DETAILED ITINERARY

Hanoi offers students a first-hand introduction to Vietnam’s history, culture and modern urban life, combining ancient traditions with the energy of a rapidly developing capital.

Learning Focus

Vietnamese Culture • Urban Geography • Cross-Cultural Awareness

Today’s Learning Experience

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.

After check-in and time to settle in, begin with a welcome orientation covering local customs, cultural etiquette, safety guidelines and an introduction to Vietnam’s geography and history.

Later, take a gentle walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. Students will observe traditional shop houses, local businesses, street vendors and everyday city life while comparing Hanoi’s historic urban environment with their own communities.

In the evening, enjoy a group welcome dinner featuring Vietnamese cuisine.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Gain an introduction to Vietnam’s geography and culture
• Develop awareness of local customs and etiquette
• Observe urban life and traditional architecture
• Begin building confidence in a new cultural environment

Educational Activity

Observation Journal: Students record three cultural differences and three similarities they notice during their first day in Vietnam.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Student-Friendly Hotel in Hanoi

Hanoi has more than a thousand years of history and provides an ideal setting for students to explore Vietnam’s political development, education, religion and cultural traditions.

Learning Focus

Vietnamese History • Heritage • Religion • Education

Today’s Learning Experience

After breakfast, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex and learn about the role of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam’s modern history.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century and traditionally associated with education and Confucian scholarship. Students will explore the courtyards, stone steles and architecture while discussing the importance of education in Vietnamese society.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda to learn about Buddhism and religious traditions in Vietnam.

After lunch, explore the Old Quarter on foot before attending a traditional Water Puppet performance, an art form originating from the rice-growing communities of Northern Vietnam.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Understand key periods in Vietnamese history
• Learn about Confucian education and traditional scholarship
• Explore the role of Buddhism in Vietnamese society
• Recognise how traditional art reflects rural culture

Educational Activity

History & Culture Worksheet: Small groups answer questions during site visits and later share one key discovery with the class.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Student-Friendly Hotel in Hanoi

Halong Bay provides a remarkable outdoor classroom where students can explore limestone geology, marine environments, conservation and the challenges of balancing tourism with environmental protection.

Learning Focus

Geography • Geology • Marine Environment • Sustainable Tourism

Today’s Learning Experience

After breakfast, travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

On arrival, board an overnight cruise and receive a safety briefing before sailing through the spectacular limestone landscape.

During the cruise, students will observe the bay’s karst formations and learn how limestone landscapes develop over millions of years.

Depending on weather and cruise conditions, take part in kayaking, cave exploration or a guided visit to one of the bay’s natural sites.

Students will also discuss tourism’s impact on fragile environments, including waste management, marine conservation and responsible visitor behaviour.

Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard while continuing to observe the surrounding landscape.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Identify key features of limestone karst landscapes
• Understand basic processes of erosion and cave formation
• Examine environmental pressures caused by tourism
• Discuss practical approaches to sustainable tourism

Educational Activity

Environmental Field Notes: Students identify examples of natural features, tourism activity and environmental management observed during the day.

A short group discussion will be held before dinner:

“How can tourism protect the places people come to see?”

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay

Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia's best-preserved trading ports. Its rich cultural heritage reflects centuries of international trade, architecture and cultural exchange.

Learning Focus

UNESCO World Heritage • Trade History • Cultural Exchange • Architecture

Today's Learning Experience

Begin the day with sunrise over Halong Bay before enjoying breakfast onboard. Depending on the cruise itinerary, visit a limestone cave or floating fishing community before returning to the harbour.

Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, continue to the charming town of Hoi An.

In the evening, enjoy a guided walking tour through Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore its beautifully preserved merchant houses, Chinese Assembly Halls, Japanese Covered Bridge and riverside streets while learning how Hoi An became one of Asia's most important trading ports during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The evening concludes with free time to experience the colourful lanterns and vibrant atmosphere along the Thu Bon River.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Understand the importance of Hoi An as an international trading port.
• Recognise different architectural influences from China, Japan and Europe.
• Appreciate the value of UNESCO World Heritage conservation.
• Understand how trade shaped cultural diversity.

Educational Activity

Heritage Mapping Exercise

Students identify different architectural styles and discuss why preserving heritage sites is important for future generations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Student-Friendly Hotel in Hoi An

Hoi An continues to preserve traditional crafts and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations, offering students valuable hands-on learning experiences.

Learning Focus

Traditional Crafts • Local Economy • Cultural Heritage • Creative Learning

Today's Learning Experience

After breakfast, explore more of Hoi An's cultural heritage through interactive experiences.

Visit a local lantern workshop where skilled artisans explain the history and symbolism of Hoi An's famous lanterns. Students will participate in a hands-on workshop to create their own lantern while learning about traditional craftsmanship and the importance of preserving local industries.

Continue to a Vietnamese cooking school where students discover local ingredients, traditional cooking methods and healthy eating practices before preparing several authentic Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs.

Enjoy the meal prepared by the group before returning to the hotel.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for students to explore the Ancient Town with teachers.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Understand the importance of traditional handicrafts.
• Learn how tourism supports local businesses.
• Gain practical cooking skills.
• Experience Vietnamese food culture through hands-on learning.

Educational Activity

Cultural Reflection Journal

Students write about one traditional skill they learned today and explain why preserving cultural heritage is important.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Student-Friendly Hotel in Hoi An

The peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An provides an excellent opportunity to understand sustainable agriculture, traditional fishing methods and rural community life in Vietnam.

Learning Focus

Agriculture • Sustainability • Rural Development • Community Life

Today's Learning Experience

After breakfast, travel into the countryside surrounding Hoi An.

Cycle along quiet village roads through rice fields, vegetable gardens and farming communities. Meet local farmers and learn about rice cultivation, seasonal crops and sustainable agricultural practices.

Continue to the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest where students board traditional basket boats to explore the waterways while learning about local fishing methods and mangrove ecosystems.

Enjoy lunch at a family-run restaurant featuring fresh local produce before returning to Hoi An.

The afternoon concludes with a group discussion on sustainable tourism and the importance of protecting local communities and natural environments.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Understand sustainable farming practices.
• Learn about mangrove ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Explore the relationship between tourism and local communities.
• Appreciate the importance of environmental conservation.

Educational Activity

Group Presentation

Working in small teams, students prepare a short presentation comparing rural life in Vietnam with their home country, focusing on agriculture, environment and community development.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Student-Friendly Hotel in Hoi An

Ho Chi Minh City showcases Vietnam's remarkable transformation from its historical past to a dynamic modern economy, while the Cu Chi Tunnels provide powerful insights into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during wartime.

Learning Focus

Modern History • Conflict Studies • Urban Development • Economic Growth

Today's Learning Experience

After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, begin a guided city tour introducing Vietnam's largest commercial centre. Visit the historic Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office and the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral, where students can observe the influence of French colonial architecture and discuss Vietnam's rapid urban development.

After lunch, travel to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore sections of the underground tunnel network while learning how local communities adapted to the challenges of war through innovation, teamwork and resilience.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

In the evening, participate in a group reflection session where students discuss the experiences and knowledge gained throughout the journey.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Understand important events in Vietnam's modern history.
• Compare colonial and modern architecture.
• Learn how innovation supported communities during wartime.
• Examine Vietnam's economic growth and urban development.

Educational Activity

Group Reflection & Presentation

Students work in small groups to present the three most important lessons learned during the field trip and discuss how these experiences relate to their classroom studies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Student-Friendly Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

The final day provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their educational journey, celebrate new friendships and return home with a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history, culture and environment.

Learning Focus

Reflection • Global Citizenship • Personal Development

Today's Learning Experience

After breakfast, enjoy a final group reflection session led by teachers and tour leaders.

Students are encouraged to share their favourite experiences, discuss cultural observations and reflect on how travel has broadened their understanding of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a short visit to a local market before transferring to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Bid farewell to Vietnam as your educational journey comes to an end.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Reflect on their personal learning journey.
• Demonstrate increased cultural awareness.
• Develop confidence in communicating across cultures.
• Recognise the importance of responsible and respectful travel.

Educational Activity

Field Trip Reflection & Certificate Presentation

Teachers may conduct a final evaluation session where students complete a reflection worksheet and receive a Certificate of Participation (optional) to recognise their successful completion of the Vietnam Student Field Trip.

Meals: Breakfast