Environmental and Ethical Travel
-Vietnam-
“Du lịch bền vững,” - (SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL)
Sustainable Travel Practices: Reducing Your Environmental Impact
Traveling sustainably in Vietnam helps protect its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and local communities. By being mindful of your environmental footprint, you can make responsible choices to conserve resources and support sustainable tourism efforts. Here’s how to make eco-friendly decisions while traveling in Vietnam:
Minimizing Waste & Practicing Eco-Friendly Habits:
Cut Down on Single-Use Plastics: Plastic pollution is a challenge in Vietnam, so bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to avoid contributing to the problem. You can often find water refill stations in hotels, cafes, and some tourist areas, allowing you to avoid buying bottled water.
Use Zero-Waste Toiletries & Reusable Items: Switch to solid shampoo bars, soap, and bamboo toothbrushes to minimize packaging waste. Bring a set of reusable utensils, a metal straw, and a cloth napkin for street food or takeaway meals, and refuse single-use plastic bags or packaging whenever possible.
Recycle & Dispose of Waste Properly: Recycling facilities in Vietnam may not always be accessible, so separate recyclables (like bottles, cans, and paper) and dispose of them responsibly when possible. Take any trash with you when hiking or exploring nature, and never leave waste in public spaces, parks, or on beaches.
Conserving Water & Reducing Energy Use:
Conserve Water During Your Stay: Many regions in Vietnam face water scarcity, so take shorter showers, reuse towels, and turn off taps when not in use. If your accommodation allows, follow towel and linen reuse policies to reduce water and energy consumption.
Reduce Energy Consumption: Turn off lights, air conditioning, and electronic devices when leaving your accommodation. Many hotels and hostels use keycards to control power in the rooms, ensuring that energy is not wasted when you’re out. If available, choose accommodations that use energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources like solar power.
Supporting Eco-Friendly Accommodations & Activities:
Stay at Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Look for hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that implement sustainable practices like reducing plastic use, conserving energy, and supporting local communities. Vietnam has several eco-lodges, homestays, and boutique hotels, especially in destinations like Hoi An, Sapa, and Phong Nha, that emphasize sustainability and eco-conscious tourism.
Choose Sustainable & Responsible Tours: Participate in activities that respect nature and local communities. Look for eco-friendly tours focused on hiking, biking, kayaking, and cultural experiences that support local livelihoods. Before booking, research operators who follow sustainable practices, such as minimizing waste, using local guides, and respecting natural habitats.
Eco-Friendly Transportation Tips:
Utilize Public Transit & Local Transport: Use public transportation like buses, trains, and the Hanoi Metro (where available) to reduce your carbon footprint. In cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, opt for walking or cycling, as they are often more efficient and sustainable ways to explore bustling neighborhoods and local markets.
Take Trains Over Flights for Long-Distance Travel: When traveling between cities like Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, choose trains instead of domestic flights to reduce emissions. The scenic Reunification Express Train offers a comfortable and picturesque way to see Vietnam’s countryside. Overnight sleeper trains also save you on accommodation costs while being a more eco-friendly option.
Rent Bicycles or Fuel-Efficient Motorbikes: In towns like Hoi An, Ninh Binh, or Sapa, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore at a leisurely pace while being kind to the environment. If you choose to rent a motorbike, select a fuel-efficient or electric model to minimize pollution. Additionally, group tours on bicycles or electric scooters are a great way to see local areas sustainably.
Engaging in Eco-Conscious Activities & Supporting Local Initiatives:
Participate in Community-Based Tourism & Cultural Exchanges: Experience Vietnamese culture by supporting community-based tourism projects. This includes activities like staying in a homestay with ethnic minority families, learning traditional crafts (like pottery in Bat Trang Village or silk weaving in Hoi An), or joining cooking classes that source ingredients from local farms.
Support Ethical Wildlife & Nature Tours: When planning nature-based activities, avoid attractions that exploit animals or damage the environment. Choose responsible trekking tours in national parks like Phong Nha-Ke Bang or Cuc Phuong that prioritize conservation. When visiting beaches or marine parks, join snorkeling or diving tours with operators that practice responsible marine tourism, such as not disturbing coral reefs or marine life.
Buy Local & Sustainable Products: Support local artisans by purchasing handicrafts like woven baskets, pottery, or textiles from fair-trade shops. Opt for sustainable souvenirs made from natural materials like bamboo, coconut, or recycled products. Steer clear of items made from endangered species, coral, or sea shells to help preserve natural resources and wildlife.
Making Ethical Travel Choices & Avoiding Harmful Practices:
Respect Local Spaces & Privacy: When visiting rural communities or ethnic villages, always ask for permission before taking photos of people, particularly elders or those in traditional attire. Avoid treating locals as “exotic” attractions and instead engage respectfully with them by learning about their culture, customs, and way of life.
Travel Outside Peak Seasons & Off the Beaten Path: To avoid contributing to over-tourism in popular destinations like Halong Bay and Da Nang, consider traveling during shoulder seasons or visiting lesser-known areas. Destinations like Pu Luong Nature Reserve or Ba Be Lake offer stunning landscapes and a chance to experience Vietnam's natural beauty away from crowded tourist spots.
Spreading Economic Benefits & Understanding Tourism’s Impact:
Spend Consciously & Support Local Communities: Whenever possible, spend your money in ways that directly benefit local communities. Dine at locally owned restaurants, join small group tours with local guides, and shop at local markets to ensure your travel dollars go toward supporting the livelihoods of Vietnamese families and small businesses.
Be Aware of the Social & Environmental Effects of Tourism: Tourism can have significant effects on local cultures, environments, and economies. Educate yourself on issues like waste management, cultural preservation, and responsible wildlife tourism. Make informed choices by supporting operators, businesses, and communities that actively work toward reducing negative impacts and preserving Vietnam’s rich heritage and natural resources.
Ethical Considerations: Respectful & Responsible Travel
Traveling ethically in Vietnam involves being mindful of local customs, traditions, and communities while making choices that support sustainable tourism and help preserve natural and cultural heritage. Here are ways to ensure your travel experience in Vietnam is responsible and respectful to both people and the environment:
Respecting Local Cultures, Traditions & Communities:
Learn & Follow Local Customs: Understanding Vietnamese customs and etiquette is key to respectful travel. Practice polite greetings, such as a slight bow or nod of the head, and use “xin chào” (hello) to greet locals. In rural areas, showing modesty and respect toward elders and authority figures is appreciated.
Dress Modestly in Temples & Rural Areas: When visiting temples (known as pagodas), dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees and removing your shoes before entering. In rural or ethnic villages, avoid wearing overly revealing clothing to show respect for local norms and traditions.
Ask Permission Before Taking Photos: While Vietnam’s vibrant street life and traditional culture are fascinating, always ask permission before taking photos of people, particularly monks, ethnic minorities, or those in their homes. This gesture shows respect for their privacy and helps you build positive connections.
Supporting Local Businesses & Fair-Trade Practices:
Shop at Local Markets & Purchase Handmade Souvenirs: Support Vietnamese artisans and local businesses by shopping for handicrafts, textiles, and food items at local markets and fair-trade shops. Look for souvenirs that are sustainably made, such as lacquerware, silk, bamboo products, or items crafted by local ethnic minorities. Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from endangered species or historical artifacts.
Eat & Drink Locally: Choose to dine at family-owned restaurants and street food stalls to support local livelihoods and enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Try local dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and com tam (broken rice with grilled meat). Not only does this help the local economy, but it also offers a richer travel experience through the diverse flavors of Vietnam.
Stay in Locally Owned & Run Accommodations: Book your stay in small hotels, homestays, or eco-lodges that are locally owned, which directly benefits the community. By doing so, your travel money stays within the area and supports local development. In popular areas like Hoi An, Sapa, or Phong Nha, you can often find eco-conscious accommodations that respect local traditions and natural surroundings.
Minimizing Environmental Impact & Encouraging Sustainable Tourism:
Choose Responsible Tour Operators & Eco-Tours: When planning tours and excursions, opt for companies that emphasize sustainability, environmental conservation, and cultural respect. Responsible tours often include smaller group sizes, local guides, and low-impact activities like trekking, cycling, or kayaking.
Respect Natural Spaces & Wildlife: Whether you’re hiking in national parks, exploring caves, or enjoying the beaches of Da Nang or Phu Quoc, be a responsible traveler by not leaving litter, staying on marked trails, and avoiding damaging plants or wildlife habitats. For nature-based activities like snorkeling or diving, select eco-friendly operators who follow responsible marine tourism practices, such as not disturbing coral reefs or marine life.
Ethical Wildlife Tourism & Avoiding Exploitative Attractions:
Avoid Harmful Wildlife Activities & Attractions: Animal exploitation is a concern in some tourist spots, so avoid activities that involve riding, feeding, or petting captive animals like elephants, monkeys, or snakes. While it may seem fun to take photos with wild animals, these activities often involve cruel treatment and stress for the animals.
Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences: For an authentic wildlife experience, choose tours that allow you to observe animals in their natural habitats without human interference. Responsible wildlife experiences might include birdwatching in Cat Tien National Park or trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where you can appreciate the beauty of nature without causing harm.
Understanding the Effects of Tourism on Local Environments & Economies:
Consider the Impact of Over-Tourism: Popular destinations like Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Sapa can suffer from over-tourism, which affects local life and the environment. To mitigate this impact, visit lesser-known destinations and spread your travel spending across multiple communities. Explore areas like Ninh Binh (known as "Ha Long Bay on Land"), Mai Chau for a peaceful valley experience, or Ba Be Lake for scenic nature.
Support Responsible Community Tourism Projects: Participate in community-based tourism that benefits local people, such as homestays with ethnic minority families, farm tours, or traditional workshops. These experiences help preserve local culture while providing income for residents. Look for projects that are operated in collaboration with local communities and focus on fair wages, conservation, and cultural preservation.
Respectful Interactions & Meaningful Engagements: Engaging in meaningful exchanges with local communities requires respect, patience, and genuine interest. Approach cultural experiences with an open mind and respect differences in customs, lifestyle, and beliefs. Always be conscious of your presence and actions when visiting villages or cultural sites.
Ethical Travel Tips & Reducing Harmful Practices:
Avoid Practices That Exploit Vulnerable Groups: Some tourist activities, such as "orphanage tourism" or "slum tours," can exploit vulnerable communities. Before engaging in such activities, consider the implications and ensure that any tour or experience you choose benefits local people directly without causing harm or exploitation.
Participate in Eco-Friendly & Low-Impact Experiences: Engage in low-impact activities like hiking, cycling, or exploring on foot to enjoy Vietnam's natural beauty responsibly. Minimize your carbon footprint by using public transport, walking, or renting a bicycle when exploring cities like Hue, Da Lat, or Hanoi.