10 best ecotourism experiences in Vietnam

Rowing along Ngo Dong River in Ninh Binh

Tam Coc literally means “Three Caves”. Tourists visiting Tam Coc – Bich Dong will be stunned by the Ca Cave, Hai Cave and Ba Cave located on the Ngo Dong River in the northern province of Ninh Binh. Next to it is Bich Dong, a beautiful pagoda complex built in the 15th century. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will take your breath away with its limestone mountains, lazy rivers, peaceful rice fields and clear blue skies. 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 cost around 1.8 to 2 million VND with many diverse options.

Hiking through Cat Tien National Park

This stunning national park is located about 150km from Ho Chi Minh City, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Here you will find tropical birds, wildlife including venomous snakes, huge ancient trees, and the humid air is scented with the scent of over 100 species of orchids that grow in the forest. The park is known as Vietnam’s 6th World Biosphere Reserve, and tour guides try to raise environmental awareness with each visit.

There are several companies offering tours from Ho Chi Minh City but Sinh Balo Adventure Travel is a popular choice. They offer combination tours from Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Tien that include transportation, meals, trekking and accommodation at a budget hostel. Short tours to Cat Tien usually last 2 days and 1 night with prices ranging from 1.2 to 3 million VND depending on the amenities.

Rowing on Ba Be Lake

Nestled among green mountains, Ba Be Lake is located northeast of Hanoi. There are boat tours that will take you out to this beautiful area where you can watch the mist rise over the water in the morning, admire the clear waters in the afternoon and watch the romantic sunset in the evening. So be sure to bring your camera to capture those wonderful moments.

The 2-day, 1-night tour to visit Ba Be Lake from Hanoi starts at VND 1,650,000.

Visit Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is located 120 km southwest of Hanoi. Here you will find thousand-year-old trees, lush forests, ancient caves and small lakes - all of which create a wonder that is hard to forget. Leaving the big cities and coming here will make your daily worries disappear immediately. Visitors can book a tour through the official website of Cuc Phuong National Park.

2 days 1 night tour to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi starts at only 900,000 VND.

Cycling through Mai Chau town

This enchanting town is perfect for anyone looking for a truly local cultural experience in Vietnam. Similar to the homestays in Sa Pa, the locals in Mai Chau offer lovely homestays and the chance to experience the local culture and cuisine. Traditional music shows are also performed by the locals in the evenings. Visitors can book tours with travel agencies in Mai Chau to get preferential prices.

trekking in Ha Giang

Ha Giang Province is located in northern Vietnam, bordering China. This stunning, remote location is perfect for travelers looking for a multi-day trekking experience. Trekking tours through Ha Giang range from 5-13 days and include visits to spectacular rice terraces, limestone mountains and ethnic minority villages. The view from the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass is always awe-inspiring. Trekking Ha Giang offers a great range of tours, from quick trips to two-week adventures. Note that prices depend on the duration of the tour and the size of the group.

Cycling and mountain climbing trip in Sa Pa

If climbing Fansipan is too daunting, you can spend a few days visiting Sapa – one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. The town is largely inhabited by ethnic minorities such as the H'Mong, Tay and Dao. You can book a tour through the tour company Sapa O'Chau, which offers great homestays and donates a portion of its profits back to the local community.

Climb to the top of Fansipan

Fansipan, dubbed the "Roof of Indochina" because it is the highest mountain in the region at 3,143 m. This trek is not for the faint-hearted as it is challenging. During the climb, you will encounter beautiful flower fields, lush rainforests and green bamboo bushes. Trekking usually takes three days. Sapa O'Chau offers two-day trips up the mountain starting from 2 million VND per person in a group of six. If you do not like climbing, buy a cable car ticket to the top for 700,000 VND for adults and 500,000 VND for children, especially children under 1.1 m will be free. You can also take the train to the top of Fansipan for 150,000 VND for a return ticket.

Cycling trip in the Mekong Delta

This tour starts south of Saigon, a bustling metropolis with a population of nearly nine million. Leaving the city behind and cycling into the stunning natural landscapes is a sight to behold. Over the course of four to six days, you will cycle through sugarcane fields, banana plantations, narrow country roads and canals. It is the perfect getaway for anyone who enjoys a few days of cycling. Check out Vietnam by Bike for more details on tour packages.

Eco-adventure in Cao Bang

Cao Bang is a remote mountainous region in northern Vietnam, offering more spectacular views of interwoven mountains, waterfalls, rice terraces and rivers. Cao Bang Geopark was recently recognized by UNESCO for its historical significance and geological heritage. Fresh air, local culture and outstanding scenery await eco-tourists in Cao Bang. You can create a custom tour with Buffalo Tours to take you around Cao Bang or find one of the many tour agencies in Hanoi.

There are many companies offering eco tours in Vietnam but you should still be mindful of preserving the natural beauty of the country. As always, take only pictures and leave only footprints!

Nga Nguyen