Vietnam heritage tour

Planet

Carbon Reductions

Reducing carbon emissions is central to sustainable travel, and this tour aims to make minimal environmental impact by prioritising eco-friendly transport options and reducing energy consumption. The itinerary includes activities that lessen reliance on carbon-heavy modes of transportation. For instance, bicycles are used in Thuy Bieu village and around the Mua Caves, enabling you to explore while helping reduce carbon output. Additionally, the use of boats in Ha Long Bay for overnight stays reduces hotel-related carbon emissions and offers a traditional mode of travel. By working with partners committed to sustainable practices, such as eco-conscious lodgings in Hanoi and Hue, this tour strives to balance authentic cultural experiences with an environmental focus. We also actively encourage participants to engage in low-impact travel practices like minimizing plastic waste and conserving water during their trip.

Environment and Wildlife

The itinerary takes you through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and focuses on preserving the delicate ecosystems within. Activities around Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, aim to educate travelers on the bay's unique karst formations and marine biodiversity. By limiting group sizes on the traditional wooden junk boats, which are built with local materials, this tour helps minimize the human footprint on these fragile areas. In rural areas like Thuy Bieu village, travelers are invited to explore the local flora, from grapefruit orchards to small farms, all while observing sustainable farming practices. Visits to historical sites, such as My Son Sanctuary, showcase the cultural significance of ancient ruins amid forested areas. Responsible tourism practices, like not disturbing wildlife habitats or littering, are emphasized to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.

People

Local Economy and Employment

Supporting the local economy is a priority throughout this journey, with a focus on contributing to the livelihoods of Vietnamese communities. This tour collaborates with local businesses, artisans, and family-owned restaurants to ensure that revenue stays within the communities. In places like Thuy Bieu Village, you’ll experience hands-on workshops with artisans, contributing to the preservation of traditional crafts such as paper painting and incense making. This approach not only supports the artisans but also allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding of local culture. Additionally, family-owned cafés like Manzi Art Space and Café in Hanoi introduce travelers to contemporary Vietnamese art while fostering the local creative economy. By prioritising local over imported goods and services, this tour creates meaningful opportunities for employment and economic growth, ensuring a sustainable impact on the communities visited.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Vietnam’s diverse cultural landscape is reflected in this tour’s approach to inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. Each stop aims to introduce travellers to various aspects of Vietnamese heritage, from the ethnic minorities represented at the Ethnology Museum in Hanoi to the Cham Kingdom’s history at My Son Sanctuary. Working closely with local guides enhances travelers’ understanding of these unique traditions while ensuring that cultural heritage is respected and valued. Additionally, this tour is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all travelers, with attention to accessibility and dietary needs in places like Hue’s garden houses and Hoi An’s farmer-to-fisherman experiences. Our inclusive approach to travel offers respectful, authentic engagement with diverse communities while promoting cultural exchange that benefits both travelers and locals alike.

We have built strong links with local communities, craftspeople, artists, singers and musicians who are maintaining threatened traditions. We offer visitors an opportunity to meet them, thereby valuing their activities and thus helping towards their survival. For example, you'll contribute to sustaining traditional calligraphy, an art form under threat of extinction.

By booking this tour, you'll be helping us to support Vietnamese service providers, artists and performers, small businesses, boat owners and other poor people in communities throughout Vietnam.

We use local freelance guides with wide experience and knowledge of cultural traditions who can interpret the cultural heritage of the people in the places visited. You'll have about two different guides from various provinces of Vietnam.