Vietnam vacation, off the beaten track

Planet

Carbon Reductions
This itinerary emphasizes low-impact travel, particularly by integrating public or shared transport and minimized air travel. In Hanoi, the initial airport pickup is followed by predominantly land-based travel to remote locations such as Mai Chau and Pu Luong, reducing reliance on frequent flights. Furthermore, eco-conscious accommodations like stilt houses in Pu Luong and Kon Tum ensure that local materials and energy-efficient designs are prioritized. These efforts significantly cut back on carbon emissions, as do activities like hiking and river sampan rides, which encourage eco-friendly exploration of natural landscapes. The trip’s focus on staying in local communities further supports low-carbon lodging and dining, avoiding larger, energy-intensive hotels.

Environment
By guiding travelers through Vietnam’s pristine environments with trained guides, this itinerary reduces environmental impact while promoting awareness of conservation. For example, the itinerary’s inclusion of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Con Dao National Park provides protected spaces for local flora and fauna, encouraging responsible interactions with nature. Sustainable practices, such as guided exploration of the DakBla River by canoe, showcase traditional, non-invasive ways to connect with the environment. The guided hikes and limited vehicle usage also minimize erosion and pollution in natural areas. This itinerary emphasizes respecting the environment by providing in-depth exposure to conservation zones like Gia Long waterfall, which is an ecologically rich habitat preserved for its biodiversity.

Wildlife
Throughout the itinerary, there are opportunities to observe Vietnam’s native wildlife in respectful and sustainable ways. For example, at Con Dao National Park, travelers may encounter the endangered sea turtles at nesting sites, a unique privilege that promotes the importance of protecting these fragile marine ecosystems. In Buon Ma Thuot, guests have the chance to visit Yokdon National Park and observe the rich bird life and native elephants, which have been traditionally significant to the indigenous communities. By introducing visitors to these animals in their natural habitats, the itinerary not only reduces the need for harmful captivity practices but also supports Vietnam’s biodiversity and highlights the importance of these animals to local heritage.

We also work closely with small projects in Vietnam. For example, we assisted Fauna and Flora International (FFI – a highly regarded international conservation organisation) in setting up the Pu Luong trails. At present, we’re trying to help an important project to save a critically endangered species of large primate, now reduced to less than sixty individuals worldwide. We are working on plans to encourage our clients to help us by offering to match their donations.

This tour fits our philosophy admirably. It’s a means of alleviating poverty, conserving our indigenous culture, protecting the natural environment and, at the same time, providing our customers with an unforgettable vacation.

People

Local Economy and Employment
This itinerary actively supports local economies by prioritizing village stays and dining in local establishments over mainstream hotels and restaurants. By staying in stilt houses and communal accommodations in Pu Luong and Kontum, travelers contribute directly to these communities' income. The inclusion of visits to craft-centric villages like the brocade-weaving community in Mai Chau supports artisans who rely on tourism for income. This setup creates sustainable employment opportunities, allowing travelers to directly contribute to local livelihoods. Moreover, the support of local guides, family-run guesthouses, and small transport services stimulates a ripple effect in the community, creating more job opportunities and skill-sharing.

Wherever possible, we generate income for people living in poor areas by using local materials, transport, food and guides and paying directly to the individuals concerned rather than intermediaries. Our members of staff visit the destinations from time to time to look for new opportunities to benefit families and communities. We contract local indigenous suppliers and assist them to improve the quality of their services.

Inclusivity and Diversity
The tour celebrates Vietnam’s ethnic diversity, encouraging meaningful interactions with minority communities, such as the Thai people in Hang Village and the Jarai in Kon Tum. These interactions allow travelers to learn about and respect the distinct cultural identities within Vietnam, fostering inclusivity and understanding. The itinerary includes interactions with the Jarai people and the Ede ethnic minority, allowing visitors to understand their unique customs, such as burial practices, as well as more everyday experiences, such as farming and weaving techniques. By immersing travelers in these different cultural worlds, the tour supports and honors Vietnam’s diversity, promoting inclusivity and respectful tourism.

By booking this tour, you’ll be helping us to support Vietnamese service providers, small businesses, boat owners, national park rangers and other poor people in communities throughout the three destinations.

We use local freelance guides with wide experience and knowledge of local traditions and the natural environment as well as an ability to interpret the cultural heritage of the people in the places visited. For this tour, you’ll have several different guides from the provinces you’ll visit. Each will be an expert in each area.