International travelers leave green legacy in northern Vietnam

For Australian nationals Georgia and Olivia, planting a sapling by hand became one of the most memorable moments of their journey through the dramatic mountain landscape of Ha Giang.

After riding motorbikes across winding mountain passes, the pair and fellow travelers stopped at a designated planting site, where they carefully placed into the ground a sapling they had carried with them since the beginning of the trip.

The experience added a deeper sense of purpose to their adventure.

"In my hometown of Melbourne, people are very conscious about protecting nature and following environmental conservation policies," Olivia said.

"Adding the tree-planting activity to the tour is a wonderful idea, contributing to environmental protection while promoting sustainable tourism in Ha Giang,” Olivia shared.

The initiative was launched in April by Jasmine Tours, a travel company in Tuyen Quang Province.

Company representative Phuong Son said that the project was inspired by both guides and travelers who noticed increasing areas of barren hillsides and soil erosion along the iconic Ha Giang Loop, particularly during the rainy season.

"Through the initiative, we desire to help increase green coverage while allowing visitors to make a meaningful contribution to the places they explore,” Son said.

More than 5,200 saplings have been planted by visitors, mainly international tourists, in Ha Cho Hamlet, Lung Phin Commune, and Ban Pho Hamlet, Minh Tan Commune.

Before setting off on their journey, each traveler is introduced to the tree-planting initiative and receives a sapling to care for throughout the trip.

The selected species have been chosen based on local soil conditions, climate suitability, and the preferences of landowners.

Vuong Duc Tai, a resident of Minh Tan Commune, shared that the project has brought an unexpected transformation.

"I never imagined so many foreigners would come here to plant trees on my land," he said.

Tai’s once-barren land is now home to around 2,000 young trees.

Every day, he clears weeds, loosens the soil, and ensures the saplings receive proper care.

Son told Tuoi Tre (Youth) Online that Jasmine Tours plans to continue developing the ‘The Green Road’ project, which will cover a 13-kilometer route from Thuan Hoa Commune to the Lung Tam area.

He hopes that each young tree planted through the project will contribute to making Ha Giang a greener destination and encourage visitors to return many times.