Ethical Travel: Vietnam

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 handouts 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 shiners, etc., or followed by empty cyclos expectantly awaiting your patronage, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

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 cyclo when you can, as they are a great way to see a city and view street life at close quarters. Cyclos today are losing out to taxis and xe om (motorbike taxis), so you’ll also be supporting a threatened trade. And one that is enironmentally friendly.

Negotiate prices in advance before accepting either goods from street sellers, or getting on a xe om or into a cycle. It will benefit you when you reach your destination and it is time to pay.

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.