Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history, and it’s no wonder that it’s a popular destination for travelers. But as a responsible traveler, it’s important to consider how your travels can make a positive impact on the local communities you visit. From booking community tours to shopping at social enterprises, there are many ways to make your trip to Vietnam meaningful and sustainable.
Tours and Trips
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and support the community is by booking a tour with a responsible operator. For example, HanoiKids offers free walking tours of the capital led by enthusiastic high school students, who show you around their favorite markets and streets in exchange for the chance to practice their English. This not only gives you a unique perspective on the city of Hanoi but also helps the students develop valuable language skills.
Another great option is Saigon Hotpot, which offers free walking tours of Ho Chi Minh City and even organizes an annual Sky Lantern Festival with proceeds going to education drives for rural youth. If you’re looking to get out of the city, Bloom Microventures offers tours of Hanoi’s countryside that provide insight into daily life for women in rural Vietnam, as well as historic sites. Part of the tour fee is set aside to micro-finance the businesses of the women you meet. In Sapa, Sapa Sisters is a tour company owned entirely by women from the H’mong minority, offering treks and homestays that allow you to experience their culture and hospitality.
Wellness and Spas
Your spa visits can also be a way to give back to the community. Omamori Spa in Hanoi trains visually impaired personnel in Swedish and Vietnamese styles of massage therapy, empowering them and helping them gain self-esteem and financial independence. Dao’s Care in Hanoi also offers massages given by visually impaired people from disadvantaged families, trained by the spa’s vocational program. Before your massage, you can soak in the Dao herbal baths, a traditional treatment from the Dao ethnic minority. In Nha Trang, Pure Vietnam not only offers the best Lomi Lomi massages in town, but also actively supports local schools and orphanages with food, clothing, visits, and proceeds from their business. Sapa-Napro in Sapa offers bubbly herbal baths and wellness treatments derived from age-old medicinal knowledge and indigenous traditions, while also being involved in many community initiatives to support the livelihood of Sapa’s indigenous people.
Shopping and Souvenirs
When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options for responsible travelers in Vietnam. Collective Memory in Hanoi’s Old Quarter curates Vietnamese products and art from all over the country, supporting upcoming artists and showcasing fair trade products and local brands. Mekong Quilts, with shops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, sells handmade quilts with vintage Vietnamese embroidery made by women from rural areas, providing them with sustainable and fair income. In Hoi An’s charming ancient town, Reaching Out Vietnam runs a teahouse and craft shop, with profits going to speech ability programs and educational drives for disabled people in Central Vietnam. Textile lovers in Sapa can shop at Indigo Cat, where handmade products are offered directly from 50 families of ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam.
Hotels and Lodges
When it comes to accommodation, there are also many options for responsible travelers in Vietnam. One of the most popular options is homestays, which allow you to stay with a local family and experience their way of life. There are many homestay programs available throughout Vietnam, such as in the Mekong Delta and in Sapa. Another option is to stay at a socially responsible hotel or lodge. The Viet House in Hanoi is a great example, as it is run by a non-profit organization that provides training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth. The Green Bamboo Lodge in Hoi An is another great option, as it is built using environmentally-friendly materials and practices, and also supports local community projects.
In conclusion, Vietnam is a country with a lot to offer, and there are many ways to make your travels meaningful and sustainable. From booking community tours to shopping at social enterprises, responsible travelers can make a positive impact on the local communities they visit. By taking the time to research and choose responsible travel options, you can ensure that your trip to Vietnam is both enjoyable and impactful.
Photos and ideas from Vietnam.Travel
