Are you a traveller who wants to make a positive impact while exploring new destinations? Look no further than Vietnam. This beautiful country offers a wealth of opportunities for responsible travel, allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture while supporting worthy enterprises. In this article, we will guide you through some of our favorite sustainable brands and ideas to inspire your Vietnam itinerary.
Tours and Trips
One of the best ways to get to know a destination is through a tour operator that supports the local community. In Hanoi, don’t miss the chance to join a free walking tour with HanoiKids. Enthusiastic high school students will show you their favorite markets and streets in exchange for the opportunity to practice their English. In Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Hotpot offers a similar free walking tour experience, with the option to explore the city by cyclo or on foot. Saigon Hotpot also organizes an annual Sky Lantern Festival, with all proceeds going to education drives for rural youth.
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Ready to venture outside the city? Join Bloom Microventures for a tour of Hanoi’s countryside. Learn about farming culture, visit historic sites, and experience daily life for women in rural Vietnam. Part of the tour fee is dedicated to micro-financing the businesses of the women you meet. In Sapa, Sapa Sisters offers treks with guides from the ethnic H’mong minority. Enjoy trekking and experience H’mong hospitality and culture by staying in rustic homestays.
Wellness and Spas
In Vietnam, your spa visits can also make a difference. Visit Omamori Spa in Hanoi, where visually impaired personnel are trained in Swedish and Vietnamese styles of massage therapy. This empowering program helps participants gain self-esteem and financial independence. Another option in Hanoi is Dao’s Care, where visually impaired individuals from disadvantaged families provide massages. Before your massage, indulge in a Dao herbal bath, a traditional treatment from the Dao ethnic minority.
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In Nha Trang, Pure Vietnam is not only known for the best Lomi Lomi massages in town but also for their support of local schools and orphanages. Proceeds from their business go towards providing food, clothing, and visits to those in need. If you’re in Sapa, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Sapa-Napro for a bubbly herbal bath. This bathhouse employs Dao ethnic people from the Ta Phin community and offers wellness treatments derived from age-old medicinal knowledge and indigenous traditions.
Shopping and Souvenirs
When searching for sustainable souvenirs, start at Collective Memory in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This shop supports upcoming artists and showcases fair trade products and local brands, such as K’ho Coffee from the K’ho ethnic minority in Da Lat. Another great option is Mekong Quilts, which sells handmade quilts with vintage Vietnamese embroidery. This social enterprise employs 100 women from rural areas, providing them with sustainable and fair income.
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In Hoi An’s ancient town, visit Reaching Out Vietnam for elegant tea sets, jewelry, and Vietnamese teas. Profits from this teahouse and craft shop go towards speech ability programs and educational drives to create a better life for disabled people in Central Vietnam. If you’re in Sapa, head to Indigo Cat, where you can find handmade products directly from 50 families of ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam. Look for autumn jackets, beautiful textiles, and bags designed with hemp, batik, and delicate embroidery.
Hotels and Lodges
Choosing the right accommodation can also make a difference. Consider staying at Sapa O’Chau Hotel, a social enterprise that acts as a liaison between the H’mong ethnic people and visitors. The hotel directs guests to sustainable trekking tours and homestays, providing income for the community. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, book a stay at a community-run H’mong homestay outside Mai Chau, through Mai Chau Lodge.
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In the Mekong Delta cities of Cái Bè and Cần Thơ, Mekong Rustic offers beautiful homestays run by local families. Each stay provides a glimpse into local life and supports the community. Enjoy delicious meals prepared using ingredients from nearby fish farms, gardens, and orchards. You can also book tours that directly support small families and artisans in the Delta.
Traveling responsibly in Vietnam not only allows you to experience the country in a meaningful way but also contributes to the well-being of local communities. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your sustainable journey to Vietnam and make a difference!