School Tours of Vietnam


About school trips to Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam. The country is a fusion of west meets east and offers the history and fast pace of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City combined with the geography of Ho Long Bay and the culture of remote villages.

From the bustling multicultural streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the 13th century capital of My Son, whose temple complex consists of 70 ruined red brick towers dedicated to the Hindu gods, students of all subjects will enjoy our tours of Vietnam.

History students will be fascinated by historical sites such as the former demilitarised zone between North and South Vietnam and Hỏa Lò, the location used to house prisoners of war, including the famous poet Nguyễn Chí Thiện. They can also visit the tomb of the embalmed ‘Uncle Ho’, who fought for the independence of Vietnam.

Pupils can also enjoy plenty of more lighthearted aspects of Vietnamese culture, such as the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre in Hoan Kiem Lake or sampling the country’s delectable ce phe trung - egg coffee.

Suitable for: History School Trips, Geography School Trips, Outdoor Education School Trips, World Religion School Trips

Support we offer on school trips to Vietnam

We support schools embarking on trips to Vietnam in a variety of ways, including:

  • Tailormade itineraries to match your school’s learning objectives
  • A launch evening at the school for parents, students and teachers
  • One point of contact for planning and preparation
  • A comprehensive pre-departure briefing
  • A highly qualified Expedition Leader to accompany your group

For more information regarding planning and executing an expedition to Vietnam with your school, see our comprehensive guide on how to plan a trip here.

Day 1

Arrive Vietnam

You will be met on arrival in Hanoi by your Gapforce Expedition Leader and transferred to your accommodation for a welcome and orientation.

Day 2

Ban Buoc Village / Cycling Tour

After breakfast, you will depart for Ban Buoc village, Mai Chau Province. You will pass by beautiful paddy fields and street-side village markets before arriving at the village where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your hosts at the Eco Home Ban Buoc Homestay.
In the afternoon, you will be introduced to your upcoming project work before enjoying a 2 hours cycling tour in the village. This is a great way take in the rolling, majestic beauty of the karst mountains above, the humble organized valley below, and the dense thickets around you. In the evening, enjoy traditional dancing.
Please note single occupancy rooms are not available at the Homestay

Day 3

Rock Climbing / Paddle Boat

Truly experience the beauty of the Mai Chau Valley by physically connecting with it. Climbing these exotic rock formations will surely be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip, one you will talk about and cherish long after returning home.
In the afternoon, take paddle boats out on the gorgeous Hoa Binh Reservoir, the largest man made reservoir in Vietnam. It’s the experience of a lifetime as you paddle beneath the rolling karst mountains, through the lush evergreen forest and local tribal villages.

Days 4 & 5

Community Project Work

You will spend the next 2 days volunteering at the community. There are a number of project options available within the community.
By way of example, past groups have painted class rooms for primary school in the village to bring a new look of the classroom for children to encourage learning. Others groups have built bookshelves and donated books to local children to assist literary skills of the children.

Day 6

Complete Project / Caving Tour

After breakfast, you will complete your project work and then have a farewell lunch with the village.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a caving tour to explore the Mo Luong Cave with its large main chamber and hear local legends and its place in Vietnamese history. Explore some of the mystical passages and tunnels.

Day 7

Return Home

Transfer to the airport for return flights home

Whats included poster

Gapforce Vietnam Expedition Leader

Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce Vietnam Expedition Leader. Gapforce is renowned for the select team of enthusiastic leaders who run our worldwide expeditions.

We hire great people experienced in delivering inspiring and safe travel experiences, many of whom have graduated from our intense 4-month Vietnam Expedition Leader Training which includes:

  • Mountain Leader Training
  • RGS Off-site safety management
  • RLSS Water Safety
  • QA Level 2 Activity First Aid
  • Rescue Training
  • Wilderness Medical Training
  • Advanced Survival Training
  • Expedition Planning
  • Incident Management