Socially responsible travel

Socially responsible travel- www.Asia-Tourist.com focuses on contributing to the people of the lands it visits, respecting their culture and preserving the integrity of the environment.

Responsible Culture
Etiquette.

Traveling in Vietnam is not always relaxing. It can be unpredictable, intense and frustrating, but it is rewarding. Being demanding and loud, however, will get you nowhere. Remember the importance of ‘face’ - the subtle but important quality of personal dignity in Asian countries.

Try to learn about the culture before you travel and broaden your experience behoy the guidebook. Guidebooks can make or break a guesthouse or hotel by concentrating people in certain places. Guidebooks are also out of date by the time they are distributed. Be willing to try alternative options.

Learn some of the local language, even the basics such as ‘hello’, ‘good bye’ and ‘thank you’ will be appreciated!

Respect the cultural differences and do not look down on, or try to change them.

Be careful when showing affection in public. Relationships in Vietnamese society are fairly traditional, so in general, it is best to limit affection to holding hands- especially in the rural areas.

Avoid patting or touching people on their heads, it is the symbolic high point in Asia.

Be aware of the importance of the ancestral shrine in Vietnam. Avoid backing up to, pointing your feet at or changing your clothes in front of it.

Dress

To be sure of not causing offense, it is best to respect local dress standards and dress modestly, especially in the countryside.

There are no areas where nude or topless swimming or sunbathing is appropriate.

Women should try to avoid wearing low - cut or tight sleeveless tops and brief, clinging shorts. It is advisable to wear a bra at all times. Men should avoid walking around bare - chested.

At religious sites, do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops, and remember to remove your shoes.

Questions, privacy and humor.

Vietnamese concepts of privacy are very different from those of Westerners, as they are accustomed to living and sharing in a close- knit community and in crowded conditions.

Don’t be offended by the very Vietnamese fascination with your personal details; How old are you? Are you married? Do you have children? Etc - questions that you may consider private. You may find the answer ‘not yet’ (Chua) to the question of marriage or children a useful one.

Don’t be taken aback if people are intrigued by your side, especially if you are tall or well built. The Vietnamese are a small, slight race and may openly display their amazement at Western bulk. Remember this when selecting your clothing!

Talk to the locals and make friends. The people of Vietnam are friendly and hospitable. They love it when they hear a foreigner try to speak their language.

Snap happy.

Vietnam is a photographer’s dream - from the vivid greens of the rice paddies and cloud- shrouded mountain to the bustle of open- air markets and street life, there are endless photographic opportunities. However, nobody enjoys being followed by a camera, so remember to ask permission before taking photographs- and respect a refusal.

Don’t hound men and women in traditional ethnic dress for the ‘perfect colorful shot’ if they appear shy or avoid your camera, and remember that videos are even more intrusive.

Try not to get into the situation of paying for the right to take photos, as it encourages a begging mentality.

If you promise to send back a photo, make sure you are sincere in your offer.

Just say no.

It’s in your own interests to respect local regulations and practices concerning drug and alcohol. Drugs are illegal in Vietnam and their possession or usage carry harsh penalties.

Be careful about alcohol consumption, especially when visiting rural and ethnic minority areas, where as a tourist you may enjoy privileged status.

Remember that tourism can fuel the demand for alcohol and drugs, and lead to increased consumption/ use by locals, encouraging social problems.

Getting personal.

Be aware that in some communities it may be taboo to conduct an intimate relationship with a local.

Don’t assume that what is acceptable at home is acceptable everywhere. Vietnam is still a largely traditional society, and getting involved with a local may cause offense.

Remember also that the recipient of a foreigner’s attentions can be seriously affected within their local communities in terns of their well being, social standing and reputation.

Responsible Environment

Be an environment ambassador

Home to one - tenth of the world's mammal, bird and fish species, Vietnam has a unique environment. Scattered throughout the country are around 100 protected areas which encompass a huge variety of ecological systems that include coral reefs, islands, beaches and dunes, wetlands, mountains, forests of every description, limestone landscapes and caves, river deltas and lakes. Among these protected areas are 11 national parks, managed by the Forest Protection Department, which represent some of the jewels of Vietnam' s natural heritage. Vietnam's 11 national parks are Ba Be, Ba Vi, Bach Ma, Ben En, Cat Ba, Cat Tien, Con Dao, Cuc Phuong, Tam Dao, Tram Chim and Yok Don. In addition to these 11 national parks, the country has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Ancient Capital at Hue (12/94), Ha Long Bay (12/94), Hoi An (1/99) and one UNESCO/MAB Biosphere Reserve named Can Gio Mangrove.

Numerous flora and fauna species are also unique to Vietnam - 40 percent of Vietnam' s plants grow nowhere else - while seven of the 12 large mammals, which have been described in the last century, were discovered in Vietnam.

Sadly, the environment is under threat. In 1943, natural forest covered and estimated 43% of the country. At the end of 2000, total forest cover, including both natural forest and plantation, had dwindled to 33,2%.

Tourism provides an economic reason for conserving natural resources and if sustainable, can encourage the protection of the country's bio-diversity.

Helping to conserve Vietnam's precious bio-diversity.

Many species of Vietnam's wild fauna and flora are under threat from both domestic consumption and the illegal international trade. Though it maybe ‘an experience’ to try wild meat such as bear, muntjac, bat, monkey and python, ordering these foods will indicate your acceptance of these products and add to their demand.

Be careful consuming wild products such as bush meat and traditional medicine as these may have come from endangered or threatened species. When offered wild meat, be sure that it is derived from sustainable management practices that can, in fact, contribute to the conservation of wild animals and rural development. In case of doubt, however, the best policy is to politely refuse it.

In the case of tourist souvenirs, do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals, such as elephant ivory, tortoise shell, and wild animal skins. Again, unless you are certain the species is not endangered, never buy live or stuffed animals, however tempting, and forgo the coral you will no doubt see on sale in the markets. Vietnam’s coral and ornamental fishes are being severely depleted by destructive harvesting practices.

Remember that virtually all countries in the world are parties to the CITES Convention which regulates the trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora. Accordingly, importing many wildlife products without special permit is illegal and you could be severely fined in your own country.

Rubbish, waste & energy use.

Environment awareness in Vietnam is generally low. You can help change this subtly by example - for instance, not dropping litter even if someone tells you it’s OK to do so. By setting a quiet example, practicing the 3 R’s; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- and explaining the reasons for your actions to others, you can play a positive role in protecting the environment, natural and cultural resources of Vietnam.

Make sure you properly dispose of any rubbish you generate. There are few public rubbish bins in Vietnam, so this may mean carrying it with you for a while.

If no toilet is available, make sure you bury your waste, and avoid sites near waterways. Burning or carrying toilet paper and hygienic items out of natural areas is a must.

Carry a toilet roll and a couple of airtight plastic bags with you in case you need to take your rubbish with you.

Never use shampoo or soap in rivers, lakes or the sea. Vietnam’s waterways are precious resources, and in some of the country’s drier areas water is a very scarce commodity.

Please turn off your air conditioner, fans, lights and other electrical appliances when you leave your hotel or guesthouse.

Try to reduce the use of air- conditioners in cars and encourage drivers to turn off the engine when stationary.

Coral reefs and limestone caves.

Vietnam is home to a large expanse of stunning limestone landscape- of which Halong Bay in the north is the most famous- and coral reefs, both of which have suffered severe damage in recent years. Coral reefs in particular have been damaged due to dynamite fishing, boat anchorage, mining for concrete production and sale to tourists.

When visiting coral reefs do not touch live coral, as this hinders growth- some species, such as ‘fire corals’ are also able to cause a harmful sting.

Do not anchor boats on the coral reefs. If your tour operator/captain do this, try to convince him or her to anchor in a sandy area. Indicate that you are willing to swim the extra distance to the coral.

When exploring limestone caves, don’t touch the formations as it hinders growth and turns the limestone black. Never break off stalactites and stalagmites in limestone caves- they take lifetimes to regrow.

Walking and trekking in natural areas.

Whilst walking and trekking are preferable to 4wds as a means of exploring national parks and other protected areas, the constant flow of tourists can still have a negative impact on the fragile ecological balance of these places. Remember that you are just one thousands who will visit and impact an area.

Keep to designated trails when out walking, both for your safety and the protection of the environment. There are reasons why certain trails are used.

Follow the rules and regulation of the protected area you are visiting. For example never make fires, avoid making unnecessary noise and do not take samples from nature (flowers, mushrooms, frogs...).

Pay particular attention to the guidelines for rubbish discussed above. Do not dispose of rubbish attention to the guidelines for rubbish discussed above. Do not dispose of rubbish or cigarette buts in the wild as they may take many years to break down (if ever).

Responsible Travel Vietnam

 Out and About

Buying local.

By using locally produced goods and services, you can contribute financially to the community you are visiting and help turn tourism to the country’s benefit.

Drink and eat local food when you can.

Use local transport and local shops.

Offer to repay hospitality in cash or in kind, to avoid exploiting the goodwill of others. At the same time, try to avoid paying for simple acts of kindness in cash- for example, being given directions.

Hire a local guide when visiting protected areas or historical sites. This way you will contribute to the local economy, learn more about the area, and have the opportunity to meet local people.

Giving money or gifts.

Giving money away to both children and adults promotes a begging mentality and culture. It also highlights the income gap and strips away people’s self- esteem. By avoiding cash hand- outs you can play a part in discouraging the development of a society which equates every human action as a potential money- making scheme.

Avoid giving children money or gifts, it is better to pay for a postcard, map, or a shoeshine.

Giving chocolate or sweets is a bad idea, as many people do not have access to dentists and knowledge of dental hygiene is poor.

The hard sell.

Vietnam is developing country, and one that has experienced a long period of war so poverty is obvious and unavoidable. Be prepared to be approached by street sellers, shoe shine boys, etc., or followed by empty cycles expectantly awaiting your patronage, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other large towns.

If a street seller approaches you, be firm but polite and calm in turning them away, even if you are irritated by a day filled with similar approaches.

Take a cycle when you can, as they are a great way to see a city and view street life at close quarters. Cycles are today losing out to taxis and xe om (motorbike taxis), so you’ll also be supporting a threatened trade.

Certain streets have seen make off- limits to cycles, so your driver may have to take an indirect route to your destination.

Negotiate prices in advance before accepting either goods from street sellers, or getting on a xe om or into a cycle.

The sex trade.

In Asia, prostitution is an unfortunate fact of life. The link between tourism and prostitution is undisputed. Be aware that prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. Be careful not to act in any way that could be seen as encouraging this, especially where children are concerned.

Don’t buy sexual services, remember that the relationship between tourists and prostitutes is almost always unequal and tends to be exploitative.

The sexual exploitation of children is a significant problem right across Asia. However, several countries now have laws which enable the trial at home of tourists who have committed crimes of paedophilia abroad. If you observe anyone known to you involved in child prostitution, you might consider reporting them to the police when you get home.

www.Asia-Touist.com  Your Passport To Travel Vietnam