EXPLORE VIETNAM
This guide showcases some of our best experiences in Vietnam’s leading destinations, all of which have positive social and environmental impacts. Showcasing them here is part of our commitment to making sustainable travel options more visible and easily accessible. All experiences meet the following criteria:
P Good value because travelling sustainably does not have to be costly.
P High quality to provide travellers with the best possible experiences.
P Positive impacts on local communities and nature.
You will find recommendations for restaurants, accommodation, transportation, activities and experiences. They all contribute to sustainable and experiential travel, bringing travellers closer to our destinations in a meaningful way without drastically increasing travel costs.
Thuy Tien Bui
OVERVIEW
Vietnam is a land of true diversity offering captivating natural attractions of rugged mountains, tropical islands, a 3,000-km coastline and dense rainforests. Visitors will find a tourism paradise of ancient cultural sites, adventure pursuits, inexpensive street hawker food and fine dining establishments.
Asian Trails’ exceptional experiences include cruises through spectacular Halong Bay aboard a traditional Vietnamese junk; trekking the soaring peaks of Sapa; or guided exploration of the quaint streets of Hoi An, a 15th century port containing a rich legacy of Chinese, Japanese and European architecture – a factor which gained it World Heritage status.
Our guests can learn the secrets behind Vietnamese cuisine, try their hands at creating handicrafts or farm ancient lands using age-old, eco-friendly, practices under the supervision of hill tribes. The sustainable and responsible tourism components in these tours and activities, which are designed to benefit local individuals, businesses and host communities, provide the most rewarding experiences possible!
Experiences:
Explore our engaging and rewarding excursions packed with inspirational experiences which provide positive benefits for local communities. Our guests can participate in cultural learning activities that make a difference by contributing to local development.
Dining:
Peruse diverse eateries which reflect our commitment to responsible travel. We promote locally-owned eateries that use locally sourced ingredients and at affordable prices, thereby helping travellers make better choices about how to eat more sustainably including a selection of vegan and vegetarian options.
THINGS
Transport:
We feature alternative ways to travel in all of our destinations. Our choices are more beneficial to the environment, including transport with lower low-carbon emissions such as electric cars, trains and shared public transport services.
Nang
Con Dao Island Phu Quoc Island
Paracel Island
NORTHERN VIETNAM
Northern Vietnam is packed with potential for tourists keen to explore exceptional attractions. It contains the nation’s capital, Hanoi, as well as some of the country’s most famed sites including amazing Halong Bay and the picturesque terraced rice paddies of Sapa.
Hanoi has it all; iconic landmark buildings, such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the French influenced Hanoi Opera House. For dining, excellent and inexpensive hawker food can be found on virtually every street.
With easy access from the capital, Hạlong Bay is famed for its emerald waters and over 3,000 towering limestone islands.
Cruise exploration takes our visitors to see islands named after their peculiar shapes. For true adventurers, Sapa, in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, is a magnet for trekkers. It overlooks the lush, neat terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley and is close to the country’s tallest mountain, 3,143 metres-high Mount Fansipan.
Mai Chau
Ninh Binh Halong Bay
HANOI
Old Town Cyclo Ride
Enjoy a cyclo ride around the lively capital Hanoi. A cyclo is a three-wheeled bicycle taxi introduced during the 1900s to access all areas. Our recommended start point is the iconic Temple of Literature.
Cyclo drivers have lost income as they are no longer a popular mode of transport. Therefore, taking a short ride is a great way to support them and also gain a unique perspective of the capital.
Hanoi by Heart and Hand
Embark on a meaningful day of creativity. The highlight of the day unfolds at KymViet, a social enterprise where people with disabilities lead a workshop rooted in craftsmanship. Participants engage in activities designed to deepen understanding, such as basic sign language. This is an inspiring activity from our Sustainable Trails collection.
This interaction supports people with special needs.
Vespa Tours
Jump on the back of a vintage Vespa, behind a professional driver and discover Hanoi like a true local. Exciting programmes at the twist of a throttle, include: ‘Hanoi Early Bird’, see the city come to life at dawn; ‘Insider Hanoi’, live like a local in authentic locations; and ‘Hanoi After Dark’, savour delicious and inexpensive Vietnamese food and drink.
Each rider has their own driver, so more local people benefit compared to conventional mini-bus/coach tours.
Refinding the Roots of the Red River Delta
Absorb the serene countryside of Son Tay, just a one drive from Hanoi. Activities include a cooking class with a local family, a traditional hand massage, guided cycling tours, a medicinal foot bath, Vietnamese pudding tasting and a traditional prayer ceremony.
Rural families benefit directly by organising the many activities included in this full-day tour and travellers get an indepth understanding of countryside life and traditions off the tourist trail.
TRAILS 4 HOURS 9 HOURS
Eco Heritage Hanoi
Explore Hanoi through an eco-conscious journey that promotes sustainable practices. After an electric vehicle ride to the island temple of Tran Quoc Pagoda, guests cycle to UNESCO-listed Thang Long Imperial Citadel, followed by lunch at KOTO, a social enterprise that empowers marginalised youth through hospitality training. Other highlights include the Temple of Literature and Long Bien Bridge.
Enjoy a more immersive experience through sustainable approaches.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a fascinating facility that showcases the work of local artisans and the history and heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. This diversity provides rich exploration opportunities and the experience is enhanced with virtual tour technology and 3D interaction with the exhibits.
The museum not only provides a great background on the people and cultures of Vietnam, it is also an important centre of research and education.
DISCOVER MORE HANOI TRAILS
DISCOVER MORE HANOI TRAILS
2 HOURS 9-10 HOURS
$ = 1-3 USD per dish
$$ = 4-7 USD per dish
$$$ = 8+ USD per dish
Hàng Mành Bún Chả $
Enjoy a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork and noodles at a truly local eatery with simple decor but delicious food. Small restaurants like this serving one dish, plus sides are a quintessential part of Vietnamese culinary culture.
Phở Cuốn Hương Mai $
Most people are familiar with the popular Vietnamese noodle dish Phở, but this venue specialises in Phở Cuốn, a Hanoi-style spring roll filled with beef and herbs – the perfect side dish to the other delicious offerings on the menu.
Chả Cá Thăng Long $$$
Taste a unique dish special to Hanoi – grilled fish cooked in banana leaves and served with roasted peanuts, noodles, herbs, spices and various sauces. Other fresh fish items are on offer in this comfortable restaurant that prides itself on quality.
Nàng Tấm Vegetarian Restaurant $
Enjoy delicious and nutritious vegetarian cuisine which attracts health-conscious locals from across the city. The menu features Vietnamese classics only in vegetarian or vegan form. A wide range of options are available, including soups, salads, spring rolls, noodles and main courses packed with flavour.
Uu Dam $$$
One of our favourite restaurants in Hanoi and it is fully plant-based. Set in a beautiful and spacious house, Uu Dam serves a range of unique Vietnamese dishes with influences from the surrounding region. Dishes are tastefully served, in an industrial-chic building, that are well worth the price tag.
Hidden Gem Coffee $
Tucked away in a quiet alley of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hidden Gem Coffee is an eco-friendly cafe where nearly everything is made from recycled materials, ranging from old car seats turned into chairs to light fixtures fashioned from bicycle parts. This vibrant space is a celebration of creativity and sustainability.
Gốc Đa Restaurant $
This simple streetside eatery serves up a range of unique and dependable dishes, such as fried dumplings with meat, lemongrass pork skewers and sea crab spring rolls. This hawker style venue attracts city residents from afar because of its delicious and inexpensive offerings.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN
THE NORTH
Overnight Train to Sapa
Embark on a fascinating overnight train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, ahead of a short transfer to Sapa. The eight-hour, 300-km train journey in a comfortable four-berth shared cabin, with private compartments available upon request, is a more eco-friendly method of travel than by road.
8 HOURS
Endangered Primate Rescue Centre
Visit this non-profit facility in Cuc Phuong National Park, close to Ninh Binh, to observe and learn about 170 primates from 14 different species under the facility’s care. The centre is responsible for rescuing and rehabilitating rare animals.
Many of the primates are housed in semi-wild primary forest areas to prepare them for release back into the wild. Our visits help to financially support ongoing conservation work.
Four Paws Bear Sanctuary
A two-hour guided tour at this sanctuary provides an unforgettable opportunity to learn about Asiatic Black Bears rescued from bile farming operations and the illegal wildlife trade. The tours include a selfguided Skywalk experience to observe the bears from above.
The site is managed by Four Paws, an international animal welfare organisation. Some of the proceeds from the entry fees help to finance care for the rescued bears.
Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project
Learn more about efforts to protect the highly endangered langur species, a leaf-eating monkey and observe these creatures in a natural environment during a visit to the conservation centre on Cat Ba Island.
Our visits contribute to the project’s ultimate goal of restoring the Cat Ba Langur population to a long-term viable number. This work is conducted in collaboration with local communities. This is a highly rewarding experience that benefits all.
HALONG BAY
MAI CHAU
Community-Based Tourism in Mai Chau
Escape lively Hanoi for peaceful Mai Chau by taking a four-hour journey north-west of the capital to an area of outstanding natural beauty. Two nights are spent at a traditional homestay, with delicious local cuisine, cycling or trekking on guided tours and sleeping in rustic splendour – a long way off the tourist trail.
All activities and accommodation are organised by local communities, thereby generating income for local people and providing authentic experiences for visitors.
5 HOURS
Cycling Local Villages Along the Red River
Take a two-wheel adventure through idyllic countryside alongside the Red River. The journey includes a river crossing, a stop at a local family’s home for tea and snacks, lunch at a local restaurant and a unique len dong ceremony at a local temple.
Exploring local villages on a bicycle is not only eco-friendly, this form of travel also provides a more immersive countryside experience as many local people travel around by bike.
DISCOVER MORE HANOI TRAILS
CENTRAL VIETNAM
CENTRAL VIETNAM
Central Vietnam is home to some of the country’s leading tourism destinations including historic Hoi An. This heritage town dates back to the 15th century when it was a leading port. This has left a rich legacy of architectural styles, including Chinese temples, colonial villas and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and Pagoda.
The old imperial capital of Hue is also a major tourism draw. This was the Nguyen dynasty’s seat of power.
It is located on the Perfume River and home to the Imperial City, a citadel modelled on Beijing’s Forbidden City.
For those seeking relaxation, Da Nang is a coastal resort famed for its 30-km long coastline with glitzy hotels and abundant dining options. Da Nang’s cultural aspect is focused on the Cham Dynasty which ruled the area from the 2nd to the 15th centuries. The Cham Museum contains the world’s largest collection of Cham artefacts.
Phu Quoc
Art and Handicraft for Wellness
Gain immersion into traditional art and handicrafts. After a short drive to Bao Vinh town and a tea break, we take a ferry, followed by a leisurely cycle ride to get an illuminating insight into the creation of traditional handicrafts – perfect souvenirs to take home. Our exploration includes an ancient village pagoda.
Visiting local artisans helps support their traditions and preserve artistic culture which has been developed over centuries.
Cycling a Taste of Rural Life
We drive 7-km out of Hue to get a true taste of rural life through a hands-on farming experience where age-old, sustainable techniques are employed. We then hop on a simple sampan boat to learn about traditional fishing techniques, followed by a short cycle ride through a picturesque landscape.
This varied excursion, off the beaten path, directly supports rural communities to gain from tourism activities.
Bamboo Paper Art Experience
We can try our hand at bamboo paper crafts on this fun and informative excursion. Truc chi is a unique type of paper sourced from bamboo. We will learn about the cultural and spiritual significance behind Truc chi, which is unique to Vietnam. At the end of the day, we can take the finished product home as a perfect souvenir.
This excursion directly benefits artisans engaged in this fascinating form of art.
Tam Giang Lagoon Survival
We embark on a short journey to the largest lagoon of its kind in South-East Asia. After exploring the local village, we take a boat ride across the beautiful Tam Giang Lagoon and try traditional fishing techniques to catch fish for dinner cooked at a local farm.
This immersive experience provides a perfect insight into authentic traditional lifestyles and our involvement directly supports the local community.
Bach Ma National Park
We leave Hue and drive through exceptional scenery to spectacular Bach Ma National Park. On arrival, we enjoy lunch, followed by a trek along the Five Lakes Trail, passing medicinal plant gardens, on the way to a waterfall. A spectacular view awaits us after climbing 689 steps to the summit.
This excursion reveals local nature in all its glory and our participation supports local guides who provide interesting details about diverse flora and fauna.
Crafting Hue Memories
Discover the timeless charm of Kim Long on a leisurely cycling tour. The ride follows quiet lanes shaded by centuries-old garden houses, once the homes of mandarins and scholars. This excursion includes Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most iconic spiritual site, the Huong River Ancient Pottery Museum, learning the art of crafting royal pillows and a Hue-style dinner.
Multiple activities reveal cultural attractions through responsible tourism practices.
5 HOURS
$ = 1-3 USD per dish
$$ = 4-7 USD per dish
$$$ = 8+ USD per dish
Lạc Thiện Restaurant $
A small family-run eatery which dates back to 1965. Sit alongside locals and try Hue specialities such as Bun Bo Hue, the city’s famous beef noodle dish with a distinctive flavour. Other local favourites are on offer, alongside a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Hương
Mai Vegetarian Restaurant $
This authentic restaurant specialises in delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine. A range of vegetable, tofu and noodle dishes are on the menu, with indoor and outdoor seating available. This venue serves very healthy and nutritious cuisine.
Hạnh Restaurant $$
A spacious eatery serving authentic and tasty Hue favourites. The establishment specialises in Banh Khoai, rice pancakes stuffed with pork, shrimp, herbs and spices. Vegetarian versions of this dish are available. The extensive menu includes abundant vegetarian/vegan options.
Tịnh
Tâm Vegan $$
A variety of plant-based dishes are served in this small restaurant. Some of the options include noodles, rice cakes, soups, salads, mock meat, tofu and curries. All diners will find something to their taste, with the added bonus of highly nutritious food.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN CENTRAL VIETNAM
Overnight Train from Hanoi
Board the train in the evening at Hanoi Station and enjoy an average 12-13 hour ride to the historic destination of Hue. The accommodation is in a comfortable four-berth shared cabin, with private compartments available upon request.
Taking the train is not only much more eco-friendly than flying, it provides a more authentic immersion into the lives of the Vietnamese people.
Tea Tasting at Reaching Out Teahouse
Experience an authentic Vietnamese teahouse and savour find blends in the heart of the old town. This activity provides the perfect opportunity to escape the crowds in an oasis of peace. Employees who are deaf and non-verbal prepare the variety of local teas.
This social enterprise is run by Reaching Out, providing the employees with meaningful work opportunities and a living wage.
Noodle Making Experience
Learn the art of noodle making (Mi Quang) during a fun and informative foodie excursion. We start with a trip to a traditional market, which includes tasting street vendors’ noodles. We then begin a three hour hands-on class with expert exponents of noodle making.
This fun noodle insight is overseen by trainee cooks from Streets International, an NGO which empowers disadvantaged, orphaned, trafficked and out-of-school youths from across Vietnam.
Bamboo Class at Taboo Workshop
Visit Taboo Workshop in the Cam Thanh Commune of Hoi An to make a unique bamboo souvenir, such as a pen holder, toy or smart phone speaker. This is conducted under the guidance of an expert artisan who will introduce the history and characteristics of bamboo handicrafts in Vietnam.
Bamboo is a fast-growing eco-friendly material used to create every day products and this experience directly supports local artisans.
Lantern Making and Thanh Dong Farm
Cycle to a lantern making workshop where an expert talks about the importance of lanterns in Hoi An’s history. Guests then make one of their own to take home. Next, is a visit to an organic farm run by 11 local families, with participation in agricultural activities, ahead of taking a basket boat to a local restaurant for a cooking class, followed by a meal.
This excursion is packed with learning experiences and it supports many local businesses.
Cycling to Local Villages
Cycle to nearby Tra Que village to meet local villagers who share information about their farming methods and invite visitors to enjoy a hands-on experience. Then it is time to cook lunch or dinner with a resident family to learn about and taste local specialities.
Families in Tra Que directly benefit from the visits and an authentic meal is included.
Electric Scooter Adventure
Self-drive an electric scooter, no licence required, to explore Hoi An’s beautiful countryside. Tour itineraries include ‘Countryside Adventure’, ‘Countryside and Artists’ and ‘Evening Foodie Tour’, all of which last around four hours.
Electric scooters are an eco-friendly alternative to exploring Hoi An’s countryside by car. These tours also include various visits which benefit local people.
Hoi An Kayak Tours
Choose from a range of tours and activities that bring guests to less-visited parts of Hoi An by kayak. Tours take participants to rural farms, picturesque villages, dense mangrove forests and riverside communities. There is the opportunity to meet local villagers and learn about their daily life.
Kayaking is an eco-friendly adventure option and the tours immerse visitors in local life through meaningful interactions with residents.
Soap Upcycling Workshop
Most hotel soaps are thrown out after their use. This workshop provides travellers with an opportunity to lessen their environmental impact by learning about issues around waste and taking home clean and recycled soap bars.
Taking part in this activity, run by the Green Youth Collective, supports this organisation’s wider work to recycle used soap bars for use in hospitals and mountain communities.
Hoi An Zero Waste Living
Spend a meaningful morning at Hoi An Eco Hub in Triem Tay, where sustainability meets creativity. After a short electric car ride from the hotel, visitors are introduced to the host organisation’s inspiring environmental projects, followed by a walkabout to explore some innovative initiatives and then engagement in multiple workshops, such as crafting everyday objects into reusable items.
Harvesting Hoi An’s Traditions
Explore the hidden beauty of Hoi An on a sustainable journey through both its rural and urban landscapes. A ride through the peaceful countryside includes a visit to a centuries-old ancestral home, a traditional boat builder’s yard and a handicraft centre to learn about bamboo basket boat building.
An alternative view of Hoi An is revealed on this heritage journey.
Abundant activities make sure local communities thrive while guests have fun.
$ = 1-3 USD per dish
$$ = 4-7 USD per dish
$$$ = 8+ USD per dish
Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen $
Arguably the tastiest Vietnamese filled baguette (Banh Mi) in town, Madam Khanh operates out of a no-frills streetside stall.
Various fillings are available for the baguettes including vegetarian/vegan options and are all packed with flavour thanks to the use of fresh herbs and spices.
Cao Lầu Bá Lễ $
No visit to Hoi An is complete without trying the local speciality of Cao Lầu. This small restaurant is a leader in producing this dish of thick noodles served with meat and fish sauce topped with fresh vegetables.
A variety of other dishes are also available, as well as a vegan version of this famous dish.
Cơm Gà Bà Buội $
Succulent chicken with rice (Cơm Gà) is the reason to visit this simple streetside eatery. The dish is packed with additional herbs and spices to create a unique flavour, unlike any other chicken with rice.
This dish comes highly recommended and it is served in an authentic setting.
ROM Vegetarian Bistro $
The Vietnamese vegetarian and vegan food are exceptional in this venue. The home-style eatery has both outdoor and indoor air-conditioned seating. Guests can choose a wide variety of Vietnamese classics in vegetarian or vegan form.
The noodle dishes and spring rolls are among the highlights. It is best to come in a group and share a variety of dishes.
CAMBODIA
SOUTHERN VIETNAM
A blend of rural and urban diversity is in abundance in Southern Vietnam. For historical exploration, Ho Chi Minh City is close to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These offer an amazing insight into ingenuity during past conflict. The commercial metropolis is also famed for its diverse architecture, including the French-style Notre Dame Cathedral.
Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a landscape of meandering rivers and fertile land dominated by the mighty Mekong River. Pristine beaches can be found
in Nha Trang’s crescent-shaped bay. Quaint Phan Thiet has a picturesque harbour, lively markets and abundant seafood restaurants. This is close to Mui Ne and its undulating desert-like red sand dunes.
For a cool experience, head to Dalat, the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ 1,500 metres above sea level. Vietnam’s largest island Phu Quoc or the pristine Con Dao islands’ archipelago tick all the boxes for those seeking sun, sand and sea.
Alternative Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Join a small group tour of the Vietnam War-era Cu Chi Tunnels. This starts early to avoid the crowds. This excursion visits the more remote and less-visited tunnels, which our regular tours do not include. Exploration of a memorial to Viet Cong fighters is included.
This tour provides a more immersive, educational experience of the Cu Chi Tunnels than a regular tour and it is recommended for more curious travellers.
Vespa Tours
Jump on the back of a vintage Vespa, behind a professional driver, for an exciting ride. Various tour programmes are on offer, including ‘Saigon After Dark’, an evening culinary adventure; ‘Glimpse of The Mekong’, a full-day exploration along the Mekong River; and ‘Mekong On the Road Less Travelled’; a full-day alternative experience of the Mekong River.
Each traveller has their own driver, so more local people benefit compared to mini-bus/coach tours.
Fito Museum (Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine)
Dive into the rich history and practices of traditional Vietnamese medicine. Housed in a beautifully restored French colonial building, the Fito Museum showcases a vast collection of artefacts, ancient remedies and exhibits that highlight the country’s alternative and traditional healing methods.
This is a well-curated museum that provides an in-depth learning experience for those keen to see unique and age-old practices that are unique to Vietnam.
Soulful Saigon
Step into a world of creativity in a paper crafting workshop led by artisans with special needs. Some of the finished items include greeting cards and bookmarks. This excursion includes a therapeutic massage provided by visually impaired therapists and it concludes with a vegetarian meal served in a delightful garden setting.
Enjoy learning a new handicraft, while supporting those with special needs.
Crafting Hope in Saigon
Experience a heartwarming half-day at the Vocational Education Center for People with Disabilities and Orphans. The experience includes making clay flowers and art activities with the residents. The excursion can be extended with a farm-to-table meal at an organic restaurant, followed by a visit to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels in the afternoon.
Interaction with the centre’s residents is an enriching experience for all.
1-3
= 4-7 USD per dish
= 8+ USD per dish
Phở Hòa Pasteur $
Think of Vietnamese cuisine and Phở will be one of the first dishes that comes to mind.
This simple streetside eatery is regularly frequented by locals as they serve delicious Phở, a famous Vietnamese soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs and beef. Healthy, delicious and fresh – this iconic dish ticks all the boxes.
Nhà Tôi Vegan Restaurant $
Enjoy tasty Vietnamese vegan cuisine in a small but comfortable restaurant that supports the development of deaf community members through training and employment opportunities.
The food itself is delicious, with vegan versions of Vietnamese classics the highlight. Food is more enjoyable when the proceeds help others!
Green Papaya Vegetarian Restaurant $$
Located down a small quaint alley in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, Green Papaya is one of the best venues in the city to try a range of Vietnamese vegetarian and other dishes inspired by regional South-East Asian cuisines.
Ordering a variety of dishes to share with friends is the best way to experience the best this restaurant has to offer.
Hum Vegetarian Restaurant $$$
With multiple locations, this may just be the best vegetarian food on offer in all of Vietnam. The menu is extensive and the options range from unique twists on Vietnamese classics to other dishes inspired by regional flavours. A garden setting at one of the branches is a highlight experience when visiting this chain of restaurants.
4-7 USD per dish $$$ = 8+ USD per dish
Maison Marou Café $$
Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Maison Marou Saigon is a haven for chocolate lovers and sustainability advocates alike. As Vietnam’s pioneering bean-to-bar chocolate maker, this restaurant crafts its award-winning creations using 100 per cent Vietnamese cacao, sourced directly from local farmers through sustainable partnerships.
Huong Lai Restaurant $$
Since 2001, this eatery has been supporting disadvantaged Vietnamese youth by providing hospitality training and equipping them with valuable work skills for a better future. Guests can enjoy authentic Vietnamese home cooking, including vegan options, while helping raise the living standards of trainees who are employed as cooks and serving staff.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN THE SOUTH
Public Bicycles
Our guides or hotel partners can point guests in the direction of public bicycles that can be rented on an hourly basis. Ho Chi Minh City is a city of two-wheelers and although most are motorised, pedalling along some of the city’s quieter roads and lanes offers an interesting perspective.
Power your way through the metropolis using pedals for an eco-friendlier exploration method!
FLEXIBLE TIMES
NHA TRANG
Cooking Class and Biking in Countryside
Take a short transfer out of Nha Trang and hop on a bicycle to explore countryside life. Continue to a local market to buy ingredients before heading to a country home for a hands-on cooking class. After lunch, spend time relaxing before returning to Nha Trang.
Visiting local homes provides an immersive learning experience, as does the cooking class. Riding around on two wheels enriches this excellent experience.
Visit K’Ho Coffee Farm
Include a short visit to a coffee farm during a stay in Dalat to taste excellent coffee and enjoy a refreshing brew in beautiful surroundings. Another option is participation in a half-day coffee tour to learn more about the coffee production process. Alternatively, embark on a fullday trekking tour around fertile coffee plantations.
A visit to K’Ho supports the farm’s organic farming practices, as well as the resident farming economy.
DALAT
MEKONG DELTA
Cycling on Tan Phong Island
This tour starts with a boat ride along the river’s tributaries. Pass by floating markets and observe the vibrant local life before disembarking for a bicycle ride through village roads. Visit small local producers during the ride and have lunch with a local family before taking a sampan ride back to the boat.
Visits to local producers and lunch with a local family support local communities in the area.
Cooking Experience in Mui Ne
Start with a visit to a local market in the morning to source fresh ingredients. Then, the hands-on cooking class begins. Instruction into three classic Vietnamese recipes will be provided, with the chef explaining how to balance ingredients, including aromatic herbs and exotic spices, which are later served up for lunch.
This is a great hands-on learning experience with instruction from a local chef and the use of locally-sourced ingredients.
Phan Thiet City and Ta Cu Mountain
This diverse tour includes visits to a lively fishing port, a local market, a cable car ride to the top of Ta Cu Mountain, fruit plantations and a fish sauce factory. After an insight into traditional life and the local nature, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to the hotel.
Visits to the fish factory and local restaurant create direct benefits for local communities.
Local Specialities and Home Cooking
Accompanied by a food expert, take part in a cooking class and create two of Phu Quoc’s specialities – pepper and fish sauce (Nuoc Mam). The class takes place in a private, hillside villa where lunch will also be served.
This is a great hands-on learning experience with instruction from an expert chef and the meal is produced using locally-sourced ingredients.
Green Loop
Start with a tour of pepper farms before heading to Ganh Dau Cape for a view of Cambodia’s islands 5-km in the distance. At noon, enjoy a healthy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, take a short kayak ride along the river and disembark at a hidden temple on the way to an organic bee farm to taste superb honey.
This tour supports organic farming and local businesses, helping to ensure their ongoing operations.
SUSTAINABLE TRAILS
Our most impactful excursions follow ESTEEM principles
Eat Locally
Stay Eco-friendly
Transport Alternatively
Experience Meaningfully
Empower Viably
Make a Difference
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All of our animal experiences are carefully vetted to ensure guests interact with our planet’s diverse species in responsible ways. ETHICAL ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
We strive to include local people in meaningful ways throughout our tours and recommend ways to have a positive social impact.
We encourage guests to reduce single-use plastic waste by choosing to use reusable drinking bottles instead.
SUSTAINABLE PARTNERS
Together with other DMCs, we are working to identify our most sustainable hotel partners so our guests can have a positive impact even while sleeping.
To find out more about our company policies, please follow the links below POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Responsible Travel Annual Sustainability Report Asian Trails Code of Conduct Child Protection Policy Supplier Code of Conduct Sustainability Policy
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