Wherever practicable we will use community based tourism initiatives and projects which are operated by the communities we visit. Where we initiate a project we do our best to involve the local community so they are able to benefit while still maintaining their culture, traditions and daily ways of life.
Wherever possible supplies and equipment are purchased locally, this includes the use of local eateries and buying supplies from the local population and local markets. Small, family-run establishments make up a high percentage of the accommodation we use and where it is practical but not intrusive we also stay as guests of local families. Although generally more basic, home stays and village stays provide an invaluable insight into the local lifestyle. Where feasible we will stay in local home stays and lodgings owned and run by locals
We recruit local people in both office and field positions wherever possible. we only employ guides that are natives of this part of Thailand and know the areas very well, they will be able to show you a side of their homeland other travelers miss out on. All our tour and trekking guides are chosen for their enthusiasm and a genuine love of the job as well as being officially licenced by TAT (Tourist Authority of thailand)
Food - where meals are included we do our best to use local restaurants which make authentic Thai food, not only do you get to experience the real cuisines of Thailand we also are able to support grassroots establishments and create wider benefits for communities in the areas we visit.
We only run our trips for private groups so this will be just yourself and your friends or family. small groups mean a lower impact on the communities we visit and more chance of being accepted into the local community. Most of the communities we pass by are by no means visited by travelers on a regular basis and the advent of a group walking into their village can still be very much a novel occasion.
You are booking direct with the operator there is no middle man or agent taking a slice from the pie which is your payment this enables us to keep our prices low and competitive.You may see similar trekking and tour programmes at cheaper prices but when making comparisons please bare in mind that we do pay our staff a fair wage and remunerate our local suppliers fair amount for the services provided and we will take you that bit further to ensure you get the authentic experience you desire, and we will not drive down the prices at the cost to the quality of your e experience Barking Gecko Travel.