Sustainable and solidarity travel in Vietnam

Opt for alternative, sustainable and inclusive tourism that is more respectful of the environment and people, for your next one in Vietnam. Sustainable and supportive travel in Vietnam will allow you to foster real encounters, and explore the country from a different angle while boosting the local economy. Here are some tips to make your trip to Vietnam more sustainable and supportive.

Favour non-polluting activities

To discover all the natural and cultural beauties of Vietnam, choose non-polluting activities such as:

+ Cycling is the ideal way to discover the beautiful Vietnamese countryside. Discover by bike the superb rice-growing valley of Mai Chau, the magnificent tombs of the emperors in Hue or the craft villages in Hoi An.

+ Walking, from a simple stroll to a group hike with overnight stays at a local's home, will give you the opportunity to discover the charming mountainous areas of northern Vietnam where some incredible ethnic groups live.

+ Kayaking, in the majestic Halong Bay, in the heart of Ba Be Lake or on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, invites you to discover Vietnam from a unique and rare angle.

+ The rowing boat will allow you to discover some of the most beautiful landscaped sites in Vietnam such as the breath-taking limestone landscapes of Tam Coc, classified by Unesco, the enchanted labyrinth of the Mekong Delta or the superb forest flooded with cajuput trees.

Stay with the locals

By staying with a local, you will live a completely unique travel experience, encouraging tourism with a more human face, and closer to local traditions while stimulating the local economy. Throughout Vietnam, it is possible to sleep with locals and enjoy immersion in local life. Do not hesitate to organize your trip to Vietnam with stopovers at locals and make your trip to Vietnam quite memorable.

Choose eco-responsible accommodation

During your stay in Vietnam, choose establishments that have an eco-friendly spirit and are truly committed to respecting the environment and socio-cultural balances. Here are some eco-responsible addresses which also do not lack charm and character.

+ Pan Hou Village, a base camp for hikers nestled in the hollow of the superb rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi province in the far North of Vietnam, a territory of many ethnic minorities.

+ Suoi Mu Lodge, a beautiful traditional wooden house on stilts topped with thatch and leaning against the waterfalls just for you. This will be an opportunity to reconnect with nature and taste the unparalleled hospitality of a family from the Muong ethnic group who will pamper you.

+ La Vie Vulinh, superbly located on the shores of Thac Ba Lake, aims both to develop community tourism in close contact with local populations and to implement responsible and sustainable development via 3 components: Education, Environment and Culture. 

+ Whale Island, a beauty spot lined with lush vegetation and located in Van Phong Bay, North of Nha Trang, is the ideal place to play Robinson for two or as a family. A detoxifying place resolutely focused on the protection of the seabed.

+ Mango Bay Resort is the perfect example of the successful marriage between environmental protection and luxury without ostentation. Vast bungalows with delightful sobriety kneel on a long beach of blond sand where the sun sets in an explosion of colours every evening.

Encourage local crafts

Millennial, traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship is one of the most important aspects of Vietnamese life since it is in this area that they strongly anchor their cultural identity. Discover the rich Vietnamese craftsmanship by visiting some of the many artisanal villages where skilful artisans perpetuate ancestral know-how. There, you will find excellent gift ideas or souvenirs to bring back while encouraging the maintenance and development of local crafts.

Travel with a local agency

In addition to benefiting from the advice of a field expert and paying a much more competitive price than with a French tour operator, using a local travel agency to carry out your trip to Vietnam will help boost the local economy. Skip the middlemen and go straight to the source!

Remember to bring your water bottle!

To reduce the use of plastic bottles, consider coming to Vietnam with your water bottle. Many hotels now offer to fill your water bottles for free and certain tourist sites such as the famous Halong Bay have now banned plastic bottles. If you plan to hike in Vietnam, consider bringing Micropur tablets.

Refuse plastic bags

The frenzied use of single-use plastic bags is a real plague in South-East Asia. Traders tend to draw the plastic bag faster than their shadows. Also, remember to refuse them and bring a fabric bag to carry your purchases.

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