HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
ARRIVE: 1200 FRIDAY, 10 FEBRUARY ON SHIP TIME: 1800 TUESDAY, 14 FEBRUARY
Brief Overview: Vietnam has made a name for itself with its beautiful countryside and rich cultural history. The country’s ravishing coastline, emerald-green mountains, and lush jungles lie in juxtaposition to its dynamic cities. Despite rapid economic development, you’ll find a steadfastness of traditional livelihoods and cultural practices in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is a lively city with remnants of its French colonial past. The streets are bustling with about 6 million whizzing motorbikes. And for tourists the city is a bargain shoppers’ paradise. Vietnam’s renowned cuisine surely will not disappoint, so be sure to grab a bowl of the quintessential noodle soup known as pho, or treat yourself to a crispy baguette and a cup of coffee found on just about every street corner. There is much to explore in this rich country, including Ha Noi’s graceful architecture and boulevards, the nearby Ha Long Bay, the beautiful Mekong Delta region with its floating markets, or the stunning rice terraces in Sapa. Opt for a homestay to fully submerse yourself in typical Vietnamese life in a local village. CAMBODIA: Please note that you will ONLY have the opportunity to travel to Cambodia on a Field Program due to strict immigration regulations. There are four trips to Cambodia:
Mekong Exit to Cambodia: Experience life along the Mekong River on both sides of the border Temples of Angkor: After visiting the ancient temples in Siem Reap, travel to Hoi An for a bike ride to Cam Kim island, some beach time, and a cooking class with local chefs. Cambodia Express: See it all and still have time to explore Viet Nam. Cu Chi Cambodia Combo: Stop on your way at Cu Chi before heading on to Phnom Phen & Siem Reap.
Take a look at the Vietnam & Cambodia Student Photo Gallery to see some of the Spring 2014 experiences! Field program highlights by category: Cultural highlights: Day 2: HCM 103-201: China Town & Temples Day 4: HCM 115-403: A O Performance at the Opera Day 5: HCM 111-501: Market Visit & Cooking Team Challenge IMPACT Opportunities: Day 1: Ha Noi Sapa Hill Homestay Day 2: HCM 307-201: Mekong Delta Explorer Homestay Day 4: HCM 129-401: Home-Hosted Lunch Environment: Day 3: HCM 304-301: Coastal Wonders of Nha Trang
History: Day 1: HCM 101-102 Cu Chi Tunnel Half Day Tour Day 2: HCM 126-201 Cu Chi Tunnels & War Remnants Museum Active/Adventure: Day 1: HCM 403-102 Ha Noi & Cuc Phuong Park Day 2: HCM 402-201 Extended Caving in Quang Binh Day 4: HCM 119-401: Biking in Saigon’s Outskirts Art and Architecture: Day 1: HCM 100-102 Ho Chi Minh City Orientation Day 1: HCM 502-102 Temples of Angkor
Program Offerings for Vietnam *Overnight program Day 1: Friday, 10 February HCM 101-102 Cu Chi Tunnel Half-Day Tour (Group A) HCM 100-102 Ho Chi Minh City Orientation HCM 111-501 Vietnamese Cooking Challenge *HCM 404-102 IMPACT: Trekking & Homestay in Sapa (4 Days/3 Nights) *HCM 403-102 Ha Noi & Cuc Phuong National Park (4 Days/3 Nights) *HCM 502-102 Temples of Angkor (3 Days/2 Nights Cambodia, 2 Days/2 Nights Vietnam) *HCM 503-102 Mekong Exit to Cambodia (2 Days/2 Nights Vietnam, 3 Days, 2 Nights Cambodia) Day 2: Saturday, 11 February HCM 103-201 Chinatown & Temples HCM 118-201 Mekong Delta Full day - Ben Tre (Section A) HCM 126-201 Cu Chi Tunnels & War Museum *HCM 402-201 Caving and Camping (4 Days/3 Nights) *HCM 301-201 Cambodia Express (3 Days/2 Nights) *HCM 307-201 Mekong Delta Explorer (3 Days/2 Nights) *HCM 312-202: Ha Noi and Ha Long bay (3 Days / 2 Nights) *HCM 401-201 Cu Chi Tunnels & Cambodia (1 Day Vietnam, 3 Days/3 Nights Cambodia) Day 3: Sunday, 12 February *HCM 304-301 Coastal Wonders (3 Days/2 Nights) *HCM 201-301: Mekong Delta overnight (2 Days/ 1 Night) HCM 130-301 Cu Chi Tunnels & Rural Life HCM 114-301 Can Gio Biosphere Reserve Eco-Adventure HCM 108-301 Saigon City Highlights Day 4: Monday, 13 February HCM 115-403 Performance at Saigon’s Opera House HCM 119-401 Biking in Saigon Outskirts HCM 106-401 Mekong Delta Full day - Cai Be (Section B) HCM 129-401 Lunch with a Local Family Day 5: Tuesday, 14 February HCM 101-501 Cu Chi Tunnel Half-Day Tour (Group B)