North to South Vietnam Student Tour 8 Days

Begin the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where students learn about the country’s beloved leader. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic symbol of Vietnam’s culture and spirituality.

Next, explore the Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the traditions and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Visit the Hoa Lo Prison, often called the “Hanoi Hilton,” to gain insights into Vietnam’s modern history.

In the afternoon, stroll through the bustling Dong Xuan Market before crossing the red The Huc Bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, peacefully located on Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that brings folk tales to life through music and movement. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Depart Hanoi for a scenic drive to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, board your cruise and begin sailing past thousands of limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Enjoy lunch on board while admiring the bay’s breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, take part in kayaking or swimming, or simply relax on the sundeck. As the sun sets, join a cooking class on board, guiding you how to make a Vietnamese traditional dish before dinner. Overnight on the cruise.

Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the bay’s breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, you can go kayaking, take a refreshing swim, or simply unwind on the sundeck. As the sun begins to set, join a cooking class on board, where you’ll learn how to prepare a traditional Vietnamese dish before dinner. Spend the night on the cruise. 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Wake up to the gentle sound of the waves and start your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before joining the morning activities, which may include exploring a limestone cave or visiting a traditional fishing village. Around 10 a.m., savor an early brunch as the cruise sails back toward the harbor. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, a private car will take you to Hoi An Ancient Town — a beautifully preserved trading port dating back to the 11th century, famous for its lantern-lit streets and riverside charm.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Start the morning with a fun basket boat ride through the coconut palm groves of Cam Thanh Village, where students can try rowing the round bamboo boats and learn about the daily life of the river community.

After lunch, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Walk through narrow streets lined with yellow-walled houses and visit highlights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Old House of Tan Ky, one of the town’s best-preserved merchant homes. Stroll past local art galleries, tailor shops, and riverside cafés that give Hoi An its timeless charm.

Later in the afternoon, join a lantern-making workshop, where students learn how to craft and decorate colorful paper lanterns—a symbol of luck and happiness in Vietnamese culture. As evening falls, release the lanterns on the Thu Bon River and watch the town light up in a warm, magical glow. Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang for a short city tour. Visit the Cham Museum, home to ancient sandstone sculptures of the Champa civilization, then explore the Marble Mountains, famous for their natural caves and panoramic views. Continue to the Son Tra Peninsula, known for its lush forest and the iconic Linh Ung Pagoda with its towering Lady Buddha statue.

After lunch, take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and dinner. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

This morning, journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the resistance against American forces. Students will explore how Vietnamese soldiers and villagers adapted and survived underground during this time, gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s resilience and ingenuity. 

Return to the city for lunch, then visit key landmarks including the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office—all important symbols of Ho Chi Minh City’s history. End the day with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, where students can shop for souvenirs and practice bargaining skills. Dinner and overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some leisure time before heading to the airport for your departure flight.

We hope this unforgettable journey through Vietnam has broadened horizons, strengthened friendships, and inspired lasting curiosity about the world.