Saigon to Hanoi cycling holiday, Vietnam

Planet

Cycling holidays are a relatively sustainable way to travel as they have less negative impact on the local infrastructure, environment and people while encouraging positive interaction with local people. We cycle on routes that are removed from mass tourism, creating less pollution, noise and traffic. When using motorised transport we work with small, locally owned transport companies.

We manage water consumption and reduce plastic waste on this trip by encouraging people to bring along re-usable bottles and by supplying a large tank of fresh drinking water on the support vehicle that is always available for guests to refill.

Vietnam is a cultural treasure trove, offering up several UNESCO World Heritage sites like the ancient traders town of Hoi An and the turquoise waters of Halong Bay. When we visit these fascinating sights not only do we learn about Vietnam’s rich history and diverse culture, but our entrance fees help to contribute to the upkeep of these special places, ensuring they are looked after for generations to come.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

One of the reasons we prefer to use local tour leaders is so they can give a real insight into the culture and history of their home country by sharing their own stories and experiences. In addition we are supporting them financially through employment, as well as the other members of staff of our in-country partners.

Having meals in locally-owned and run restaurants not only provides you with a chance to enjoy true traditional cuisine and hospitality, but it also means your money supports the local community and ensures they have a continued livelihood. This is especially important in the more rural areas we visit.

We like to support communities through business and often that helps the more vulnerable in Vietnam. On our journey to Halong Bay we visit the Huong Ngoc Humanities Centre. This is a project where disabled people are trained in various crafts such as embroidery and painting. Their works are on sale with profits going to support the centre. Hoi An is known for the beautiful lanterns that traverse its narrow streets, glowing a multitude of colours by night. In our free time here we have the option to visit a local lantern factory, where we learn about the skills involved in making lanterns by hand, skills that have been passed down over generations. We even have the chance to buy and make our own, supporting the local artisans and their beautiful craftwork right at the source.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.