Ho Chi Minh City Moves Towards Sustainable Tourism in 2024

“Sustainable at Every Journey” is the central message of all events organized in 2024 by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism. As part of the emission-free energy transition aimed at sustainable development, the southern metropolis authorities, in collaboration with tourism partners, have actively offered travelers responsible tourism circuits at the ITE HCMC 2024 (the 18th International Travel Expo, a major and large-scale event in Vietnam).

Written by ANH Dang Updated on 18-09-2024

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The ITE HCMC 2024, held over three days (from September 5 to 7, 2024), welcomed over 700 leaders from major tourism companies and organizations from 38 countries and territories. This event is a tremendous opportunity to widely promote the strengths and potential of Vietnamese tourism to international partners. It especially highlights new tourism products with a focus on green tourism to foster sustainable development.

1. Best Sites to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City Sustainably

Echoing the theme “Sustainable Tourism – Creating the Future,” the ITE HCMC 2024 organizing committee, in collaboration with travel agencies, has set up several “responsible tourism circuits” for delegates and travelers, both domestic and international. These circuits take place at newly opened tourist sites located in the city center and neighboring districts.

• Thieng Lieng Community Tourism Model (Thanh An Commune, Can Gio District)

“For a long time, the cultural and historical tourist sites of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) have been well-known and are must-visit destinations for travelers in this city. In recent years, the demand for ecotourism has greatly increased. Therefore, green places like Cu Chi and Can Gio are of particular interest. Can Gio, in particular, is the first site in Vietnam to be recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO,” said Mr. LE Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.

During responsible tourism tours, visitors are particularly enthusiastic about discovering the community-based tourism model in Thieng Lieng. The activities offered include bike rides around the island, interactions about local life and salt farming practices, relaxation with medicinal herb foot baths typical of Can Gio, and cultural discoveries through traditional "đờn ca tài tử" music (a genre of traditional and improvised music from Southern Vietnam, often played in informal settings, reflecting the soul and culture of the local people). Additionally, travelers participate directly in tree planting for reforestation in the region.

In addition to community and rural tourism sites focused on nature, the new tours emphasize eco-friendly transportation methods to take travelers to the iconic sites of the beautiful city of Ho Chi Minh City.

• Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street

This pedestrian street, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is a popular meeting spot for both locals and visitors. Surrounded by shops, modern restaurants, and historic buildings, it provides an ideal setting to relax while enjoying the city’s vibrancy. In the evening, the street lights up and becomes a prime location for cultural events or outdoor performances.

• Nha Rong Wharf, Bach Dang Wharf

Nha Rong Wharf, one of Vietnam's iconic historical landmarks, is the place where President Ho Chi Minh began his journey in search of independence for the Vietnamese people. Today, the site houses a museum dedicated to his memory, surrounded by well-preserved architectural buildings. A walk along the wharf offers a beautiful view of the Saigon River, where the past and present blend harmoniously.

Bach Dang Wharf, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is a popular spot for locals due to its riverside walks and panoramic views. This wharf has a long history, having been a strategic point for trade and river transport. It has transformed into a dynamic space with cruise boats, outdoor cafes, and green areas, creating a peaceful atmosphere amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

• Museum of Ho Chi Minh City History, War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

Located in a stunning neoclassical building, the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City History provides a captivating glimpse into Vietnamese history through artifacts from various periods. The collections cover archaeology, Vietnamese dynasties, and contemporary history, offering a deeper understanding of Vietnam's past.

The museum presents a poignant collection of photographs, objects, and testimonies from the Vietnam War. The exhibits, sometimes moving, showcase the impact of the conflict on the country and its people. A visit to the museum provides a human perspective on the war while raising awareness about the need for peace.

• Pham Ngu Lao District

Known as the backpacker district, Pham Ngu Lao is a lively area that never sleeps. Its streets are bustling with bars, international restaurants, and budget hotels. It's a cultural crossroads where travelers from around the world and locals mix, creating a warm and cosmopolitan atmosphere, especially in the evening.

• Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of Ho Chi Minh City's symbols, with its colorful stalls and unique architecture. This vast market is the perfect place to explore Vietnamese crafts, sample local dishes, and experience the vibrancy of daily life. Visitors will find a wide range of products, from textiles to souvenirs, spices, and fresh foods.

• Reunification Palace

This iconic building has become a strong symbol of the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. The palace's architecture, with its spacious halls and peaceful gardens, offers a fascinating testament to the country's political history. Visitors can tour its period rooms, where crucial decisions were made.

• Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an impressive underground network stretching over hundreds of kilometers. Used by Vietnamese fighters, these tunnels served as refuges, communication routes, and strategic centers. Visiting them provides insight into the harsh conditions endured by soldiers and the ingenuity used to resist enemy forces.

2. Solutions for More Eco-Friendly Transportation

Tourist circuits are designed to offer varied experiences using public transport. The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department encourages the use of eco-friendly materials and the development of sustainable services such as electric cars and bicycles.

• Bicycles

• Double-Decker Buses

• Vintage Vespas

• Saigon River Cruises

3. Exceptional Cuisine in Eco-Tourism Circuits

A highlight of the new sustainable tourism circuits in Ho Chi Minh City is discovering regional cuisine, with dishes prepared from natural ingredients.

Travelers can enjoy local specialties such as artisanal salt dishes, traditional cakes made with natural ingredients, and typical drinks like butterfly pea flower tea, "sâm sâm," coconut water ice cream, or aloe vera. A unique aspect of these community circuits is that all dishes and drinks are handmade by locals, using ingredients they grow themselves in their gardens.

Additionally, visitors can taste iconic dishes such as Hủ tiếu, Cơm tấm, Bánh mì, and spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), available in specialized neighborhoods, culinary markets, or even in restaurants in Saigon, at affordable prices with delicious flavors.

Ho Chi Minh City has been striving in recent years to promote eco-tourism. With its commitment to developing tourism that harmonizes with the environment and local culture, the city continues to improve its policies towards a more sustainable model, aiming for a "net-zero emissions" goal. Concrete action plans are being implemented to preserve natural resources and maintain the city’s cultural identity.

Ho Chi Minh City is a place where innovation and creativity meet at every step of the journey. Vietnam Discovery offers support to explore these captivating destinations while supporting the city’s sustainable development. A colorful and meaningful adventure awaits you in this city.

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