June 27: Departure Day, Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
June 29 & 30: Ho Chi Minh City
Begin with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City to get acclimated after the long journey and have an in-depth orientation in preparation for life in Vietnam. A visit to the War Remnants Museum helps give context to the complex relationship between the United States and Vietnam.
July 1 – 5: Community Service Village
Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang and then travel to the small village of Tinh Khe, nestled on the central Vietnamese coast a few hours north of Quang Ngai city in the Son Tinh District. Stay in a simple guesthouse and work with the local Youth Union to build Compassion Houses. A foreman teaches us aspects of construction ― digging the foundation, laying brick, applying stucco, and tiling the roof of each house. Teach English to local youth and participate in agricultural projects using traditional tools and methods. Spend afternoons as a group at the beach, and enjoy a game of pick-up soccer or go for a swim in the ocean.
July 6: Quang Ngai
Spend a weekend enjoying the beautiful beaches of Quang Ngai. Visit the Sơn Mỹ Memorial and the tunnels at Binh Chau Beach. Learn about one of the earliest civilizations in the region at the Sa Huynh Museum and hike to the Thien An Temple for a chance to speak with monks.
July 7 – 11: Community Service Village
Continue work on projects.
July 12 & 13: Hoi An
Visit the beautiful city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its temples, tailors, and beaches. Learn about the range of different religions practiced in Vietnam, and visit Hoi An’s markets to try local fruits including rambutan, green dragon, and durian. Try your hand at preparing local cuisine in a cooking class and then wander the cobblestone streets with your group as colorful lanterns bring the town to life each evening.
July 14 – 19: Community Service Village
Finish work on projects. Participate in a culminating ceremony to hand over the keys to the recipient families of the completed Compassion Houses, and enjoy a goodbye party together with new friends.
July 20 & 21: Hanoi
Fly from Da Nang to Hanoi. Visit the spectacular capital city of Hanoi, and learn more about the diversity of local cuisine. Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee or enjoy soft-serve ice cream at the local teen hangout spot. Walk along Hoan Kiem Lake and then explore the city’s various markets and mazes of eclectic shops and cafes with your group..
July 22 & 23: Ha Long Bay
Spend two nights and three days in stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay on a private boat, or “junk” as they’re called in the region, and take in the spectacular scenery. Swim and kayak among the thousands of limestone karsts and islets throughout the bay and then celebrate your journey with your group as you enjoy elaborate feasts on the boat each evening.
July 24: Hanoi
Return to Hanoi for a final night and celebratory dinner before the journey home.
July 25: Return Day, Hanoi to Los Angeles
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
July 25: Airport Hotel
One of your leaders will stay overnight with the group. If you have reserved and paid for a hotel room, we will send you an email one week prior to departure with details about the hotel reservation.