3-day ethnic village life
Many Diethelm Travel Vietnam products support the communities they operate in. Recently, under the Community Engagement Project, we’ve created a new itinerary to visit ethnic villages in the north of Vietnam around Thac Ba Lake, a particularly picturesque destination with strong local ties. Where is the lake? Located in Yen Bai province, Thac Ba Lake is a community tourism destination and regarded as one of the largest artificial lakes in the country. It was created in the middle of the mountain during the construction of an electrical dam in 1970 and is a truly spectacular setting for those who love to get back to nature and breath deep. Here, you will get to witness a community of White-pants Dzao ethnic people who live in traditional stilt houses and cultivate the fertile land for rice, cassava cash crop, and fishing. What to do in Thac Ba Lake? Opportunities abound for beautiful pictures of the lush rice paddies, palm trees dotted with groups of thatch-roofed stilt houses. For more insight into the local life, ask to enter the houses for interaction with local people, have a hands-on practice in bamboo weaving as well as seeing the well-preserved village communal house, a family old house (built more than 200 years ago) and see the local people making peanut candy, pancakes and vermicelli. Your host will guide you through the process and you may bring your product home assouvenirs. Enjoy toasting with your host and chatting over the dinner. How this benefits the local community? Yen Binh district inhabited mainly by Dao white pants ethnic group who arranged to accommodate travellers. Here, visitors have the chance to immerse themselves in the rhythm of daily life and cultural activities of the indigenous people as well as support their income to maintain the environment as one of the tourist destinations. If you are interested, please contact our travel expert here for a full itinerary.
travelling well while doing good in Vietnam
One of the best ways to connect with the local community and gain a rich travel experience is through supporting local CSR initiatives or volunteering for important causes. From making smart purchases to staying in remote villages to help teach, there are a number of ways travellers can give back while experiencing all that Vietnam has to offer. For instance, Diethelm Travel Vietnam offers handicrafts from Hoa Ban Plus to clients as welcome or farewell gifts. The Hanoi-based social enterprise employs disabled and underprivileged women to weave and embroider a variety of handicrafts. Along with giving these women meaningful employment and the ability to earn income for their families, Hoa Ban Plus also offers homestays and tours to help fund other parts of the business. It’s well worth visiting the Hoa Ban Plus workshop (plus a great place to pick up souvenirs) so Diethelm Travel has added a stop at Hoa Ban Plus on most of our tours to Mai Chau. Diethelm Travel Vietnam also supports a number of volunteer projects and programmes throughout the country by selecting travellers interested in a volunteer trip to Vietnam where they are required to pay for their own flights, accommodation, food and transfers. Diethelm Travel Vietnam can propose a well-structured volunteer project, where volunteers will be given clear direction about how to help and what to do, or a non-structured volunteer project during which volunteers can create their own schedule. Translators can also be arranged to assist guests during the length of the programme. Additionally, travellers on Diethelm Travel Vietnam’s packaged tours can extend their experience by volunteering at one of these projects with the assistance of Diethelm Travel. Volunteer organisations and programmes include: Volunteer for Education (VEO) – a network of young people around the world who share a passion for contributing to the development of community Endangered Primate Rescue Centre (EPRC) and Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station (WRS) Teaching English or IT to children while living in Sapa Teaching free English classes supported by the Stand By You organisation Teaching English, helping with childcare, feeding the homeless and more in Ho Chi Minh – supported by International Volunteer HQ Volunteering at an orphanage, working with disabled children and helping with a food project for the poor through Volunteer for Asia IF you are interested, please contact our expert team here for more information.
how to shop responsibly in Asia
Handmade jewellery, delicate ceramics, detailed textiles and meticulous woodwork – Asia has long held a fascination with traders, shoppers and collectors of all kinds. With its rich artisan heritages, the continent is awash with talent and it’s easy to want to fill up your bags with exotic goods to take back home. Not all items or shops are created equal, however, and it’s important to try and shop responsibly, taking into consideration where and who you’re buying from, how the goods were produced and who is benefitting from the sale. Here we give some tips on where to go and what to buy in Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Sri Lanka. Vietnam The list of Vietnamese merchandise – and bargains – is seemingly endless and features bespoke tailoring in Hoi An, dark-roasted Vietnamese coffee, traditional handicrafts and intricate arts, such as conical hats, lacquerware and coconut dinnerware. For original and socially responsible goods and gifts, make sure to stock up on Marou Chocolate, some of the world’s most exquisite chocolate bars that are manufactured by a tiny operation in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City with beans that are hand-picked in the Mekong Delta. A finished bar of Marou Chocolate is a small work of art, and unwrapping it takes one on a journey deep into the provinces of Vietnam. In Hanoi, Betterday Shop is a fair trade organisation selling only goods produced in Vietnam, from cashews to organic shampoo. For a particularly unique souvenir, pick up 1880 Saigon Monopoly, a beautifully illustrated board game available in both English and French. Bhutan From wood turning to silk weaving, Bhutan’s wide array of traditional arts and crafts always exude a distinct elegance, beauty and attention to detail. Now open in the country’s capital of Thimpu, Bhutan’s first ever Craft Bazaar offers myriad products all in one place. Housed in traditional bamboo huts and boasting 80 stalls, the colourful market located opposite Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Centre is filled with authentic, handmade products, such as Bhutanese tshoglham (boots), thankha (scroll) paintings and elaborately embroidered costumes. Not only does the market showcase the country’s handcrafted items, but sources many of the products from rural areas acting to both preserve and promote Bhutan’s unique culture, while also helping drive equitable socio-economic development nationwide. Myanmar Next to Rangoon Tea House and directly above Sharkys in Yangon, Myanmar, Hla Day is a non profit social enterprise that works with artisans, disadvantaged groups and local businesses to design, develop and sell a wide selection of quality handmade products, such as bags, accessories, books and stationery, with a contemporary twist. Along with creating a marketplace and training to help support locals struggling to overcome disability, exclusion and poverty, Hla Day also makes an effort to source all materials locally and encourage traditional skills. Profits from purchases are reinvested to benefit the organisation’s community of producers. Laos For 16 years, Ock Pop Tok has made it its mission to help elevate the profile of Lao textiles while increasing economic and educational opportunities for artisans through a number of programmes and marketplaces. Based in Luang Prabang, the organisation runs shops, cafes and a Living Crafts Centre while also selling their goods, including wall hangings, kids’ toys and even silk dresses, online. Community programmes include working with the Lao National Tourism Administration, development agencies and the Lao Women’s Union to train artisans from remote areas how to weave and use natural dyes, in business-related skills and more to help increase economic opportunities throughout the country. Sri Lanka Training and craft centres are often excellent places to pick up locally made souvenirs while also getting the opportunity to see how the goods are actually made. While in Sri Lanka, stop by some of these centres for a range of handcrafted products and a look at the country’s age-old craft traditions. In Galle Watake Craft Training Centre – Dharma Vijyaramaya, Pitaramba, Bentota Beeralu Lace Craft Training Centre – Dalawalla, Unawatuna Bamboo Craft Centre – Hadiyaragoda Janapadaya, Ginimallagaha In Matara Watake Craft Training Centre – Divisional Secretariat, Weligama In Hambantota Toy Craft Training Centre – Palankada, Mulkirigala, Colombo District Wood Carving Training Centre – Janakala Kendraya, Battaramulla Leather Craft Training Centre – Janakala Kendraya, Battaramulla 5 tips for shopping responsibly Buy local! Whether you’re grabbing a snack or searching for souvenirs, opting to buy from local sellers instead of larger corporations, helps directly support the local community. For example, while in Thailand, make an effort to buy your afternoon coconut water from a street-side seller instead of popping into a 7-11 for bottled beverages. Haggle within reason: Haggling is often practiced and even expected in most markets throughout Asia, however, the point isn’t to get the absolute cheapest price possible but to agree to a price that both you and the seller are happy with. While many handcrafted items in Asia are surprisingly affordable, particularly in Southeast Asia, the artisans and craftspeople creating them still deserve to earn livable wages from their craft. Shop social enterprises & fair trade organisations: Use your dollars to make a statement by shopping at social enterprises, organisations that reinvest their profits into their community and employees, or organisations that follow fair trade practices. Head to the local market: Purchase snacks, food and souvenirs at local markets instead of big box stores in order to help support small, local producers. Shop sustainability: This is usually easier said than done since often you don’t see the entire process that goes into making an item or have control over how it is packaged, however, make an effort to be conscious about the materials used in the goods you buy. Look for producers who are creating goods out of reclaimed or recycled materials, and choose items made with natural and organic elements when possible.
Diethelm Cares – supporting rangers and planting projects in Khao Yai
Diethelm Cares – Supporting Rangers and Planting Projects in Khao Yai during 2-3 June 2018 As active citizens of our community, Diethelm Travel Thailand is proud to have supported local initiatives aimed to provide support to wildlife rangers at Khao Yai National Park and to encourage the planting of soil-conserving grasses. Protecting Khao Yai National Park One of our favourite places to take travellers for wildlife viewing, Khao Yai is home to wild elephants, white-handed gibbons, hornbills, sambal deer and more, and is Thailand’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Khao Yai is located in the southern portion the Isaan region, in Nakhon Ratchasima province. From the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, it is a three-hour drive to reach the national park. For the rangers who protect the park, it is another two-hour walk to get to the heart of the forest, and they often spend months at a time deep in the wilds. To support these selfless protectors of the environment, Diethelm Travel donated necessary supplies such as torches, lights and dried foods. We also helped the rangers to construct a Western-style toilet at their station. We are grateful to the rangers for this chance to support their activities, be part of the team, and to play our own small part in preserving indigenous wildlife for generations to come. Restoring the Earth As part of our community outreach and environmental support initiatives, Diethelm Travel Thailand also supported local efforts to replant native vetiver grass. Thailand faces serious soil erosion issues when heavy rains wash away riverbanks and mountainsides which have been cleared for cultivation. A hearty indigenous grass well-adapted for conditions throughout the country, vetiver grass binds soil and does not only help reduce flooding and improve watersheds but restore fertility. Vetiver grass prevents erosion during seasonal monsoon rains and it also acts as necessary groundcover which increases soil humidity in the dry season by covering the earth and preventing evaporation. In addition, the grass acts as a nursing crop for forestation and improves soil structure so that water can infiltrate deeper into soil along the grass roots, which over time can restore degraded soil. His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was one of the first conservationists to realise the potential of this native grass and encouraged the planting of vetiver to help farmers protect their croplands and to restore the country’s soil. These planting projects have served to not only protect the environment, but soil restoration has also improved the yields of previously underproductive farmlands and improved the economic prospects of Thailand’s farmers. Royal projects and government support have allowed programmes which support the planting of vetiver grass to expand across the country, which in turn has allowed farmers and land alike to flourish. It is thanks to his Majesty’s prudential views and actions that the planting of vetiver grass has resulted in improved crop yields, the increased durability of cultivated areas and the beautiful scenery of both residential and wild areas where vetiver grass aids in soil and water conservation. Serving the animals In addition to planting the vetiver grass, the team also helped build a salt lick to provide the region’s wildlife with a place to go for important salts and minerals. Salt licks, also called mineral licks, are particularly important in environments that have low or limited nutrients available and provide essential nutrients to a variety of animals, such as deer, elephants and other small animals. In this way, we were able to help support a number of different aspects of Khao Yai’s eco system in one trip. Diethelm Travel is always happy to support the communities we live and work and are proud to have been partners in this most recent project. [showimage url1=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Planting-Grass-and-building-Salt-Licks_L01.jpg” url2=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Planting-Grass-and-building-Salt-Licks_R01.jpg”] [showimage url1=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Planting-Grass-and-building-Salt-Licks_L03.jpg” url2=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Planting-Grass-and-building-Salt-Licks_R03.jpg”] [showimage url1=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Planting-Grass-and-building-Salt-Licks_R02.jpg” url2=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Planting-Grass-and-building-Salt-Licks_L02.jpg”]
caring for our communities – Diethelm Travel’s CSR Initiatives
At Diethelm Travel Group, we believe caring for our communities is more than just giving to those in need. We proudly employ local staff and work closely with travel and hospitality partners to ensure high standards of ethics and sustainability wherever we go. This care and emphasis on connection extends to our communities and natural environments both in destinations where we send travellers and our own backyard. We’re delighted to collaborate with a variety of great organisations and support worthy causes, especially when we can help out again year after year. Below is a roundup of just some of the ways we’ve recently done our part to give back. Supporting Pencils for Kids in Chiang Rai, Thailand In early June, our Diethelm Cares Ambassador, Napason Wetchapram, and Natalia Anosova, Sales & Account Manager – Russia/CIS & Eastern Europe, joined the Pencils for Kids team for the second year in a row during an outreach mission in Chiang Rai, Thailand. For some families in rural parts of Southeast Asia, being able to afford school supplies is an ongoing struggle, so Pencils for Kids, Inc. provides school supplies to students in need to ensure that no child’s education is limited due to lack of basic supplies. To help reach more students, Diethelm Travel supplied transport for the supply drops. Backpacks filled with essential school supplies, such as pencils, notebooks, crayons and uniforms, were successfully distributed to nearly 1,000 students studying at 6 different schools and two orphanages around Chiang Rai. Pencils for Kids has been visiting the same schools year after year for over a decade in an attempt to give ongoing support to the community and reiterate to students year after year how important their education is. As a first-time volunteer for this particular project, Natalia came away from the experience saying, “I hope it’s not the last one. Children are our future and it is our responsibility to help prepare them for a great one.” Read more about this joint venture here on our blog from last year’s mission. Bringing School Supplies to Children in Yangon, Myanmar In April, the Diethelm Travel Myanmar team was also able to work with Pencils for Kids on a two-day trip to visit schools on the outskirts of Yangon. This project was Pencils for Kids’ 6th annual Myanmar Mission Trip and Diethelm Travel Myanmar provided transportation and a helping hand. The team delivered 500 backpacks loaded with stationery and school uniforms provided as donations, which families must typically pay for out of pocket. Read about the challenges and successes of this trip here on our blog. Volunteering with the Royal Forest Department in Khao Yai National Park Soil erosion is a major problem in Thailand. The country’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was aware of the importance of preventing and solving soil problems and launched the Royal Initiative for Vetiver Grass to help conserve soil and water. During 2-3 June 2018, 80 members of the Diethelm Travel Thailand team made their way to Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand to help Royal Forest Department rangers plant the last set of vetiver saplings from the Royal Initiative. The group trekked 2 kilometres deep into the jungle at the centre of the national park to help plant the vetiver as well as build salt licks for the area’s wild animals including elephants, deer and bulls. Read about Diethelm Cares – Supporting Rangers and Planting Projects in Khao Yai here on our blog. Tree Planting in Phitsanulok, Thailand Diethelm Travel Thailand also recently joined “Grandmom Yim” and other local volunteers in a tree-planting and conservation event in the north of Thailand. Surprisingly spry for her age, the industrious Yim has devoted her life to planting thousands of trees in honour of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. During this environmental conservation project, the team volunteered and got their hands dirty planting trees, as well as sponsored the drinking water station that kept the day’s many volunteers hydrated. See pictures and learn more about this volunteer project on our blog. These are just a few of the current CSR initiative Diethelm Travel Group is undertaking. We’re always looking for ways to support our communities and give back to the planet we love!
travelling with a cause
As part of their unique itinerary, Diethelm Travel Philippines’ recent FAM group from Switzerland visited Nature Kids of Siargao, a non-profit association that involves more than 1,700 kids and their families that strive to create a more equal, eco-friendly world through recycling and upcycling trash and educating the students of a local school. Siargao Recycling Art Studio is a powerful, yet simple way of both reducing non-recycled trash and creating eco-friendly opportunities to support the residences of Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte The group engaged in different kind of activities during their visit to help out the organisation, such as cutting and shredding plastics bottles and Styrofoam.
new in Bohol: “three sea creatures in a day”
Embark on a day of fun and unique experiences ranging from dolphin watching to swimming with whale sharks and turtles. Depart your resort at 06:00 hours for dolphin watching then proceed about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the southernmost part of Cebu and the town of Oslob where whale sharks are abundant. Here, they are protected from predators, taken care of and fed by the local fishermen. Upon arrival, a baroto a.k.a. banca (a small boat found in Pacific waters especially around the Philippines; usually: a dugout canoe often provided with outriggers and a roof of bamboo) will pick you up and take you to the whale shark encounter area where you will snorkel and swim with these calm giants. After this 45-minute activity, board the boat then proceed to Balicasag island for swimming and snorkelling with sea turtles. Lunch will be prepared and freshly cooked by our crew to ensure you of a delicious barbecue lunch on board the boat. Your expected arrival back at the resort is 15:00 hours allowing for approximately a 9-hour full day tour. For more information or reservation, please contact us here. [showimage url1=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Three-sea-creatures-in-one-day-Dolphins.jpg” url2=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Three-sea-creatures-in-one-day-Sea-turtle.jpg”]
new in Manila: “following the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain”
Anthony Bourdain had his first taste of Manila and experienced its soul through the assortment of street food he encountered during a sojourn in Binondo’s Chinatown. There’s the ‘taho’ vendor with his concoction of soft tofu sweetened with arnibal and garnished with pearl sago, the makeshift stalls laden with native ‘take home’ lunch meals, and the ubiquitous Chinese pastry called hopia which are the perfect treat. It is in this one stretch of busy street that Bourdain savoured his first Philippine culinary experience which led him to explore more about the country. As Bourdain might put it, if you want to learn the rhythms of a country, learn from and observe its people; if you want to taste its life, sample the food. Tour inclusions Private roundtrip hotel transfers (guests will be dropped off and picked up after the walking tour at Binondo Church) Food tasting and refreshments An English-speaking guide [showimage url1=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Following-the-Footsteps-of-Anthony-Bourdain01.jpg” url2=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Following-the-Footsteps-of-Anthony-Bourdain02.jpg”]
student career week at Diethelm Travel Thailand: Jenny
Today we’re sharing another post from a NIST International School student who recently came to ‘work’ at the Diethelm Travel Thailand office in Bangkok as part of the school’s Career Week. These bright young people brought a new energy into our office and we were thrilled at the enthusiasm with which they set to the tasks we assigned them. While a great education broadens the mind, a little work experience goes a long way and we hope we have had some small part in helping these interns to choose the path they wish to take in the future and be better prepared for it. Here Jenny shares what it was like to spend the week with us. Jenny’s time at Diethelm Travel The Diethelm Travel office was a wonderful place to work in, with a comfortable working environment and many friendly and welcoming workers. On the first day, I remember myself walking in clueless and nervous, everything was new, both the experience and environment was something I have never encountered or had to do in my life. However, the employees were all really welcoming and kind which allowed me to adapt faster. I was surprised that Diethelm gave us a chance to select our schedules. You can choose whether to start your day from 8:00-17:00 hours or 9:00-18:00 hours. There is also an option for us to choose when to take our lunch breaks! The best parts of working at Diethelm The three best things about working at Diethelm were one, never will you go hungry. Whenever you are hungry there is always food offered by the kind staff. Not to mention at the Sindhorn Building there are both international and traditional restaurants, furthermore, the wonderful cafeteria in the Kian Gwan Building has a variety of different foods. The second best thing was getting to work in different fields and learn what it feels like to work full time – although tiring, it was also fun! Third, the office building is very close by to Lumpini Park. The park is huge and surrounded by nature, so after work you can always pop by to exercise or just take a walk. What to know before you arrive at Diethelm Travel Thailand There are several things you should know before coming to work at Diethelm. The first is the busy roads. The infamous roads of Bangkok are known to many, especially in the morning when it is rush hour. It is good to come a little earlier just to be safe. Next thing, bring your jacket!!! Although there is a warm and friendly environment created by the team, the air conditioning is not kidding around. Lastly, there are many ways to get to the Kian Gwan Building, such as by driving a car or taking public transportation. Both the MRT and BTS can be used, there is Ploenchit Station for BTS and Lumpini station for MRT. From the station, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the building or you can always take the cab. What I learned at Diethelm Travel While working at Diethelm Travel Thailand, I learned many new things and understood the marketing field better in many ways. First of all, I was assigned many tasks to do including editing films and writing blogs for the Diethelm Travel website. This allowed me to better develop my skills and know the differences between work at school and actual work where there are more rules and expectations to meet. I was impressed by the manual that was given to me, it gave me a picture of what the actual working field looks like, allowing me to be prepared for the future and other working experiences. Overall, working at Diethelm was an experience that gave me something very valuable, both knowledge and time bonding with the workers. Although it was a very short period, I gained many new skills.
student career week at Diethelm Travel Thailand: Jose
While we’re experts at organising travel logistics, it’s really connecting with communities that is at the core of all we do, whether that’s by inviting travellers to fall in love with a place the way our local guides have, by helping scenic remote villages to develop sustainable tourism projects to help preserve the land and culture they love, or by giving young people insight into what life might hold for them after they complete their education. It was a privilege to open our doors to two students from NIST International School in Bangkok at Diethelm Travel Thailand last month. This is the second year that the school has sent students to our offices as part of its Career Week which aims to introduce Grade 9 students to professional working environments. Students are allowed to choose the organisation and department they wish to work with, and we were so pleased two chose Diethelm Travel! We asked the students to share with us, in their own words, what it was like for them to briefly be a part of the Diethelm Travel family, so without further ado, we’d like to introduce you to Jose. José Time at Diethelm Travel Thailand When I first arrived at Diethelm Travel, my idea of this internship was that it would be a very office-like job where interactions between co-workers were minimal and the mood was very low. To my surprise, Diethelm has one of the most fun and entertaining offices I have witnessed. Khun Mook, Khun Aew, Khun Narisa, Khun Siprang and Khun Sukanya were the main employees that I interacted with every day. They made me feel welcomed in the company by showing me different techniques of introducing myself, making jokes and taking me out for lunch. In a work environment, I thought it would be serious all of the time, but many of the people around me made it fun and joked around more than expected. However, when it was time to work everyone went into their zone and completely gave 100%. This is something I admired and will try to do also, rather than work only half concentrated and half not concentrated. On the job in HR The main job I was assigned was to motivate the Diethelm Travel employees to go to the gym. I also had to interact with people and improve communication skills which are usually seen in the HR department of any company. The fitness room downstairs really interested me and by encouraging the employees to go there allowed me to become a more friendly and outgoing person to complete the task given to me. With some guidance, the office was no longer an unfamiliar layout but a space where all the different areas were strategically placed to allow for easy availability. Many of the team members recognised me and were happy when they saw me greeting people, it was out of the ordinary for them but they enjoyed it and so did I. Gaining new skills at the office The main skills which improved were my communication skills and my ability to be open-minded. Communication was the most important part in completing this task, and many of my coworkers were impressed by my efforts to talk and introduce myself to people I had never met before. My open-mindedness skills improved as I knew not all of the staff would speak a language which I speak, like English, Spanish or German. However, there were no incidents where I was unable to communicate and bring my point across to a coworker. What José learned at Diethelm Towards the last few days at Diethelm Travel, I was very grateful for Khun Witsunda for helping me to understand all of the different areas in the company. Going around the first time in the office was strange but after this, all the workers without exception would smile and say hello and generally make me feel welcome at the company. In conclusion, my experience at Diethelm Travel was really fun and it allowed me to see what an office environment looks like and feels like. I learned a lot about myself as a learner and as a person while working here at Diethelm. I would like to thank all of the staff who helped me and made me feel at home and wish them lots of success and happiness in the future. Learn what it’s like to work at Diethelm Travel Thailand courtesy of a recent student intern at our Bangkok office: Jenny Nakornchai