Hidden Vietnam guided tour

Planet

Carbon reduction

By traveling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment. On this trip, part of the itinerary is spent in the Sapa region staying with hill communities.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
We spend one at an ecolodge on Cat Ba Island; this locally owned, family-run lodge strives to minimise their carbon footprint through the implementation of various sustainable practices in their waste, water, chemical, noise, product use and energy management policies.
We choose to travel on the overnight train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi as opposed to taking an internal flight. We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.


Environment and wildlife

We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.We provide clients with a reusable, locally made tote bag at the start of the tour, offering an alternative to single-use plastic bags and a souvenir to take home.
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
The payment of entrance fees to sites such as the Lan Ha Bay and the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites.

People

Local economy

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
We spend a night near Sapa in traditional hill community houses in Ta Phin village, hosted by local families. This provides support and helps to improve the livelihood of the Red Dao and Hmong ethnic minority families.
In Hoi An, we stop by a shop called Reaching Out, which sells gifts handmade by artisans with disabilities, helping them to develop their talent and independence.
There is also the option to see a traditional folk dancing or water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. This encourages local customs to continue and creates employment opportunities.

Cultural respect

You will be expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) during visits to temples and sacred sites so packing a sarong or other suitable clothing is recommended. Also remember to remove hats when visiting a sacred site.
Do not rest your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as this symbolises the burning of incense (which is usually reserved for times of mourning).
One should not show the soles of their feet or touch someone’s head, both are considered disrespectful.