Month: March 2023

A recent school excursion across Cambodia organised by Edventure Travel proved to be a life-changing experience for many of the students and teachers. We requested that the students and teachers respond to a few questions about their experiences on the final day of the tour. What they said is as follows:

“I gained resilience, public speaking skills, the ability to read the room and adjust. I learned teamwork and patience with the building project and a great sense of accomplishment when we finished it.”
– Heather N, student.

“How poverty affects the lives of everyone it touches and how I am grateful for my life.”
– Imala W, student.

“Gratitude and to take every chance and enjoy every moment.”
– Tom O, student.

“Being with the same group for a long period of time taught me to understand people are different.”
– Ruby C, student.

“Teaching local kids changed my sights on how lucky we were and are. I learned the ways of travel whilst also helping others.”
– Jaxon S, student.

“The temples and learning about Cambodia history complements my history course nicely. I loved looking at the sculptures and engravings at the temples and deciphering their meanings and discovering what they can tell us about the past.”
– Kate W, student.

“Elephant sanctuary, temples (in particular the Bayon), teaching at our sister school Krou Yeung, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.”
– Matilda W, student.

“Do it. Edventure tours are an amazing experience unlike any other trip. You experience so much that you otherwise wouldn’t and with local guides and their knowledge you learn so many things about the country.”
– Ruby C, student.

“The guides and leader were some of the happiest enthusiastic friendly people I have ever met. They create a great atmosphere and interact extremely well with the students.”
– Jasper, student

“We did a lot. But we are here for the experiences, and we certainly got that. I think the trip was well planned out and flexible enough. I loved it. I love Cambodia. It was everything a cultural tour should be. Great insights and lessons.”
– Natalie T, teacher.

“Great understanding of privilege and impacts of poverty.”
– Mick K, teacher.

Southeast Asian countries are home to many tribal ethnic minorities, including the Palong (Dara-ang in Burmese), who fled Myanmar in the 1980s and now reside in the mountainous district of Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai province. They live in traditional villages nestled in valleys, close to streams, fertile land, and surrounded by mountains. One such village is Mae Jon, where the village elders have set up a homestay to encourage travellers to experience their unique culture, customs and costumes.

Edventure Travel has a close relationship with the villagers of Mae Jon and is pleased to support the community by bringing groups to their village as part of a cultural immersion program. Engaging programs have been designed in consultation with village elders and the wider community. Student and private groups have the opportunity to engage in a combination of activities and service-learning initiatives. These may include traditional cooking, cultural dance and music performances. There is also trekking to nearby Palong villages, learning the stories of displaced persons and loss of cultural identity, and discussing village self-sustainability and allocation of scarce resources. There are physical project-based activities such as a 3-day house building project working alongside local builders and the community, as well as a water reservoir and purification project, shed building project to store crops, different forest and habitat rejuvenation projects, and local minority school renovation and improvement projects.

Chiang Dao district offers a range of outdoor and adrenaline-based activities, including white water rafting, bamboo rafting, zip line, bicycle riding, Mae Ngat Lake kayaking, the elephant sanctuary, waterfalls, and hot springs. Contact us to find out how we can design a program that meets all your needs. 

Please enjoy our pictorial, below.

Edventure Travel recommends Hanoi as a destination for travellers of all ages due to its rich culture and tradition. Hanoi’s turbulent history (particularly during the American War in Vietnam) and insightful museums such as War Museum, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the Airforce and Air Defence Museum fascinate those interested in Vietnam’s political and military history.

Edventure Travel facilitates visits to unique sites such as B52 Lake, the John McCain plaque, propaganda poster shops, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and provides opportunities to meet war veterans. Hanoi is an excellent destination for exploring political history, including the Cold War, revolutions, Vietnam War, global politics, and reconciliation.

From Hanoi, travellers can head to the mountainous regions of Sapa or Mai Chau, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, or Hue near the DMZ. Discuss your Hanoi itinerary today.