Quang Nam province in central Vietnam, home to the ancient town of Hoi An, has been named among the four Asia's top sustainable destinations by leading UK-based travel magazine Wanderlust.
"By putting local businesses at the heart of tourism, the region of Quang Nam is proving sustainability starts at home," it wrote.
Hoi An Kayak Tours takes visitors on a paddle through the Nipa mangroves, navigating fishing boats and stilt villages. In town, Refillables sells eco-friendly travel necessities, from shampoo to toothbrushes, while nearby zero-waste restaurant The Field uses wild and organic local produce to create rustic dishes, such as its aubergine and tofu broth, the travel magazine suggested.
"Finish by spending the night among the blossom trees at An Villa, which provides filtered drinking water to guests, reducing the need for plastic use," it added.
The other destinations in the list are Bhutan, Singapore and Ataúro Island (Timor-Leste).
Early January, Wanderlust had ranked Vietnam 15th in the list of 27 top new world trips for 2023. "Guests will get to enjoy the picture postcard scenery of Southeast Asia, from southern Vietnam to the temples of Angkor in Cambodia."
The magazine suggested readers travel through Vietnam's Mekong Delta "to see colourful markets, flooded forests, and a way of life that centres around agriculture and fishing."
Last October, Wanderlust had honored Vietnam as one of the 20 best places to visit in January.
"The weather is similarly pleasant, dry and sunny," it wrote, adding that "You'll never get bored of Vietnam's varied cities: Hoi An, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, the perfect city for cycling enthusiasts."
"Natural beauty is around every corner in Vietnam, too. There's Halong Bay and the lesser-known Lan Ha Bay, both accessible from Cat Ba Island."