Anthony Bourdain once famously said, “Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.” This statement perfectly captures the essence of this Southeast Asian country. From the stunning landscapes of the north to the vibrant cities of the central region and the picturesque beaches of the south, Vietnam has something for everyone. What’s more, Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination, making it an ideal choice for short and long-term travelers. Tourism should be open to everyone, including Deaf tourists. In this post, we’ll look at tourism for the Deaf people in Vietnam.
The Economy of Vietnam
Photo by Oleksandr P
The economy of Vietnam is socialist-oriented and ranked 35th in the world. Since 1986, it has been considered a lower-middle-income country. As of 2024, tourism makes up about 6.4% of the GDP. In 2023, the revenue generated from tourism alone was 678.3 trillion Vietnamese dong (around USD 2 billion). Vietnamese Tourism reports that despite COVID-19, tourism is still growing unexpectedly.
Tourism plays a role in Vietnam’s development, as it creates jobs, reduces poverty, and fosters cross-cultural communication. Additionally, it brings about infrastructure improvements and promotes cultural understanding. It’s always been a way to break down barriers due to animosity and ignorance. Despite this, traveling to Vietnam offers a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse ethnic groups that exist there.
Background on the Deaf Community in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to over one million Deaf people. There are three main sign languages used in the country: Hanoi Sign Language, Hai Phong Sign Language, and Ho Chi Minh Sign Language. All of these sign languages have been influenced by French Sign Language. However, despite the presence of these languages, the government of Vietnam has yet to officially recognize any sign language. There have been efforts to develop a centralized Vietnamese Sign Language (VSL) for some time, but this is still a work in progress.
The Struggles of the Deaf Vietnamese
The President of the Hanoi Deaf Association (HAD), Pham Anh Duy, says, that out of the 1 million Deaf people in Vietnam, thousands still struggle for access to basic things. They have a hard time accessing information, social services, health, education, and transport. DVV International also reports that the low number of Sign Language interpreters contributes to the lack of Deaf representation in society.
Due to cultural values, the Deaf in Vietnam can be seen as “less than” or unintelligent. In 2024, things have gradually changed, more Vietnamese Deaf people are being educated and making a difference in their community by using their acquired skills or university degrees to teach Deaf children. That is what Pham Anh Duy decided to do. After being elected president of HAD, he teaches at a primary school to give Deaf children the opportunity to learn Sign Language. The main focus of these efforts is to make more room for Deaf children to attend school, giving them the tools to connect and integrate with the outside world.
The Hanoi Association of the Deaf urges the Ministry of Education and the Vietnamese government to enact policies that would ultimately support the Deaf population, foster development to make a more Deaf-friendly environment and create formal/non-formal educational settings, which would propel the Deaf community at all levels. Many more wonderful organizations such as Hands for Vietnam are doing more and pushing the envelope to give these underserved communities a chance at life especially in Central Vietnam.
Current Tourism Landscape for the Deaf Community in Vietnam: Transportation, Tours, and More.
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh
For the hearing population, tourism is breezy, and leisurely. Go to another place, explore the sights, and experience the culture. But for the Deaf tourists, visiting Vietnam can be a potential struggle than actual enjoyment. For traveling into the country, Vietnam Airlines offers services for Deaf passengers and other disabilities. They support boarding, and disembarking the aircraft, and assistance with seating and luggage. In addition, they also offer headsets to Deaf passengers to facilitate communication. While public transport within the country could be more Deaf-friendly. The tour buses are a great alternative.
Tour companies like Trip Advisor offer services for Deaf tourists with transportation and private tour packages. They tailor an itinerary to the needs of the Deaf travelers. Another notable company in Vietnam is Smiles Tours Vietnam. They also cover other SE Asian countries like Laos and Cambodia. It’s an intensive 10-day tour of Vietnam with local guides that also act as interpreters. The tour is also inclusive and offers a comprehensive and culturally enriching itinerary to experience the best of the country from the North to the South. It also gives a taste of the Deaf culture throughout Vietnam.
Deaf Cafe in Hoi An
Another great option for Deaf travelers is to visit the charming colonial town of Hoi An. There is a place called Reaching Out Tea House Cafe. It aims to support the local Deaf community in the town. The staff of the cafe is all Deaf or hard of hearing. Communication between the staff and patrons is all in Sign Language. Because of the silence and the minimalist interior, the environment feels unique from most cafes. The most important aspect of this is that silence is celebrated. It shows the beauty of Deaf culture and supports it through purchases of Vietnamese delicacies and handicrafts sold at the cafe by local artists.
Solutions for Inclusive Tourism
Vietnam is a country that has so much to offer tourists, from its diverse landscapes to its rich culture. Unfortunately, Deaf individuals in Vietnam may face challenges accessing basic services and information in the tourism industry. That’s why the Vietnamese government and tourism industry must take steps to make it more accessible for the Deaf community. By providing Deaf-friendly accommodations and tours, and training staff in Deaf awareness and sign language communication, Vietnam can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for Deaf tourists.
How accessible is travel for Deaf tourists? You can check out more information on this at https://www.unspokenasl.com/
Photo Credit to: Photo by foc foodoncam
