Community-Engaged Learning Tourism: A Solution for Regeneration Development & Cultural-Ecological Regeneration”

COMMUNITY-ENGAGED LEARNING TOURISM PROGRAM IN DA NANG & QUANG NGAI

A journey to explore a model that makes tourism more regenerative: transforming tourism into a tool for conveying lessons on regeneration, addressing livelihood and employment challenges, restoring and preserving culture, fostering intergenerational connections, and building communities.

From February 25 to March 3, 2025, the program “Community-engaged Learning Tourism: A Solution for Sustainable Development & Cultural-Ecological Regeneration” took place in Da Nang and Quang Ngai. This initiative was a collaboration between XomTour - Responsible Tourism & Conscious Travel, Vcil Community, and Ecological Agriculture & Hoa Bac Community-Engaged Tourism Cooperative. The journey introduced an alternative approach to tourism—one that is people-centered, aiming to preserve cultural heritage, restore ecosystems, and improve local livelihoods.

The program was led by Chu Manh Trinh, whose deeply inspiring work has influenced Vcil Community’s approach to regenerative tourism and community building through local strengths and assets.

Beyond its high financial inclusivity (financial reports to be shared in a follow-up post), a key highlight of the program was the diversity of participants. The group brought together individuals from various fields, regions, countries, and age groups—including researchers, conservation initiatives, representatives from educational institutions, sustainability networks, and individuals committed to community development. Participants came from Vietnam, South Korea, India,and beyond, including members from the Kien Giang Seasonal Rice Conservation Initiative, Kulavietnam Anthropology Research Group, The Soil Project, Local Futures Ladakh, Food Vision Network, Mondragon Team Academy (MTA), and many others sharing a common vision for regenerative development and community building.

The intersection of cultures, generations, and expertise enriched the learning experience, fostering a peer-to-peer learning approach. Throughout the journey, multidimensional dialogues took place, expanding perspectives on culture, economy, education, and sustainability. This, in turn, deepened participants’ awareness and transformed their approach to these pressing issues.

More than just a trip, this program was a true learning journey—a space where people explored, shared, and co-created regenerative values together.

HOA BAC - WHERE STORIES BEGIN

HOA BAC, DANANG - WHERE STORIES BEGIN

Nestled at the headwaters of the Cu De River, about 30 km from downtown Da Nang, Hoa Bac is a rural area known for its rice, corn, and sugarcane farming. It serves as a buffer zone between Bach Ma National Park and the Ba Na-Nui Chua Nature Reserve, with the Cu De River winding gracefully before flowing into the Nam O estuary.

On the way to Hoa Bac, visitors are greeted by lush green forests, fertile riverbanks, and peaceful villages tucked beneath towering mountains, forming a picturesque landscape like a living painting.

In the early mornings, mist veils the distant mountains, while the first light of dawn gently touches the land. Hoa Bac is truly a hidden gem, a place where nature has blessed Da Nang with incredible beauty. It is also where we spent most of our time learning, reflecting, and connecting—both with nature and with ourselves.

A UNIVERSITY WITHOUT CLASSROOMS

On our first day, we were divided into small groups and followed our host families to “settle in” and prepare for the days of learning ahead. The places we stayed in were true homestays—living in the homes of local families—each with its own unique atmosphere and stories, depending on our hosts. Because of this, even though we were in the same program, our experiences of eating, sleeping, and daily life were vastly different.

Accompanying us was Dr. Chu Manh Trinh – a pioneer in building and developing the community-engaged learning tourism model. He guided us through lessons on ecology, geology, history, culture, conservation, and climate change, helping us gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of community-based learning tourism and the foundation of the cooperative model in Hòa Bắc: preserving forests and protecting the land.

We traveled a lot, so we learned a lot. Learning happened naturally, unrestricted by the four walls of a traditional classroom. Our classroom was the community, wherever we could see, touch, and feel.

Sometimes, our classroom was the humble, winding Cu De River. Other times, it was bare hills after a harvest of acacia trees. At moments, it was lush green mountains of natural forests or endless rice fields where, at night, the sounds of frogs, crickets, and fish created a symphony of nature. Sometimes, our lessons took place in a bustling morning market, at the Hoa Bac dam, or at the Nam O estuary where the Cu De River merged into the vast East Sea. At times, we even found ourselves learning next to an industrial zone or a busy seaport.

Our learning had no boundaries. We could learn anywhere. Our classroom was no longer confined to a lecture hall, and our teachers were no longer professors, but rather our fellow travelers, local farmers, trees, rivers, mountains, and forests. We had stepped into a non-traditional university—a university without classrooms.

At the end of each day, we had personal reflection time—precious moments to sit down and contemplate. Sometimes, we reflected on our own lives, sometimes on our future directions, and other times, on things that moved us. We experienced admiration, surprise, confusion, and even internal conflicts—but all of these were essential ingredients for our continuous learning and personal growth.

Usually, those who cook and handle logistics are not prominently featured in training, tourism, or learning programs. However, this introduction session included the very people who made this program run smoothly: the cooking team—Aunt Lắm, Aunt Phụng, Aunt Xí, Aunt Xuân, and Aunt Lý—as well as the “transportation team,” with Mr. Hưởng supporting bicycle and transportation arrangements in Hòa Bắc. Everyone was enthusiastic and open in sharing: “If you have any feedback to help us serve you better, we are more than happy to listen and improve.” This was a rare moment—where the local community was not just a passive host but an active participant in engaging with visitors. It was even more remarkable that they also expressed a genuine desire to learn from guests while eagerly sharing their own experiences and knowledge.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH LOCAL STRENGTHS

For seven days, we worked with teacher Chu Manh Trinh and members of the Hoa Bac Cooperative (Da Nang) and Bau Ca Cai Cooperative (Quang Ngai) to explore Community-Engaged Learning Tourism (CELT) through both theory and practice. At the heart of this model is the ABCD approach—Asset-Engaged Community Development, which views each community as a “treasure trove” of unique strengths, capable of self-sufficiency and self-growth.

This represents a fundamental shift in mindset: Instead of seeing communities as places of scarcity that require external aid, ABCD helps them recognize and rediscover their own cultural, historical, and ecological assets, laying a solid foundation for self-determined development.

According to Vcil Community, ABCD is not just a method but a transformational mindset, shifting from a scarcity mindset (which fosters dependence and external aid) to an abundance mindset, where communities believe in themselves, take initiative, and independently shape their futures. Sustainable change only begins when it comes from within—when individuals in the community redefine their values, beliefs, and worldview.

According to Chu Manh Trinh, every community possesses three key types of assets:

• Personal Assets: These belong to individuals, such as a house, a bicycle, a garden, or a specialized skill.

• Group Assets: These are shared within small groups in the community, such as a market, a craft workshop, or a communal farm.

• The Commons: These are shared resources that belong to the entire community, such as a river, a forest, a mountain, or cultural traditions.

For a community to develop sustainably, it must first recognize and take ownership of its assets. From these existing strengths, the community can determine its own direction and make independent decisions. This is the core philosophy of asset-based community development.

We must view every community as a “treasure trove” of internal strengths, capable of self-sufficiency and self-growth.This contrasts with the traditional approach, which sees communities as “lacking” and in need of external help. ABCD allows communities to reclaim their cultural, historical, and ecological values, providing a strong foundation for self-determination and autonomy.

Thus, Community-Engaged Learning Tourism is not just an alternative form of travel—it is a new way of thinking about community development based on local assets.

The story of Community-Engaged Learning Tourism was told in authentic and multidimensional ways through various learning experiences. We engaged in theoretical lectures, hands-on sharing sessions with members of the Hoa Bac Cooperative, and field visits to explore the local community models in Hoa Bac (Da Nang) and Bau Ca Cai (Binh Son, Quang Ngai).

SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND SELF-RELIANCE – THE CORE OF CONSERVATION

When a community recognizes the value of its environment, nature, culture, and shared heritage, conservation becomes more important than ever. The local people are the ones who understand their land best and hold the deepest responsibility for it. In conversations with members of the Hòa Bắc Cooperative, we could strongly sense their spirit of self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

What unites them is not a desire to make money at all costs, but rather the question: How can we protect our forests, our land, and preserve true values for future generations? For them, sustainability is not about exploiting resources for short-term profit but about correcting past mistakes, restoring real assets, and strengthening the community’s self-sufficiency.

In this context, tourism becomes a tool for learning and self-development, helping each resident discover and enhance their own values. More than that, tourism serves as a bridge, allowing the community to collaborate, share knowledge, and create meaningful, authentic experiences for visitors.

GREEN ECONOMY, SOLIDARITY ECONOMY

One of the core principles of community-engaged educational tourism is ensuring that financial benefits flow directly into the community, so that development does not enrich only a single individual or a small group but is shared among all residents.

We chose to use cycling services managed by Mr. Hưởng and enjoyed nutritious, locally sourced meals prepared by the community’s culinary team. Each day, our journey was not just about moving from one place to another or savoring delicious food—it was a learning experience deeply connected to the people and the land we visited. We had breakfast at a cooperative member’s home, explored local production models run by villagers, and engaged in conversations to understand their way of life. This approach ensures that economic benefits are distributed across the entire community, creating a sustainable livelihood network where visitors contribute directly to the community’s shared prosperity.

A remarkable aspect of this model is the transparency and deep connection to food sources. Before every meal, we were introduced to the origins of each ingredient, realizing that every dish carries not just nutritional value but also a story of the land, the water, and the people. We learned that the jackfruit and vegetables came from a local family’s garden, some wild greens were gathered from the streams, the eggs were sourced from small household farms, and the golden corn came from the very fields where children walk past on their way to school each day. Every ingredient bore the imprint of the land, the hardworking hands that cultivated it, and the ecosystem that the local people are striving to protect.

Through these simple yet profound experiences, we came to understand that tourism is not merely about physical movement—it is about immersing in a way of life, a philosophy of development where people, nature, and livelihoods are intertwined in a truly sustainable way.

FINDING “INTERSECTIONS” – SEEKING COLLABORATION

In our conversations with Teacher Trinh, one key point was consistently emphasized: the importance of collaboration. No individual or organization can create meaningful change alone. Instead, it is at the intersections of different elements where the most impactful and practical innovations emerge—driving change not just for a community but for an entire nation. This concept forms the very foundation of community-engaged learning tourism ().

We often perceive different fields as separate entities—tourism as tourism, learning as learning, and community as community. But when we place them together, we realize that tourism is not just about traveling from one place to another. It is also an opportunity for learning, expanding perspectives, and allowing local communities to share their stories with the world. When these three elements—tourism, education, and community—intersect, tourism transforms from a commercial activity into a powerful tool for cultural preservation, sustainable livelihoods, and valuable lessons about humanity and nature.

Similarly, if we view the environment as an isolated issue, separate from economics and society, we may easily fall into debates about priorities: economic growth or forest conservation? However, when we recognize the deep interconnection between the environment, society, and economy, it becomes clear that a healthy ecosystem is the foundation of a sustainable society, and a strong economy cannot exist if natural resources are depleted. Rather than being in conflict, these three elements can thrive together—if we find the right way to integrate them.

But how can these ideas move beyond theory and into action? This is where collaboration and consensus among all stakeholders become essential: local communities, scientists, policymakers, and businesses.

• Local communities are deeply connected to their land—they understand each river, each forest.

• Scientists & universities play a crucial role in researching and synthesizing knowledge.

• Government authorities provide guidance and legal frameworks.

• Businesses can develop sustainable economic models to drive growth.

If only one group takes action, efforts can easily become unbalanced. True, lasting impact can only be achieved when all these forces work together in harmony.

COLLABORATION WITH PURPOSE – A SHARED VISION

Collaboration does not mean everything must blend together aimlessly. A community is truly strong only when it has a clear, shared goal—not just as a slogan, but as a guiding principle that aligns all efforts.

For Hòa Bắc, this shared goal is:

“Protecting forests to preserve water resources and ensuring sustainable development of the Cu Đê River Basin.”

This goal is not just a general aspiration; it is backed by specific directions:

• Sustainable forest conservation – because forests are not only a source of life but also a natural shield that protects water resources and regulates the climate.

• Cultural heritage preservation – because culture is not just history, but the soul of a place.

• Sustainable agriculture – because food is not just sustenance, but a reflection of the harmony between people and nature.

• Creating livelihoods for local communities – because true community development cannot happen without economic stability.

Collaboration is a long and challenging journey, often filled with debates, disagreements, and obstacles. However, when everyone is working toward a shared vision, differences no longer act as barriers—they become essential pieces of a larger picture. A sustainable community is not one where everyone thinks the same way, but one where diverse perspectives coexist, complement, and strengthen each other.

Hòa Bắc serves as a real-world example of Community-Engaged Learning Tourism (CELT)—demonstrating that collaboration is the key to any community seeking sustainable development. Instead of choosing one path over another, the real solution lies in finding the intersection—where all elements can thrive together.

TOURISM AS A TOOL FOR CONSERVATION

One of the most fascinating aspects of our journey was cycling along the Cu Đê River, from its lower reaches to the headwaters, eventually reaching the Nam Ô estuary. This experience allowed us to gain a holistic understanding of the Cu Đê River Basin’s ecosystem in Hòa Bắc.

The Hòa Bắc Dam is located near the upper reaches of the river. Here, Professor Trinh shared insights into the transformations this land has undergone. The very spot we stood on was once home to a vast, pristine forest, with hundreds of towering trees. The forest was once abundant with food. Just over 15 years ago, the land here was incredibly fertile—seeds would grow into strong, healthy trees without the need for fertilizers. Locals recall a time when tigers, leopards, deer, and antelope roamed freely.

Hòa Bắc is a vast region, with over 96% of its area covered in natural forests. The forest is the lifeblood of the Cơ Tu ethnic community, who depend on it for their survival. Any changes to the forest directly impact their way of life, as well as the villages that have grown along both banks of the Cu Đê River.

After Vietnam’s reunification, under new economic policies, people from urban areas migrated here to ‘develop the economy’, marking the beginning of large-scale logging and forest exploitation. In the post-war period, widespread poverty led to increased deforestation. The relentless extraction of timber left no space for forest regeneration, causing the natural forest area to gradually shrink.

These natural forests functioned like giant sponges, absorbing and storing water. Now, they are disappearing. During the rainy season, the hillsides become prone to landslides and soil erosion. Combined with monoculture farming of acacia trees, the humus layer and organic matter that once enriched the soil have depleted significantly. This, in turn, affects water availability for agriculture during peak seasons, reducing crop yields. As a result, farmers rely on chemical fertilizers, which harm both human health and the environment.

The Cu Đê River carries water from the forests to the Nam Ô estuary. However, as water levels decrease, saltwater intrusion worsens, affecting the ecosystem and reducing the quality of local agricultural products.

Protecting the upstream forests is not just about preserving water resources—it is essential for securing livelihoods, maintaining ecosystems, and sustaining life throughout the Cu Đê River Basin.

This newfound understanding gave us deeper insight into the situation in Hòa Bắc and countless other regions worldwide:

"Losing the forest means losing everything."

As Professor Trinh spoke, he pointed towards two hills in front of us: one covered in the deep green of a thriving natural forest, and the other pale and lifeless, its color shaped by monoculture acacia plantations. Fortunately, the community in Hòa Bắc is becoming increasingly aware of the challenges of acacia monoculture. They are now transitioning toward planting multi-layered, diverse forests on the mountains, ensuring forest preservation and water retention.

Hoa Bac Dam, nearby the upstream of Cu De river

Next, we traveled about 2 kilometers to the Hòa Bắc Dam, a crucial water supply facility for Đà Nẵng City. Water from the dam flows to the Hòa Liên pumping station, which then channels it to the city’s water treatment plants, ultimately providing clean water for over a million residents.

This underscores the vital importance of the Cu Đê River’s upstream forests. If these forests disappear, water retention will be lost, directly impacting the water supply and livelihoods of people downstream in Đà Nẵng.

Recognizing this responsibility, the people of Hòa Bắc have taken it upon themselves to protect the headwater forests, ensuring a stable water supply for the entire city. They take great pride in their role as guardians of the forest, knowing that their efforts contribute to sustaining life far beyond their own community.

“Living in the city, where water flows at the turn of a tap, electricity powers on with a switch, and food is readily available on every street—do we ever stop to ask where these resources come from?

Do we question why forest conservation or soil restoration matters? We often assume that these are concerns for mountain communities, for farmers who toil under the sun. But when the forests vanish, when water sources dry up, and when landslides occur—it’s not just their problem. It’s about all of us who depend on food, water, and natural resources from these forests and the people who sustain them.

Perhaps I should ask myself more often: Where does my food come from? Where does my water come from? This question is especially profound for me, a resident of Đà Nẵng, a city that relies on the Cu Đê River and the forests of Hòa Bắc.

That’s why I feel deeply grateful and hopeful when I see families and communities taking action to restore forests. Because only through their efforts can I, a city dweller living downstream, continue to thrive.

— A friend reflecting on their experiences in Hòa Bắc.

LEARNING FROM THE COMMUNITY

We spent most of the day visiting local initiatives and models developed by members of the Hòa Bắc Cooperative. Each person had their own unique approach to nature and the forest, shaped by their experiences and values. Their stories were as diverse as their ways of living, each one standing out in a special way.

We met Uncle Du, who once practiced monoculture farming. Realizing the consequences of over-exploiting the forest for short-term economic gains, he immediately shifted to the “Water-Retaining Hills” model, developed by the Hòa Bắc Cooperative, to protect both the land and the forest.

At Hương Bưởi Farmstay, we met Anh Vinh, who chose to pursue ecotourism rooted in sustainable development principles.

Then there was Bác Hồng, a farmer admired by many in our group. His passion for agriculture was evident in his continuous efforts to experiment, innovate, and share his knowledge with the community. His words were filled with deep love for the garden he tirelessly nurtures.

Bác Sáu and his wife had a different philosophy toward the forest: they chose to preserve an untouched primary forest, minimizing human impact while practicing forest gardening. Their hope? That people downstream will always have access to clean water and that future generations will inherit lush green forests.

At Farm Bình An, Cô Sáu, a humble farmer, follows nature’s rhythm—planting seasonal crops in harmony with the land and climate.

Meanwhile, Chị Hà, who runs a small rice mill, possesses an incredible depth of knowledge about rice. She can identify where each grain was grown, its aroma, and the exact harvest time—a true rice expert.

Finally, we met Cô Xuân, a pioneer in community-engaged learning tourism. She is building a homestay that embodies the essence of sustainable tourism, complemented by her own organic garden. Her farm grows pomelos, guavas, mangoes, plums, vegetables, and flowers, which attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity.

Each person we encountered reflected a different perspective, but they all shared one common goal—to live in harmony with nature while preserving Hòa Bắc’s forests for future generations.

BÀU CÁ CÁI – A COMMUNITY AMIDST AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE

In addition to our trip to Hòa Bắc, we had the opportunity to spend two days at Bàu Cá Cái, a mangrove forest located in Thuận Phước Hamlet, Bình Thuận Commune, Bình Sơn District. Situated about 40 km northeast of Quảng Ngãi City, this place is more than just a name on a map—it holds immense ecological significance. The name Bàu Cá Cái itself reflects its crucial role as a spawning ground for mother fish, ensuring the continuity of life in these waters.

This visit allowed us to witness a different form of local community dynamics. Upon arrival, our first stop was not the lush green mangrove forest but the industrial zone nearby, where most locals earn their livelihood. The economy here revolves around factories, while tourism and conservation have only recently gained attention.

In Hòa Bắc, we learned about the current situation where many local residents plant acacia trees on natural forests—one of the main causes of deforestation, landslides, and soil erosion in the area. At first, we didn’t fully understand why people chose to plant acacia and what it was used for. However, as we observed numerous trucks continuously transporting wood chips (the processed product made from acacia trees) to the port, we realized that this was a major export product, primarily used for paper production abroad.

A stark contrast unfolded before us: on one side stood factories, with smoke, noise, and the fast-paced rhythm of industrial life; on the other, endless stretches of mangroves, birdsong, and the salty breeze. Bàu Cá Cái felt like a “last remaining lung” amidst rapid development—a rare patch of nature in an ever-transforming landscape.

This contrast is not just visible in the scenery but also deeply embedded in the lives of the people here—torn between factory jobs for livelihood and the responsibility of conserving nature. However, as Thầy Trinh often reminded us, challenges always come with opportunities. Despite the apparent contradiction between these two roles, the stability of local livelihoods has been a positive factor. This ensures that conservation is not seen as a burden but as something that can coexist with their way of life. In fact, Bàu Cá Cái has been revitalized precisely because of this balance.

This embodies the essence of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)—a model that focuses not just on problems but on existing strengths, leveraging them to build sustainable solutions for both people and nature.

*The White Mangrove (Lumnitzera littorea) and the Stagnant Waters

The Bàu Cá Cái mangrove forest is primarily composed of white mangrove trees—a resilient native species that withstands saltwater, prevents soil erosion, and provides a habitat for various aquatic species. While the trees remain standing, the life within them is slowly fading.

One of the most pressing issues we heard about was the disruption of water flow. Fish have not yet returned to the bàubecause a dam has blocked the natural current. Without flowing water, the ecosystem is unable to thrive. A stagnant stream is not just lifeless water—it triggers a chain reaction where life gradually disappears, leaving behind an eerie silence in the heart of nature.

*The Presence of the Younger Generation

Despite these challenges, Bàu Cá Cái still holds something invaluable: the active participation of the younger generation.

Many young people joined us on this trip, including elementary and high school students. They came not just to explore but to take part in hands-on conservation lessons. Curious eyes observed, small hands touched the tree roots, and thoughtful questions were asked—all contributing to a growing environmental awareness. These seeds of responsibility may still be small, but if nurtured, they will grow alongside the hope of a revitalized Bàu Cá Cái.

Recognizing and Harnessing Collective Strength

Throughout our learning journey, we engaged in continuous group exercises—not just to develop teamwork skills but to understand the power of collective perspectives. The diversity within our learning community became a valuable asset, as each person came from different backgrounds, bringing unique viewpoints and real-world experiences. This blend of perspectives enriched our learning, allowing us to gain knowledge not only from study materials but also from each other and from our differences.

One of the most significant challenges we faced was designing a Community-Engaged Learning Tourism model in our own localities.

For the first time, we moved beyond theoretical learning and engaged in practical application—observing, analyzing, and creating concrete plans. This provided invaluable experiences, teaching us how to ask the right questions, examine issues from multiple angles, and collaborate with local communities to find sustainable solutions.

Some groups developed ideas for learning tourism in Cù Là Village (Kiên Giang), others focused on Thủy Tiên Fishing Village (Vũng Tàu), while some explored new initiatives in Hòa Bắc. Each location presented its own unique characteristics and challenges, requiring flexible and tailored approaches to community-based development.

The Significance of Community-Engaged Learning Tourism

As the sunset cast its golden hues over the fields and rivers of the countryside, we departed with hearts full of emotions, minds expanded by days of learning, and hands still carrying the warmth of the soil, the water, and the lives we had touched.

Our hearts resonated as we truly connected—with nature, with the community, and with ourselves. Genuine conversations, lingering embraces, and heartfelt messages made us realize that sustainable change does not stem solely from actions but from deep emotional bonds and a shared commitment.

Our minds awakened as we stepped into the world of indigenous knowledge, sustainable farming practices, and harmonious ways of living with nature. Learning was no longer confined to dry theories but became a vivid, living experience—woven into stories, actions, and the very pulse of the community.

Our hands engaged as we fully immersed ourselves in real experiences. We felt the texture of mud on our fingers, the gentle touch of leaves, and the weight of responsibility in building, planting, and sharing. Through these hands-on experiences, we not only contributed to the regeneration of the community but also discovered the power within ourselves to create lasting change.

Alongside visiting various models and meeting local residents, we also had the opportunity to learn about the theoretical aspects of cooperatives, including their organizational structure, operational reports, and the financial report of the Hòa Bắc Cooperative after two years of operation. This provided us with a more comprehensive understanding of how community-engaged learning tourism functions and its ecological, economic, and cultural impacts.

Though the seven-day journey has come to an end, the learning does not stop here. We return home with open hearts, transformed mindsets, and a readiness to take action. A community is not only where we set foot but also in how we carry forward what we have learned, felt, and experienced.

We believe that Community-Engaged Learning Tourism (CELT) should not remain just an individual experience. Instead, it should become a movement—allowing more people to engage, to learn, and to contribute to the journey of regeneration. When tourism is not just about consumption but about contribution, not just about enjoyment but about building, every journey becomes a profound connection—with ourselves, with others, and with nature.

We hope that models like Hòa Bắc and Bình Sơn will continue to grow, inspiring other communities to embark on similar paths.

And one day, we envision not just a few destinations but many places across Vietnam collectively shaping a sustainable learning tourism network—where each journey does not just leave footprints but also creates meaningful, long-lasting positive change.

Photo credit: Trinh Thai & Huynh Van Truyen