Kayaking in Hoi An: Collecting trash to protect the environment

In early 2017, Hoi An Kayak Travel Company (Hoi An City) launched an equally special travel experience: Kayaking tour combined with trash collection on Hoai River.

Special journey on Hoai River

Not only does this tour offer the opportunity to admire the stunning beauty of the lower Thu Bon River, where coconut forests and rich mangrove ecosystems are present, it also invites visitors to join hands in protecting the ecological environment of the Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve. With a cost of more than 10 USD (equivalent to about 230,000 VND), many visitors have enthusiastically chosen this strange trip, not afraid of the sun for more than 4 hours to contribute to cleaning the Hoi An River.

Ideas originate from everyday observations

For a long time, every Saturday morning in Hoi An, the image of foreign tourists "picking up trash" has become familiar to the locals. This new idea comes from Mr. Nguyen Van Long, a tour guide passionate about linking travel experiences with environmental protection messages. It was from visiting famous tourist destinations such as Ha Long and witnessing firsthand the moments when tourists bent down to pick up trash while sighing because of the stench that Mr. Long thought of turning those unpleasant moments into an experience that brings positive awareness.

Noble goals and profound meanings

Although it is impossible to completely clean up the environment soon, according to Mr. Long, "slow and steady wins the race", small actions from tourists will spread, creating changes in the awareness of the community and other tourists. The trash-collecting boat tour is not only a tourist activity but also an effective educational way to raise awareness of the importance of keeping the environment clean.

Journey of experience on the river

Departing from Thuan Tinh ferry (Cam Thanh commune, Hoi An), visitors will take a journey of more than 8km along the Hoai River by kayak. While enjoying the scenery along Hoi An market and the old town, visitors will have the opportunity to interact with local fishermen and not forget to collect trash on the river to bring to the collection point for processing.

Enthusiastic participation from the community and volunteers

Contrary to imagination, the journey not only had tourists but also the cooperation of student volunteers. Together, they collected trash, supported tourists and promoted environmental sanitation to the people living along the river. Although it was not easy to complete the journey due to the heat and the stench from the trash, the determination of the participants contributed significantly to the overall effort.

Positive results and increased community awareness

Tourists were very enthusiastic in picking up plastic bottles, styrofoam, and nylon bags floating on the river. Some large, heavy bags of garbage required the tour guide’s assistance to bring them onto the boat. After each trip, all collected garbage will be brought to shore for the urban environmental company in Hoi An City to transport to a disposal site. Although the main goal is not profit, the meaning of propaganda and environmental protection from this tour is still the focus.

Enthusiasm spreads with change from local residents

At first, there was a lot of talk among the locals about tourists having to pay to “pick up trash”. Gradually, understanding the profound value, more and more locals living along the river joined this excursion, rowing boats to pick up trash with tourists. Volunteers and members of the group together spread the word and gave suggestions so that people would no longer “carelessly” litter the river, moving towards a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful environment.

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