10 best ecotourism experiences in Vietnam

Paddling a boat along the Ngo Dong River in Ninh Binh.

Tam Coc literally means "Three Caves". Tourists visiting Tam Coc - Bich Dong will be amazed by the First, Second, and Third Caves located on the Ngo Dong River in the north of Ninh Binh province. Alongside them is Bich Dong, a beautiful temple complex built in the 15th century. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will leave you breathless with its limestone mountains, lazy rivers, peaceful rice fields, and clear blue sky. The stunning natural beauty makes this area a top destination in Vietnam.

Day tours to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh cost around 600,000 - 700,000 VND, while 2-day, 1-night tours range from 1.8 million to 2 million VND with many diverse options.

Hiking through Cat Tien National Park

This stunning national park is located approximately 150 km from Ho Chi Minh City, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Here, you'll find a variety of tropical birds, wildlife including venomous snakes, towering ancient trees, and the humid air fragrant with over 100 species of orchids growing in the forest. The park is known as Vietnam's 6th World Biosphere Reserve, and tour guides here strive to raise environmental awareness among visitors on every trip.

Several companies offer tours from Ho Chi Minh City, but Sinh Balo Adventure Travel is a popular choice. They offer combined tours from Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Tien that include transportation, meals, trekking, and accommodation in a budget guesthouse. Short tours to Cat Tien typically last 2 days and 1 night, with prices ranging from 1.2 million to 3 million VND depending on the amenities and services provided.

Rowing on Ba Be Lake

Nestled amidst lush green mountains, Ba Be Lake lies northeast of Hanoi. Boat tours take you to this stunning area, where you can admire the mist rising from the water in the morning, marvel at the crystal-clear waters in the afternoon, and witness a romantic sunset in the evening. So be sure to bring your camera to capture those breathtaking moments.

A 2-day, 1-night tour to Ba Be Lake from Hanoi costs from 1,650,000 VND.

Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is located 120 km southwest of Hanoi. Here you will find ancient trees thousands of years old, lush forests, ancient caves, and small lakes – all creating a wonder that you will hardly forget. Leaving the big cities and coming here seems to instantly make everyday worries disappear. Visitors can book tours through the official website of Cuc Phuong National Park.

A 2-day, 1-night tour to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi starts at just 900,000 VND.

Cycling through Mai Chau town

This enchanting town is perfect for anyone seeking an authentic local cultural experience in Vietnam. Similar to homestays in Sa Pa, the locals in Mai Chau offer charming accommodations and opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine. Traditional music performances are also held by locals in the evenings. Visitors can book tours with travel agencies in Mai Chau for better prices.

trekking in Ha Giang

Ha Giang province is located in northern Vietnam, bordering China. This stunning, remote location is perfect for travelers seeking multi-day trekking experiences. Ha Giang trekking tours, ranging from 5 to 13 days, include visits to spectacular terraced rice paddies, limestone mountains, and ethnic minority villages. The views from the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass are always breathtaking. Ha Giang trekking offers a range of excellent tour options, from quick trips to two-week adventures. Note that prices vary depending on the duration of the trip and group size.

Cycling and hiking trip in Sa Pa

If climbing Fansipan discourages you, you can spend a few days exploring Sapa – one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. The town's inhabitants are mostly ethnic minorities such as the H'Mong, Tay, and Dao people. You can book tours through Sapa O'Chau travel company, which offers fantastic homestays and donates a portion of their profits to the local community.

Climb to the summit of Fansipan

Fansipan, nicknamed the "Roof of Indochina," is the highest mountain in the region at 3,143 meters. This trek is not for the faint of heart as it is full of challenges. Throughout the climb, you will encounter beautiful flower fields, lush tropical forests, and cool green bamboo groves. Trekking usually takes three days. Sapa O'Chau offers two-day mountain treks starting from 2 million VND per person in a group of six. If you don't like climbing, you can buy a cable car ticket to the summit for 700,000 VND for adults and 500,000 VND for children, with children under 1.1 meters free. You can also take the train to the summit of Fansipan for 150,000 VND round trip.

Cycling trip in the Mekong Delta

This tour begins south of Saigon, a bustling metropolis with a population of nearly nine million. Leaving the city behind and cycling through vibrant natural landscapes is a truly breathtaking experience. Over 4 to 6 days, you'll cycle through sugarcane fields, banana plantations, narrow country roads, and across canals. It's the perfect getaway for anyone who enjoys a few days of cycling. Check out Vietnam by Bike for more details on our tour packages.

An eco-adventure in Cao Bang

Cao Bang is a remote mountainous region in northern Vietnam, offering breathtaking views of interwoven mountains, waterfalls, terraced rice fields, and rivers. The Cao Bang Geopark was recently recognized by UNESCO for its historical significance and geological heritage. Fresh air, local culture, and stunning scenery await eco-tourists in Cao Bang. You can create a customized tour with Buffalo Tours to explore Cao Bang, or find one of the many tour operators in Hanoi offering tours.

Many companies offer ecotourism tours in Vietnam, but you should still be mindful of preserving the country's natural beauty. As always, take photos and leave only footprints!

Nga Nguyen