class both support local businesses. Spending on local products and services directly benefits the locals and artisans involved. Participating in activities like these allows travelers to engage with local communities and learn about their traditions. It showcases the traditional craftsmanship of Myanmar, celebrating its cultural diversity.