Community & Culture in Vietnam

Wake up to the buzzing markets and French colonial architecture of Hanoi. Become a millionaire when you convert your spending money into Vietnamese Dong, then it’s time to explore. Vietnam’s crazy capital is bursting with energy. It’s a mix of old and new, with traditional temples, modern malls and zillions of motorbikes. You could head to the Museum of Ethnology and learn all about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. Discover more about traditional Vietnamese life, from religious events to symbolic rituals, then step outside and see all this for real on Hanoi’s buzzing streets. Hungry? You’re in the right place to chow down on tasty stir-fries and fresh spring rolls. Yum!

Travel into the countryside where you’ll meet your host community. For the next few days, you’ll work alongside them to support their rural development initiatives. The tasks will depend on what’s needed most at the time. Each afternoon, you’ll get immersed in local culture, so grab this opportunity to learn everything you can about local life. What sports do they play? Where do they socialise? What do they learn at school?

Get involved with traditional dance classes, meet local farmers, learn the art of embroidery and join a Vietnamese cookery class. Embrace every opportunity, leap outside your comfort zone, and you’ll leave with a rare insight into another way of life. After your final day with the community, you’ll wave goodbye and head back to Hanoi.

Time for a treat. The 1,600 islands of Ha Long Bay are steeped in mythology, legend has it that these islands are jewels that were dropped from the mouths of dragons. You’ll head to the pier and cruise through emerald waters on a traditional junk boat. Crane your neck at the amazing karst rocks, then step ashore to experience the cliffs and caves up close. As you explore, you’ll learn how this crazy landscape was formed millions of years ago. Your base for the night is Ha Long city. It’s a great place to grab some food and visit the night markets before heading back to Hanoi and catching the overnight train to Danang.

Rub the sleep from your eyes and step off the train in Danang, from here it’s a short transfer to Hoi An. Vietnam’s most atmospheric city, Hoi An’s lanterns decorate the city at night. To learn more, you’ll join a lantern-making workshop. Sip hot tea as an expert reveals the secrets of this ancient art. Discover the tricks of the trade and see how lanterns are made using silk and bamboo. Now it’s your turn to have a go. You also have the option to stretch out with a morning yoga class and work up an appetite with an optional cookery lesson. Hoi An is famous for ‘cao lau’ (yellow noodles with pork) and ‘mi quang’ (noodles with quails eggs and rice cakes). Watch the chef at work, then roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Now for the best bit, eating it!

All too soon, it’s time to fly home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. You’ve been immersed in Vietnamese culture, you’ve engaged with communities and you’ve seen this beautiful country through local eyes. Return home with a whole new perspective of the people we share our planet with, and the stunning landscapes they call home.