If you couldn’t already tell from our previous posts (see them here!) North Vietnam is brimming with beauty, history, and culture. Yet, like many up-and-coming tourist destinations, it faces challenges related to the environment, local communities, and cultural preservation.
Sustainable travel in North Vietnam is crucial to protecting the stunning landscapes, unique heritage, and welcoming people. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and tips on how to be a responsible tourist in this country; leaving nothing but a positive impact and a few footprints; and taking nothing but memories!
Understanding Sustainable Travel in North Vietnam
What Is Sustainable Travel?
Sustainable travel refers to practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment, local culture, and economy while maximizing the positive contributions tourism can bring. It’s about making choices that ensure the places we visit remain vibrant and viable for the future.
In North Vietnam, sustainable travel involves being mindful of the delicate balance between enjoying the country's wonders and protecting them. This means respecting local customs, supporting ethical businesses, and choosing eco-friendly travel options.
Why Sustainable Travel Matters in Vietnam
Vietnam's rapid tourism growth has brought significant economic benefits, but it has also led to environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and exploitation of vulnerable populations. As tourists, our choices can either exacerbate these issues or help mitigate them.
For instance, Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is facing issues due to unchecked tourism. Similarly, Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry is at risk as traditional ways of life are increasingly commercialized. By opting for sustainable travel practices, we can help preserve Vietnam's natural and cultural heritage.
Protecting Vietnam's Natural Beauty
Halong Bay: Under Threat
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most iconic landscapes, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. However, the bay's beauty is under threat from pollution and unsustainable tourism practices. Litter, sewage, and overfishing have marred this once-pristine environment, and the local fishing communities who have lived here for generations are being displaced.
How to Visit Halong Bay Responsibly
Choose Eco-Friendly Operators: Select a tour company with a responsible tourism policy. Ask about their waste disposal methods and if they participate in local cleanup efforts.
Support Local Communities: Opt for tours that visit and support the fishing villages in the area. Buying locally made crafts or refreshments helps sustain these communities.
Reduce Waste: Bring your reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics. Report any littering or irresponsible behavior to your tour operators.
Preserving Vietnam’s Wildlife and Ecosystems
Vietnam's diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to coastal mangroves, are home to an array of wildlife. However, illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction, and unsustainable tourism practices threaten these natural wonders.
How to Support Conservation Efforts
Avoid Wildlife Exploitation: Never purchase products made from endangered species, such as turtle shells or ivory. Avoid attractions that exploit animals, such as poorly run zoos or animal performances.
Choose Ethical Wildlife Tours: If you wish to experience Vietnam’s wildlife, do so with a responsible operator that prioritizes animal welfare and environmental conservation.
Be Mindful of Your Environmental Impact: When trekking, diving, or exploring natural areas, stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and never touch or remove coral or plants.
Supporting Local Communities and Cultures
Respecting Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage
Vietnam's culture is a vibrant mix of traditions, languages, and customs that vary significantly across its regions. However, the commercialization of these cultural elements for tourism can lead to their erosion.
How to Be a Culturally Sensitive Tourist
Dress Modestly: Especially in rural areas and religious sites, modest clothing is a sign of respect. Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes when entering temples.
Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases: A simple “xin chào” (hello) or “cảm ơn” (thank you) can go a long way in building rapport with locals.
Ask Before Taking Photos: Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural or traditional communities. This shows respect and can lead to meaningful interactions.
Combatting Child Exploitation
Unfortunately, Vietnam faces significant issues related to child exploitation, particularly in the context of tourism. Child trafficking and forced labor are serious concerns, and tourism can inadvertently contribute to these problems.
How to Help Prevent Child Exploitation
Support Ethical Businesses: Choose accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators that have clear policies against child exploitation and support community development initiatives.
Report Suspicious Behavior: If you see something that doesn't seem right, such as a foreign tourist with a local child in an unusual context, report it to local authorities or the Vietnam Child Helpline.
Support Social Enterprises: Social enterprises that provide education and employment opportunities for at-risk youth are key to preventing child exploitation. By supporting these businesses, you can help create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable children.
Practicing Sustainable Travel in North Vietnam
Reducing Plastic Waste
Vietnam’s tourism sector generates a significant amount of plastic waste, contributing to environmental pollution. To mitigate this, travelers can adopt simple yet effective practices to reduce their plastic footprint.
Tips for Reducing Plastic Use
Bring Your Own Reusables: Carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags to avoid single-use plastics. Like Bong Hanoi Hostel many accommodations and restaurants now offer refill stations for water bottles.
Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Refuse plastic straws, bags, and utensils when offered. If you need to use packaged toiletries, try to reuse them during your stay rather than opening new ones each day.
Practice the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Redesign your consumption habits to minimize waste.
Marine Protection and Responsible Seafood Consumption
The coastal areas and marine life in North Vietnam are under threat from overfishing, pollution, and destructive tourism practices like coral damage. Protecting these fragile ecosystems is essential.
How to Protect Marine Life
Consume Sustainably Sourced Seafood: Choose seafood products certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to support sustainable fishing practices.
Avoid Damaging Marine Environments: When snorkeling or diving, avoid standing on coral reefs, and never pick up marine life or shells as souvenirs.
Say No to Endangered Species Products: Refuse to buy or consume products made from endangered marine species such as sea turtles, dugongs, or shark fins.
Traveling Responsibly in Protected Areas
Vietnam is home to several national parks and nature reserves, which are critical for biodiversity conservation. However, tourism can have a significant impact on these protected areas.
Guidelines for Visiting Protected Areas
Follow Park Rules: Always be accompanied by an authorized guide, follow marked trails, and respect local regulations such as leaving the area before sunset.
Minimize Your Impact: Do not litter, smoke, or start fires within protected areas. Avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb wildlife.
Be a Responsible Camper: Use designated camping areas and avoid creating new trails or campsites. Carry out all waste, including food scraps and biodegradable materials.
No Food Waste
Food waste is a significant issue in Vietnam, where the tourism industry contributes to the problem. Reducing food waste not only helps the environment but also supports local farmers and reduces strain on food production systems.
Tips for Reducing Food Waste
Order Only What You Can Eat: Be mindful of portion sizes when dining out. If you're unsure, start with smaller portions and order more if needed.
Choose Certified and Local Products: Support sustainable agriculture by choosing products with certifications such as VietG.A.P, GlobalG.A.P, or organic labels. Prioritize low-trophic-level foods like vegetables and herbivorous fish, which have a smaller environmental footprint.
Respect Food as a Resource: Avoid wasting food by planning your meals and using leftovers creatively. When in rural areas, consider sharing meals with locals, who may have limited access to food resources.
Choosing Sustainable Accommodations
Eco-Resorts and Homestays
Bong Hostel has two accommodations in North Vietnam, and provides support to local homestays throughout Sapa and Ha Giang. Staying at these places ensures that your tourism dollars support sustainable travel practices and local communities.
Tips to Limit Your Carbon Footprint in Accommodations
Be Energy Efficient with Air Conditioning: You might wonder why air conditioning gets switched off during the day time but the truth is it helps to be energy efficient. Consider using air conditioning sparingly and set it to a reasonable temperature, around 26°C.
Conserve Energy: Unplug devices when not in use and reuse towels and bed linens to reduce laundry energy consumption.
The Impact of Your Stay
When choosing your accommodation, consider the broader impact of your stay. Are the hostel’s employees treated fairly? Does the establishment use renewable energy sources? Does it support local conservation efforts? These questions can guide you to make more sustainable travel choices.
Sustainable Transportation in Vietnam
Opting for Land Travel
One of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling in Vietnam is to minimize air travel. Vietnam has a well-connected network of trains, buses, and ferries that make it easy to explore the country sustainably.
Benefits of Land Travel
Lower Carbon Emissions: Traveling by train or bus significantly reduces your carbon footprint compared to flying.
Scenic Routes: Vietnam's landscapes are stunning, and land travel offers the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy them.
Local Interaction: Traveling by land often means more opportunities to interact with locals, gaining deeper insights into their way of life.
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips
Travel Light: The lighter your luggage, the less fuel is required to transport it, reducing your environmental impact.
Use Public Transport: When available, opt for buses, trains, or shared taxis to reduce your carbon footprint. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, walking or cycling are excellent ways to explore.
Consider Cycling or Walking: In cities like Hanoi and Ninh Binh, cycling or walking is not only sustainable but also allows you to explore at a leisurely pace.
Responsible Consumption in Vietnam
Shopping Responsibly
Vietnam is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from silk clothing to handmade crafts available at markets and shops. However, it's important to shop responsibly to ensure your purchases benefit local communities and do not contribute to environmental harm.
Ethical Shopping Tips
Support Local Artisans: Purchase goods directly from local artisans or cooperatives. This ensures that the money goes straight to the creators, helping to sustain traditional crafts.
Avoid Souvenirs Made from Endangered Species: Items made from turtle shells, ivory, or rare woods contribute to environmental destruction and are often illegal.
Choose Fair Trade Products: Look for products that are certified as fair trade, ensuring that the producers are paid a fair price for their work.
Eating Responsibly
Vietnamese cuisine is one of the country's highlights, but your food choices can also make a difference in supporting sustainable practices.
How to Eat Sustainably in Vietnam
Eat Local: Choose locally-sourced, seasonal foods that have a lower environmental impact. Street food stalls and local markets are great places to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Avoid Wild Meat: Some restaurants may offer dishes made from wild or endangered animals. Avoid these and opt for vegetarian or sustainable seafood options instead.
Support Socially Responsible Restaurants: Many restaurants in Vietnam operate as social enterprises, providing training and employment to disadvantaged people. Dining at these establishments supports a good cause while enjoying delicious food.
Must Read: 31 Local Dishes to Try in North Vietnam.
Engaging with Social Enterprises
Why Social Enterprises Matter
Social enterprises play a crucial role in sustainable tourism by addressing social issues such as poverty, education, and employment through business activities. In Vietnam, these enterprises provide valuable opportunities for disadvantaged communities and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
How to Support Social Enterprises
Stay at Socially Responsible Accommodations: At Bong Hostel Ha Giang we reinvest our profits into community development projects. (Read more about them on our blog page.)
Join Social Enterprise Tours: In Sapa Bong Hostel provides trekking tours led by local ethnic minority women, offering them a source of income while preserving their cultural practices.
Shop at Social Enterprises: Visit shops like Collective Memory Boutique in Hanoi, which promotes fair trade products from local artisans, helping to sustain traditional crafts and provide fair wages.
Planning Your Sustainable Itinerary
Balancing Tourism with Conservation
When planning your trip to Vietnam, consider the balance between experiencing the country’s attractions and conserving them. Over-tourism can damage fragile environments and disrupt local communities, so it's important to plan your itinerary with sustainability in mind.
Tips for a Sustainable Itinerary
Visit Lesser-Known Destinations: Popular spots like Hoi An in the South are beautiful but crowded. Consider exploring lesser-known areas in North Vietnam, such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park or Cao Bang.
Limit Your Stay in Sensitive Areas: If you visit environmentally or culturally sensitive areas, limit your stay and be mindful of your impact.
Support Conservation Projects: Include visits to national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or cultural preservation projects in your itinerary. Your entrance fees often go toward conservation efforts.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Travel in North Vietnam
Sustainable travel in North Vietnam is about making conscious choices that respect the environment, culture, and people of this beautiful country. By adopting the principles and practices outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your trip not only enriches your own life but also contributes positively to the lives of others and the preservation of Vietnam’s natural and cultural treasures.
If you’re looking for more information on the types of sustainable practises used by Bong Hostel, or the types of tours and accommodations we offer you can contact us here:
Website: bongbackpackerhostel.com
Email: bonghostel@gmail.com
Phone: +84 85 510 8585
Social Media: @bonghostel
Travel responsibly with Bong Hostel, and let your journey be a force for good.
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