Slow Travel Hue

𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗔𝗠: 𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗲𝘀 Recently, travel designers have inquired us about women-focused tours, noting that their clients increasingly prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I) in travel experiences. Our ethos revolves around human connection, where emotions, stories, and traditions come alive. Hence, every experience can be tailored—whether for honeymooners, VIPs, women-centric groups, or family-friendly adventures. Take, for example, a culinary journey where we enhance the experience with a chef-led exploration for food enthusiasts. One of Vietnam's most iconic dishes, the spring roll or nem rán, is enjoyed throughout the country. However, in Hue, we introduce you to something truly special: Ram Huế, a #slowfood delicacy crafted with care, featuring modest local ingredients like rice paper from the renowned Lưu Bao craft village, a profession dating back to the 15th century. More than a dish, Ram Huế embodies the Four Feminine Virtues cherished by Hue women "Công, Dung, Ngôn, Hạnh", litterally means: Diligent Work, Modest Manner, Proper Speech, and Morality. 💚 Diligent Work: The rice, meticulously selected, is ground into fine powder to make the delicate rice paper. 💚 Modest Manner: Women take pride in using simple yet healthy, homegrown ingredients to create a harmonious filling. 💚 Proper Speech: Preparing the dish becomes a joyful activity, engaging family and guests alike, fostering bonds through conversation and creativity. 💚 Morality: Hue women are entrusted with preparing offerings for family ceremonies and hosting guests. With unwavering dedication, they balance colors, tastes, and presentation, guided by principles of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements Theory (Wu Xing). Distinctively, Ram "Hue styled wrapped and fried" is made by layering two softened pieces of rice paper, symbolizing the unity of husband and wife, creating a square yet rounded roll that embodies harmony, fidelity, and morality. Through this culinary journey, we invite you not only to savor a delicious dish but also to appreciate the profound role of Hue women. As keepers of the hearth, they preserve traditional food and uphold the values of the Four Feminine Virtues, ensuring the warmth of home and heritage endures. #slowtravel #culinaryadventures #foodtourism #inclusive #feminism #communitybasedtourism #sustainablity #happiness #nature

𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗛𝘂𝗲'𝘀 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: 𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀 From an early age, children in Hue embark on journeys through the gentle lullabies sung by their mothers. Here in this poetic land of folklore, bedtime is not marked by stories but by verses that cradle children into a world of local markets, each with its unique charm. “Lull the baby to sleep soundly, So that mother can slip away to the market, To buy lime at Cầu market, Betel nut at Nam Phổ market, Leaves at Dinh market, Conical hats at Triều Sơn market, Fine needles at Mậu Tài market.” In these verses, a young mother or sister tenderly urges the child to rest so she can enjoy a leisurely walk to the markets. 💚 For those who know Hue, going to the market – or "Đi Chợ" – is about more than buying necessities. 💚It’s a slow journey filled with simple joys: a discovery of flavors, traditions, and community. 💚 The lullaby is both a melody and a map, guiding listeners through Hue’s markets and unveiling the hidden stories and cultural treasures within. Shall we wander together and explore? 🌱 Hue rural markets: flavors savoring, locals engaging: https://lnkd.in/gPRR8z6Q #slowfood #slowtravel #immersion #communitybasedtourism #rural #nature #happiness #sustainability

𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹: 𝗔 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿, 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 Community-based tourism in Thanh Toan, #Hue region, brings immense value not only to travelers but to the local community as well. This deeper level of engagement adds purpose and transforms travel from a simple visit into a shared experience. 💚 Imagine learning firsthand how labor-intensive it is to cultivate and prepare rice, or hearing locals recount the history of devastating floods and their annual toll on the community. 💚 Get swept up in the mood of folklore and lullabies that have sustained the spirit of this place for generations. 💚 Understand the traditional role of the sampan in fishing and fresh water supply, and how it has adapted over time. These are the kinds of intimate, human connections that make travel truly meaningful. Visitors extend their stay in Hue, supporting local businesses and ensuring that tourism revenue goes beyond just entrance fees and restaurant tabs. This is the kind of travel that leaves a lasting impact, enriching everyone involved. #communitybasedtourism #meaningfultravel #purposefultravel #positiveimpact #sustainability #nature #happiness #vietnam #slowtravel

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗲: 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 November marks the glorious start of high season, two years after our communities began to rebuild post-pandemic. In Hue, our host families are celebrating the arrival of significant groups, both in quality and quantity, sparking renewed energy. Our commitment to “growing the pie” ensures everyone in the community benefits from tourism. As local MSMEs, we focus on sustainable impact over mere economic efficiency, enhancing community well-being, resilience, and solidarity. 💚 PURPOSE From day one, Slow Travel Hue’s motto has been “Fulfilling in Connecting.” This means creating space and time for meaningful exchange between travelers and hosts — families, farmers, artisans, storytelling guides. We aim to attract conscious travelers and discerning DMCs and tour operators who amplify shared commitment to making a positive impact. 💚 PEOPLE We collaborate with host families to deliver authentic hospitality without relying solely on tourism for short-term gains. Here, tourism regenerates and enriches lives without trade-offs. Everyone involved in co-creating value plays an essential role. Our goal is to generate shared net benefits rather than maximizing profit for individual families. This approach fosters community unity without jealousy or zero-sum thinking. 💚 PLACE We strive to make our homes, villages, and communes more welcoming while preserving their unique character. Slow Travel Hue manages the tourist flow, equitably directing visitors to different families and villages to maintain authenticity and social integrity. Below are a few photos from the “Authentic Home Dining” experience. This season, we have welcomed numerous groups, each hosted exclusively by a family on a single evening, creating memorable connections, passion, and consistent satisfaction. #slowtravel #slowfood #homedining #communitybasedtourism #regenerativetourism #equity #sustainability #nature #happiness

𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗵𝗮 Discover peace, self-transformation, and inner calm on a mindful journey in the heart of Huế’s imperial city. In a tranquil pagoda, experience the essence of Buddhist teachings, connect with your inner child, and calm your "monkey mind." 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 💚 Breathing meditation and paying homage to the Three Treasures 💚 Thought-provoking exchanges on meditation, healing, and mindful living 💚 Vegan lunch with the Sangha, embracing simplicity and contentment Embrace this healing journey for a deeper connection to your eternal self. ☘️ #slowtravel #spritualexperience #flow #regenerativetourism #healing #meditation #mindfulness #nature #happiness #sustainability

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗲-𝗰𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗪𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮 '𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀' We’re often asked about organizing a “cooking class,” but we love to clarify that what we offer is a “home cooking experience.” While it might sound less flashy, we prioritize intimacy and authenticity over the typical, run-of-the-mill cooking class. Our hosts, the housewives of Hue, are not just cooks—they’re culinary artists who understand the magic of seasonality, freshness, and the art of healthy living. That’s why we proudly promote an exclusive home cooking experience in the traditional garden houses of Hue. So, what sets Slow Travel Hue Home Cooking Experience apart from a typical Tourist Cooking Class? 💚 First, instead of a professional kitchen or cooking school, our experiences take place in a traditional home, creating a warm, personal atmosphere. You’ll even have the chance to wander through the lush garden, handpicking edible plants, flowers, and herbs for your meal. 💚 Our experience is less about formal structure and more about personal connection. We focus on the cultural and social aspects of cooking. Whether you have specific dietary preferences, want to use seasonal ingredients, or crave something new after your travels in Vietnam, we tailor the dishes to suit your needs. Even something as familiar as a spring roll becomes unique here, with Hue’s own special twist on stuffing and wrapping. That’s why we cater exclusively to private groups, FITs, and families. 💚 Your instructors? None other than our warm, welcoming housewives and grandmothers, whose culinary wisdom comes from generations of family celebrations and age-old traditions. Their savoir-faire goes beyond just technique; it’s a deep well of cultural knowledge passed down through the ages. 💚 The essence of our home cooking experience isn’t about mastering specific techniques. It’s about delving into the cultural significance of the food, uncovering the stories behind the recipes, and experiencing the joy of cooking in a local home. 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝, 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣. If this resonates with you and your guests, our communities in Kim Long, Thuy Bieu, Thanh Toan villages would be thrilled to host you and share our culinary treasures. #foodtourism #homecooking #slowtravel #slowfood #communitybasedtourism #regenerativetourism #authenticity #sustainability #nature #happiness #peopleculture #placebased #peoplecentered

𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱—𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁? While the travel industry hierarchy can sometimes overshadow locally based, expert suppliers, today we want to celebrate the bright side of the sustainable tourism supply chain. There are still discerning tour operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and conscious travelers who are committed to promoting Responsible and Equitable Tourism. We are truly grateful to share the following testimonial from a UK family who joined our cycling tour to Kim Long Garden City last July. ✨✨✨ This was one of the best experiences of the holiday. Delivered by Slow Travel Hue. A fantastic guide – Son – took time to introduce us to the tour and what we were going to do. Bikes for kids were a bit of an issue – they were adult sized and whilst we got our kids onto them – and they are good cyclists, slightly smaller kinds or less confident ones wouldn’t have worked. But that was sorted, and we had a brilliant afternoon; sights, sounds and smells of the garden district. Two great house stops, loads of history, personal stories and Vietnamese hospitality. Another quite humbling experience and delivered brilliantly. Finished with a great meal at a local house, which was so good. ✨✨✨ 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨? 𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣? I firmly believe that our success is not only due to the hard work of our Slow Travel Hue team and our dedicated tour guides, but also the result of a successful and trustworthy partnership. It took us four years to build this collaboration with the DMCs who, despite having strong ground teams and their own cycling experiences, entrusted us fully to take care of their agents and customers on this tour. This empowerment means the world to us. Not only do they generate stable volumes, but they also bring great customers who consistently share constructive feedback like this, fostering a shared commitment to promoting people-centered, place-based tourism. 💚 The DMCs transparently integrate local suppliers into their itineraries, which further strengthens our shared values. 💚 Our guide team is continuously improving, our hosting community proudly participates like one big family, and our operations teams are learning from any shortcomings to proactively prevent them in the future. 💚 This journey has been a "humbling experience," much like Slow Food, where local ingredients and recipes come together perfectly over time, made with care and heart. Not all partners or OTAs appreciate this difference, as their focus may lean more toward cost efficiency and “exclusive” expertise. 🙌 But "brilliantly delivered" is what happens when an extensive COMMUNITY of stakeholders collaborates intensively over the years to make tourism a force for good. 🙏 #communitybasedtourism #sustainabletourismsupplychain #sustainability #nature #happiness #slowtravel #testimonial

𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 Her name is Phúc, which means “Happiness.” Together with her husband, Mr. Tuấn, and other villagers in Thanh Toàn, they warmly welcomed travelers, sharing their hard-yet-enjoyable farmers’ lives and stories. They live in a typical country home with lush gardens filled with bananas, cassava, beans, various crops, and livestock. There is a bamboo-shaded veranda facing a riverfront cycling lane where they offer visitors the chance to enjoy farm produce, tea, and conversation. Guests appreciated their hospitality and the laid-back countryside atmosphere. Urbanization, however, started encroaching on their space. Concerned but committed to collaborating with them to host tourists, we asked, “Uncle, Auntie, how can we make it better, together? The guests love you. We have no intention of adjusting the tour and taking them elsewhere. We just need an alternative space to make them feel welcome.” After deep thought overnight, Mr. Tuan called us back and promised to build a new thatched-roof house by the lotus pond. Realizing this would take up their crop area, we suggested reusing an abandoned shelter next to their ancestral shrine house instead. "Why not arrange the activities around your shrine house and the hidden garden? You can make it proper and well-maintained," we offered. "We'll grant you funds for the renovation if it suits your family’s wishes." 💚 Embracing a regenerative and circular mindset, we always asked hosts how they wished to welcome tourists. Within a week, the couple prepared the once-abandoned house for travelers. Guests and guides appreciated it, finding it even better than before. In the end, auntie Phúc and uncle Tuấn refused our funds (even twice), firmly saying, “It didn’t cost us anything, and we are very happy now because it was the right thing to do.” We felt relief and fulfillment because we could continue to invite travelers to genuinely lend a helping hand rather than just consume resources to satisfy tourist needs. #hostingregeneration #regenerativetourism #peoplecenteredtourism #meaningfultravel #communitybasedtourism #nature #sustainability #happiness #rethinkingtourism #forceforgood P/S: If you wish to join sharing their happiness, take in our rural immersion 👉 https://lnkd.in/gdX25AG4

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 Whenever considering a potential tourism destination, our goal is not just to create an operational tour but to craft a multi-layered immersion that engages tourists on multiple levels, including cultural, historical, social, and personal dimensions. Let’s explore how Slow Travel Hue envisions #regenerativetourism in the former Duong Hoa warzone, upstream from the Perfume River, through three core processes. 💚 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 Firstly, RESEARCH and UNDERSTAND the destination. This involves exploring various spots, listening to local inhabitants, and conducting interviews to gather insights and understand the history, culture, and traditions of the destination. 💚 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 The travel design goes beyond the technical and logistical details of where, when, and what. More importantly, it incorporates the Why and How, meaning we design thematic layers that gradually reveal the cultural, historical, social, and personal aspects. There's also room to customize the immersion based on customers' interests, wellness preferences, and adventure activities suitable for their physical capabilities. For example, to guide guests through a journey of transformation, the thematic setting and dining experience engage all five senses. We rehabilitate an old wooden house into a charming and welcoming space, with inspirational quotes placed at various touchpoints. Medicinal plants are used in healthy dishes. 💚 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 When it comes to execution, our strength lies in how we CURATE authentic experiences. We involve expert guides to provide authentic and insightful exploration. We organize workshops to help tourists learn local crafts, cooking, and farming techniques. Our guides also ensure tourists experience local festivals and events to fully embrace the vibrant cultural atmosphere. Returning to Duong Hoa, which endured isolation during wartime despite being only 20km from Hue city center, Slow Travel Hue has been co-creating with passionate youth and local families to design and curate an off-the-beaten track immersion. 🌱 Explore more: “https://lnkd.in/gm-PbZAi 😍 The testimonial below vividly narrates how we added LIFE into this transformative journey. (read first comment) #slowtravel #communitybasedtourism #herbaltourism #nature #happiness #sustainability #hostingregeneration

𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 “Driving a gasoline car around the equator emits around 8 tonnes of CO2. One hectare clearcut emits 10 times that amount” The research from ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) offers insight into how clear-cutting emits huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. In a typical production forest in Sweden, the trees are felled after a 20-year rotation. It takes 10 years for the forest to reach a balance and another 10 years until it starts to compensate for the early emissions. In Vietnam, the production forest is typically acacia or paper trees, and the most popular rotation period is 5 years. That is the reality we are dealing with: extreme climate, heat waves, droughts, and floods are becoming more frequent. A monoculture forest is not a forest, and that green is not the same as a natural forest. We have more trees now than ever with a rule of 1:3—cut one, replant three trees. But carbon sequestration is not the same, and it has a long way to go to be the same. While the small team of Slow Travel Hue cannot perform huge missions on carbon offsetting or “green financing,” we have shifted our travelers, guides, collaborators, and hosting community towards reconnecting with nature and treasuring the forests. From slow travel cycling to the Perfume River upstream to forage wild medicinal plants and savor plant-based food to nature immersion in Bach Ma National Park and beyond, we aim to sow the seed to care for our Planet Earth. It might be just a small seed, a drop of water in this boiling ocean, until it ripples and inspires a collective shift in human activities from “killing and replanting” to integrating regenerative tourism from the root. #carbonemission #regenerativetourism #clearcut #reforestration #nature #healing #sustainability #happiness #treeplanting