Discover how to travel responsibly in Vietnam. From ethical tours to sustainable souvenirs, explore tips on how to support local communities and preserve culture. Traveling is more than just seeing new places—it’s about leaving a positive impact on the communities you visit. In Vietnam, a country rich in culture and natural beauty, there are countless ways to enjoy your journey while supporting local communities, preserving traditions, and protecting the environment. Here are some tips to help you travel responsibly and contribute meaningfully during your stay.

1. Support Ethical Tours

Opting for ethical tours is one of the best ways to experience Vietnam while minimizing your environmental footprint and supporting local communities. In popular destinations like Hạ Long Bay, companies such as Bhaya Cruises and YESD Tours not only offer breathtaking views but also engage in environmental efforts, like regular clean-ups. In the northern region of Sapa, consider booking with Sapa Sisters, a social enterprise run by H’Mong women, or ETHOS, which empowers ethnic minority communities. For coffee lovers, the K’Ho Coffee farm tour in Da Lat gives you an inside look into sustainable farming while directly supporting 50 ethnic K’Ho families.

2. Stay in Family Homestays
Staying in a homestay is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture while supporting local livelihoods. Homestays are especially impactful in rural areas, where tourism provides much-needed income to small communities. In the Mekong Delta, Mekong Rustic allows travelers to experience life alongside local farmers and artisans. Further north, Mr. Thien Homestay in Ha Giang offers an authentic taste of Tay ethnic culture, with stays in traditional stilt houses.

3. Respect Local Customs
Vietnam remains a largely conservative country, and understanding local customs is key to showing respect. When visiting temples or pagodas, always cover your shoulders and legs, and remove your hat before entering. When invited into someone’s home, take off your shoes at the door. These small gestures go a long way in showing respect for Vietnamese traditions and hospitality. Many homes and businesses also have altars for ancestor worship, so avoid leaving objects in front of them, as this could be seen as disrespectful.

4. Eat Like a Local
Food is an essential part of Vietnamese culture, and eating like a local not only enhances your experience but also supports local farmers and food producers. In Vietnam, meals are often shared family-style, with everyone sampling from a variety of dishes. When dining with locals, try offering to fill others’ bowls and use chopsticks to pick up food from communal plates. Be mindful to place your chopsticks beside your bowl after eating, as sticking them upright in rice is associated with funeral rites. And remember, use your right hand for social gestures, such as passing money or raising a toast.

5. Buy Sustainable Souvenirs

Shopping for souvenirs in Vietnam can be a way to support local artisans and contribute to fair-trade practices. Seek out handmade goods, such as lacquerware, ceramics, or textiles, and look for shops that support social causes. In Sapa, Indigo Cat offers stunning textiles crafted by ethnic minorities, while Reaching Out Ceramics in Hội An sells elegant ceramic pieces made by people with disabilities. These purchases not only make for memorable keepsakes but also help sustain meaningful employment for local artisans.

6. Learn and Preserve Local Crafts
Vietnam’s rich culture includes hundreds of traditional craft villages, where artisans produce everything from ceramics to paper. Visiting these villages supports the preservation of traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. Zó Project, for example, offers tours to a traditional paper-making village in Hòa Bình, where you can learn about this ancient craft. If you’re a fan of ceramics, a trip to Bát Tràng village near Hanoi will let you browse colorful, handcrafted pottery. In Hue, villages produce unique items like incense and wood-block paintings, giving you the chance to take home a piece of Vietnamese heritage.

7. Get Off the Beaten Path
Vietnam’s popular tourist destinations, such as Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, and Hội An, are well-known for a reason, but venturing off the beaten path provides a more authentic experience. In doing so, you help spread the benefits of tourism to lesser-visited areas and reduce overcrowding in major hotspots. For example, Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers stunning rice terraces without the crowds of Sapa. In the Mekong Delta, the small town of Cái Bè offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling markets of Can Tho. And for beach lovers, Qui Nhơn is a quieter, lesser-known coastal gem perfect for a relaxing escape.

Final Thoughts
Traveling responsibly in Vietnam doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure or comfort—it means engaging with the country in a way that benefits everyone, from the local communities to the environment. By choosing ethical tours, supporting local businesses, respecting customs, and exploring lesser-known destinations, you can make your trip to Vietnam not just enjoyable but also impactful. Leave the country a little better than you found it, and you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to this vibrant land.