After long months of staying home due to the pandemic, travelers worldwide are seeking new journeys — but with a purpose. Sustainable tourism has become a powerful trend, allowing visitors not only to explore stunning destinations but also to contribute to preserving local cultures and the environment.
In Vietnam, sustainable travel is booming. A 2021 Booking.com report revealed that 97% of Vietnamese travelers believe sustainable development is essential for the tourism industry, while 88% say the pandemic has inspired them to pursue more responsible travel in the future.
Many Vietnamese tour operators and hospitality businesses are responding, offering eco-friendly tours, accommodations that honor local identity, and immersive experiences blending tourism with cultural and economic activities. Let’s explore some standout examples of sustainable tourism in Vietnam.
Community Tourism in Buon Ma Thuot
Deep in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Vietnam Highland Travel specializes in eco-tours, wilderness adventures, and cultural explorations. Founded by Mr. Pham Chi Ta, the company has a clear mission: bring travelers into the heart of the highlands while protecting nature and local communities.
Travelers who join these tours are often adventure lovers eager to:
- Trek or cycle through lush forests
- Camp under starlit skies
- Observe wildlife in national parks and nature reserves
- Kayak on scenic rivers
- Visit remote ethnic minority villages
One of the most enriching aspects is sharing meals and stories with local families. Vietnam Highland Travel intentionally designs itineraries to bring visitors to less-traveled destinations, helping to spread tourism income more evenly across communities.
Beyond adventure, the company emphasizes shared responsibility. Guests are encouraged to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development, making each journey both enjoyable and meaningful.
Nam Hien Garden House: Preserving Culture and Environment in Ben Tre
In the heart of the Mekong Delta’s Cho Lach district, Nam Hien Garden House offers travelers a genuine taste of Southern Vietnam’s culture and hospitality.
This charming homestay, run by three generations of a local family, consists of:
- A modest wooden house nestled in an orange garden, featuring cozy bedrooms and a rustic living room filled with gardening tools and antiques.
- An ancient Southern-style wooden house surrounded by pomelo and longan gardens. Inside, 24 precious wooden pillars, intricate carvings, antiques, and ancestral altars showcase the region’s cultural heritage.
Mrs. Nam Hien and her family delight in teaching guests to cook traditional dishes using organic ingredients from their garden. Visitors can also:
- Go fishing
- Tend fruit trees
- Feed goats
- Cycle or walk through local villages
Exploring the area offers glimpses of the Mekong Delta’s rich flora and fauna, riverside temples, and bustling markets. At Nam Hien Garden House, you don’t just stay—you become part of the local rhythm of life.
Chez Mimosa: A Community-Oriented Hotel in Saigon
In bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Chez Mimosa is redefining urban hospitality. Since its opening in 2015, this boutique hotel has combined elegant French colonial architecture with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Key eco-friendly practices include:
- Solar-powered water heaters
- LED lighting throughout the property
The hotel also emphasizes social responsibility:
- Staff are recruited from rural provinces, providing them with stable employment and new skills.
- For every direct booking, Chez Mimosa donates $1 USD to support underprivileged children.
Guests not only enjoy a cozy, stylish stay but also become part of a broader mission to uplift local communities.
Lac Village: A 700-Year-Old Cultural Gem in Mai Chau
Nestled among the emerald mountains of Mai Chau, Lac Village is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated examples of community tourism. This village has been home to the Thai ethnic group for more than 700 years and still preserves its deep cultural roots.
Residents of Lac Village traditionally engage in:
- Rice farming
- Brocade weaving
- Traditional handicrafts
Over the past decade, Lac Village has grown into a popular tourism destination while maintaining its cultural integrity. Most accommodations are traditional stilt houses, updated for comfort but retaining their original rustic charm:
- Elevated 2 meters above ground on sturdy wooden pillars
- Bamboo or palm leaf roofs
- Wide wooden windows that welcome cool breezes
- Decorative orchid baskets hanging from balconies
Today, many of these stilt houses serve as homestays, offering modern amenities without losing authenticity.
Visitors can:
- Enjoy local cuisine rich with traditional flavors
- Learn brocade weaving
- Participate in rice cultivation
- Watch cultural performances showcasing music and dance
Beyond scenic landscapes, what makes Lac Village truly special is the warmth of its people and their dedication to sustainable tourism. Locals have embraced tourism as a means to preserve their way of life and share it with the world.
Sustainable Tourism: A Meaningful Way to Explore Vietnam
From trekking through the Central Highlands to cycling among fruit orchards in the Mekong Delta, sustainable tourism in Vietnam offers unforgettable experiences that connect travelers with nature, culture, and communities.
As Vietnam’s travel industry continues to grow, these sustainable initiatives ensure that tourism doesn’t just bring economic benefits—but also protects the environment and preserves precious cultural heritage for generations to come.
