When travelling, we aim to reduce the impact of our actions at every possible opportunity by choosing companies that have the environment and sustainability at their core. Our recent trip to Thailand allowed us to connect with like minded organisations who each go above and beyond to achieve their goals. ‘Passion for the planet in Bangkok’ highlights these positive travel experiences and why we support these organisations.
Travel responsibly with Grasshopper Adventures
As the leading cycle tour company in Asia we were in safe hands with Grasshopper Adventures. What better way to explore than on two wheels, good for your health and great for the planet. We joined a day tour from central Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam and it was truly remarkable. The palaces and temples within Ayutthaya Historical Park were breathtaking and cycling throughout the park was perfect.
Visiting street food stalls and independent restaurants en route with our excellent local guide allowed us to support local communities. Keeping hydrated during the ride by using our Refill not Landfill reusable water bottles lessened our impact on the environment. These are all key values to Grasshopper Adventures and that’s why we love them!
Drink responsibly with Refill not Landfill
Everyone is aware that single use plastic is a mammoth problem facing the planet but not everyone is actually doing something about it. Refill not Landfill was founded just 3 years ago and since inception they have made a huge impact on reducing the use of single use plastic bottles throughout the region. Encouraging tour companies, hotels and restaurants to replace their plastic bottles with reusable and refillable water bottles alongside implementing water refill stations has seen literally hundreds of millions less plastic bottles in circulation.
Recent expansion into Bangkok has seen them continue their working relationship with Grasshopper Adventures and also forge new and exciting partnerships. These include the luxury urban retreat, The Siam Hotel and award-winning luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent who have sponsored a number of water refill stations in Bangkok. Easia Travel who offer tours throughout the region have also committed to the initiative; as part of their sustainability programme all guests will receive a Refill not Landfill bottle which will have a lasting and positive impact.
Eat responsibly with Green MondayGreen Monday who promote green, healthy and sustainable living have recently launched in Bangkok; this global movement champions the benefits of a plant based diet by supporting hotels and restaurants to provide more plant based options on their menus. Working with brands such as Beyond Meat which has been taking the world by storm and innovative meat substitute, OmniMeat these new menu additions appeal to vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike. By reducing our reliance on animal agriculture we are having a positive impact on the planet and our health, this is achieved by eating more plant based food.
Luxury hotels including The Peninsula Bangkok, JW Marriott Bangkok and Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok have embraced the initiative with many more to follow. We enjoyed a plant based dining experience at You&Mee, the street style eatery at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. This allowed us to dine on a selection of traditional Thai dishes that were 100% plant based, each of which were delicious. The powerful flavour profiles of Thai cuisine were ever present and the inclusion of the excellent OmniMeat in some dishes added an extra element to dishes including this larb, a spicy Thai salad that is usually prepared with pork.
There are of course many ways to make your travel more sustainable, both in Bangkok and around the world. These are just a small selection of organisations that we chose to support in Bangkok due to their passion for the planet. Next time you travel, take a moment to consider how you can lessen your impact without impacting on your experience.
Paul Eyers is Founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.
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34 Comments
It’s great to see so many environmental issues being address these days in Asia. I’ve been using a Refill not Landfill bottle for some time and have been on a fully plant based diet for about a year now, having given up meat in 2006 and fish in 2012. I must say I feel better for it and while I would never try to preach to others it sure is the way forward.
we agree Terry, both Refill not Landfill AND eating plant based are the way forward!
I’m currently planning a trip to SE Asia researching sustainable and responsible hydration amongst other things. Will definitely look out for Grasshopper adventures as an option to explore.
Very informative article, thanks!
Refill not Landfill have made such a huge impact in this region and we love it. There are many other organisations worldwide doing similar but Refill is close to our heart as they were founded in our current home town of Siem Reap…
It’s important that we take responsibility for our travel choices and as someone who loves my mountain bike I love the look of Grasshopper Adventures. I’ve just looked at their website and will be in touch next time I travel to Southeast Asia for sure!
you won’t go wrong with Grasshopper, we’ve been on tours with them in Myanmar, Cambodia, thailand and Vietnam – each time has been outstanding…
It is great that Bangkok is following so many other South East Asian destinations in trying to combat some of the leading environmental issues facing the region.
It’s heartening to see ethical businesses with sustainable environmentally sound practices doing so well. Long may it continue.
Ayutthaya was incredible. We’ve been visiting Bangkok for nearly 20 years and had never made the short trip to visit. It was very impressivle and well worth the effort.
Mountain bike tours, plastic free travel and vegan food in Bangkok sounds like a perfect combination in one of my favourite cities!
perfect combination for us too! we love living so close to Bangkok as it has so much to offer.
This is fab. Environmentally friendly initiatives really are booming lately, which is great to see. It can be something pretty small and simple too that can make a big difference, like the Refill not Landfill one. It’s nice to see businesses working together for these things too, combining efforts to make a positive change for our planet. Nicely done, Bangkok!
slowly, slowly things are changing and it’s important that we all support those organisations that are ‘doing the right thing’. thank you for your comment!
I really appreciate the links you give to the topics covered. Ive had a look at Grasshopper Adventures and think that maybe an ‘oldie’ could enjoy one of their adventures. A cycle trip to Ayuthaya sounds a perfect way to see the countryside and visit an ancient site.
Such good news that Refill not Landfill are spreading their wings. I think I may have been the recipient of one of the first bottles (still in use) in Siem Reap a few years ago.
You introduced me to Beyond Meat a while back and I’m happy to report their burgers have reached our shores.
How fantastic that so many of the top hotels in Bangkok are moving more towards plant based products. We’ve all come along way in what seems like such a short time. Long may it continue.
refill have certainly spread their wings and long may it continue indeed! we can’t get the beyond burger in Cambodia (yet) so always make sure to enjoy one when we are in Bangkok:)
Wow, grasshopper tours is such a great way to see a country and or historical landmarks. We cannot recommend it enough. We have used them twice now and both experiences were amazing (Myanmar and Ayutthaya) .
Informative passionate guides mixed with some good exercise creates a great adventure .
Good to hear you’ve enjoyed your Grasshopper experiences, they are a great company who make travel so much fun whilst supporting local communities at the same time. We ae big fans too!
I can absolutely support what the author says here about these companies. They ARE doing amazing things and fantastic to see that changes are really happening in Asia! Also, a very well written article. Thank you so much!
thank you for your comment Brighde. we are loving the progress and changes that we are seeing in Southeast Asia and long may it continue…
Good to see tour operators encouraging the use of refillable water bottles,even when travelling in the UK and Europe it’s usually possible to find somewhere to refill if you try but to have companies promoting this practice really helps highlight the issue. For a long time I’ve used my own metal water bottle, can’t imagine how many single use plastic bottles I would have gone through in the last ten years alone ;)
No one is too small to make a difference!
So true Steve, every little bit helps and when we add together all of our individual efforts the impact is huge. Refill not Landfill is doing an amazing job here in Southeast Asia and we are big fans!
I think this is a big help not just for the environment, but also to the locals since small scale businesses are being promoted. On the other hand, big companies and businesses should also have the initiative to help the environment and the locals in their own ways. It is nice that Bangkok was able to develop these kinds of projects since scenic landscapes and views are what they are proud of.
Thank you for commenting Jason. Big business, small business and individuals all have responsibility and can all make a difference. We will continue to do our bit and shout loudly whenever we find an organisation that is making a positive impact…
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the ‘Passion for the planet in Bangkok’. It’s reassuring to know that things are going this way in this part of the world. I will certainly look out for these companies when I’m next in SEA. Thanks Paul.
thank you for commenting Robert and i hope you find your way back to Southeast Asia in the near future…
Researching which companies and organisations to support is all part of travel planning so hopefully this article will help you!
It is very heartening to read in your blog that these great initiatives are starting to spread further afield in SE Asia. It’s important that that everybody, as individuals get behind these initiatives, & im impressed with the companies that are indeed doing what they can to help the planet. ?
The grasshopper cycling tours sound great!
Thank you for your comment Paul. We all have to support forward thinking initiatives for sure to show that there is demand. Grasshopper do a great job in making sure you have an awesome adventure, you should check them out next time you’re in SEAsia!
I’m still shocked, but pleasantly surprised to see the significant changes being made in SE Asia and its great that more people are aware of ways that they can personally help with environmental issues.
Grasshopper your sounds very fun too!! Still yet to join one, but I will!
You should join a Grasshopper tour ASAP as they are great fun! We are also constantly surprised by all of the changes in SEAsia but we are sure they will continue which is great news…
Visiting street food stalls and independent restaurants en route with our excellent local guide allowed us to support local communities. Keeping hydrated during the ride by using our Refill not Landfill reusable water bottles lessened our impact on the environment. These are all key values to Grasshopper Adventures and that’s why we love them!
Visiting street food stalls and independent restaurants en route with our excellent local guide allowed us to support local communities. Keeping hydrated during the ride by using our Refill not Landfill reusable water bottles lessened our impact on the environment. These are all key values to Grasshopper Adventures and that’s why we love them!
Drink responsibly with Refill not Landfill
Everyone is aware that single use plastic is a mammoth problem facing the planet but not everyone is actually doing something about it. Refill not Landfill was founded just 3 years ago and since inception they have made a huge impact on reducing the use of single use plastic bottles throughout the region. Encouraging tour companies, hotels and restaurants to replace their plastic bottles with reusable and refillable water bottles alongside implementing water refill stations has seen literally hundreds of millions less plastic bottles in circulation.
Recent expansion into Bangkok has seen them continue their working relationship with Grasshopper Adventures and also forge new and exciting partnerships. These include the luxury urban retreat, The Siam Hotel and award-winning luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent who have sponsored a number of water refill stations in Bangkok. Easia Travel who offer tours throughout the region have also committed to the initiative; as part of their sustainability programme all guests will receive a Refill not Landfill bottle which will have a lasting and positive impact.
Eat responsibly with Green Monday
Green Monday who promote green, healthy and sustainable living have recently launched in Bangkok; this global movement champions the benefits of a plant based diet by supporting hotels and restaurants to provide more plant based options on their menus. Working with brands such as Beyond Meat which has been taking the world by storm and innovative meat substitute, OmniMeat these new menu additions appeal to vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike. By reducing our reliance on animal agriculture we are having a positive impact on the planet and our health, this is achieved by eating more plant based food.
Luxury hotels including The Peninsula Bangkok, JW Marriott Bangkok and Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok have embraced the initiative with many more to follow. We enjoyed a plant based dining experience at You&Mee, the street style eatery at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. This allowed us to dine on a selection of traditional Thai dishes that were 100% plant based, each of which were delicious. The powerful flavour profiles of Thai cuisine were ever present and the inclusion of the excellent OmniMeat in some dishes added an extra element to dishes including this larb, a spicy Thai salad that is usually prepared with pork.
There are of course many ways to make your travel more sustainable, both in Bangkok and around the world. These are just a small selection of organisations that we chose to support in Bangkok due to their passion for the planet. Next time you travel, take a moment to consider how you can lessen your impact without impacting on your experience.
Paul Eyers is Founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
It’s great to see so many environmental issues being address these days in Asia. I’ve been using a Refill not Landfill bottle for some time and have been on a fully plant based diet for about a year now, having given up meat in 2006 and fish in 2012. I must say I feel better for it and while I would never try to preach to others it sure is the way forward.
Thanks for the informative article.
we agree Terry, both Refill not Landfill AND eating plant based are the way forward!
I’m currently planning a trip to SE Asia researching sustainable and responsible hydration amongst other things. Will definitely look out for Grasshopper adventures as an option to explore.
Very informative article, thanks!
thank you for your comment Neil. You’ll love Grasshopper tours for sure…
Sheer genius. I’m loving the name / slogan / strap line “Refill not landfill”. Such little things make the differences.
Refill not Landfill have made such a huge impact in this region and we love it. There are many other organisations worldwide doing similar but Refill is close to our heart as they were founded in our current home town of Siem Reap…
It’s important that we take responsibility for our travel choices and as someone who loves my mountain bike I love the look of Grasshopper Adventures. I’ve just looked at their website and will be in touch next time I travel to Southeast Asia for sure!
you won’t go wrong with Grasshopper, we’ve been on tours with them in Myanmar, Cambodia, thailand and Vietnam – each time has been outstanding…
It is great that Bangkok is following so many other South East Asian destinations in trying to combat some of the leading environmental issues facing the region.
It’s heartening to see ethical businesses with sustainable environmentally sound practices doing so well. Long may it continue.
we’ve only got one planet Nav so it’s great to see organisations making positive changes. hopefully others will follow…
Photos of the ancient capital look stunning. Will have to add that to my itinerary when I next visit Bangkok.
It is also great to read that environmental behaviors are changing.
Ayutthaya was incredible. We’ve been visiting Bangkok for nearly 20 years and had never made the short trip to visit. It was very impressivle and well worth the effort.
Mountain bike tours, plastic free travel and vegan food in Bangkok sounds like a perfect combination in one of my favourite cities!
perfect combination for us too! we love living so close to Bangkok as it has so much to offer.
This is fab. Environmentally friendly initiatives really are booming lately, which is great to see. It can be something pretty small and simple too that can make a big difference, like the Refill not Landfill one. It’s nice to see businesses working together for these things too, combining efforts to make a positive change for our planet. Nicely done, Bangkok!
slowly, slowly things are changing and it’s important that we all support those organisations that are ‘doing the right thing’. thank you for your comment!
I really appreciate the links you give to the topics covered. Ive had a look at Grasshopper Adventures and think that maybe an ‘oldie’ could enjoy one of their adventures. A cycle trip to Ayuthaya sounds a perfect way to see the countryside and visit an ancient site.
Such good news that Refill not Landfill are spreading their wings. I think I may have been the recipient of one of the first bottles (still in use) in Siem Reap a few years ago.
You introduced me to Beyond Meat a while back and I’m happy to report their burgers have reached our shores.
How fantastic that so many of the top hotels in Bangkok are moving more towards plant based products. We’ve all come along way in what seems like such a short time. Long may it continue.
refill have certainly spread their wings and long may it continue indeed! we can’t get the beyond burger in Cambodia (yet) so always make sure to enjoy one when we are in Bangkok:)
Wow, grasshopper tours is such a great way to see a country and or historical landmarks. We cannot recommend it enough. We have used them twice now and both experiences were amazing (Myanmar and Ayutthaya) .
Informative passionate guides mixed with some good exercise creates a great adventure .
Good to hear you’ve enjoyed your Grasshopper experiences, they are a great company who make travel so much fun whilst supporting local communities at the same time. We ae big fans too!
I can absolutely support what the author says here about these companies. They ARE doing amazing things and fantastic to see that changes are really happening in Asia! Also, a very well written article. Thank you so much!
we LOVE the changes we are seeing in this region and are always happy to support these organisations and companies!
Such a helpful article and indeed, this is a really great sign of progress happening in this part of the world! :-) Really informative! :-)
thank you for your comment Brighde. we are loving the progress and changes that we are seeing in Southeast Asia and long may it continue…
Good to see tour operators encouraging the use of refillable water bottles,even when travelling in the UK and Europe it’s usually possible to find somewhere to refill if you try but to have companies promoting this practice really helps highlight the issue. For a long time I’ve used my own metal water bottle, can’t imagine how many single use plastic bottles I would have gone through in the last ten years alone ;)
No one is too small to make a difference!
So true Steve, every little bit helps and when we add together all of our individual efforts the impact is huge. Refill not Landfill is doing an amazing job here in Southeast Asia and we are big fans!
I think this is a big help not just for the environment, but also to the locals since small scale businesses are being promoted. On the other hand, big companies and businesses should also have the initiative to help the environment and the locals in their own ways. It is nice that Bangkok was able to develop these kinds of projects since scenic landscapes and views are what they are proud of.
Thank you for commenting Jason. Big business, small business and individuals all have responsibility and can all make a difference. We will continue to do our bit and shout loudly whenever we find an organisation that is making a positive impact…
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the ‘Passion for the planet in Bangkok’. It’s reassuring to know that things are going this way in this part of the world. I will certainly look out for these companies when I’m next in SEA. Thanks Paul.
thank you for commenting Robert and i hope you find your way back to Southeast Asia in the near future…
Researching which companies and organisations to support is all part of travel planning so hopefully this article will help you!
It is very heartening to read in your blog that these great initiatives are starting to spread further afield in SE Asia. It’s important that that everybody, as individuals get behind these initiatives, & im impressed with the companies that are indeed doing what they can to help the planet. ?
The grasshopper cycling tours sound great!
Thank you for your comment Paul. We all have to support forward thinking initiatives for sure to show that there is demand. Grasshopper do a great job in making sure you have an awesome adventure, you should check them out next time you’re in SEAsia!
I’m still shocked, but pleasantly surprised to see the significant changes being made in SE Asia and its great that more people are aware of ways that they can personally help with environmental issues.
Grasshopper your sounds very fun too!! Still yet to join one, but I will!
You should join a Grasshopper tour ASAP as they are great fun! We are also constantly surprised by all of the changes in SEAsia but we are sure they will continue which is great news…