Remote Village Culture in Vietnam

Wake up in Hanoi and dive into expedition life. Allocate some group roles and meet the ground team to discuss your plans. Next, get to grips with the local currency (Vietnamese Dong) and head out to buy a SIM card for the team phone. Jobs done, it’s time to explore Vietnam’s capital. Expect an overload of sounds and smells when you navigate the narrow streets of Hanoi’s old quarter. Cover your ears to the sound of scooter horns and watch fruit sellers balancing bamboo poles on their shoulders. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might be top of your sightseeing list, along with the Museum of Ethnology, which showcases all of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Hoa Lo Prison is another top choice, it was home to US prisoners of war and Vietnamese revolutionaries. Street food and shopping are a way of life here, so save some time for the markets. Try the legendary pho soup, bun cha noodles and fresh spring rolls.

Meet the Muong people. You’re about to get immersed in rural life and contribute to a locally-led development scheme. Explore the village and find out which tasks you’ll be working on, you’ll divide your time between the development initiative and experiencing local culture. You could learn traditional skills like cookery, embroidery and basket weaving, or head into the fields to get hands-on with rice farming. Living alongside the community, this is a side to Vietnam that few tourists see. Rural life can be tough, so be patient and keep an open mind. Connect with your hosts by helping with chores and sharing your own culture through photos and games. On your last night, thank the community with a talent show, put on your best performance with dancing, artwork or a song.

It's time to trek! Grab your backpack and travel to Mai Chau, a lush valley with steamy forests, shimmering rice terraces and traditional stilt houses. Step forward as team leader and set off with your guides along rugged trails. Trekking in the heat is tough, so you’ll need to dig deep as you hike to your accomodation in the H’mong village of Hang Kia. Wake up to the sound of H’mong melodies (music is a big part of their culture). Fuel-up with some noodles, then hit the trail. Your final destination is Xam Khoe village. When you reach the village, put down your trekking poles and crash out on the journey back to Hanoi.

Time for a treat! Travel from Hanoi to the 1,600 islands of Ha Long Bay. Steeped in mythology, legend has it that these islands are jewels that were dropped from the mouths of dragons. Head to the pier and cruise through emerald waters on a traditional junk boat. Crane your neck at the insane karst rocks, then step ashore to experience the cliffs and caves up close. As you explore, 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.

Back in Hanoi, gather the team and make the most of your final day. The markets are a must, so get ready to haggle for pointy hats, silk scarves and wooden clogs. As you explore, notice how much you’ve changed since the start of the trip. Your confidence has soared and you’ll be navigating the streets with newfound ease. When the sun sets on your final day, buy some tickets to a water puppet show with live music, then head out for a big team meal to celebrate everything you’ve achieved.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home, so 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. Vietnam has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed!