Want to make a difference while traveling?
Ask your travel agents to include one of our selection of responsible operators and shops in your trip, they have been carefully screened for their positive contribution to poverty reduction, environmental conservation, and support of cultural and crafts revival.
We invite you to read our ‘Tips for responsible travelers‘ in the following languages: English – Spanish – French
The rewarding thing about responsible travel is that it is usually synonymous with authenticity. Read more.The Cape Town Declaration gives you a comprehensive definition of responsible travel.
PHNOM PENH
Restaurants
- Sugar & Spice Garden Café 130A, Street 430, Phnom Penh. Tel.: (+855) (0) 77851800. Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 6 pm. Saturday: 9am to 6 pm. Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
Freshly made coffee, mouthwatering bakery products and tasty meals are all on the menu at this charming café and restaurant located in the Russian Market neighbourhood. The business is operated by Daughters of Cambodia, an organisation that supports victims of sex-trafficking and sex-exploitation, trains them in cooking and hospitality skills and equips them for employment in the city’s high-end hotels.
- Hagar Restaurant 44, Street 310, BKK1 Phnom Penh. Tel.: (+855) (0) 10333014. Every day: 7 am to 2 pm. Thursday to Saturday: 5 pm to 9 pm (upon reservation)
Choose your favourite dishes from a tempting Asian and International lunch buffet, enjoy a delicious hotpot & grill buffet for dinner or drop by for a hearty Cambodian or Western breakfast. This social enterprise provides life-changing employment opportunities for men and women from Hagar NGO’s shelters and social programs – and exceptional catering and customer services in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
- Romdeng 74, St. 174, Phnom Penh. Tel.(+855) (0) 92 219 565. Set in a lovely colonial building with an atmospheric garden, serving delicious Khmer dishes.
- Friends 215, St. 13, near National Museum, Phnom Penh. Tel. (+855) (0) 12 802 072, famous for its tasty Asian and Western food and served tapas-style.
These two restaurants support Friends International, an organization offering opportunities to get a better life to children at risk.
Shopping
- Association des Artisans du Cambodge House 11B, Street 240, Phnom Penh
AAC is a fair trade association providing commercial and capacity building services to social enterprises that work closely with disadvantaged people. Its shop offers a fine selection of quality Cambodian handicrafts fashion accessories and homeware items made primarily of silk, wood, fine metals and recycled materials.
- Daughters’ boutique 65, Street 178, Phnom Penh
Located on the ground floor of the Daughters of Cambodia visitor centre and café, this fair-trade boutique offers an appealing range of fashion accessories, including jewellery, scarves and bags, children’s toys, men’s products, T-shirts, and home decor. All goods are hand-made by young victims of the sex trade, to whom the organisation is helping to turn their lives around.
- National Centre for Disabled Persons 3, Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh
This appealing gift shop stocks a range of high quality fashion and home accessories made from pure, hand-woven silk and available in a wide palette of colours; all crafted by Cambodian people who have been disabled by landmines or polio. By shopping here you can contribute towards the continued funding of the centre’s training programmes and workshops.
- Sentosa Silk 33, Sothearos Boulevard/corner of Street 178, Phnom Penh
Established in 2004, Sentosa specialises in high quality Cambodian silk articles, produced by poor and disabled craftsmen and women from rural areas who are experts in traditional forms of silk weaving. Luxury pieces made from pure Khmer silk are available in a wide range of colors and sizes – and every purchase directly helps to support these talented craftspeople.
- Rajana Next to Russian Market, St. 450, Phnom Penh
The Rajana Association is an income generation and skills training project, which produces Fair Trade products that fuse traditional Cambodian skills with contemporary design. Its souvenir and handicraft shop sells a wide variety of items, including silkwares, paintings, silver jewellery, bamboo handicrafts, cards, drawings, iron works, hilltribe crafts, plus local coffees, spices and condiments like the famous Kampot pepper.
- Mekong Blue, Showroom at 9Eo Street 130. Tel.: (+855) (0)12 609 730
Modern and classic silk scarves, fine bedding and homeware, elegant accessories and men’s ties are just some of the handmade products available at Mekong Blue, all carefully crafted by disadvantaged women. The goods are made and sold as a part of the Stung Treng Women’s Development Centre project, which aims to help vulnerable people in rural areas, particularly women, to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy that traps them.
- Friends’n’ Stuff – Tooit Tooit
- 215, Street 13
- Stall 434, Russian Market
Check out these colourful shops for quirky, unusual giftware and souvenirs designed by Friends’ students and parents of former street kids, and made out of recycled materials. Their range includes clothing, necklaces, purses, soft toys and second hand goods, bicycle basket covers and more. The branch on street 13 in Phnom Penh has also a nail bar, run by students from the Friends beauty school.
- SMateria, 8 Eo, Street 57, Boueung Keng Kang 7, Street 178, Riverside
SMateria’s creative tailors and craftspeople turn discarded objects and materials into beautiful, brand new handbags, lamps, hats or other covetable accessories. When you make a purchase, you support the bid to give local people access to fair contracts and working conditions in Cambodia.
- Artisans d’Angkor, 12 AEo, street 13, (in front of Post Office)
The perfect place to buy upmarket gift items or treat yourself to superb souvenirs. Artisans d’Angkor offers collectable pieces such as wood and stone statues, lacquer panels, home furnishings, and a collection of silk clothing, scarves and accessories inspired by the Angkorian heritage and designed to suit contemporary lifestyles. Guided tours of the organisation’s workshops and silk farm are also available.
- Senteurs d’Angkor, 33BE0 Street 178, Phnom Penh
A sweet-smelling oasis of handmade soaps, massage oils, moisturising creams, balms and aromatic candles; all scented with delightful fresh, essences such as jasmine, orchid, cinnamon, lemongrass or green tea. Senteurs d’Angkor also stocks local spices and home-made mango jam. All products are created from natural and locally-sourced raw ingredients, and packaging is made mostly from natural and recyclable materials.
- Mekong Quilts home decor & bamboo furniture, 49, Street 240, Phnom Penh
Renowned for its beautiful, handmade quilts, this must-visit shop also offers a feast of attractive handicraft and home decor items, from bags and accessories to bamboo furniture. You can even buy bamboo bicycles that are as robust as regular bikes. All stock is sourced from the Mekong Plus workshops in Cambodia and Vietnam, established to give rural communities an opportunity for self-sustainable development.
- Tabitha, 239, Street 51, Phnom Penh
The Tabitha Cottage Industry programme is one arm of the Tabitha Cambodia integrated community development programmes (school building, water supply, supporting families’ livelihoods activities). The handicrafts include traditionally hand dyed and woven silk and its manufacture into saleable items in a cottage industry environment.Tabitha Cambodia pays workers a fair price for all products, providing training, employment and income. The products are marketed worldwide and sold at very reasonable prices.
SIEM REAP
Restaurants
- Sala Bai 155, Phoum Tapoul, Siem Reap
Sala Baï is not just an excellent restaurant, serving high quality Western and Khmer dishes, but also one of Cambodia’s most impressive social projects, which trains young Cambodians from the poorest family backgrounds for a future in the hospitality industry. Diners have the opportunity to chat with the trainees who are turning their lives around by acquiring professional cooking and customer service skills.
- Haven Sok San Street, Siem Reap, 20m past the X-Bar, on the right
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, but away from the hustle and bustle of its main centre, Haven is the perfect place to relax and indulge, and at the same time support young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. This quality training restaurant equips them with the skills they need to achieve a secure, independent future.
- Marum 8A, B Phum Slokram, Siem Reap (between Wat Polanka and Catholic church) Tel. (+855) (0) 17 363 284
Vocational training restaurant set up by Friends International a must-try in Siem Reap.
Shopping
- Friends’n’ Stuff – Tooit Tooit
- Art Center Market Stall 21-22E, (Wat Damnak Village)
- 8 AB, Phum Slokram, inside Marum restaurant
Check out these colourful shops for quirky, unusual giftware and souvenirs designed by Friends’ students and parents of former street kids, and made out of recycled materials. Their range includes clothing, necklaces, purses, soft toys and second hand goods, bicycle basket covers and more.
- SMateria, The Alley West, Old Market Area, Siem Reap
SMateria’s creative tailors and craftspeople turn discarded objects and materials into beautiful, brand new handbags, lamps, hats or other covetable accessories. When you make a purchase, you support the bid to give local people access to fair contracts and working conditions in Cambodia.
- Artisans d’Angkor
- Showroom and workshop: Stung Thmey street, (2mins from Old Market) Tel: (+855) 63 963 330
- Silk farm and workshop: Puok District (20mn from downtown). Tel: (+855) 63 5555 768
The perfect place to buy upmarket gift items or treat yourself to superb souvenirs. Artisans d’Angkor offers collectable pieces such as wood and stone statues, lacquer panels, home furnishings, and a collection of silk clothing, scarves and accessories inspired by the Angkorian heritage and designed to suit contemporary lifestyles. Guided tours of the organisation’s workshops and silk farm are also available.
- Senteurs d’Angkor, Pi Tnou St (Opposite Old Market), Siem Reap
A sweet-smelling oasis of handmade soaps, massage oils, moisturising creams, balms and aromatic candles; all scented with delightful fresh, essences such as jasmine, orchid, cinnamon, lemongrass or green tea. Senteurs d’Angkor also stocks local spices and home-made mango jam. All products are created from natural and locally-sourced raw ingredients, and packaging is made mostly from natural and recyclable materials.
- Mekong Quilts home decor & bamboo furniture, 5 Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap
Renowned for its beautiful, handmade quilts, this must-visit shop also offers a feast of attractive handicraft and home decor items, from bags and accessories to bamboo furniture. You can even buy bamboo bicycles that are as robust as regular bikes. All stock is sourced from the Mekong Plus workshops in Cambodia and Vietnam, established to give rural communities an opportunity for self-sustainable development.
- Beau Fou Boutique 520, Angkor Villa Street, Siem Reap
This lovely boutique offers unique, handcrafted pieces made by students from The Global Child, an organisation that supports street children and their families. It also sells bags, clothes, jewellery and carpets, made locally and in other South East Asian countries, to support a variety of non-profit organisations and communities.
- Saray water hyacinth handicrafts Street 27, Siem Reap
This innovative venture manufactures and sells attractive furniture, bags and carpets made of hand-woven water hyacinth, collected and crafted by a cooperative of 30 women from the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake, following traditional weaving practices. Initiated by Osmose, an environmental NGO that provides poor families with alternative livelihoods to compensate for the depletion of local fish resources, this ideal model of sustainable development also addresses the ecological problem caused by the proliferation of invasive water hyacinths.
- Golden Silk Prey Themey village, 10 km from Banteay Srey temple, Siem Reap
Golden Silk creates exquisite, upmarket pieces out of ecologically produced silk, which is woven and dyed manually by orphans and disadvantaged rural people in return for a fair salary and working conditions. Every stage is carried out according to the traditional techniques used within the Royal Family and the silk used is produced entirely in Cambodia, which is very rare. Shop here for highly individual scarves and sarongs decorated with delicate traditional patterns or visit the Golden Silk mulberry farm and weaving ateliers to support the development of rural economies in Cambodia and the revival of ancient weaving techniques.
- Samatoa, 98 Pithnu Street, Siem Reap. Tel.: (+855) (0) 63 965 310. Open 10 am to 11 pm
- In hotels: Sofitel, Victoria, Sokha, Borei Angkor, Sothea and Tara Angkor
Specialising in women’s clothing, Samatoa offers a range of Asian, casual and glamour fashion. The organisation uses top quality silk and is developing innovative fibres made from lotus stems to create a fabric that is light-weight, breatheable, waterproof and chemical-free. Its upmarket, up to the minute designs is the result of a close collaboration between designers and fashion experts. As its name, which means “fair“, suggests, Samatoa adopts fair trade and eco-friendly principles. Visitors are welcomed at the Samatoa Lotus Farm – ask your travel agent for details.
BATTAMBANG
Restaurants
- Jaan Bai Restaurant Street 2, Battambang. Tel.: (+855) (0) 97 398 7815. Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am to 10:30 pm
This colourful restaurant and café, a social enterprise belonging to the Cambodian Children’s Trust (CCTV), serves simple, tasty, wholesome dishes made from seasonal organic products that are sourced from its own garden, local farmers and neighbouring markets. At Jaan Bai, CCT provides training opportunities that empower underprivileged children and young people for work in the hospitality sector.
- Kinyei Café Street 1 ½, Battambang. Next to the Central Market
Kinyei Café is the place to go in Battambang for expertly made espresso coffee and delicious bakery goods. Located on the lower floor of a beautiful French colonial building, this training café was created by Kinyei NGO to provide hands-on experience for vulnerable local youths, and at the same time offer an open space for social innovation, cross cultural engagement and local artistic talent.
KAMPOT
Restaurant
- Epic Arts Café and Shop 1st of May road , Kampot
This welcoming café it’s not just the coffee and cakes that are Epic. The venue is also a shop/showroom for a range of colourful giftware that includes t-shirts, silk scarves, handbags and jewellery, made from natural materials. All of the products here are crafted and cooked with love by deaf and disabled people, who are able to earn a living thanks to Epic Arts and its customers.
Shopping
- Dorsu: made in Cambodia Opposite to Old Market, Kampot. Tel. (+855)(0) 12960225
Dorsu is a Cambodian run social business that sells attractive, high quality clothing, gifts and souvenirs, all handmade by local craftspeople. Originally established to generate income for the Chumkriel Language School to fund education and support for local communities, Dorsu Store now provides secure employment in a safe and positive working environment, regular hours, breaks and meals, a competitive salary and training in clothing production and customer service.
SIHANOUKVILLE
Restaurant
- The Starfish Project Bakery and Café
Downtown, behind Samudera Supermarket, Sihanoukville
Open from 7am – 6pm everyday – www.starfishcambodia.org
The Starfish Bakery & Café was started in 2001 as an income generating project for the Starfish Project. The Starfish Center provides employment opportunities for Cambodian people with disabilities as all outreach workers, bakery/café, internet and massage employees suffer from some form of physical disability which makes it difficult for them to obtain meaningful employment elsewhere. In the Starfish Center visitors can enjoy healthy lunches, delicious pastry and cakes, massage or use our high speed internet.
Restaurants & Shops
- Nixi Black Pottery Coffee 5, Cang Fang Street, Chi Lang Gang, Shangri-la City
A first rate cafe serving excellent breakfasts and freshly ground coffee, as well as Tibetan, Chinese and Western dishes. Enjoy local and imported wines by the glass and bottle, and browse the fine selection of pottery for sale, from Nixi Village, and books in English and Chinese.
- Tang Dong Handicraft Development Center Dugushou 18th, Chang Fang Road, Shangri-la County
A wide range of covetable, quality products, including pottery, woven blankets, woodcarvings, bags, toys and paintings, all created by local Tibetan artisans.
- The Yunnan Mountain Handicraft Centre (YMHC) 1 Jinlong Jie, Shangri-La
Shop here for food, soaps, skin care products and handicrafts, all made from quality, natural ingredients by the farmers of Shangri-La, and play a part in improving quality of life in this farming community. Raw materials are farmed and produced using green methods that avoid the use of chemicals or pesticides.
VIENTIANE
Restaurants
- Makphet Restaurant and Friends’ shop, 78, Ban Inpeng Vat Chanh Tha, Vientiane. Open Every Day 11am – 9:30pm – T +856 21 260 587 – contact@makphet-restaurant.org
Established by Friends International, this vocational training restaurant in Vientiane teaches cookery and customer service skills to disadvantaged young people. The restaurant upholds the highest standards of hygiene and serves creative Lao cuisine prepared with only naturally-grown ingredients and without MSG.
Shopping
- Mulberries Nokeo Koummane Road, Vientiane
A not-for-profit operation that specializes in the production of naturally-dyed, handmade Lao silk, Mulberries is known for its selection of quality scarves and cushion covers. The company is part of the World Fairtrade Organisation that supports the interests of producers, particularly small farmers and artisans and helps them to improve their livelihoods.
- COPE Souvenir shop Khou Vieng Road, Vientiane (across from Green Park Hotel)
Choose from a range of t-shirts and handicrafts to support COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) in its ongoing efforts to rid the country of landmines and other unexploded ordinances.
- Organic market That Luang Esplanade, Vientiane
The largest and most diverse source of delicious organic fruits, vegetables and prepared foods in Laos, the market helps educate and inform consumers about organic production systems in Laos, and about the benefits of consuming organic products.
- Carol Cassidy’s Textiles and weaving shop 108, Nokekoumanne Ban Mixay, Chanthabouly district, Vientiane
Shop here for bold, beautiful wall hangings, scarves, shawls and custom furnishing fabrics exquisitely crafted in 100% handwoven silk by Carol Cassidy and the 40 Laotian artisans she employs.
- T’Shop Laï Gallery local and imported wines by the glass and bottle Vat Inpeng Street, Vientiane
A great place to find fun, practical and inexpensive souvenirs and giftwares. Colourful coasters, vases, bowls, boxes, games, ornaments and jewellery are cleverly crafted from materials like coconut wood and shell, eggshell, buffalo horn, recycled timber or steel, mulberry paper and leather. All products are handmade by Lao artisans trained at the gallery’s workshop and part of the profits from every sale goes towards educational development in Laos.
LUANG PRABANG
Restaurants
- Khaiphaen in Luang Prabang 100 Sisavang Vatana Road, Ban Wat Nong, between the French Institute and the Mekong River. Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 9:30pm – T +856 30 515 5221/71 254 135
Khaiphen is named after a popular Laotian snack made of crispy Mekong River weed unique to Luang Prabang. Enjoy creative Lao cuisine, as well as great shakes and cocktails, set in a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city. The restaurant also has a small gift shop attached to it, selling products made by families which will help keep their children in education.
- Tamarind: a taste of Laos Kingkithsalath Road, next to The Apsara Laos Hotel, Luang Prabang. Tel. (+856 71) 213 128 / 20 7777 0484
This stylish Lao-Australian-family restaurant and cooking school is the perfect setting to sample and learn more about the special flavours and ingredients of Lao cuisine. Create your own dishes in the buffet; choose from the restaurant’s a la carte menu of Lao specialities, or attend its guided food tastings and other culinary events. Committed to giving something back to local communities, Tamarind sources all its raw matters from local producers and suppliers. Diners can take a taste of Tamarind home for themselves or their friends: the restaurant offers a range of gourmet gifts, cookbooks and cooking utensils.
Shopping
- Ma Té Sai 2/58, Sisangvone Road, ban Xieng Mouane, Luang Prabang
Ma Té Sai sells gifts and household items made by Laotian hilltribes. These fascinating handicrafts reflect village life, local traditions and the cultural identities of a variety of ethnic groups; take one – or more – pieces home and and contribute towards improving the sustainable incomes of poor and vulnerable Lao artisans.
- Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Ban Khamyong, Luang Prabang
Carved wood, cotton and liana vine, hand spun and dyed are some of the natural materials with which TAEC artisans craft a variety of accessories, homewares, jewellery and children’s toys. Through this shop, TAEC supports over 600 craftspeople, mostly disadvantaged women and their families from 12 provinces of Laos. A visit to the on-site ethnic museum and café/ bakery shop is a must-do while in Luang Prabang.
- Ban Chan, pottery village Across Mekong River, Luang Prabang
The 300 inhabitants of the small village of Ban Chan manufacture highly individual pottery, vases, ash trays and terracotta tiles. Raw materials are sourced from the surrounding area, mixed, processed, modelled and fired on the site.
- CAMACrafts Ban Phonton, Luang Prabang
CAMACrafts is a non-profit, self-help project that markets attractive handicrafts made by Lao artisans. All products are entirely handmade, using traditional patterns and techniques, in order to preserve and promote the traditional needlework skills of Hmong and Lao women, such as appliqué, cross stitch, embroidery and batik.
- Ock Pop Tok Ban Saylom, Luang Prabang
Shop here for a colourful selection of fair trade gifts, scarves, home textiles, accessories and toys, all handcrafted by local villagers. Ock Pop Tok collaborates in the empowerment and development of rural women and artisans from remote areas.
YANGON
Restaurants
- LinkAge Restaurant and Art Gallery 221, 1st floor, Manhar Bandoola Garden Street, Yangon. Tel. (+951) 09 495 83618 / 09 430 52 916. Monday to Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm
Appealingly located in a quiet corner of crowded downtown Yangon, LinkAge restaurant is the social enterprise belonging to the NGO, Forever Humanitarian and Development Projects, that provides vocational training to street children in Yangon. Diners can enjoy delicious food, prepared and served by enthusiastic young people and at the same time admire the collection of Myanmar Fine Art paintings that decorate the walls.
- Shwe Sa Bwe Malikha Road, Yangon (close to crossroads with Parami Road). Tel (+951)1661983
This hotel and restaurant training centre equips underprivileged young Myanmar nationals with the culinary and service skills that change their lives. Mouthwatering set menus, both Burmese and Western, are served for lunch and dinner.
- Veranda Youth Community Cafe, Zwekabin Street (between Ingone Street & Kan Thar Yar Lake), Hpa An, Karen State – Open Monday to Saturday, 11am – 8pm – Tel +95 925 5953 135.
A community centre inviting youths to gain priceless work experience in the hospitality sector in a relaxed café environment. Participants work together to organize their ideas and visions to contribute to the development of their community. The centre’s programs offer participants the opportunity to learn more about Karen culture and education. A wide range of drinks (hot beverages, juices, shakes, smoothies) and food (snacks, salads and Burmese meals) are available.
Shopping
- Xavier Bagnoud Association, AFXB
- 8-1, Kha Paung Lane (Martin Avenue), Hlaing, Yangon
- Hnin Si Gone Home Of The Age, Shwe Goner Daing Street, Yangon
9 to 5 pm (closed on Sundays). Tel: (+951) 97 30 16 552
Browse textiles, candles and handicrafts in metal and wood in AFXB’s shop. The association was created to fight poverty and AIDS and support orphans and other vulnerable children in Burma. Buyers contribute towards its valuable work to improve children’s rights and provide direct support to the families and communities that care for them.
- Loft shop at Monsoon Restaurant 85-87, Theinbyu Road, Botataung, Yangon. Tel: (+951) 29 52 24 & 70 50 63
A treasure trove awaits in the loft above Monsoon Restaurant: finely crafted accessories for women, hand-made glassware and home décor items, all made from quality, natural materials. Visitors can also step into the Loft Shop’s workshop and learn about the various craft techniques used by its talented artisans.
- ChuChu, 507 Khaye Road, Dala, Yangon. Tel: (+95) 9 792 582795
ChuChu is a Myanmar social enterprise re-designing waste material into craft following a strict handicraft approach with the aim to show the beauty of what is considered to be garbage.
Restaurants
- Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant and Gift Shop
- 6 Sukhumvit Soi 12, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok (Close to Times Square Building; 200m south from the intersection of Sukhumvit Rd. with Sukhumvit 12 Alley)
- 252 Moo 4 Gate 1 Chiangrai Rajaphat University Rd,, Tambon Ban Doo, Muang, Chiang Rai
Eat, shop and support worthy causes at Cabbages & Condoms. The restaurant serves an extensive selection of tasty Thai and Western dishes; soups, appetizers, salads, noodles and vegetarian food. The gift shop, meanwhile, is the place to pick up handmade ceramics, candles, Thai-silk products, t-shirts and a novel range of items made from condoms, all crafted by villagers from rural areas of Thailand. Both projects provide operational and financial support to the Population and Community Development Association (PCDA), which has been effectively promoting the use of condoms since the 90’s, when Thailand had the world’s fastest growing numbers of HIV cases. Cabbages & Condoms now also supports additional PCDA programs that address such issues as socio-economic development, education and health, emergency relief and environmental issues.
- Ruen Come in Restaurant 79/3 Sirithorn Rd., Chang Phuak, Muang, Chiang Mai. Tel. (+66) 53 212 516
Proudly run by a Chiang Mai family, this charming, eco-friendly restaurant serves traditional, home-cooked recipes from Northern Thailand, made with organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Ruen Come In Restaurant aims to promote and celebrate Chiangmai Mai culture; every detail – from interior design to staff uniform – is locally designed and made in the Lanna style, and staff are encouraged speak local dialect to Thai customers.
- Krua Pak Waan Ayutthaya Krua Pak Waan 13000 1/6 ซ.อู่ทอง 4 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
This restaurant focuses on the flavors of traditional Thai-Muslim dishes. They grow their own organic vegetables and their specialty is Pak Waan which is used in most dishes. The river prawns are amazing.
(Opening Times: Monday to Sunday – 08:00 – 21:00)
- The Passport 507 Moo 10, Maepa, Mae Sot, Tak 63110 (Opening Times: THU to SUN for Dinners only)
The Passport is definitely worth a dinner trip to the north side of Mae Sot. This non-profit hospitality vocational training school offers Western/Asian menus, showcasing the skills of migrant and refugee students. The vocational training center was launched in 2009 by IECD and the Tak Border Child Assistance Foundation. In the context of Thailand, where tourism is a major sector of the economy, the multidisciplinary training in front office, cooking, service and housekeeping offered by the HCTC opens up great professional opportunities to 30 young people every year, after completion of a two-year, practice-oriented training.
- Chomtalay Beach Restaurant 181 Moo 4 Samroiyod District Prachuap Khirikan. Tel. (+66) 32 559 364
This welcoming restaurant is as committed to environmental and social welfare as it is to serving an excellent selection of tasty seafood and healthy cuisine – check out the special low-carbon footprint menu. Its key initiatives include waste separation, the use of energy and water-efficient appliances, support for the community’s health and education systems and awareness raising activities for both customers and local communities. All staffs are local and trained in environmental conservation, hospitality and health issues.
Shopping
- ThaiCraft Fair Trade 242, Soi Akharn Songkroh, Akhan Songkroh Sai 15 Road, Thung Wat Don Sathorn, Bangkok
Shoppers can browse a wide variety of colourful handcrafted products, from pottery and rattan furniture to scarves, jewellery and Christmas decorations. ThaiCraft gives artisans from all over Thailand the opportunity to earn a living by selling the items they hand make.
- Friends’n’ Stuff 3/8 Soi Sukhumvit 49, Sukhumvit Road, Khlongton Nua, Watthana District, Bangkok. Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm
Be amazed at the creative potential of recycling. The Thai sister to Friends shops in Cambodia is packed with unique products, designed and made by Friends students – all former street kids – and their parents. Recycled materials are transformed into brand new bags, soft toys, accessories, homewares and other funky craft items.
- Thai Tribal Crafts Fair Trade 208 Bamrungrat Road, Chiang Mai
Attractive bags, travel accessories, clothing, basketwork, musical instruments and Fair Trade coffee are just some of the wide range of items on sale at Thai Tribal Crafts shop. All goods are produced by the six major hill tribe groups of Northern Thailand, and every purchase has a part to play in improving their quality of life.
- Weave
- 7 Soi 5 Sirimangkalajarn Road T.Suthep, Chiang Mai
- 656, Intarakeeree Road Mae Sod, Tak
Shop here for cotton clothing, soft toys, hammocks, hand-woven silk scarves, wooden handicrafts, fair trade coffee and more – and for an important cause. Weave works to empower indigenous women in Thailand and support their needs and basic human rights.
- Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre 3rd. Floor, PDA Building, 620/25 Thanalai Road A, Chiang Rai
Created under the same umbrella organisation as Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant, PDA the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre was set up to provide tourists in Chiang Rai with information about the fascinating cultures of the six major tribal groups of Northern Thailand.
- The Family Tree 7 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin
A treasure trove of authentic, Thai arts and crafts, handmade by community groups and independent artists. Shop here for award-winning, hand-woven, naturally-dyed Thai silks, natural cosmetics, vibrant paintings of Thai life, striking recycled sculptures, jewellery, toys and accessories.
- Thai Wisdom Centre Kanchanaburi 158 Moo 5, Tambon Singh, Amphoe Saiyok, Kanchaburi
This green business stocks all sorts of organic cosmetics, food and homewares. The Thai Wisdom Centre gives the producers of the goods it sells the opportunity to earn a living and at the same time protects the local environment, wildlife and culture.
HO CHI MINH CITY
Restaurants
- Bloom Saigon, 3/5 Hoang Sa Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City – Tel: (+84) (0)8 39 10 12 77
Housed in a beautifully restored French colonial villa down a dimly lit alley, this charming restaurant serves healthy authentic Vietnamese delicacies and street foods made with fresh, quality ingredients with a touch of French influence. Bloom’s service offers a charming, comfortable, romantic atmosphere with a very nice view over the city and the Saigon River. This restaurant is also a vocational training center for disadvantaged youth, empowering them for a better future. Capacity: 100 persons
- Noir Dining in the dark, 180D, Lane 178, Hai Ba Trung street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
At Noir, it is more than just a meal it is a sensory journey, you will experience a dinner in a complete darkness where you will be guided and served by blind or visually impaired staff who have been specially trained to assist and reassure guests. This dining experience will stimulate your senses and open your mind, to a symphony of flavor from Asian to European cuisine. A unique occasion to support the blind community of Ho Chi Minh city and to contribute to organizations restoring sight to visually impaired children. Capacity: 70 persons
- KOTO, 19 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Dakao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Dine for a cause at the stylish KOTO Restaurant. KOTO, or ‘Know One Teach One’, is supported by Street Voices, an NGO dedicated to creating a brighter future for street kids and other disadvantaged youths in Vietnam. Young people in the KOTO training program are taught English language, hospitality and life skills and gain valuable work experience at its first rate restaurant.
Shopping
- Mekong Creations-Mekong Quilts
- 68 Lê Lợi, D.1 – 1st Floor. Tel.: (+84)(0)8 2210 3110. Every day 9 am to 7 pm
- S17-1 Sky Garden, Nguyên Văn Linh, D.7. Tel.: (+84)(0)8 627177589. Every day 9 am to 7 pm
From dinner services to furniture, bags and accessories to home decor and Christmas decorations, not to mention the luxurious quilts for which they are famous, all Mekong Creations and Mekong Quilts products are carefully hand made from natural and recycled materials to combine quality, craftsmanship and consideration for the local environment. Treat yourself – or friends – and help to transform the lives of the hundreds of disadvantaged and vulnerable women who are part of this valuable initiative.
HANOI
Restaurants
- Pots and Pan’s, 57 Bui Thị Xuan, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
An innovative restaurant offering a blend of European and modern Vietnamese cuisine. This restaurant was created in partnership with Know One Teach One (KOTO) and its international partner Small Giants, providing vocational training to underprivileged youths in Vietnam. Tucked away one of the small streets of Hanoi, among the bright lights of karaoke bars, Pot’s and Pans is worth seeking out. In a modern and yet intimate setting Pots’n Pans not only churns out fantastic Vietnamese cuisine with a unique international flair, but it helps to improve the lives of locals as well. The result is a thoroughly satiating, feel-good experience for guests that shouldn’t be missed. Capacity: 100 persons
- KOTO, 59 Van Mieu, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Dine for a cause at the stylish KOTO Restaurant. KOTO, or ‘Know One Teach One’, is supported by Street Voices, an NGO dedicated to creating a brighter future for street kids and other disadvantaged youths in Vietnam. Young people in the KOTO training program are taught English language, hospitality and life skills and gain valuable work experience at its first rate restaurant.
Shopping
- Craft Link, 51 Van Mieu, Hanoi
Stop by the Craft Links’ shop in Hanoi’s Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi for ai interesting hand-printed silks, lacquer and metal-work, paper… Choose among a diversity of fashion accessories, home decoration, music instruments, toys and stationary and purchase your fair trade gifts at Craft Links’ shop in the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi.
- Mekong Creations-Mekong Quilts
- 58 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem. Tel.: (+84)(0) 43824 4607. Every day 9 am to 9 pm
- 13 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem. Tel.: (+84)(0) 4 3926 4831. Every day 9am to 9 pm
From dinner services to furniture, bags and accessories to home decor and Christmas decorations, not to mention the luxurious quilts for which they are famous, all Mekong Creations and Mekong Quilts products are carefully hand made from natural and recycled materials to combine quality, craftsmanship and consideration for the local environment. Treat yourself – or friends – and help to transform the lives of the hundreds of disadvantaged and vulnerable women who are part of this valuable initiative.
HOI AN – HUE
Restaurants
- The Silent Tea House, 131 Tran Phu, Hoi An
Opened in February 2013, the Silent Tea House is a Reaching Out project run by hearing impaired staff. Enjoy a cup of freshly prepared tea and choose from a selection of tasty, organic, home-made cakes and snacks while you appreciate the beautiful peaceful atmosphere of silence and the beautiful ancient decoration.
- Streets Restaurant, 17 Le Loi Street, Hoi An
Located in a beautifully restored shop house setting, this restaurant is owned by a not-for profit organization. With food inspired by chefs from around the world, the menus feature the highest standards of carefully selected contemporary Vietnamese and International cuisine. All the restaurant revenue goes towards supporting the comprehensive program, where trainees spend part of each week at the restaurant, applying what they have learned in their classes. It is an essential part of the overall STREETS program, providing a training platform for hands-on learning, observation and practice.
- La Boulangerie, 46 Nguyen Tri Phuong St, Hue
Established to help disadvantaged youth in Hue, La Boulangerie serves delicious fresh juices, cakes, pizzas, and pastries – all for a good cause.
Shopping
- Lifestart Foundation, 77 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An. Tel.: (+84)(0)167 355 9447
The Lifestart Foundation is a grassroots, not-for-profit charity that helps disadvantaged and disabled Vietnamese people and their families to become self-sufficient. Its handicraft shop sells a variety of attractive and practical items, many of which are made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, paper, cloth and waste materials. Visitors can also try their hand at creating Vietnamese lanterns in the Foundation’s workshop.
- Reaching Out shop, 103 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An.
This fair-trade store specializes in beautiful craftworks, handmade in Vietnam by disabled artists and artisans. At Reaching Out, lustrous Vietnamese silks, polished brass, silver and gleaming lacquer become beautiful works of art to wear or to decorate the home. Stylish clothing is also available, tailored in quality fabrics and recycled cloth to designs inspired by traditional Vietnamese culture and folklore, as well as to customers’ own bespoke requirements.
- Metiseko Fashion and home décor, 03 Chau Thuong Van, Minh An, Hoi An
Shop ‘ecochic’ at Metiseko, for a gorgeous range of ready-to-wear clothes for women and children, and high end products for the home. All goods are made from natural silk and organic cotton certified by Global Organic Standards: stylish, natural and environmentally friendly.
- Healing the Wounded Heart Shop, 23 Vo Thi Sau Street, Hue
This unique shop sells handicrafts made by disabled artisans from recycled materials. All net proceeds contribute towards fair salaries for the shop’s disabled employees and the funding of heart surgery for poor children in the Hue area, via the Office of Genetic Counselling and Disabled Children, Hue College of Medicine and Pharmacy. You can also watch the artisans at work at the organisation’s workshop at 69 Be Trieu Street, Hue.
