Our story began in 1997 with the founding of Utopia Tours, which pioneered PLU travel to Southeast Asia. Utopia Tours was an alternative to sex tourism and active in community development and HIV programs. The company was dissolved in 2006 when two of the three original partners moved on to other pursuits. Under the direction of founding partner Douglas Thompson, Purple Dragon stepped in where Utopia Tours left off.

We currently have operations in seven countries. In most places, our local staff of nearly 60 people work directly and exclusively for us, which helps us to insure the quality of our guests' experience.

Although we are primarily an internet-based travel business, our office in the Tarntawan Place Hotel in Bangkok is usually able to serve guests who want to make last-minute reservations. We prefer to confirm your holiday plans before you arrive, as space is sometimes limited and our efficient staff is often at full throttle. So please make advance reservations for our fantastic tours and packages to avoid disappointment.

Join Club Sanook today for specially-priced "members only" programs that do not appear elsewhere on the Purple Dragon website, occasional e-postcards from one of the fascinating places in our enchanting world, and a bi-monthly newsletter full of information about travel in Southeast Asia. Joining is free. Members can accumulate points toward future travel awards.

Purple Dragon is a founding member of the Thai Alternative Travel Association, Asia's first organization of rainbow tourism and hospitality businesses. TATA promotes responsible tourism and does not welcome commercial sex businesses as Members.