Living sustainably in Vietnam is easier than many expect, whether you’re a local, an expat, or a traveler. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and in the countryside from Sapa to the Mekong Delta, small daily choices can make a big difference: cutting plastic waste, choosing greener transport, supporting local food systems, and traveling responsibly in nature.
This guide shows how to live (or travel) in Vietnam with less waste and more connection to people and place, in a way that’s practical, affordable, and respectful.
Why Sustainable Living Matters in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest‑growing economies, but that growth brings environmental challenges, especially in cities:
- Heavy use of single‑use plastics (bags, straws, bottles, food packaging).
- Traffic congestion and air pollution from motorbikes and cars.
- Pressure on natural areas from tourism and development.
At the same time, Vietnam has strong traditions of reuse, repair, and local food systems. Many Vietnamese already live quite sustainably by default: shopping daily at wet markets, using reusable containers, and walking or cycling short distances.
By combining modern eco‑habits with local wisdom, it’s possible to live well in Vietnam while reducing your footprint.
Avoiding Single‑Use Plastics
Plastic waste is one of the most visible environmental issues in Vietnam, but it’s also one of the easiest to reduce with a few simple habits.
1. Say No to Plastic Bags
- In markets and shops, plastic bags are handed out freely, but they’re rarely needed.
- Carry a small foldable cloth or mesh bag for shopping (even for a few vegetables or snacks).
- For bigger trips, bring a sturdy tote or backpack instead of accepting multiple plastic bags.
2. Skip Plastic Straws
- Plastic straws are everywhere, especially with drinks like sugarcane juice, smoothies, and iced coffee.
- Carry a reusable straw (metal, bamboo, or silicone) in your bag.
- When ordering, say “không cần ống hút” (no straw, please) or “ống hút tre/thép” (bamboo/metal straw).
- Many cafes and restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City now offer reusable or paper straws if asked.
3. Ditch Bottled Water
- Buying bottled water every day creates a lot of plastic waste.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it instead.
- In cities, tap water is not safe to drink, but filtered water is widely available:
- Many guesthouses, hostels, and offices have water filters or dispensers.
- Look for “nước lọc” (filtered water) at small shops or markets; they often sell it in large jugs that you can refill your bottle from.
- In homestays and rural areas, boiled or filtered water is usually provided.
4. Reduce Food Packaging
- Street food and takeaway are often wrapped in plastic or Styrofoam.
- Bring your own container (a small Tupperware or foldable lunchbox) for takeaway meals.
- Eat at the stall or sit down instead of taking away when possible.
- Choose vendors who use banana leaves or paper instead of plastic when available.
Getting Around: Public Transport, Bikes & Walking
Vietnam’s cities are crowded and hot, but they’re also very walkable and bike‑friendly once you get used to the traffic.
1. Walking in Cities
- In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, many neighborhoods are compact and full of life.
- Walking lets you:
- Avoid traffic and pollution.
- Discover hidden alleys, street food, and local shops.
- Support small businesses instead of big malls.
- Tips for walking:
- Wear comfortable shoes and a hat/sunscreen.
- Cross streets slowly and steadily; motorbikes will flow around you.
- Use a map app (Google Maps, Grab, or MoMo) to plan routes and avoid busy main roads.
2. Using Public Transport
- Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have expanding bus networks, though they’re not always convenient for tourists.
- Buses are cheap (around 5,000–10,000 VND per ride) and much greener than taxis or Grab cars.
- In Ho Chi Minh City, the new metro line (Line 1) is a game‑changer for sustainable travel once fully operational.
- Tips:
- Use a local SIM card and a map app to check bus routes.
- Ask locals or staff at your accommodation for help with routes.
- Carry small bills for bus fares.
3. Cycling Around Town
- Biking is a great way to explore cities and the countryside.
- In Hanoi, the Old Quarter and West Lake area are very bike‑friendly.
- In Ho Chi Minh City, District 1, District 3, and the Thu Thiem area have good bike lanes.
- How to cycle sustainably:
- Rent a regular bike instead of an electric scooter when possible.
- Use bike‑sharing apps (if available) or rent from small local shops.
- Always wear a helmet and lock your bike securely.
- In the countryside, cycling through rice fields and villages is one of the most peaceful and low‑impact ways to travel.
4. Using Motorbikes & Taxis Wisely
- Motorbikes are the main way most Vietnamese get around, but they create noise and air pollution.
- If you ride:
- Share rides when possible (two people on one bike).
- Maintain your bike so it runs efficiently and doesn’t pollute more than necessary.
- Avoid unnecessary trips; combine errands into one ride.
- For taxis and ride‑hailing (Grab, Be):
- Choose shared or economy options instead of private cars.
- Use them for longer trips or when it’s very hot/rainy, not for very short distances.
- Consider walking or cycling for trips under 2–3 km.
Eating Sustainably: Markets, Street Food & Local Farmers
Vietnam’s food culture is already quite sustainable: fresh, seasonal, and mostly plant‑based. You can make it even greener by supporting local systems.
1. Shop at Local Markets
- Wet markets (chợ) are the heart of Vietnamese food culture.
- They offer:
- Fresh, seasonal produce, meat, and seafood.
- Less packaging than supermarkets.
- Lower carbon footprint (food travels shorter distances).
- How to shop like a local:
- Bring your own bag and containers.
- Buy only what you need for 1–2 days to reduce waste.
- Ask for “không cần túi” (no bag, please) when paying.
- Chat with vendors; many appreciate the effort to reduce plastic.
2. Support Street Vendors & Small Eateries
- Street food is delicious, affordable, and often more sustainable than big restaurants.
- Vendors usually cook fresh, use local ingredients, and generate less waste than chain restaurants.
- Tips:
- Eat at busy stalls; high turnover means fresher food and less spoilage.
- Sit down and eat there instead of taking away in plastic.
- Bring your own utensils (spoon, chopsticks, straw) if you’re serious about zero waste.
- Avoid places that use lots of Styrofoam or plastic packaging.
3. Choose Local & Seasonal Food
- Vietnamese cuisine is naturally seasonal: mango in summer, pomelo in winter, different greens and herbs year‑round.
- Eating what’s in season:
- Tastes better.
- Supports local farmers.
- Reduces the need for imported or greenhouse‑grown food.
- In the countryside:
- Buy directly from farmers’ markets or roadside stands.
- Join a farm tour or homestay where meals are made with homegrown ingredients.
- Try traditional dishes made with local specialties (e.g., bamboo shoots in the north, river fish in the Mekong Delta).
Responsible Trekking & Homestays in the North
In mountainous regions like Sapa, Ha Giang, and Mai Châu, trekking and homestays are popular, but they can strain local resources if not done carefully.
1. Trekking with Respect
- Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging crops and forests.
- Never litter; carry out all trash (including fruit peels and cigarette butts).
- Avoid picking plants, flowers, or disturbing animals.
- Use a reusable water bottle and refill at homestays or villages instead of buying bottled water.
- Cultural respect:
- Ask before taking photos of people, especially in traditional dress.
- Dress modestly when visiting villages and temples.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese (and local languages if possible) to show respect.
2. Homestay Etiquette
- Homestays are a great way to support local families and experience daily life.
- To be a good guest:
- Arrive on time and follow the family’s schedule (meals, bedtime, etc.).
- Be willing to help with simple tasks (setting the table, washing dishes, or light farm work).
- Respect local customs: remove shoes when entering the house, avoid loud behavior at night, and dress appropriately.
- Environmental habits in homestays:
- Use water and electricity sparingly (hot water, showers, and electricity can be limited).
- Bring your own toiletries in reusable containers to avoid single‑use mini‑bottles.
- Separate waste if the family recycles or composts; otherwise, keep trash small and carry it out if needed.
3. Supporting Community‑Based Tourism
- Choose homestays and tours run by local cooperatives or community groups.
- These often:
- Keep more money in the community.
- Protect the environment and culture.
- Offer more authentic experiences.
- Ask:
- How much of the payment goes directly to the family?
- Are there rules about waste, water, and behavior?
- Can you learn traditional skills (weaving, cooking, farming) during your stay?
Everyday Eco‑Habits for Living in Vietnam
Whether you’re in a city apartment or a village house, a few simple routines can make a big difference.
1. Waste Separation & Composting
- Many Vietnamese households already separate organic waste (for animals or compost) from recyclables.
- You can:
- Separate food scraps and use them for compost (if you have a garden) or give them to neighbors who keep animals.
- Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal if recycling is available in your area.
- Reduce packaging by buying in bulk and using reusable containers.
2. Saving Water & Energy
- Water and electricity can be limited, especially in rural areas.
- Simple habits:
- Take short showers and turn off the tap while brushing teeth.
- Use fans instead of air conditioning when possible.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Hang clothes to dry instead of using a dryer.
3. Reusing & Repairing
- Vietnamese culture values reuse and repair:
- Clothes are worn until they’re worn out, then turned into rags or patchwork.
- Electronics, bikes, and household items are often repaired instead of replaced.
- You can:
- Buy second‑hand clothes and furniture.
- Learn basic repairs (sewing, bike maintenance) or support local repair shops.
- Donate or sell items you no longer need instead of throwing them away.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Impact
Sustainable living in Vietnam doesn’t require perfection. It’s about small, consistent choices: carrying a water bottle, saying no to a plastic bag, walking instead of taking a Grab, eating at a local market stall, and treating homestays and nature with respect.
By living (or traveling) this way, you not only reduce waste and pollution but also connect more deeply with Vietnamese culture, people, and landscapes. In a country where tradition and modernity meet, sustainable living is both a practical habit and a way of honoring the place and its people.
