“Slow travel” in Vietnam

We are used to hearing that today everything goes faster and faster… However, it seems we have a desire to slow down, we aspire to a calmer life, with the desire to do a little less. We aspire to quality rather than quantity. So, if there is a context where we can allow ourselves this, it is precisely that of a vacation! Long live slow travel in Vietnam or the philosophy of “slow travel”!

The vision of tourism at Horizon Vietnam Travel shares this philosophy. We are, however, aware that, coming from France, a country far from Vietnam, the traveler wishes to take maximum advantage of what the country offers.

The consciousness of each person defines what “making the most of it” means. Previously, people wanted to see as many things as possible, experience many things, and meet many people.

Today it is often appreciated to delve into detail, deepen communication, and stay longer in one place.

Let us see together what slow travel in Vietnam or the philosophy of “slow travel” means.

Slowness, of course

As its name suggests, slow travel implies slowness, but the days we have available for travel are not always extensible. To allow yourself more time during the journey, you can then limit the places to visit and the activities to do when we organize and plan our trip.

Slowness is also knowing how to take advantage of the present moment, not thinking about the next stage while living the current one!

We are used to projecting ourselves into the near or distant future, so during the vacation let us try a system of thinking a little different. The context of the vacation itself ensures a suitable environment for this, but it is not so obvious!

A grain of patience is necessary; who has not been irritated by feeling a bit too much at the airport or even a too long journey, is part of our nature!

In travel in particular, what matters is not the arrival but the journey traveled. A meditative introspection that gives importance to the present moment can only be beneficial…

A reasonable itinerary

Yes, when you come to Vietnam for the first time, you undoubtedly want to see everything. We confirm that the country is full of treasures to discover, but it is better to make a selection. In fact, even living in France, many have not visited all the centers of interest of the hexagon, so why would you want to do it in a foreign country!

It is therefore advisable to reflect on your desires, your expectations in order to draw the trip of your dreams, the one that corresponds better to you. The number matters little, it is the quality and intensity of your experiences that will remain in memory. So, if you like going to discover the local population, plan time to be relaxed and to communicate with them! Similarly, if you like to dangle your feet on a paradisiacal beach, stay there for several days!

Also allow yourself flexibility. Around the corner of a curve perhaps a picturesque place, around the corner of a look an exciting soul to discover… Some deadlines will undoubtedly be imperative, but many others can wait for you, we are on vacation after all!

So leave room for a part of improvisation, the itinerary you have built is not carved in stone. A stop can be removed if you feel that the place where you are touches you particularly. Listen to your rhythm and your heart. A local agency is very able to understand this and adapt for you.

Know how to take advantage of what you find around you, in the present moment.

The customized trip organized by a local agency has the advantage of offering you a trip with a private vehicle and driver, this gives you maximum freedom and flexibility, little stress related to transport requirements.

The trip slows down, bounces with and according to you!

Respect for nature and population

Slow travel is particularly in line with other tourism standards that are gaining momentum.

Eco-tourism and solidarity travel are not just words or marketing concepts… It is ultimately quite simple to respect. Just as we are taught to keep a place clean when we have used it or to respect the host who welcomes us: it is about leaving Vietnam leaving the least traces possible. To travel through the country with empathy and respect for the population. They will surely surprise you, the culture and way of life are radically different. Taking the time to observe and understand a different civilization will allow you to appreciate some of its subtleties even more.

We did not wait for the emergence of these words of eco-tourism or solidarity travel at Horizon Vietnam Travel to embrace their beautiful principles. Our very essence as a local agency that employs Vietnamese eager to make their country known guarantees this. We respect our country and its people, we are proud to participate modestly but soundly in the development of Vietnam. You will be struck by our meeting! Indeed, here is the majority of our solidarity and humanitarian actions: humanitarian actions

Thus, the fact of moving less, of favoring small structures rather than large hotels minimizes your impact on nature.

Similarly, consuming locally and reasonably is the basis of ecology.

Slow travel thus allows you to respect nature and to take the time to contemplate it, to appreciate its greatness and magnificence in detail!

Take time for yourself

Why taking time for yourself is giving yourself importance, do not hesitate to stop, to rest. Become aware of the new environment surrounding you; smile at the fortune you have to be here, traveling in an exotic Asian country.

Be tolerant of yourself and others, everything will certainly not be exactly as you want it, but that’s fine! This would not leave enough room for the surprise and emotion that will make your adventure a strong and unique experience!

The phone is also on vacation!

Practically no one escapes it, the call of the phone is no longer simply a call from a known person, it is above all the incessant beeping of application notifications, emails, advertisements… we no longer control the use of this machine, it controls us. We find ourselves with our nose in front of the screen for hours without really knowing what we are doing…

So for your trip, take back control. One of the advantages is that you will not automatically have a mobile internet plan in Vietnam, so you will not always be connected.

For most people, WIFI access points will be sufficient, they are quite numerous and always free

The danger being to want absolutely to connect to the WIFI point in every place where you stop… So try to avoid compulsive connection! Take advantage of this disconnection to detoxify and communicate with your environment. Enjoy the landscapes and smiles around you!

A serene, listening journey

Slow travel is also a journey in complete serenity, without stress. Turning to a local agency can help you greatly in this, it knows the country perfectly and will accompany you both in the preparation of your trip and in its realization.

Listen, to the locals but also to people with expertise who already know Vietnam, you will get valuable advice!

Slow travel in Vietnam

Vietnam is perfectly suited to slow travel. Indeed, although the country is dynamic and hardworking, its population is considered patient and benevolent. Many places aspire to slowness. The best destinations in Vietnam to practice slow travel will undoubtedly be places far from mass tourism, in the mountains of northern Vietnam at the meeting of local ethnic groups for example. Or again along the Mekong delta, traveling through the south of the country at the pace of the river.

Staying with a local is a must of slow travel. You will share the life of a Vietnamese family, discovering their way of life, their customs. Communication and exchanges will be easier.

The possibilities are many, you are above all the masters of your way of traveling. Our local travel agency will always be there to listen to you and advise you.

Traveling on a budget

Slow travel also allows you to save money, you will spend less on travel and accommodation. Moreover, the cost of living in the countryside and in villages is always lower.

By taking your time, you are also more able to discover good deals like small, economical, authentic and delicious restaurants.

Conclusion

“Slow travel” in Vietnam is a fair balance, aims to give you a restful and serene experience without, however, sacrificing moments of meeting, discovery and intense emotions.

One of the secrets will undoubtedly lie in planning your route in advance.

Remember: “He who wants to travel far, saves his horse!” Nowadays the horse is both you and our planet!