Environmental protection and awareness have been at the forefront of many travellers’ minds, with the footprint they leave behind whilst travelling becoming increasingly important. Many destinations are continuing to improve their eco-friendly offerings in line with the increasing demand for incredible travel experiences, where sustainability is still a priority. Vietnam’s stunning scenery and vibrant culture naturally lends itself to being a fascinating destination for any traveller and is also home to a variety of eco-friendly, sustainable resorts and hotels.
From beachside boutique hotels to community run lodges, we’ve compiled a list of the top sustainable accommodation offerings in Vietnam, dedicated to preserving the environment and upholding the welfare of the local communities and wildlife.
Mai Chau Lodge, Hoa Binh Province
Lying in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam, Mai Chau Lodge is a hideaway retreat for guests searching for a unique cultural local Thai experience in a breath-taking environment. The resort watches over a stunning pond on one side and looks up a green hill on the other. After just over a three hour drive from Hanoi, guests can enjoy a comfortable stay, taking in the picturesque views of the mountains and the valley. With high ceilings and large windows, the resort creates a sense of spaciousness and restfulness in which guests are exposed to nature as much as possible.
HOW: The Mai Chau Lodge offers a starting rate in a Deluxe Room at £49 per night. For more information and to book, please visit: https://maichaulodge.com/en/
Bhaya Cruises, Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay
Since launching its first ship in 2007, Bhaya Cruises has established itself as one of the Halong region’s most environmentally responsible cruise ship operators. One of their most well-known trips is the two-night voyage through Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. It takes visitors on an intriguing journey, stopping off at historical caves along the way as well as informing visitors about the area’s past. This cruise company has a ‘zero single-use plastic’ policy, advises travellers to avoid crowded areas, and organises an annual clean-up operation to remove rubbish off Ha Long’s limestone islets, ensuring that this natural wonderland is preserved in all its glory for generations of visitors to follow.
HOW: Bhaya Cruises to Halong Bay for a two-day/one-night cruise. This package includes all entrance and sightseeing fees, complimentary use of kayaks, a cave visit, one lunch, one dinner, one breakfast and one brunch. Cruises start from £165 per person. For more information on pricing details and to book, please visit: www.bhayacruises.com
Chay Lap Farmstay, Quang Binh Province
Set amid the majestic limestone cliffs of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the charming Chay Lap Farmstay. 41 rooms are available throughout the resort including 14 Farm Rooms with a distinctive floating house design, 11 Garden Rooms surrounded by lush gardens, and 16 Mountain Rooms with views of the towering peaks. The panels in the domed wooden farm rooms are all made from pallets of recycled pine wood, making them environmentally friendly, blending in perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Visitors are also invited to take part in sustainable farming and enjoy kayaking, cycling, fishing, and swimming as part of their stay.
HOW: The Chay Lap Farmstay offers a starting rate in a Farm Room at £63 per night. For more information and to book, please visit: www.chaylapfarmstay.com
Hue Ecolodge, Thua Thien Hue Province
The Hue Ecolodge is situated in Vietnam’s former capital, Hue. The city of Hue is serene, beautiful, and full of history and culture making it the ideal destination for any traveller. The 15 charming, thatched villas at Hue Ecolodge are set within lush, private tropical gardens which are overflowing with seasonal fruits, ready for visitors to savour. The connecting double or triple villas also include outdoor showers and a large, deep wooden tub that’s perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Additionally, visitors have the option of sampling organically grown vegetables at the hotel’s onsite restaurant or taking a tour of the local area to experience the authentic charm first hand.
HOW: Hue Ecolodge offers rooms from £69 per night. For more information and to book, please visit: www.hue.ecolodge.asia.com
Eco Green Boutique Hotel, Da Nan
The Eco Green Boutique hotel is a favourite among eco-fanatics, as it uses sustainable and ecologically friendly building materials. The Eco Green Hotel offers opulent bedrooms that provide options for all types of travellers with single, double, and family suites. The wooden floors and green velvet couches in each of these rooms give visitors a sense of the outdoors right from their room. These areas have been thoughtfully planned to improve air flow, make use of natural light, and minimise the need for air conditioning. The solar-powered rooftop pool or the flower-filled area of the terrace are available for guests’ relaxation.
HOW: At the Eco Green Boutique Hotel, rooms are priced from £31 per night. For more information and to book, please visit: www.ecogreendanang.com
Hoi An Chic Hotel, Hoi An
The charming Hoi An Chic Hotel is the ideal eco-friendly retreat for those seeking to embrace nature. Materials such as marble, bamboo, and rattan that are found locally have been used throughout the hotel, creating an authentic feel. The hotel also cultivates fresh vegetables and herbs in the gardens that surround the building and terrace restaurant. The rooms’ use of straw bags, hats, and refillable water bottles as plastic alternatives will delight guests who are eco-conscious when travelling. The facility also sorts through waste and composts it, recycles the wastewater, and purchases its produce from nearby markets and craft communities, whenever possible, in order to give back to the local neighbourhood.
HOW: Hoi An Chic Hotel offers rooms priced from £73 per night. This price includes full board accommodation, full access to the rooftop swimming pool, a complimentary bicycle to explore Hoi An city and access to the Chic Chillax Café and Bar. For more information and to book, please visit: www.hoianchic.com
Lak Tented Camp, Dak Lak
Lak Tented Camp is ideally situated on a hillside overlooking the tranquil and picturesque Lak Lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam. Since the Lak Lake camp was created with the aim of protecting the environment and preserving the cultural integrity of the area, it is an ideal visit for eco-aware guests. Visitors will be happy to learn that the camp produces electricity using solar power and clean, fresh water is provided in refilled bottles that have been cleaned from natural sources. Many educational events are available for visitors to attend in order to learn how to protect the natural environment that surrounds them. Delicious, nutritious food made using local and homegrown products is also available at the camp.
HOW: The Lak Tented Camp offers a package from £108 per night. The package includes a boat transfer on arrival and departure, a cultural village walk to M’Nong, a guided bike tour with hands-on handicraft experiences, a Gong traditional performance before dinner, meals and accommodation on a twin-shared basis with continental breakfast and travel insurance. For more information and to book, please visit: www.laktentedcamp.com
Victoria Can Tho Resort, Can Tho City
Blending colonial-style architecture with the natural beauty of the tranquil river and green gardens, Victoria Can Tho Resort is all about wellness and natural awareness. Lying peacefully on the banks of the Hau River and set amidst lush gardens filled with exotic plants, this quiet retreat reminds valued guests of the healing power of nature and how people and nature can nurture each other. Located in the centre of Can Tho, 170 kilometres away from Ho Chi Minh City and only 13 kilometres from Can Tho Airport, Victoria Can Tho is an entire ecosystem in one place.
HOW: The Victoria Can Tho Resort offers a starting rate in a Superior Room at £76 per night. For more information and to book, please visit: https://www.victoriahotels.asia/en/hotels-resorts/cantho.html
