Vietnam Pioneers Green and Sustainable Tourism in Khanh Hoa and Hue

Khanh Hoa province is positioning itself as a leading hub for green and sustainable tourism in Vietnam by implementing strategic infrastructure developments and promoting eco-friendly business models. The central province is focusing on a transition toward sustainable green tourism, smart digital integration, and personalized visitor experiences to compete as a top destination both regionally and globally.

To support this transition, Khanh Hoa is accelerating the development of energy-efficient urban areas and promoting the use of environmentally friendly public transportation, specifically electric and clean-energy vehicles. Local authorities are also urging businesses to adopt circular economy models, which include the reduction of waste and the minimization of single-use plastics.

Implementation of Green Tourism Standards

The province has formalized its commitment to sustainability through the issuance of Green Tourism Standards. These standards serve as a framework for the region to affirm its brand and ensure long-term growth in alignment with global tourism trends.

Several high-end resorts in the region have already integrated these practices. Establishments such as The Anam Cam Ranh, Ana Mandara Cam Ranh, Champa Island Nha Trang, and Radisson Blu Cam Ranh have invested in green technology, renewable energy, and modern wastewater treatment systems.

At the Vietnam Tourism Awards 2025, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, both Ana Mandara Cam Ranh and Champa Island Nha Trang were recognized among the top 10 best green hotels in Vietnam. The General Manager of Ana Mandara Cam Ranh, Le Dai Hai, received an award identifying the resort as one of the top 10 best green hotels in the country.

Case Studies in Sustainable Hospitality

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, located in Dong Ninh Hoa ward, is cited as a prominent example of sustainability. The resort has operated a Sustainable Development Fund since 2015 and utilizes solar power systems that supply between 26% and 28% of its total operating energy needs. These initiatives earned the resort the HICAP Sustainable Hotel Award in 2024.

The resort’s sustainable practices include:

• Avoiding the use of single-use plastics.
• Converting food waste into compost for use in gardens.
• Repurposing old towels into plant pots.
• Utilizing solar energy to reduce reliance on traditional power sources.

Similarly, Vinpearl Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island in Nha Trang ward has pioneered a multi-layered smart green tourism model. Nguyen Thi Hoa, the Marketing Director of Vinpearl JSC, stated that the company is integrating this model into new, distinctive products to enhance visitor experiences while simultaneously advancing digital infrastructure and high-quality human resources development.

Broader National Context

The efforts in Khanh Hoa are part of a wider national shift in Vietnam toward sustainable transformation. This movement is highlighted by the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation for World Tourism Day 2025, which emphasizes the need for the sector to adapt to climate change and protect the environment.

Other regions in Vietnam are pursuing similar goals. Hue is working toward becoming Vietnam’s leading green tourism city and is accelerating the development of a smart cultural and tourism city. This national push is seen as a necessity due to the pressure that seasonal tourist overload, plastic waste, and ecological imbalance have placed on iconic sites such as Ha Long Bay, Phu Quoc Island, and Hoi An Ancient Town.

Khanh Hoa continues to attract investment to develop high-end and in-depth tourism products, leveraging its world-class bays and comprehensive transport infrastructure to secure its position as a sustainable coastal tourism hub.