Responsible Tourism Guidelines Guidelines

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

YESD tours are designed to be low-impact on natural resources, respectful of local customs, and supportive of local economies. We operate responsibly by integrating sustainable development principles while offering travelers meaningful and authentic experiences.

We also invite all guests to be responsible tourists. Our responsible tourism guidelines outline simple ways everyone can contribute to a positive journey — ensuring your trip is enjoyable for you, the communities you visit, and future travelers alike.

OUR FOCUS

Through our social enterprise we focus on three key areas to make a positive impact.

1. Career programs and English lessons to build the capacity of local people.

2. As a travel company, provide employment (as well as training and support) for local guides and homestay owners. We also help inform tourists on how they can become more responsible when travelling.

3. Work with NGOs and tourists who participate in our volunteer program to assist the local community. We do this through infrastructure improvements, cultural exchange and increasing access to education.

YESD Responsible Blueprint For Our Tours

Support the local economy

There is always something new to discover in Vietnam, and the best experience you will have will be while exploring its culture and traditions. Support the community by eating at local restaurants, staying in local accommodations, and buying handmade souvenirs. Not only will you contribute to the local economy, but you will also live a more authentic and memorable journey.

Reduce your energy use

Turn off the lights and fans when leaving your room, and don’t leave any electric device turned on or plugged in when not in use.

Dress accordingly

- - Observe the locals’ clothing and adhere to it. Vietnamese dress codes are most likely not the same as in your country, and can also differ from the city to the countryside.
  - Inquire about dress codes before visiting monuments. Some places -mostly religious ones- require long-sleeved shirts and long pants/skirts for both men and women.

Support responsible tourism organizations

Thankfully, a lot of organizations provide services while focusing on responsible tourism. By planning low-impact tours and supporting the local communities, we make it easier for you to follow the steps leading you to be a more responsible traveler. Learn more about responsible tourism.

Respect the biodiversity

- - Don’t litter. Everything you throw in nature will take years to disappear and will harm the fauna. Keep your waste in your pocket or in your bag until you find a trash can.
  - Don’t pick plants and flowers. Follow the trails and don’t wander alone in the wild: not only could you harm yourself but you can also degrade nature.

Conserve water

Water is an essential resource. Don’t waste it!

- - Take shorter showers. Prefer showers over baths when possible.
  - Try reducing your meat consumption. Indeed, the amount of water needed to produce 1kg of beef approaches 15000L, against 900L for 1kg of soy! Moderating your consumption doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the local cuisine.

What We Do Not Encourage …

Adopt a free-waste lifestyle and reduce your plastic consumption

One of the first causes of water pollution is plastic (bottles, bags, food wrapping…), causing the death of its biodiversity at high speed.

- - Don’t buy food or products with a lot of wrapping and avoid using straws. Try recycling when possible. Don’t burn plastic: its composition is dangerous for your health and for the environment.
  - Bring your own water container and shopping bag. Make sure to fill your bottle with filtered one, don’t fill it with tap water! You can ask staff from your accommodation or restaurant to fill it for you if necessary.

Change your transportation habits

You don’t always need a car to travel. Taking public transit is a good alternative for the environment and your wallet. Walk or ride a bicycle for a short distance. You will be able to enjoy more the nature around you.

Don’t eat or purchase endangered species

Visiting a country also means trying the local cuisine. However, you might pass by restaurants offering dishes containing endangered species on their menu, such as shark fin soup. Don’t support this market. Vietnam is really famous for its cuisine’s diversity, you have a lot more delicious and ethical food to try!

Always ask before taking photos

Taking a picture of someone by surprise can easily be perceived as rude. Respect their privacy and ask them for their consent before capturing the moment. If the parents are around, ask for their permission to photograph the children. They are most likely to give you a positive answer.

Don’t support begging economy

On the road, you might encounter children wanting to take pictures with you or selling all kinds of “gifts”. Don’t buy them anything. These children usually stop going to school seeing that they can make money easily. Giving them what they want won’t help them.

WHY TRAVEL WITH YESD?

Authentic

We give local people employment, income and learning opportunities so they are directly involved in your tourism experience. Our guides and hosts will give you a special insight into culture and life in Vietnam.

Responsible

We aim to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and the local community while contributing positively to local economies. We don’t just talk responsible tourism, we act!

Tours that translate

10% of all profits from our tours go towards a community fund. This money allows us to make infrastructure improvements and provide other important resources to those in need.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

OUR FOCUS