The Best Eco-Tourism Activities in Vietnam for Nature Lovers

Vietnam is a land of vibrant cultures, rich history, and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a prime destination for eco-tourism. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone looking to make a positive impact on the environment, Vietnam offers a variety of eco-tourism activities that allow you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty while supporting sustainability and conservation efforts.

From lush jungles and towering mountains to pristine beaches and winding rivers, the country’s diverse ecosystems offer a wealth of opportunities for eco-conscious travelers. Here’s a guide to the best eco-tourism activities in Vietnam, perfect for nature lovers who want to enjoy the country’s natural beauty responsibly.

1. Trekking in Sapa’s Rice Terraces

Located in the northern region of Vietnam, Sapa is famous for its stunning terraced rice fields that stretch across the steep hillsides. The area is a haven for trekkers and eco-tourists looking to experience traditional rural life while taking in the awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

• Eco-Tourism Focus: Sapa’s trekking tours promote sustainable travel by encouraging small group tours and supporting local ethnic minority communities. These communities depend on agriculture, and eco-friendly trekking ensures minimal impact on their environment.

• What You’ll Do: You can embark on guided treks through the rice terraces, passing through remote villages like Ta Van and Cat Cat. Along the way, you’ll learn about local cultures, participate in homestays, and enjoy breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains.
• Why It’s Eco-Friendly: By choosing eco-tourism tours in Sapa, you contribute to the preservation of the region’s landscape and support the local communities through tourism revenue.

2. Exploring Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park

Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its immense biodiversity, vast cave systems, and lush tropical forests. This pristine natural area is a must-visit for eco-tourism lovers looking to explore Vietnam’s wilderness.

• Eco-Tourism Focus: Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng is home to many rare and endangered species, and it’s an important site for conservation efforts. The park offers eco-friendly tours that focus on environmental education and protecting the region’s natural habitats.
• What You’ll Do: You can explore some of the world’s largest and most beautiful caves, including the famous Son Doong Cave. Beyond cave exploration, the park also offers jungle treks, wildlife watching, and river cruises.

• Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Tours to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng promote sustainable travel by limiting the number of visitors to sensitive areas, ensuring that conservation efforts continue to thrive without harming the environment.

3. Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural landmarks, is known for its emerald waters and limestone karsts that rise majestically from the sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is a popular destination for eco-tourism, offering the chance to explore its beauty in an environmentally conscious way.

• Eco-Tourism Focus: Many boat and kayaking tours in Ha Long Bay are operated by eco-friendly companies that focus on minimizing the impact of tourism on the bay’s delicate ecosystem. These tours emphasize responsible waste disposal, conservation of marine life, and the importance of preserving the bay’s natural beauty.
• What You’ll Do: You can take a kayaking tour through the bay, exploring hidden caves and isolated beaches while admiring the towering limestone cliffs. Some eco-tourism companies also offer overnight cruises on traditional wooden boats with solar panels to reduce carbon footprints.

• Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Kayaking is a low-impact activity that allows you to explore Ha Long Bay’s beauty without disturbing its fragile environment. Eco-friendly boat operators often use sustainable materials and focus on minimizing plastic waste.

4. Visiting Cat Ba Island for Sustainable Travel

Cat Ba Island, located off the coast of Hai Phong in northern Vietnam, is a natural haven with its untouched beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush jungles. It’s part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, which includes a national park and a marine protected area.

• Eco-Tourism Focus: Cat Ba has been working to balance tourism with environmental protection, offering eco-tourism activities that allow visitors to explore the island while supporting its conservation efforts. Many tours are led by local guides who emphasize sustainable travel and educate visitors on local wildlife and ecosystems.
• What You’ll Do: Explore Cat Ba’s national park through hiking and nature walks, visit isolated beaches by kayak, or enjoy boat tours around the archipelago. There are also opportunities for snorkeling and diving in marine protected areas.

• Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Eco-tourism initiatives in Cat Ba focus on reducing the environmental impact of tourism by promoting sustainable activities and responsible waste management. The marine protected areas are essential for preserving the local aquatic life, including coral reefs and endangered species.

5. Cycling Through Mekong Delta Villages

The Mekong Delta, located in southern Vietnam, is a unique network of rivers, canals, and lush landscapes. It’s one of the best places to explore Vietnam’s rural beauty while supporting sustainable travel practices.

• Eco-Tourism Focus: Cycling tours through the Mekong Delta are an excellent way to explore the region’s beauty while minimizing your environmental impact. Many local operators offer eco-friendly bike tours that provide a low-carbon way to discover the delta’s villages, markets, and waterways.
• What You’ll Do: Ride your bike through tranquil villages, visit local farms and plantations, and take boat trips along the river. You can also stop at local artisan workshops, where you’ll learn about sustainable handicrafts and organic farming practices.
• Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Cycling is a sustainable, eco-friendly activity that allows you to explore the Mekong Delta’s beauty while contributing to the local economy. Many of the tours are designed to promote environmental awareness and preserve the region’s fragile ecosystems.

6. Wildlife Watching in Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s oldest national park, and it is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species. The park plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species and biodiversity in Vietnam.

• Eco-Tourism Focus: Cuc Phuong focuses on protecting the park’s natural environment through sustainable tourism practices. It also runs a primate rescue center, which works to rehabilitate and release endangered species back into the wild.
• What You’ll Do: Go on guided nature walks, visit the primate rescue center, and explore the park’s ancient forests and caves. Birdwatching and wildlife photography are popular activities here, as Cuc Phuong is home to over 300 species of birds and numerous mammals, reptiles, and insects.

• Why It’s Eco-Friendly: The park’s eco-tourism activities help fund its conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species. The park’s responsible tourism model ensures that visitors enjoy its natural beauty without damaging the environment.

7. Eco-Friendly Tours in Phu Quoc National Park

Phu Quoc Island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its lush forests and marine ecosystems. The Phu Quoc National Park is a major conservation area that covers about 70% of the island’s land.

• Eco-Tourism Focus: Phu Quoc’s eco-tourism activities prioritize sustainable travel and the protection of the island’s ecosystems. Marine life conservation efforts focus on protecting coral reefs and endangered species, while trekking through the national park helps to raise awareness about deforestation and habitat loss.
• What You’ll Do: Go trekking through the park’s forests, visit the island’s beaches for snorkeling or diving, and explore hidden waterfalls. Many tours emphasize responsible travel and educate visitors about conservation efforts.

• Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Eco-friendly operators in Phu Quoc are committed to reducing plastic use, preserving marine ecosystems, and supporting local communities. Phu Quoc’s eco-tourism initiatives help to ensure that the island’s natural beauty remains protected for generations to come.

Conclusion

Vietnam offers an incredible range of eco-tourism activities for nature lovers looking to explore its breathtaking landscapes while supporting sustainable practices. Whether trekking through the rice terraces of Sapa, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, or cycling through the Mekong Delta, these eco-friendly experiences allow travelers to connect with nature in a responsible way. By choosing eco-tourism activities, you help protect Vietnam’s natural wonders and contribute to the preservation of its unique ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the country’s beauty.