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Vietnam

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Discovering Cultures & Ethnic Minorities

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An Immersive Educational Journey for Students, Teachers & Families

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.

ABOUT DREAM-TRAVEL

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Why Choose Dream-Travel

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ABOUT US

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.

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René Piard 

René Piard  - Founder & Chief Travel Officer

rene.piard@dream-travel.net

tel: 1 - 571 - 206-8949

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Map

1. Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

2. Lào Cai

Lào Cai, Lao Cai, Vietnam

3. Sa Pa

Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam

4. Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam

5. Hue City

Hue City, Vietnam

6. Hội An

Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

7. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8. Can Tho

Can Tho, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ, Vietnam

Day 1

Departure from the United States
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Depart

  • Group departure from designated U.S. airport

  • International flight to Hanoi, Vietnam

  • In-flight meals and overnight on board

Day 2

Arrival in Hanoi | Discovering Vietnam’s Capital
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Hanoi

  • 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

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Day 3

Hanoi & Journey North
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Hanoi-> Lao Cai

  • 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

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Day 4

Lao Cai • Ban Khoang • Sapa | Ethnic Encounters
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Lao Cai-> Sapa

  • 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

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Day 5

Sapa Villages & Homestay Experience
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Sapa (Homestay)

  • 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

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Day 6

Sapa → Hanoi
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Sapa-> Hanoi

  • 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

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Day 7

Lan Ha Bay Cruise (Ha Long Region)
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Hanoi-> Cruise on Lan Ha Bay

  • 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

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Day 8

Lan Ha Bay → Hanoi → Huế
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Lan Ha Bay-> Huế

  • 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

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Day 9

Huế: Imperial Vietnam
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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

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Day 10

Huế → Danang → Hoi An
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Huế->Hoi An

  • 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

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Day 11

Hoi An → Saigon
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Hoi An-> Saigon

  • 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

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Day 12

Mekong Delta Experience
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Saigon-> Can Tho

  • 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

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Day 13

Floating Markets & Saigon River Cruise
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Can Tho-> Saigon

  • 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

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Day 14

Saigon → Return to USA
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Depart

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

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