I’m Đặng Văn Trường, living and working in the beautiful province of Hà Giang, Vietnam. Yen Eco Travel is my dream come true, a way to create a sustainable, meaningful, and harmonious form of tourism. With 5 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and as a young person who deeply cares about social issues, loves nature, and wants to protect what’s beautiful for future generations, I founded Yen’s Eco Travel. We’re all about creating authentic journeys that offer memorable travel experiences while helping to develop local communities and promoting a green, sustainable lifestyle.

Hà Giang is a land of ethnic diversity in northern Vietnam, rich in cultural traditions and the unique ways of life of minority communities, along with some of the most majestic landscapes in the country. Tourism is growing rapidly here, but that also means many local values and natural environments are at risk of being seriously impacted.
With the rise of mass-market tours and a flood of tourists, this rocky plateau is gradually losing its peaceful charm. That’s why I want to build Yen Eco Travel as a space for connection – where people who love nature can preserve the beauty of Hà Giang and develop it in a sustainable way.

The Risk of Losing Local Culture

With so many tourists, traditional values are getting commercialized or disappearing. Ancient rituals, handicrafts, languages, and the unique lifestyles of ethnic minorities are being replaced by products made for short-term tourism.
Yen wants to protect and share local culture in a respectful and authentic way. They organize cultural activities led by local people, encouraging learning instead of interfering with or distorting original values.

Children Dropping Out of School

Many children in the highlands have to drop out of school early to help their families or join tourist tours to sell souvenirs. This is a sad reality that visitors are starting to accept. Lack of access to education seriously affects the future of an entire generation.
Yen works with local initiatives to support education and asks travelers not to support child labor, even if they don’t mean to. A meaningful trip should leave behind development for the community, not just memories for the traveler.

The Livelihood of Motorbike Tour Drivers

Many motorbike drivers, often locals, have to work long hours, in all weather, just to make ends meet. Prices are often pushed down (making them more relied on tips), competition is unfair, and they don’t have insurance or any kind of protection, making their lives precarious.
Yen works directly with local drivers, ensuring fair pricing and offering training in responsible tourism. When guests choose a ride not just for a cheap price, but for the connection, then the service providers are respected and have a better chance at a stable life.