Home Sustainable Travel 12 Days of Giveback: Our Favourite Meaningful Travel Experiences That Transform Destinations

12 Days of Giveback: Our Favourite Meaningful Travel Experiences That Transform Destinations

by Melissa Nicholas
A photo of landscape at the Living Land experience in Laos

The festive season is all about giving and gratitude, and at Experience Travel Group, we believe in creating holidays that not only delight travellers but also make a meaningful difference. Our 12 Days of Giveback showcases some of the extraordinary, meaningful experiences you can enjoy while supporting local communities, conservation, and cultural preservation. Here’s how these experiences give back, making your travels even more special.

  1. Phare Circus, Cambodia
  2. A Morning With Elephants, Cambodia
  3. Living Land Rice Experience, Laos
  4. Bangkok’s Hidden Garden, Thailand
  5. Community Hike, Nepal
  6. OurLand Nature Reserve, Thailand
  7. KOTO Restaurant, Vietnam
  8. ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand
  9. Fair Warung Bale, Indonesia
  10. Farm Experience, Sri Lanka
  11. Smiling Gecko Farmhouse, Cambodia
  12. Nanga Sumpa Lodge, Borneo

Phare Circus, Cambodia

Magic under the Big Top in Siem Reap
The Phare Circus is more than a dazzling display of acrobatics—it’s a lifeline for young Cambodian artists. Every ticket supports the Phare Ponleu Selpak school, helping disadvantaged youth discover their potential through art and performance.
Included in: Cambodia Explorer

A Morning With Elephants, Cambodia

Gentle Giants in the Forest
Near Siem Reap, the Kulen Elephant Forest is a haven for rescued elephants, where they roam freely after years of carrying tourists. Spend a morning walking with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Included in: Cambodia Explorer

Rescued elephants at Kulen forest sanctuary

Living Land Rice Experience, Laos

Get Your Hands Dirty in Luang Prabang
Learn the art of rice farming at Living Land, a traditional farm that supports local families. Visitors help keep these age-old practices alive while directly contributing to community livelihoods.
Included in: Laos Family Special

Bangkok’s Hidden Garden, Thailand

A Secret Garden in the City

Tucked away in the bustle of Bangkok, Poomjai Garden is a flourishing green space safeguarding rare plants and uplifting local communities with its focus on sustainability.
Included in: Bangkok’s Hidden Garden

Poomjai Garden, Bangkok

Community Hike, Nepal

A Walk Through Rural Nepal

Hike through the scenic villages of Sanga and Panauti, meet locals, and support grassroots tourism that uplifts rural Nepalese communities.
Included in: Community Hike: Sanga to Panauti

People on the community hike in Panauti, Nepal

OurLand Nature Reserve, Thailand

Nature’s Gateway in Kanchanaburi
At OurLand Nature Reserve, you’ll learn about conservation while supporting wildlife corridors for elephants and habitats for snakes. It’s educational, impactful, and utterly fascinating.
Included in: Natural Beauty and Local Life

Children learning about honey at OurLand nature reserve in thailand

KOTO Restaurant, Vietnam

Good Food with Great Impact
Hanoi’s KOTO restaurant serves up more than delicious meals—it provides hospitality training for disadvantaged youth, paving the way for brighter futures.
Included in: Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam

ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand

Elephants as They Should Be
Witness elephants as they should be—free to forage, roam, and play. ChangChill’s ethical approach means observing from a respectful distance, ensuring the elephants live their best lives.
Included in: ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary

elephants at changchill elephant sanctuary

Fair Warung Bale, Indonesia

Dinner with a Difference in Ubud
Dine at Fair Warung Bale, where each meal funds medical care for those in need. This social enterprise combines incredible flavours with life-saving support.
Included in: Family Bali & Lombok Adventure

Farm Experience, Sri Lanka

Farm-to-Table in the Cultural Triangle
Meet the farmers of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. Your visit sustains rural communities and celebrates local traditions.
Included in: Classic Sri Lanka

Smiling Gecko Farmhouse, Cambodia

Sustainable Stays and Rural Revival

Escape to this idyllic farmhouse where your stay helps fund sustainable farming, education, and livelihoods for Cambodian families.
Included in: Farmhouse Smiling Gecko

farmhouse smiling gecko's restaurant at night

Nanga Sumpa Lodge, Borneo

Cultural Immersion in the Rainforest
Stay at Nanga Sumpa Lodge, deep in the Borneo jungle, and experience Iban culture firsthand. Your visit supports community conservation and tradition.
Included in: Ultimate Borneo

Travelling with Purpose

The 12 Days of Giveback isn’t just about doing good—it’s about experiencing something truly unforgettable. Creating joyful, meaningful memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re watching a circus, walking with elephants, or exploring a hidden garden, travel can be transformative—for both you and the destination.

Feeling inspired? Explore these and other immersive experiences by visiting our experiences page.

FEELING INSPIRED?

Please get in touch on 020 7924 7133 .

Alternatively, fill out an online enquiry form to start your journey.

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