Charity tours to Southeast Asia

All and Gecko Travel

Group Sizes

A usual maximum of 9 persons means genuinely small groups. Experience has shown that smaller groups are less intrusive to local cultures and environments whilst allowing more interaction with local people. Furthermore it means greater flexibility on a day to day basis and on a social level proves to be more fun.

Try being 'low-key' in a hill-tribe village or spotting any wildlife with 20 other people around!

The intention is to travel as a group of friends rather than a typical tour group so don't expect stick-on name badges or any 'following of umbrellas'.

Tour Leaders

An English speaking, Gecko Travel tour-leader will be with the tour at all times. In addition, local guides will accompany the group where necessary.

Accommodation

No single person supplements! Tour costs are based on 2 persons sharing, so for single travellers, unless you wish to pay a supplement for a single room, we arrange for you to share with someone of the same sex.

Hotel and guesthouse rooms are normally air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms but neither can be guaranteed.

However please note that because we go off the beaten track certain places you will stay in, particularly hill-tribe villages and 'homestays' may be quite basic.

Also note that camping is frequently in the jungle, not on camp-sites and facilities may be correspondingly 'primitive'.

Some samples of accommodation used can be found on each tour page. Please note that availability at the sample locations can not be always guaranteed and alternative hotels may be used from time to time.

Transport

Our standard form of transport will be air-conditioned minivans but be prepared for anything... local buses, trains, pick-up trucks, speedboats, slow boats and where time and distance give us no choice, flights.

Food

Unless otherwise specified all our scheduled tours are full board; – three meals per day with the exception of certain lunches and dinners noted on the itinerary as ‘free meals’. We hope this will give you the ‘best of both worlds’, with a guided tour of the highly varied cuisines found in SE Asia, as an integral part of your experience, whilst allowing you the flexibility to do your own thing or opt for a Western alternative on occasions. For ‘free’ meals tour-leaders will still be on hand with advice and suggestions.

For tour meals the emphasis is on local food and local style. Our tour-leaders are knowledgeable of regional specialities and will usually select a variety of dishes, tailored to the group preferences, which are generally eaten together and in pre-selected, tried and trusted restaurants.

Whilst fish is an important part of most S. E. Asian diets vegetarian options are easily arranged.

Please note that Western style 3 course dinners are not typical of the region and where full board is included they are not budgeted for in the tours!

Fitness

Super-fit or couch potato? Doesn't matter - all our activities can be tailored to suit any fitness level and no activites are compulsary.

The idea behind our treks and hikes is to appreciate the scenery and to discover the local flora and fauna - not merely walking for walking's sake.

Who Travels with us

Young or old? A desire for adventure is more important than age, which so far has ranged from 3 to 73!

Male or female? More or less a 50 - 50 split.

Singles or couples? Again about half and half.

Note that no supplement is charged for persons travelling on their own.

Nationalities? Mainly UK, US and Western Europe but also countries as wide spread as China, Mexico and Hungary.

What your holiday includes

All scheduled tours are fully inclusive - no local payments and no supplements for any activities included in the itineraries unless specified as being optional.

Full board including 3 meals a day unless otherwise specified.

All accommodation, as per itineraries.

All activities and entrance fees detailed in the itineraries.

Services of a Gecko Travel tour-leader at all times and of additional local guides where appropriate.

All transport, including local and domestic flights as described in itineraries.

Direct return flights from London to S. E. Asia. (Non-flight options are also available.) Please ask for information on departures from other cities in the UK/Eire if required.

What is not included

Visas where applicable, airport departure taxes, alcoholic or soft drinks with meals and snacks or any drinks outside of designated meal times, camera fees for museums, personal laundry, tips.

Periods noted in the itineraries as 'free time' or 'at leisure' are inlcuded as opportunities to relax or do your own thing and, whilst we have made suggestions for additional activities, these are at the cost of the passenger.

Tailor made tours

In addition to our regular tours we also offer tailor-made or 'a la carte' options for groups, clubs, families and so-on. These may be a re-arrangement of existing itineraries for time considerations or choice of destination, or in order to cater for special interests:

scuba diving, bird-watching, beach stays, cookery, trekking etc

Tailor-made itineraries and tours are generally available for minimum group sizes of 4 full fare paying passengers.

Please contact us with your request or enquiries.

Thailand : Northern Mountains, Southern Beaches
An ideal holiday for a first time visitor to SE Asia. This adventure tour to Thailand provides an excellent introduction to the diverse landscapes and cultures of this charming country; you'll travel to the remote forest clad mountains of Northern ...read more

Thailand : Jungles & Islands
A two week adventure tour providing a taste of the diversity of Thailand: travel from the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok to remote hill-tribe villages, lush rain-forests to deserted beaches and from riding elephants through the jungle to snorkelling on ...read more

Southern Thailand : Reefs and Rainforests
An exploration of ‘off-the-beaten-track’ South Thailand: high mountains, steamy jungles, tropical islands, coral reefs, exotic temples and spicy curries - discover the fantastic sites, spectacular scenery and friendly people on this 10 day adventure tour ...read more

Northern Thailand : The Hills of Mae Charim
The delights of Thailand’s beaches and islands are world renowned – these mist shrouded mountains and lush forests of the far North are still waiting to be discovered. Beginning in Bangkok we’ll head North via the ruined ancient Siamese Capital of ...read more

Thailand Cambodia and Laos : Indochina Adventure
We begin our journey in Thailand's infamous Golden Triangle, where the frontiers of Burma, Thailand and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic meet. From there you'll travel by river and road through the unspoilt mountains and jungles of remote northern ...read more

Thailand, Cambodia & Southern Laos : The Emerald Triangle
An adventure tour that reaches parts few other tours reach! Explore the rarely visited Emerald Triangle region, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia meet. From Eastern Thailand we'll journey into South Laos’ Champassak Province to explore ...read more

Thailand, Laos & Cambodia: Mekong Adventure
Follow one of the world's greatest rivers - the Mekong: all the way from the Golden Triangle in the far north of S. E. Asia, where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet, through the heart of Indochina to Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh. An ...read more

Thailand & Cambodia : Ruined Cities & Tropical Islands
Mysterious ruined cities enveloped by steamy jungle, massive stone carvings amidst flocks of parrots and squabbling monkeys – Angkor is definitely one of the world’s great destinations, but on this trip you’ll also discover Cambodia’s charming villages, ...read more

Vietnam & China: South of the Clouds, Yunnan province
When a Yunnanese Prince crossed the cloud covered mountains of Sichuan Province to visit the imperial Chinese court he informed the emperor his kingdom lay 'south of the clouds' and the Mandarin translation – Yunnan – has stuck to the present ...read more

China - The Yunnan experience
When a Yunnanese Prince crossed the cloud covered mountains of Sichuan Province to visit the imperial Chinese court he informed the emperor his kingdom lay ‘south of the clouds' and the Mandarin translation – Yunnan – has stuck to the present ...read more

Cambodia: Cambodia Overland - Phnom Penh to Bangkok
A fascinating tour combining Cambodia’s main sites plus some of the more off the beaten track ones in a road and river journey from the exciting capital Phnom Penh to the fabulous ruined Khmer cities of Angkor - one of the 7 wonders of the world - and ...read more

Cambodia - Beyond Angkor
If you've visited Angkor Wat, looked on a map of Cambodia and wondered what the rest was like, then this is your chance to find out! This 2 week tour of Cambodia will push back the tourist boundaries with visits to an array of fantastic and rarely ...read more

Laos : Northern Laos & the Golden Triangle
A superb introduction to the spectacular scenery and traditional culture of this truly fascinating, yet little known country. From Thailand’s infamous Golden Triangle region, we'll travel by road and by boat through the unspoilt mountains and jungles of ...read more

Images of Laos
This unique photographic tour of Laos, accompanied by professional travel photographer Nathan Horton, aims to encourage keen amateur photographers, not only to get to know their cameras better but to engage with their subject matter in more meaningful ...read more

Thailand, Laos & Vietnam – Unexplored the far north
A superb voyage through some of South East Asia’s most remote but spectacular regions; beginning in Thailand’s Golden Triangle travel by road and by river through the dramatic mountains and jungles of Northern Lao and Vietnam, inhabited by myriad ...read more

Vietnam : Hanoi to Saigon Overland
A great introduction to Vietnam, this varied trip combines essential sites & hidden places: Hanoi, Saigon, World Heritage Hue, charming Hoi An, the rarely visited Central Highlands and picturesque Mekong Delta. Discover the country’s past and present – ...read more

Vietnam Heritage: Hanoi to Danang
A fascinating journey exploring Northern and Central Vietnam – areas particularly rich in World Heritage Sites - including the fabulous former imperial capital, Hue, the charming old port town of Hoi An and the ancient ruined city of My Son. A boat ...read more

Laos & Vietnam Mountains and Hilltribes: Luang Prabang to Hanoi
A superb voyage through some of South East Asia's most remote but spectacular regions; beginning in the former Lao capital and now World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang we'll travel by road and by river through the dramatic mountains and jungles of ...read more

Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand: Saigon to Bangkok
An exciting river and land adventure through the heart of Indochina: from Vietnam's bustling Saigon and picturesque Mekong Delta region, up river to the fascinating Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, before heading west via the mysterious & dramatic, ...read more

Malaysia : Coast to Coast
Visit Kuala Lumpur; the old hill station of Cameron Highlands and the historic port of Georgetown, before heading into the rarely visited interior of the Malay Peninsular – still covered by vast expanses of dense jungle and inhabited by indigenous tribes ...read more

Borneo - the land below the wind
Lying just south of the Philippines typhoon belt, Malaysia's Sabah State, known as the 'Land Below the Wind', covers the northern part of Borneo and contains some of the Island's most spectacular landscapes and accessible flora and fauna. From ...read more

Borneo & the Malay Peninsular
An exciting and varied 3 week adventure tour to Malaysia and Borneo. A unique mix of the rich variety of Malaysia: from it's vibrant capital Kuala Lumpur, highland tea plantations and the Victorian architecture of historic Georgetown to the fantastic ...read more

Sri Lanka - Island Explorer
Our Ceylon Adventure will take you from the spectacular, ancient cities of the Central Plains through Kandy - the scenic hill country and tea estates, to the beautiful and undeveloped Southern Coast. With the wildlife and scenery of Yala West and Horton ...read more

Images of Cambodia
This unique Cambodian photographic tour, accompanied by professional travel photographer Nathan Horton, aims to encourage beginners or keen amateur photographers, not only to get to know their cameras better but to engage with their subject matter in ...read more

Family Tours
Although the holidays in this brochure are usually unavailable to persons under the age of 18 we do offer selected tours to accompanied young people. Please note that many of our itineraries are suitable, or can be readily adapted, for children of all ...read more

Extensions - Chiang Mai
2 day spa break in Chiang Mai. Treat yourself at a country spa resort. Located in the hills, a short drive from Chiang Mai town and set in lush gardens, with accommodation in individual villas equipped with jacuzzi and steam bath. Our spa break ...read more

Extensions - Islands
Koh Ngai Secluded Island in Trang Province - well designed, comfortable chalets squeezed between a backdrop of jungle and the sandy beach and turquoise waters. Daily boat trips available for snorkelling on the coral reefs or exploring some of the ...read more

Combining Tours
Though our itineraries are designed as one-off trips please note they are also scheduled to allow you to slot 2 or more tours together can do so making for a longer, more comprehensive trip. For example if you were interested in a more extensive look ...read more

Extensions - Laos and Cambodia
Laos - Luang Prabang Stay in a former French villa in the heart of old Luang Prabang, former Lao royal capital and now UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the fabulous temples, old colonial architecture, riverside cafes and peaceful lanes of this ...read more

Extensions - Bangkok and Surrounds
Bangkok City Extensions A wide range of hotels at reasonable prices is available in Bangkok for those wishing to extend their stay in the Thai capital; riverside luxury at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, spa facilities at the Marriot Spa or the lively ...read more

Angkor Charity Trek
An unusual trek across the sacred Kulen Mountain - lying north of the ancient Khmer ruins and World Heritage Site of Angkor - 'Lychee Mountain', as it translates, was the site of the first Khmer capital, more recently a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge and ...read more

Emerald Triangle Charity Trip
An charity fund raising, adventure tour that reaches parts few other tours reach! Explore the rarely visited 'Emerald Triangle' region where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia meet. From Eastern Thailand we'll journey into some of the remotest ...read more

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