The Faces and Places of Vietnam: Witness the Diverse Splendor of this Vibrant Country

  Vietnam

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 29 - July 16; July 13 - July 30

Description:
Vietnam holds an abundance of beauty and wonder, and you'll find incredible surprises around every turn. After a two-week adventure packed with the best sights scattered throughout this vibrant country, you'll begin to feel like you belong here.

Journey on the Mekong
The history of Vietnam is as rich as the lush greens of its rice fields, and you will have a chance to delve into the country's colorful heritage throughout your journey. The trip begins in Southern Vietnam, where you will immerse yourself in the multifaceted cultures of the cities and mountaintop villages. The Mekong Delta, laced with rivers and dotted by peaceful villages, is home to many floating markets filled with exotic handcrafts, tropical fruits, and friendly villagers who will be eager to welcome you into their homes and way of life. Spend the night deep in the heart of the delta and discover what life

Sensational Saigon
As you travel south, the history of the Vietnam War will come alive before you. Saigon is a living relic of the war, and you'll visit the War Museum for an in-depth history of U.S. involvement in the region. Venture into the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the underground passageways and rooms where the North Vietnam Army lived and battled for decades. You'll also stop off to tour the historic city of Hue, Vietnam's ancient capital, where you will visit the former Demilitarized Zone. Saigon teems with street bazaars, indoor markets, coffee shops, silk vendors, fruit stalls, beeping motorbikes, winding rivers, and beeping motorbikes. It is the beating heart of Vietnam. Here temples steeped in ancient splendor collide with the country's contemporary future and its ultra-modern new generation. From visiting the Vinh Moc underground village to floating on the Perfume River while listening to traditional music and enjoying a bowl of phó, a delicious noodle soup, you will soak

From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Next, enter a place strikingly different from Southern and Central Vietnam - the enchanting capital city of Hanoi. Take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter, a bustling maze of weaving streets, ramshackle homes, and colorful markets that has a lively local flavor all its own. You will shop for unique gifts and beautiful silk at the area's many eclectic stores, check out the Temple of Literature, which housed the country's first university, and visit the Perfume Pagoda. After seeing the best of this interesting city, you will set out for the remote Hill Tribe regions of the northwest, where many of Vietnam's ethnic tribal groups dwell. From the highland city of Sa Pa, you'll take day trips to picturesque mountain villages perched atop countless tiers of terraced rice paddies and soak up some of the area's unique Hill Tribe culture.

Then you'll visit one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay is known for the breathtaking beauty of the limestone karsts that tower above the clear turquoise and jade waters of the bay. You'll see it in style aboard a cruise on a private teak boat. Stop to sea kayak and swim in pristine lagoons along the way, and fall asleep on the boat as you float on the bay's crystal waters. Past, present, and future Vietnam are all waiting to be captured by the lenses of intrepid photographers, so shutterbugs should pack a good camera and expect to take some incredible images. This is the perfect program for adventurous students who want to experience the best of Vietnam and truly understand this beautiful country.

Highlights:
DISCOVER the spectacular limestone islands of famous Ha Long Bay while sailing in an authentic teak boat, and fall asleep floating on the gentle emerald waters of this beautiful bay.

TREK through bright-green terraced rice fields, friendly Hill Tribe villages, and the majestic northern mountains of Sa Pa.

VENTURE into Vietnam's most famous cities, Saigon and Hanoi, and explore bustling markets and exotic bazaars.

TRAVEL by boat up the legendary Mekong River and hang out with friendly villagers at unbelievable floating markets.

EXPLORE the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Museum, and the former Demilitarized Zone and delve into the history of the Vietnam War.

Cost in US$: 2,695 USD

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Vietnam in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement: Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded: 1983