Wat Phou Mekong Cruise

This tour provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:

Minimal impact tourism focusing on social and cultural preservation.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

Mekong Cruises endeavours to operate in a manner that produces as minimal impact as possible, both on the environment and the local culture. The company follows an Ecotourism policy which focuses on sustainable tourism with the preservation of Lao culture, village, traditions and lifestyle and actively encourages all their guests to behave in a socially appropriate manner as well as to help the local people through donations.

The Wat Phou Mekong Cruise takes the following initiatives towards Ecotourism:

- Encourages all guests to Laos, passengers or not, to respect the local culture and customs and to act in a manner deemed appropriate in Lao society. More information can be found on the Mekong cruises website about Lao customs and do's and don'ts when visiting Laos: http://www.vatphou.com/do-and-dont-in-Laos.html

- The Wat Phou cruise stops in a few local villages as part of the itinerary. The company donates money towards these villages to aid development and improve the standard of living, education and livelihood. Money donated goes towards the construction or refurbishment of much needed schools and associated materials including school books and pencils as well as the purchase of sporting equipment for the children. The Wat Phou Company encourages guests to contribute to these worthy causes as well.

- In Laos, Buddhism is the main religion and people are very religious. Monks are held in very high regard and local people provide food for the monks and temples each day through a morning ceremony called ‘Alms'. This giving of alms not only provides food but also brings ‘merit' to the givers. The Wat Phou Company offers meals to the temples in the villages they visit.

- With the aim of supporting the local communities in which the cruise visits and travels through, the Wat Phou chefs, where possible, source the produce locally for meals made on the boat.

- The Wat Phou Company donated pipes to aid road construction in Wat Ban Dong.

- The cruise company collects all leftover organic produce for local villages to help feed their livestock. All other waste is separated and cans, bottles and plastics are recycled.