By aussiematesvietnam 
A G’day Approach to Eco-Friendly Travel in Vietnam
G’day, mates! Aussie Mates here from my little slice of paradise in Vietnam. After calling this vibrant country home for nearly two decades with my lovely wife Tracy by my side, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural richness. But I’ve also witnessed firsthand how tourism has transformed many once-pristine areas.
The good news? There’s a growing movement towards sustainable travel in Vietnam that allows visitors to experience this magnificent country while treading lightly on its ecosystems. Today, I’m sharing my insider knowledge on eco-tourism options that will appeal to fellow Aussies looking for meaningful travel experiences that don’t cost the Earth (literally).
Whether you’re planning your first Vietnamese adventure or returning for another go, this guide will help you make choices that benefit local communities and preserve the natural environment that makes Vietnam so special. From the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, let’s explore how to enjoy Vietnam’s treasures responsibly.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-rice-terraces]
Understanding Eco-Tourism in Vietnam: More Than Just a Buzzword
Before we dive into specific destinations, let’s get our heads around what eco-tourism actually means in the Vietnamese context. It’s not just about staying in bamboo huts or skipping the air-con (though your body does acclimatize to the heat – trust me on that one).
Genuine eco-tourism in Vietnam encompasses three key elements: environmental conservation, community benefits, and cultural preservation. The best eco-friendly experiences here will tick all three boxes while still providing you with comfort and authentic encounters.
Tracy and I have watched Vietnam’s tourism industry evolve dramatically since we arrived in the early 2000s. Back then, “eco-tourism” wasn’t in the local vocabulary. Today, it’s becoming increasingly mainstream, with government initiatives supporting sustainable development and local entrepreneurs creating innovative eco-friendly offerings.
That said, there’s still plenty of “greenwashing” about, where operators slap the “eco” label on without making substantive changes. I’ll help you separate the fair dinkum from the fake throughout this guide.
Northern Vietnam: Eco-Adventures in the Highlands
The mountainous north offers some of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes and opportunities for sustainable travel. Here’s where Tracy and I take our visitors for eco-friendly experiences that leave lasting impressions.
Sapa and Beyond: Community-Based Tourism
Sapa has long been a favorite for trekkers, but mass tourism has taken its toll on both the environment and local cultures. The good news is that community-based tourism initiatives are creating more sustainable alternatives.
Rather than staying in one of the big hotels in Sapa town, consider homestays in villages like Ta Phin, Lao Chai, or Ta Van. These are typically run by local families from ethnic minority groups such as the Red Dao or H’mong. You’ll sleep in traditional houses (with added amenities for guests), eat home-cooked meals with ingredients from nearby gardens, and get genuine cultural exchange.
On our last visit, Tracy and I stayed with a Red Dao family in Ta Phin village. Our host, Mai, taught us about traditional herbal medicine and showed us how they make natural indigo dye for their textiles. The income from homestays helps families like Mai’s preserve their cultural practices while improving their standard of living.
[IMAGE:sapa-homestay]
For trekking, hire local guides directly through your homestay or community tourism offices. They know the trails like the back of their hand and can share insights about local ecology and culture that you’d miss otherwise. Plus, your money goes directly to community members rather than tour companies based in Hanoi.
Mai Chau: Eco-Lodges and Rural Experiences
About 135km from Hanoi, Mai Chau offers a less-touristed alternative to Sapa with similar scenic beauty. This valley, home to Thai ethnic communities, has embraced sustainable tourism with several excellent eco-lodges.
Mai Chau Ecolodge is a standout, built using traditional methods and materials while incorporating modern eco-friendly systems like solar power, waste recycling, and water conservation. The lodge employs local staff and sources ingredients for its restaurant from nearby farms.
Activities here focus on low-impact experiences: bicycle tours through rice fields, visits to ethnic villages, traditional craft workshops, and cooking classes. Tracy became quite the expert at bamboo sticky rice after our cooking lesson there!
Another option is the community-owned Mai Chau Lodge, where profits support local development projects. Their guided nature walks through Pu Luong Nature Reserve are a brilliant way to learn about northern Vietnam’s biodiversity while supporting conservation efforts.
Central Vietnam: Conservation and Cultural Preservation
The central region of Vietnam offers a different flavour of eco-tourism, with a focus on protected areas and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Responsible Cave Tourism
Home to some of the world’s most spectacular caves, including the largest cave passage on Earth (Son Doong), Phong Nha has transformed from an off-the-beaten-path destination to a model for sustainable tourism development.
Local tour company Oxalis Adventure pioneered responsible cave exploration here, operating with strict environmental guidelines and investing in community development. Their multi-day expeditions to Son Doong and other caves limit group sizes, follow leave-no-trace principles, and employ locals as guides, porters, and cooks.
Fair warning though, mates – the Son Doong expedition isn’t cheap (about $3,000 USD) and requires good fitness. For more accessible options, Phong Nha Discovery offers day trips to lesser-known caves with a similar commitment to sustainability.
[IMAGE:phong-nha-cave]
Tracy and I stayed at Phong Nha Farmstay, one of the area’s pioneering eco-accommodations. Founded by an Australian-Vietnamese couple, it’s built with local materials, employs village residents, and runs farm-to-table dining. The owners are passionate advocates for sustainable development in the region and can connect you with the best eco-friendly experiences.
Hoi An: Eco-Friendly Explorations of a Heritage Town
Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed ancient town is undeniably charming but can be packed with tourists. For a more sustainable experience of this cultural gem, venture beyond the old town to explore rural traditions and natural areas.
Cycling is the perfect eco-friendly transport option here. Hire a bike and pedal through rice paddies to Tra Que herb village, where farmers maintain centuries-old organic growing techniques. Several families offer farm tours and cooking classes – we learned to make the local specialty, cao lau noodles, using water from the ancient Ba Le well.
The Jack Tran Tours’ “Farming & Fishing Life” experience deserves a special mention. This locally-owned company takes small groups to work alongside farmers in rice fields and join fishermen in traditional basket boats. It’s hands-on, authentic, and directly supports rural families.
For accommodation, consider staying at one of Hoi An’s eco-resorts like Almanity Hoi An or An Villa Spa Resort, both of which implement comprehensive sustainability practices while offering comfortable digs for us older travelers who appreciate a good night’s sleep!
Southern Vietnam: Eco-Retreats and Wildlife Encounters
The lush south offers unique ecosystems and opportunities to experience Vietnam’s biodiversity through responsible wildlife tourism.
Mekong Delta: Sustainable Community Tourism
The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s rice bowl, a water world of canals, floating markets, and riverside communities. Unfortunately, many delta tours are rushed day trips from Ho Chi Minh City that offer little benefit to local people.
For a proper sustainable experience, head to Can Tho and arrange a homestay or community-based tour. Nguyen Shack Can Tho is a brilliant eco-friendly option built from bamboo and other natural materials. They organize responsible tours to less-visited floating markets and rural communities, with a portion of profits supporting local education projects.
Tracy and I spent three days exploring the Delta’s backwaters with Mekong Rustic, staying in simple but comfortable lodges in fruit-growing communities. Our local guide, Binh, showed us traditional brick-making, coconut candy production, and took us cycling through orchards where farmers are transitioning to organic methods. The slow pace allowed for meaningful exchanges with Delta residents and a deeper understanding of life on the river.
[IMAGE:mekong-delta]
Cat Tien National Park: Wildlife Conservation Tourism
About 150km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien National Park provides refuge for some of Vietnam’s endangered species, including Asian elephants, sun bears, and numerous primates. The park offers an opportunity to support conservation through responsible wildlife tourism.
Accommodation is simple but adequate at the park headquarters, with more comfort available at nearby Forest Floor Lodge, an eco-resort that operates with sustainable principles. Activities include guided wildlife hikes, night safaris, and visits to the rescue centers for bears and primates.
On our visit, we took the early morning gibbon trek – hearing their haunting calls echo through the forest at dawn was a magical experience worth the 4:30 AM wake-up call! Just between us, Tracy wasn’t too chuffed about the early start, but even she admits it was worth every yawn.
Cat Tien offers a chance to learn about conservation challenges in Vietnam while directly contributing to preservation efforts through your visit. The park entrance fees and guided tour costs help fund protection of these precious ecosystems.
Coastal Eco-Tourism: Beyond Halong Bay
Vietnam’s 3,260km coastline offers abundant opportunities for marine-focused eco-tourism, though finding truly sustainable options requires some research.
Bai Tu Long Bay: The Eco-Alternative to Halong
While Halong Bay is Vietnam’s most famous seascape, its popularity has led to overtourism and environmental concerns. Just northeast lies Bai Tu Long Bay, with equally spectacular limestone karsts but far fewer boats.
Companies like Indochina Junk operate “zero plastic” cruises in Bai Tu Long, using refillable bottles, biodegradable toiletries, and locally-sourced food. Their waste management practices include collecting trash from beaches during kayaking excursions – Tracy and I filled two bags on our afternoon paddle!
These cruises visit floating fishing villages and support community development through a school construction project. Yes, they’re pricier than standard Halong Bay tours, but the experience is superior in every way – fewer crowds, cleaner waters, and the satisfaction of minimizing your environmental impact.
[IMAGE:halong-bay]
Phu Quoc: Seeking Sustainability on Vietnam’s Island Paradise
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has seen explosive development in recent years, much of it following mass tourism models. However, pockets of sustainability exist for the environmentally conscious traveler.
Mango Bay Resort, on the island’s northwest coast, is a pioneer in eco-friendly accommodation with thatched bungalows built using traditional methods, natural ventilation instead of air conditioning, and comprehensive waste reduction programs. Their restaurant serves seafood caught using sustainable methods by local fishermen.
For activities, skip the problematic “pearl farms” and aquariums in favor of exploring Phu Quoc National Park, which protects about 70% of the island. Small local companies like John’s Tours offer guided hikes through the forest with knowledgeable guides who can identify wildlife and explain conservation efforts.
Phu Quoc was an eye-opener for us. Amid the rapid development, we found genuine efforts to preserve natural beauty and traditional livelihoods – but you have to seek them out rather than following the standard tourist trail.
Practical Tips for Eco-Friendly Travel in Vietnam
Based on nearly 20 years of exploring Vietnam, here are Tracy’s and my top tips for minimizing your environmental impact while maximizing your authentic experiences:
- Pack a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter (we use Water-to-Go bottles) to avoid plastic waste. Many eco-accommodations now offer refill stations.
- Bring your own toiletries in reusable containers rather than using hotel mini-bottles. Consider solid shampoo and soap to reduce packaging.
- Learn a few Vietnamese phrases – even basic greetings and “thank you” (cảm ơn) demonstrate respect for local culture.
- Choose accommodations that implement sustainable practices like solar power, water conservation, and waste reduction.
- Eat local, seasonal food – it’s fresher, supports nearby farmers, and has a lower carbon footprint than imported items.
- Use public transportation or bicycle where possible. For longer distances, trains produce fewer emissions than flights.
- Buy souvenirs directly from artisans – you’ll get authentic handcrafts while ensuring makers receive fair compensation.
- Respect wildlife by observing animals in their natural habitat rather than supporting attractions that keep them in captivity.
The Future of Eco-Tourism in Vietnam
Vietnam stands at a crossroads in tourism development. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the industry hard but also created an opportunity to reset and rebuild more sustainably. Government initiatives like the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s “Green Lotus” certification program for hotels show promising steps toward prioritizing environmental standards.
Innovative local entrepreneurs are leading the charge, creating experiences that protect natural resources, preserve cultural heritage, and distribute economic benefits more equitably. By choosing these options, travelers like us can contribute to positive development patterns.
As Tracy likes to say, “Vote with your wallet, mate!” Every time we select eco-friendly accommodations, hire local guides, or participate in community-based activities, we’re sending a clear message about the kind of tourism we want to see in Vietnam.
Final Thoughts: The Responsible Traveler’s Impact
After two decades of watching Vietnam’s tourism industry evolve, I’m cautiously optimistic about its sustainable future. The increasing awareness among both Vietnamese operators and international travelers creates momentum for positive change.
For us Aussie Boomers looking for meaningful travel experiences, eco-tourism in Vietnam offers the perfect combination – authentic cultural connections, spectacular natural beauty, and the satisfaction of knowing our holiday choices support conservation and communities.
Vietnam has given Tracy and me countless unforgettable experiences over the years. By traveling responsibly, we help ensure these treasures remain for future generations of locals and visitors alike. Your journey here can be part of the solution rather than adding to the problems.
So pack your reusable water bottle, brush up on your Vietnamese phrases, and get ready for an eco-adventure in one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating countries. The rice terraces, limestone karsts, ancient forests, and welcoming communities await – and they’ll be all the more beautiful when experienced with a clean conscience.
Until next time, travel well and tread lightly!
Aussie Mates