Vietnamese tour operator combines river cleanup with sightseeing in Hoi An

The initiative comes as the city enters the quieter travel months following the peak international season from February to April, when tourist numbers typically surge due to favorable weather and cultural events such as the Lunar New Year holiday.

Earlier this month, a group of European tourists joined a boat tour through the Bay Mau nipa palm forest, combining sightseeing with waste collection.

Visitors boarded traditional round basket boats to explore the forest while picking up litter along the way, the company said.

The Bay Mau forest is a well-known attraction, particularly popular among South Korean tourists.

The basket boat rides have long been a draw, but in recent months, both tourists and tour operators have shown growing interest in combining visits with environmental activities.

Tran Van Khoa, director of Jack Tran Tours Hoi An, said his company and others have started integrating trash collection into tours through the forest in Cam Thanh Ward.

The waste — often plastic bags, fabric scraps, and styrofoam — is carried downstream or left behind by visitors and becomes trapped at the base of trees.

“These are our annual activities,” Khoa said.

“Despite cleanup efforts, litter is still occasionally found in the forest.

“We hope that local authorities, residents, and tourists will join hands to protect the environment and preserve this unique landscape on the edge of Hoi An Ancient Town.”