Avana Retreat in Vietnam is broadening its sustainability efforts past flora to fauna with the introduction of the Bamboo Forest, a nature sanctuary for animals amid their verdant landscape. The Bamboo Forest features a stone-lined stream, towering bamboo, lush grass, and, most importantly, a broad mix of animals living harmoniously within the space.
The Bamboo Forest’s Baby Animals
“The Bamboo Forest is one of the most promising projects to contribute to our vision of sustainability,” said Mr. Vu Huy, founder of Avana Retreat. “Making use of our abundant land, we are encouraging biodiversity, a healthy ecosystem, and positive conservation practices.
Avana Retreat worked with a specialist to integrate the current animals, which include deer, goats, rabbits, pigs, chickens, ducks and peacocks. In-house guests are invited to have hands-on experiences so they can learn about animal welfare, and be more aware of the environment, especially wildlife.
Feeding time
“We have our own animal ‘whisperer’ on-site,” said Huy. “He’s here first, leaves last, and has already built a strong connection with them – feeding them, communicating with them, learning their names, and showing them how to be around humans.”
While the animals are all free to roam and interact with each other during the day they also have their own shelters they can return to in the evening.
The Bamboo Forest is one of many long-term eco-projects at the property. The resort has a formidable ongoing tree planting project (10,000 trees and counting), cultural initiatives to maintain ethnic minority traditions, organic farming, neighborhood trash collecting partnerships with youth groups, and a no-plastic policy with water being purified and bottled on site.
Rabbits at the Bamboo Forest
The Bamboo Forest is open from 9 AM – 11 AM and 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM daily.
AVANA RETREAT
Nestled in the Mai Chau valley, Hoa Binh, Avana Retreat has a moderate plateau environment and beautifully integrates the cultures and lifestyles of three Northwest ethnic groups—the Thai, the Muong, and the H’mong. Peaceful and tranquil, the retreat resides among the mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and terraced farmland.
