With tourist numbers set to skyrocket, it is essential for the preservation of Myanmar, that the development required to facilitate this demand is carried out responsibly. This is something we care passionately about and you will find it at the very core of Tour Mandalay’s business model. For this to actually happen however, it will require the help and cooperation from everyone involved – the government, local authorities, tour operators, and most importantly, the tourists themselves.
Together with the help of our UK-based partners, we have helped to rebuild a primary school that was completely destroyed by Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Our next challenge is to keep pupils enrolled, as it’s common for parents to take children out of school for work purposes once they’re physically able.
Happy Haven Humanitarian Project (HHHP) is a small hospice located on the outskirts of Yangon, which helps to care for and educate children born with HIV/AIDS. It also helps to promote awareness of the disease to the wider community, whilst encouraging the use of preventative techniques. We regularly donate and provide support to HHHP, and can provide tourists with the opportunity to participate through privately arranged excursions.
We have helped to build and cultivate the Mingalar Bio Garden, a five acre plot of land, which produces organic fruits and vegetables using homemade bio-fertiliser. Everything produced here is then donated to a local orphanage, which provides free education to more than a thousand children.
Tour Mandalay is always looking for ways to help the community around us, and are proud to support a range of local community projects and charity events.
Although we’re not directly responsible for the management of the following, we would strongly encourage you to consider incorporating the following excursions into your touring. After all, who said that giving back can’t be fun?
Tour Mandalay visit the Yangon Animal Shelter
On the remote plains an hour north of Yangon, you’ll unexpectedly find hundreds of bouncy, barking, affectionate dogs vying for your love and affection. All former street dogs, it is understandable that some are very shy and others recovering from the stresses of...
Sunflowers on the lake
Located close to the north-western banks of Inle Lake, Sunflowers Organic Dye Weaving Studio is the brain child of girl-genius Ma Phyu Ei Thein. Starting her first business back in 2004, Ma Phyu specialises in creating a range of “Myanmar made” woven products made...
Shwe Sa Bwe, Yangon
Located on the north side of Inya Lake, just off Parami Road, Shwe Sa Bwe is the perfect dining option for anyone looking to get a taste of Yangon’s fine dining scene in a not so pretentious environment. Founded by Francois Stoupan in early 2013, Shwe Sa Bwe is a...