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Vietnam

Vietnam: Hanoi to Ha Long

18 days | Ages 15-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Explore the action-packed and charming streets of Hanoi, sampling delicious Vietnamese dishes on every corner. Journey to beautiful Hill Tribe communities in the mountains among the rice paddies of Hoa Binh. Work alongside community members and local professionals to contribute to ongoing service initiatives. Row through the intricate waterway system of Trang An grottoes in Ninh Binh and learn about the deep history of Vietnam’s ancient capital city. Bike through green rice fields and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight aboard a private junk boat in magnificent Ha Long Bay, stopping to explore caves, karsts, and islands as you go.

Students love the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of Vietnam!

Travel this program in the future

Program Tuition

$5,745

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

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

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 18-Day Program Include?

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

1

Depart for Vietnam

Relax and prepare for a world-class trip. Once you arrive at your international departure city, our Airport Coordinator will help you get checked in to your international flight. Meet your Flight Leader, who will escort you to Vietnam! Get acquainted with your new friends before boarding your flight to Southeast Asia!
2

In Transit

Today is lost as you cross the international dateline. Fear not—you’ll get this time back on your way home.
3

Arrive in Vietnam

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Hanoi celebrated its 1,000th birthday in October 2010 and is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia, with a vibrant mixture of colonial French and traditional Vietnamese architecture, narrow tree-lined streets, and beautiful lakes. Meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders after passing through customs. Settle in for a program orientation, and discuss the week ahead. For the next 2 nights you will be staying at a comfortable hotel in Hanoi. Students will stay in shared rooms with ensuite bathrooms, hot water, and Western-style toilets.
4

Hanoi City Tour

Wander the old colonial streets with shops selling everything from Buddhas statues to bamboo chopsticks. Visit Confucius’ Temple of Literature, home to the Imperial Academy and Vietnam’s first national university. Explore the history of the Vietnam War while touring the Hanoi Hilton, the Vietnamese POW prison that held Americans during the Vietnam War, including Sen. John McCain. Learn about the country’s 54 ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology, visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Along the way, enjoy ice-cold fruit shakes, delicious bowls of noodle soup, and other wonderful northern Vietnamese delicacies. Experience the rambling streets, busy markets and old world charm of this bustling city.
5

Hanoi to the Tu Do Commune Villages

The landscape as we drive through mountainous cliffs towering above lush rice fields is truly breathtaking. Up we go through the hills to our service village. The Hill Tribe villages are located inside Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong Nature Reserve and are really, REALLY, off the beaten path. After a four hour drive, arrive at the village and have lunch at the home of a local family before trekking the remaining 7 km to your home for the next few nights. Students will stay in home-stays in traditional village houses for the next 5 nights. Multiple students will share each home-stay home, with students staying in shared rooms separated by gender.
6-9

Service and Village Life in Tu Do Commune

Rise early to the smells of freshly cooked breakfast and start to feel the remoteness of your surroundings and appreciate the simplicity of village life. Head to your service site to assist with an ongoing initiative. These projects have been designed by a community-based association to support the protection of the area’s natural and cultural resources, create alternative income opportunities, and to improve infrastructure of the surrounding villages. Before dinner, explore the surrounding rice fields or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. On the final night in the village, end your time with a community celebration showcasing traditional Muong culture through song and dance.
10

Drive to Nam Dinh

Nam Dinh, a coastal province in the southern Red River Delta, is the sacred land of Vietnamese and the native land of the Tran Kings and national hero Tran Hung Dao, the spirit of Tran Dynasty. Stop at a local homestay and learn farming techniques, including how to plant rice. Enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with the host family to end the night. Settle in for the night to a comfortable hotel. Students will have shared rooms, separated by gender, with Western-style toilets and hot water.
11-12

Exploring Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is typical of rural villages of the Northern region with vast green paddy fields, surrounding mountains, and a nearby river. The capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, Ninh Binh is a venue of relics that reflect its 1,000 years of history and development. Visit Bai Dinh pagoda, known as the largest temple complex in Vietnam. Board bamboo row boats to visit Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and cruise along a tiny stream through the system of grottoes. Explore the countryside and surrounding valleys by bicycle. See Thung Nham bird park, home to thousands of birds belonging to more than 40 different species. For the next 2 nights you'll be staying in a comfortable hotel in Ninh Binh. Students will stay in shared air-conditioned rooms, western-style toilets, and hot showers.
13-14

Cruise along Ha Long Bay

Drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb aboard a traditional Chinese junk boat for a cruise among the jagged limestone karsts. Explore Sung Sot Cave and swim at Titop Beach, then settle in for a night under the stars. Continue your loop around Ha Long Bay, kayaking in Luon cave and stopping by Bai Tu Long Bay and Fire Island to see the exotic birds, monkeys, and antelope. Students will be staying overnight on a boat in Ha Long Bay. Students will stay in 2 or 3 person rooms with Western-style toilets and hot water showers.
15

Drive back to Hanoi

Say goodbye to the cruise and head back to the bustling streets of Hanoi. Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, sample local Vietnamese delicacies and wander around Hoan Kiem Lake. The last two nights of your Vietnamese program will be spent at a comfortable hotel. Students will stay in shared air-conditioned rooms, western-style toilets, and hot showers.
16

Last taste of Vietnam

Visit Bat Trang Ceramic village and learn how to make pottery. Head to the Vietnam Military History Museum, one of the oldest museums in Hanoi, to learn about the country’s history of fighting for independence. Exhibits date to the early Hung Vuong Era, which is considered the start of Vietnam as a country. Enjoy the hustle bustle vibes of Hanoi’s Old Quarter for one last time.
17

Depart Hanoi

After two incredible weeks, it’s time to say goodbye to Vietnam and journey onward. For students connecting to another program in Southeast Asia, say goodbye to your group in the morning as you head to the airport to begin your next adventure.
18

Return Home

Fly home if you’re headed back to the United States. All students on our group flights arrive home on Fridays.

Total: 18 calendar days / 17 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

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

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Vietnam

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

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).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

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's supervising my child?

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 I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents 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.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

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 2026
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