Vietnam is a land of vibrant festivals that celebrate its culture, history, and spirituality. Tet, the Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday, marked by family gatherings, fireworks, and festive foods. The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the “Children’s Festival,” features colorful lanterns, lion dances, and mooncakes. The Hue Festival showcases traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances in honor of Vietnam’s imperial heritage. Attending these festivals offers a unique cultural experience, allowing travelers to witness Vietnam’s traditions and joyful spirit firsthand.
As Vietnam’s tourism industry grows, responsible travel has become increasingly important. Many eco-lodges and community-based tourism initiatives help preserve local culture and protect the environment. In Sapa and Ha Giang, trekking with local guides from ethnic minority groups ensures that tourism benefits the community. In Hoi An, many businesses promote plastic-free initiatives to reduce waste. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park encourages eco-tourism by limiting visitor numbers to protect its fragile cave systems. By choosing sustainable accommodations, respecting local customs, and minimizing plastic use, travelers can contribute to preserving Vietnam’s natural and cultural heritage.
For travelers who want to give back, Vietnam offers various volunteer and community-based tourism opportunities. Teaching English to underprivileged children, working on organic farms, and supporting wildlife conservation projects are just a few ways to make a positive impact. Organizations such as Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and KOTO help disadvantaged youth gain education and job skills. In rural areas, travelers can participate in eco-tourism initiatives that support local communities, such as staying with ethnic minority families in Sapa or helping with sustainable farming projects in the Mekong Delta. Engaging in responsible travel ensures a meaningful and enriching experience while contributing to Vietnam’s development.
Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct traditions, languages, and customs. In the northern mountains, the H’mong and Dao people are known for their intricate embroidery and colorful textiles. In the Central Highlands, the Bana and Ede tribes maintain ancient gong music traditions, recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage. The Cham people, descendants of the ancient Champa civilization, practice a unique form of Hindu-influenced culture in southern Vietnam. Visiting these ethnic communities provides an opportunity to witness traditional crafts, participate in local festivals, and experience homestays in traditional stilt houses. The best places to explore ethnic culture include Sapa, Ha Giang, and the remote villages of Dak Lak province.
Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” is a breathtaking region of limestone karsts, lush rice paddies, and serene waterways. Located just a two-hour drive from Hanoi, it’s an excellent destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers boat tours through stunning river caves, winding between towering limestone cliffs. Tam Coc, another must-visit, features a scenic boat ride through caves and rice fields, often rowed by local women using their feet. For those interested in history, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu showcases well-preserved temples dedicated to Vietnam’s early kings. A visit to Ninh Binh isn’t complete without a climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint, which rewards adventurers with a panoramic view of the surrounding karst formations and lush countryside.
