Ecotourism not only brings you wonderful experiences amidst wild nature but also helps you work towards protecting the environment. Eco-tourism in Vietnam, you will easily find diverse destinations, where you can immerse yourself in beautiful natural scenery and rich local culture. From primeval forests to clear blue seas, each place has its own unique story, contributing to enriching your trip. Below, Karst Plateau will introduce to you the eco-tourism areas that are most popular with tourists today in Vietnam.
Ecotourism is not simply about exploring but also a way of living and thinking. This is a type of tourism that focuses on exploring and experiencing nature while honoring local culture and protecting the environment. According to Prof. Ceballos-Lascuráin, the term was developed in the 1960s to encourage communities to participate in nature conservation and the protection of natural resources.
Main characteristics of ecotourism
Explore nature: Ecotourism gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the rich and diverse ecosystem. Activities such as trekking, camping, and boating help visitors connect more closely with nature.
Preserving local culture: At ecotourism areas, tourists can not only explore natural scenery but can also experience and participate in the cultural life of ethnic minority communities.
Environmental protection: Ecotourism encourages tourists to take action to protect the environment, from reducing waste to preserving rare flora and fauna.
Community responsibility: The development of ecotourism helps create jobs for local people and encourages them to participate in preserving the living environment.
Eco-tourism in Vietnam will be a limitless adventure, where people, nature, and culture intersect. It not only helps visitors relax but also increases awareness about protecting the ecosystem.
2 . Top ecotourism destinations in Vietnam
Eco-tourism in Vietnam is a paradise for those who love and want to be close to nature. Each location offers visitors unique and rich natural experiences, contributing to raising awareness of environmental protection.
Pu Luong eco-tourism area
Pu Luong eco-tourism area is one of the famous eco-tourism in Vietnam
Pu Luong Nature Reserve, located in Thanh Hoa province, is one of Vietnam’s prominent ecotourism destinations. Known for its large area of 17,662 hectares, Pu Luong has many limestone mountains and green valleys, along with ethnic minority villages, creating a beautiful natural landscape and biological diversity.
Along with the extremely pleasant atmosphere, Pu Luong Thanh Hoa tourism also brings you the simple, idyllic beauty with the friendly people of a traditional countryside. Coming here, you will immerse yourself in the pleasant Pu Luong weather, and cool nature, explore beautiful landscapes, and enjoy countless attractive specialties.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is one of the national parks with an extremely rich flora and fauna ecosystem
Cuc Phuong National Park is the first nature reserve in Vietnam, famous for its rich ecology and biodiversity. The ecosystem here includes primeval forests, rich flora and fauna, and many interesting caves. Cuc Phuong is not only a beautiful stopping place for nature lovers but also an ideal place for activities to explore and learn about flora and fauna.
Visitors can participate in hiking trips, learn about rare animals, and explore historical sites such as Nguoi Xua Cave and Crescent Moon Cave. The garden also features environmental education activities that help raise awareness about nature protection and encourage visitors to carry out conservation activities.
In addition to beautiful nature, Cuc Phuong also retains the traditional cultural values of ethnic minorities. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in traditional activities, from singing and dancing to enjoying typical cuisine. With Khanh, Nga, and Sam villages, the people here will take you on a journey of discovery not only about nature but also about the unique culture of the country. This is truly an extremely attractive ecotourism destination in Vietnam that you should not miss.
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the eco-tourism in Vietnam that you should not miss
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, located in Quang Binh province, is one of the leading eco-tourism in Vietnam. With a total area of about 343,638 hectares, this place stands out with hundreds of spectacular caves, including the Phong Nha cave system and En cave. Phong Nha-Ke Bang not only has beautiful limestone landscapes but was also recognized by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage twice in 2003 and 2015.
Visitors coming here have the opportunity to explore mysterious caves and immerse themselves in the wild natural space with hundreds of rare flora and fauna species. In particular, the underground river system in the caves creates a unique experience for visitors.
Trang An eco-tourism area – Ninh Binh
Trang An – Ninh Binh is an eco-tourism in Vietnam that attracts many tourists today
Trang An is one of the eco-tourism in Vietnam. This place is not only a charming natural ecological area with many species of plants, birds, animals, and reptiles but also a collection of many caves with many historical and archaeological relics.
Besides, Trang An is also associated with the Hoa Lu ancient capital relic site, where King Dinh Tien Hoang connected limestone mountains together with artificial walls, and underneath the mountains are limestone caves interconnected, building a strong and unique capital. Coming to Trang An eco-tourism area, you can take a boat ride through these mysterious caves, capturing images of the beautiful Ninh Binh mountains.
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is one of the destinations not to be missed for those who love eco-tourism in Vietnam
Located in the rich ecosystem of Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island is one of the destinations not to be missed for those who love eco-tourism in Vietnam. Cat Ba National Park not only stands out with more than 620 plant species and 20 rare mammal species such as the White-headed Langur, but also possesses pristine and picturesque beaches.
Here, visitors can explore beautiful beaches such as Cat Co beach, trek through the forest, visit Trung Trang cave, or participate in activities such as kayaking to explore Lan Ha Bay. In addition, Cat Ba is also an ideal place to experience local culture at Viet Hai fishing village and participate in tours to experience caged fish farming.
Can Gio eco-tourism area
Tourists take a boat trip to visit Can Gio area
Can Gio Ecotourism Area is one of the eco-tourism in Vietnam, only about 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City, known for its fresh air and beautiful natural landscape. This is a special island district of Ho Chi Minh City, with an intricate system of canals, seas, and islands, and is home to many rare animal species.
Vam Sat area is the most checked-in tourist destination in Can Gio. Recovered after the war, Vam Sat has extremely diverse flora and fauna. Coming here, you will admire the peaceful scenery with all kinds of birds flying, and visit some interesting areas such as bat lagoon, bird sanctuary, crocodile farm, etc. You can also participate in a number of activities. Interesting activities such as boating, and crocodile fishing are only available in this mangrove ecological area.
In addition to the Vam Sat area, Can Gio Beach is also a popular tourist destination, this beach has a wild and unique look.
Ba Be Lake
Tourists visiting Ba Be Lake are fascinated by the clear blue water and mountain views on both sides of the lake
Ba Be Lake, located in Ba Be National Park, is one of the eco-tourism in Vietnam that is loved by many tourists. This is an ideal destination with majestic natural scenery and a rich ecosystem. The lake is surrounded by green mountains and forests, bringing fresh air and beautiful scenery. Visitors can participate in activities such as boating, explore the villages of the Tay and Nung people, and enjoy the specialties here.
In addition, Ba Be is also famous for its mysterious legends and wilderness, helping visitors have peaceful and relaxing moments after long tiring days. Activities at Ba Be Lake not only bring relaxation but also help you learn more about the culture of ethnic minorities.
3. Experience unique eco-tourism in Vietnam
Trekking is one of the activities most tourists choose in eco-tourism in Vietnam
When participating in activities in eco-tourism in Vietnam, you are not just a tourist but also part of the effort to protect local nature and culture. This is the magical connection where you can capture beautiful memories in your heart and share with others these wonderful adventures.
Trekking and mountain climbing
Trekking is one of the most popular activities in eco-tourism in Vietnam. More than just simply walking, trekking gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery of the mountains and forests, from mountain peaks to green terraced fields. The winding trails make the journey enjoyable, as you can see the pristine natural landscape and feel the fresh air.
What’s special about trekking trips in eco-tourism areas such as Cuc Phuong national parks or Pu Luong is that you not only get to explore nature but also have the opportunity to interact with ethnic minority communities and learn about them about their unique culture. Such experiences will enrich your trip.
Staying in a homestay with the ethnic community
One of the experiences not to be missed when eco-tourism in Vietnam is staying in homestays with ethnic minority communities. This not only gives you a feeling of closeness and friendliness but also gives you a deep understanding of their way of life and customs. At a homestay, you will have the opportunity to participate in daily activities such as growing crops, preparing traditional dishes, and learning how to make handicraft products.
Homestays not only create beautiful memories but also help contribute to the sustainable development of local communities. Not only will they share their culture with you, but they can also learn and grow from this interaction.
Explore underground rivers and caves
Vietnam possesses many underground river systems and mysterious caves, the most prominent of which is Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. This is where great adventure experiences await you. Visitors can join cave exploration tours, where you can admire beautiful stalactites and feel the wonder of underground nature.
Famous caves like En Cave and Va Cave bring you unforgettable moments. Exploring caves is an interesting experience that you cannot miss when eco-tourism in Vietnam.
Observe wildlife
Eco-tourism in Vietnam is also ideal for those who love nature and want to see wildlife in their natural environment. Vietnam has many conservation areas and national parks where rare animals are preserved. For example, at Cuc Phuong National Park, you can see bears, monkeys, and many unique birds, while in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, animals such as pheasants, chamois, or even special birds. This will be an interesting experience for nature lovers.
4. Tips for responsible ecotourism in Vietnam
To experience responsible and sustainable ecotourism in Vietnam, visitors should keep in mind some practical tips. First, always choose tours from reputable providers who have certified eco-tourism to ensure that the activities you participate in truly protect the environment and the local community. Learning about local culture and customs before arriving also helps you respect and integrate better.
Besides, when Eco-Tourism in Vietnam, you should bring environmentally friendly items such as reusable water bottles and cloth bags to minimize the use of single-use plastic. Always remember not to litter and respect environmental protection regulations in the natural areas you visit.
An ecotourism in Vietnam not only brings you new experiences with nature but also helps you learn and respect the culture of local communities. From primeval forests to lush green fields, each destination promises to bring you memorable moments and profound lessons about love for nature. For more information and travel tips, please visit the Karst Plateau website.
