Vietnam is a beautiful country filled with mind-blowing landscapes, warm people, and fascinating traditions. It’s important to remember that in spite of the Second Indochina War’s conclusion in 1975, Vietnam was still subjected to US sanctions until the mid-1990s, creating a difficult economic situation where the focus was on survival by any means necessary, often at the expense of nature, young children, and wild animals.

A fruit seller trying to make ends meet is a common sight throughout Vietnam 

Responsible Travel in Vietnam

Responsible tourism is slowly gaining traction as the country becomes more affluent and the younger generation seeks to recover and preserve the native animals, flora, and fauna. Mundo Asia has worked hard to create itineraries within the country which utilize ethical practices, whether its hiring locals from ethnic minority tribes to guide treks or using reputable cruise companies with commitments to local communities and disposing of their waste properly. We are also very proud to announce we do not work with or support any animal entertainment venues in Vietnam.

Ethnic Minorities in Mu Cang Chai 

When you book a Mundo Asia tour, here are some of the wonderful programs your money goes to support while travelling in Vietnam.

• Treks and Homestays through the award-winning social enterprise Sapa O’Chau passionate about promoting learning, providing sustainable employment, and empowering the ethnic minority communities of Sa Pa. Treks and homestays in other regions also follow the same idea, although not with Sapa O’Chau.

• Cooking Lessons and Lunch at KOTO, a hospitality training centre in Hanoi giving at-risk and disadvantaged youth the opportunity to learn a trade and provide for themselves and their families.

• Cyclo and Electric Car Tours of the Old Quarter and West Lake

• Eco-lodge Stays on adventure, luxury, and romance itineraries in Mai Chau, Pu Luong, and Sa Pa

• Ha Long Bay Cruises with reputable companies like Bhaya Group, Heritage Line, Indochina Junk, and Paradise who work with local floating fishing villages and Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island to provide sustainable livelihoods. We also work with boats who have banned plastic and Styrofoam, regularly clean up various islands and regions, and manage their black water production and disposal. Bhaya Group has also started an initiative to protect the endangered Cat Ba Langur, a type of monkey only residing on Cat Ba Island.

• Drink Tea, Tea Meditation, and Snack-Making at Reaching Out Tea House in Hoi An, a social enterprise providing opportunities for people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment.

• Visit Tra Que Vegetable Farm in Hoi An where no chemicals or toxins are used in the plant and herb growing process to guarantee the best quality of produce.

• Mekong River Delta Cruise with small family-run businesses to ensure personalized service and sustainable practices.

• Beach Stays in eco-minded resorts like Six Senses, Fusion Maia, Amanoi, and Four Seasons.

As our relationships grow, we hope to add more and more specialized products to our itineraries to ensure the best for the environment, local people, wildlife, and guests. Happy discovering!