This extraordinary journey through Vietnam invites students to step beyond the classroom and into one of Southeast Asia’s most culturally rich and historically significant countries. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil villages of Sapa, from imperial cities and ancient pagodas to floating markets and remote ethnic communities, this program offers a rare opportunity to experience Vietnam through meaningful cultural exchange.
Throughout the trip, participants engage directly with local families, artisans, farmers, and ethnic minority groups — gaining firsthand insight into traditional ways of life that have been preserved for generations. Students will explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, participate in hands-on workshops, learn about Vietnam’s complex history, and develop a deeper global awareness through shared experiences and personal connections.
Designed especially for educational groups, this itinerary balances academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventure. By the end of the program, students return home not only with new knowledge, but with broadened perspectives, lifelong memories, and a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.
At Dream-Travel, we believe every journey should reflect the unique spirit of the traveler. Founded by René Piard, our mission is to make travel inspiring, accessible, and tailored to your needs. With our “à la carte” approach, we partner with educators to create personalized experiences that ignite curiosity and foster lasting memories.
We’re passionate about ensuring travel is available to everyone, which is why we design trips to fit a variety of budgets. Our flexible payment plans empower students to explore the world without financial strain, making dream adventures a reality.
At Dream-Travel, your journey starts with a vision—and we’re here to bring it to life.
René Piard - Founder & Chief Travel Officer
rene.piard@dream-travel.net
tel: 1 - 571 - 206-8949
Group departure from designated U.S. airport
International flight to Hanoi, Vietnam
In-flight meals and overnight on board
Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam’s historic capital
Transfer to hotel & check-in
Visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on Hoan Kiem Lake
→ Learn about Confucian philosophy, Vietnamese history, and ancient architecture
Cyclo-pousse ride through the famous Old Quarter (36 Guild Streets)
→ Each street historically specialized in a different craft or trade
Welcome group dinner
Overnight in Hanoi
Breakfast at the hotel
Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university (founded in 1070)
→ Discover Confucian education and scholar traditions
Visit temples honoring King Dinh & King Lê, founders of early Vietnamese dynasties
Traditional boat ride through rice fields
Vietnamese Water Puppet Show – unique folk art dating back 1,000 years
Dinner included
Overnight train journey to Lao Cai
Breakfast on the train / upon arrival
Visit Cau Kieu Bridge, known as the “Bridge of Beauty”
Travel into the mountains of Sapa
Meet the Red Dao & Black Hmong ethnic groups
→ Learn about traditional clothing, weaving, farming, and village life
Cultural exchange activities and guided village walks
Dinner included
Overnight in Sapa
Breakfast at the lodge
Walk to Nam Sai village
Hands-on discovery of local handicrafts & daily life
Lunch with a local family
Visit Black Hmong villages near Lao Cai
Meet the Giay ethnic minority
Dinner & overnight with a host family
→ A powerful cultural immersion experience
Breakfast with host family
Visit Sin Chai village
Learn about Black Hmong customs, farming, family structure & traditions
Scenic return drive to Hanoi
Dinner included
Overnight in Hanoi
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to Lan Ha Bay
Board a traditional cruise boat
Sail among dramatic limestone islands & emerald waters
On-board Vietnamese cooking demonstration
Lunch & dinner onboard
Overnight on the cruise ship
Breakfast onboard cruise
Sunrise Tai Chi class on deck
Explore Cat Ba Island & limestone cave
Brunch onboard
Return to Hanoi & transfer to train station
Dinner included
Overnight train to Huế
Breakfast on arrival
Thien Mu Pagoda, overlooking the Perfume River
Explore Dong Ba Market
Visit the Imperial Citadel of Huế (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Boat excursion on Tam Giang Lagoon
Meet local villagers & learn traditional fishing techniques
Vietnamese calligraphy workshop
Royal costume dinner
Overnight in Huế
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Tu Hieu Pagoda
Drive to Hoi An (UNESCO Heritage town)
Walking tour:
Japanese Covered Bridge
Tan Ky Ancient House
Ancient merchant temples
Dinner included
Overnight in Hoi An
Breakfast at hotel
Bike ride through Tra Que & Van Lang villages
Tea tasting with local family
Ride traditional basket boats
Vietnamese cooking class & lunch
Herbal foot massage
Evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Dinner included
Overnight in Saigon
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Cao Dai Temple
Boat cruise in Ben Tre
Explore canals & coconut villages
Rice field walk & home-hosted lunch
Rowboat ride through delta waterways
Dinner included
Overnight in Can Tho
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
Tropical fruit tasting
Visit traditional lacquer factory
Return to Saigon
Saigon River Dinner Cruise
Overnight in Saigon
Breakfast at hotel
City tour:
Notre Dame Cathedral
Central Post Office
Reunification Palace
Chinatown (Cholon)
Thien Hau Pagoda
Binh Tay Market
Lunch included
Transfer to airport
Evening flight back to the United States
Overnight on board