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Vietnam

Vietnam: Impacts of the War — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 12 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Wander the quaint and historical streets of Old Hanoi and sample the freshest flavors of Vietnamese cuisine on every corner. Learn about the Vietnam War from a local perspective. Visit infamous battle sites in Southern Vietnam and explore the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the charming Mekong Delta which serves as a vital waterway for Southern Vietnam.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

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Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

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View program itinerary

What Does a 7-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Vietnam!

Arrive into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.
2

Hanoi City Tour

Acclimate to life in Vietnam and exploring the city of Hanoi. Hanoi was the political capital of the Viet Cong during the wars against the French and the United States. Hanoi celebrated its 1000th birthday in October 2010 and is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia. Explore the vibrant mixture of colonial French and traditional Vietnamese architecture and enjoy the tree-lined streets and many beautiful lakes. Our day will start off with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and the National Museum. We will then visit Truc Bach Lake where Senator John McCain was captured, visit his and the famous Hoa Lo prison (AKA “the Hanoi Hilton”) where he and many other POWs were interned during the war. In the afternoon we will visit the Military Museum to learn how Vietnamese soldiers fought and thrived during French Colonization and the Vietnam War. Afterwards, we will take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the center of Hanoi’s urban life.
3

Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Board a flight to the city that bears the name of Vietnam’s hero and symbol: Ho Chi Minh. Heading through the streets of Ho Chi Minh city, you will immediately notice a major difference between Northern and Southern Vietnam. The disparate culture and economies of the two regions was a source of discord during the war. We will spend the afternoon exploring the city by foot and enjoying delicious Southern Vietnamese street food before retiring for the night.
4

War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace

Tour the Reunification Palace where communist tanks crashed into the gates and Saigon surrendered to North Vietnam in 1975. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the War Remnants Museum and end your day winding through the Ben Thanh market, the largest wholesale market in Ho Chi Minh City.
5

Cu Chi Tunnels

Today we will head to the Cu Chi tunnels, an intricate network of underground tunnels, rooms, field hospitals, and booby traps that the Vietcong used to wage an insurgency against the US backed South Vietnamese government. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh city for a traditional water puppet show.
6

The Mekong Delta

Visit the Mekong Delta on your last day in Vietnam. The massive region of braided streams and canals is a geographic marvel and an important source of food and trade for Southern Vietnam. Consequently it was the scene of fierce fighting between the Viet Cong and Americans who patrolled the waterways. We will spend the day exploring the semi-aqueous environment and the communities living on it. Meet with villagers who still live a largely traditional way of life and hear their stories from the war. Back in the city we will have a farewell dinner and a reflection on the week’s events and your understanding of the Vietnam War. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
7

Tạm biệt, Vietnam!

The Vietnam War was a defining event in modern American history with reverberations felt around the world. After a firsthand exploration of Vietnam, you will have a much greater understanding of the causes, consequences, and solutions for conflict resolution. Though Vietnam is still affected by the war and its lingering impacts, the nation has largely recovered and has changed dramatically since. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 7 calendar days / 6 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Vietnam

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Vietnam offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Vietnam Asia Cultural Immersion
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