By aussiematesvietnam 
G’day, Fellow Wanderers!
Crikey, has it really been nearly two decades since Tracy and I packed our bags and made the leap from Down Under to the vibrant shores of Vietnam? Time flies when you’re living in paradise! As we’ve watched this incredible country evolve over our 20 years here, one of the most heartening developments has been the rise of eco-tourism. Gone are the days when travel meant leaving a trail of plastic water bottles and carbon footprints the size of a kangaroo’s hop. Today, Vietnam offers some ripper options for the environmentally conscious traveller.
As a couple of Aussie boomers who’ve made Vietnam our home, Tracy and I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how sustainable tourism practices are transforming the way visitors experience this magnificent country. So grab your reusable water bottle, slip on your walking shoes, and join us as we explore the best eco-friendly adventures Vietnam has to offer.
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Why Eco-Tourism Matters in Vietnam
Vietnam’s natural beauty is its crown jewel – from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the terraced rice fields of Sapa. But let’s be honest, mate: tourism has sometimes been a bit of a double-edged sword. While bringing economic opportunities to local communities, the influx of visitors has also placed pressure on delicate ecosystems and traditional ways of life.
I remember back in the early 2000s when Tracy and I first arrived, plastic waste was piling up in even the most remote villages, and some of the popular spots were already showing signs of wear and tear from too many eager tourists. The good news? Vietnam’s cottoned on to the importance of preserving its natural and cultural heritage, with a growing focus on sustainable tourism practices.
Today, eco-tourism isn’t just a buzzword here – it’s increasingly becoming the standard, offering travellers authentic experiences while helping to protect Vietnam’s stunning landscapes for future generations of visitors and locals alike.
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Eco-Friendly Destinations Worth Your Time
Pu Luong Nature Reserve
About 160km southwest of Hanoi lies one of Vietnam’s best-kept secrets. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a deadset paradise of limestone mountains, lush forests, and terraced rice fields. Tracy and I stumbled upon this gem about a decade ago, and we’ve been coming back regularly ever since.
What makes it special from an eco-tourism perspective is how the local Thai and Muong ethnic communities have developed homestay experiences that generate income while preserving their traditional lifestyles. You’ll sleep in traditional stilt houses, feast on organic home-cooked meals, and wake to the sounds of nature rather than traffic.
The trekking here is spectacular – moderate difficulty but with views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. Fair dinkum, it’s worth the effort!
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Nam Cat Tien National Park
Just a few hours from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Cat Tien National Park offers 720 square kilometers of tropical forest and wetlands. It’s home to some of Vietnam’s most endangered species, including the Asian elephant, Javan rhinoceros, and orange-necked partridge.
Tracy and I spent a long weekend here last year, staying at the Forest Floor Lodge – an eco-lodge that runs on solar power and employs local staff. The guided night safari was a highlight; spotting civets, loris, and all manner of nocturnal critters with our knowledgeable guide, Minh.
The park authorities have done a top job balancing conservation with visitor access. All tours are led by trained guides who ensure minimal impact on wildlife habitats while providing fascinating insights into the ecosystem.
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Community-Based Tourism: Making a Difference
If you’re after an authentic experience that directly benefits local communities, Vietnam’s community-based tourism initiatives are just the ticket. These projects put tourist dollars straight into the pockets of local people while preserving cultural traditions and sustainable living practices.
Mai Chau
About 135km from Hanoi, the Mai Chau valley is home to White Thai ethnic communities who’ve opened their villages to visitors without compromising their way of life. Tracy and I have brought numerous Aussie mates here over the years, and they’ve all been blown away by the experience.
You’ll stay in traditional stilt houses, learn to cook local specialties, try your hand at weaving, and join in agricultural activities if you’re game. The valley is perfect for cycling, with flat roads winding through rice paddies and villages. The locals organize everything themselves, ensuring the economic benefits stay in the community.
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Sapa’s Responsible Trekking
Sapa has long been on the tourist trail, but not all experiences are created equal. The rise of “authentic” homestays has sometimes led to exploitation rather than empowerment. However, organizations like Sapa O’Chau – a social enterprise run by Black Hmong people – are changing the game.
They offer trekking tours led by local guides from ethnic minority groups, with accommodations in genuine family homes (not tourist-targeted “homestays”). The guides receive fair wages, and a portion of profits funds educational scholarships for local children.
Tracy still laughs about the time I tried to keep up with our 60-year-old Hmong guide as she practically skipped up a mountain path that had me gasping for breath. These women are tough as nails, mate!
[IMAGE:hmong-guide]
Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Where to Rest Your Head
Vietnam’s eco-accommodation scene has come leaps and bounds in recent years. Here are a couple of our favorites:
- Mango Bay Resort, Phu Quoc – This place has nailed the balance between comfort and sustainability. Their bungalows are built from local materials, they use solar hot water, and they’ve implemented comprehensive waste reduction systems. The beachfront location isn’t too shabby either!
- Topas Ecolodge, Sapa – Perched on a hilltop with 360-degree views of terraced rice fields, this award-winning ecolodge employs staff from local minority groups and uses renewable energy. Their infinity pool overlooking the valley is worth the visit alone.
- An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay – For a more luxurious eco-experience, this secluded resort accessible only by boat offers villas constructed from reclaimed timber and features a chemical-free water filtration system.
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Practical Tips for Eco-Conscious Travel in Vietnam
After two decades exploring this beautiful country, Tracy and I have picked up a few tricks for minimizing our environmental footprint:
- Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter or SteriPen. Vietnam’s tap water isn’t potable, but there’s no need to rely on plastic bottles.
- Pack a cloth shopping bag – plastic bags are still common in markets despite recent reduction efforts.
- Learn a few Vietnamese phrases about refusing plastic (“Không cần túi nhựa”) – vendors appreciate the effort!
- Choose operators that employ local guides and prioritize environmental conservation.
- Consider offsetting the carbon emissions from your flights to and from Vietnam.
- Eat local – it’s not only more sustainable but also one of the absolute joys of Vietnamese culture.
The Road Ahead: Vietnam’s Eco-Tourism Future
Vietnam is at a crossroads in its tourism development. The country welcomed a record 18 million international visitors in 2019 before the pandemic hit, and numbers are climbing again. The government has recognized that sustainable tourism is not just an ethical choice but an economic necessity if Vietnam’s natural treasures are to remain attractions for generations to come.
New policies promoting sustainable