Tourism Indochina: Asia Pacific News: Voluntourism on the Rise

Tourism Indochina: Asia Pacific News: Voluntourism on the Rise

ANHUI: Soaking in the sights and sounds of rural China or visiting the homes of families affected by HIV and AIDS to better understand their needs may not be most people's idea of a vacation.

But an increasing number of people, foreigners as well as Chinese, are choosing this alternative form of travel called 'Voluntourism'.

'Voluntourism' or combining volunteer work with tourism is becoming an increasingly popular way of seeing the world.

In China, more people from major cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong are choosing to travel with a purpose.

Charity organization Chi Heng Foundation has organized 10 such trips since last year to visit AIDS affected families in rural China.

A day out at the park may not seem like the most interesting activity on a tour itinerary, but for these AIDS affected children, it is good fun and a way to forget their problems for a while.

Thomas Ho and his wife, who are from Hong Kong, brought their three sons, with the youngest at seven years old, along with them for a 'Voluntourism' trip.

Mr Ho said: "What's the point of bringing children to great cities, five-star hotels, what do they learn? But coming to a trip like this, the children will see a contrast of what they have and the life of people who don't have what they have."

Chi Heng Foundation's founder Chung To said: "Many of the children do not have HIV themselves but in a village setting where people sometimes are superstitious and relatively uneducated, some villages believe that these children brought the bad luck to the family, causing the parents to die. The children have been the scapegoat in some cases and even the relatives are not treating them well."

Many of the visitors were inspired by the children's resilience.

Fourteen-year-old Kevin Ho said: "They are not different in any way. It's just that their background is different but when we meet them, they are all like normal kids."

Another participant Tejinder Rajput said: "In a place that has lots of poverty, they are so positive and vibrant. They are smiling and it makes you wonder whether we have got it wrong. Living in the city with the stresses of working nine to five, these people are just free-spirited individuals."

A three day two night weekend trip to Anhui costs about US$500.

It covers accommodation, meals, as well as gifts for the children.

Source: CNA/fa


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Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

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Tourism Indochina:Volunteer Tourism not only immerses the real travel Cambodia but also act as human

What is VolunTourism?

Volunteer Tourism also known as VolunTourism, in the broadest sense, Voluntourism represents voluntary service experiences that include travel to a destination in order to realize one's service intentions.

In a more refined and balanced approach, VolunTourism is the conscious, seemlessly-integrated combination of voluntary service to a destination with the traditional elements of travel and tourism - arts, culture, geography, history, and recreation - while in the destination.

Tourism Indochina:Volunteer Tourism not only immerses the real travel Cambodia but also act as human

Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-07-18):

Volunteer tourism “makes use of holiday-makers who volunteer to fund and work on social or conservation projects around the world and aims to provide sustainable alternative travel that can assist in community development, scientific research or ecological restoration” (Wearing, 2004,p.217). Volunteer Tourism becomes increasingly important for those interested candidate in sustainable travel and humanity activities during the gap year and holiday.


Cambodia is now one of the must-visit destinations in South East Asia. With its pristine beaches, ancient temples and exotic jungle, it's easy to see why its turbulent history is now becoming an increasingly distant memory. This beautiful country is at peace, and Cambodians are focused on building a positive future. Visit Cambodia and you will be amazed by the juxtaposition of vibrant cities, achingly beautiful scenery and famous historical landmarks like Angkor Wat. However, Cambodia offers far more attractions than temples. Go elephant trekking in the East, try snorkeling and dolphin-spotting in the seas surrounding Sihanouk Ville, or take in the sunset with a bottle of Angkor beer at a local beach bar.


In harmony with the humanity activities and be apart of social welfare acceleration, you can take a golden opportunity to experience the real travel in Cambodia and explore the deep culture of the people through many types of special interest tourism activities such as ecotourism, cycling tourism, adventure tourism, agricultural tourism. Specifically, a type of volunteer tourism can be a good way to learn about Cambodia and communicate well with local residents. The Cambodia project is located in the town of Siem Reap near the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site of the Angkor temples (http://www.globalteer.org/projects/cambodia.html). If you are interested in a sustainable travel and community development, why DO NOT join a volunteer program that would immerse you!


By CHHEM Samnang

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Volunteer Tourism not only immerses the real travel Cambodia but also act as humanity

Volunteer tourism “makes use of holiday-makers who volunteer to fund and work on social or conservation projects around the world and aims to provide sustainable alternative travel that can assist in community development, scientific research or ecological restoration” (Wearing, 2004,p.217). Volunteer Tourism becomes increasingly important for those interested candidate in sustainable travel and humanity activities during the gap year and holiday.


Cambodia is now one of the must-visit destinations in South East Asia. With its pristine beaches, ancient temples and exotic jungle, it's easy to see why its turbulent history is now becoming an increasingly distant memory. This beautiful country is at peace, and Cambodians are focused on building a positive future. Visit Cambodia and you will be amazed by the juxtaposition of vibrant cities, achingly beautiful scenery and famous historical landmarks like Angkor Wat. However, Cambodia offers far more attractions than temples. Go elephant trekking in the East, try snorkeling and dolphin-spotting in the seas surrounding Sihanouk Ville, or take in the sunset with a bottle of Angkor beer at a local beach bar.


In harmony with the humanity activities and be apart of social welfare acceleration, you can take a golden opportunity to experience the real travel in Cambodia and explore the deep culture of the people through many types of special interest tourism activities such as ecotourism, cycling tourism, adventure tourism, agricultural tourism. Specifically, a type of volunteer tourism can be a good way to learn about Cambodia and communicate well with local residents. The Cambodia project is located in the town of Siem Reap near the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site of the Angkor temples (http://www.globalteer.org/projects/cambodia.html). If you are interested in a sustainable travel and community development, why DO NOT join a volunteer program that would immerse you!


By CHHEM Samnang


Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/

Read more...