5D4N Cultural Immersion and Service Learning in Hanoi

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Cultural exchange program with a local school in Hanoi
• Full-day Service Learning activity at a local orphanage
• Heritage tour of Ha Long Bay with seafood lunch on cruise
• Live performance of traditional Water Puppet Show
• Historical visits: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Imperial Citadel, Hoa Lo Prison, and more
• Insightful exploration of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature
• Cultural immersion in Hanoi Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market
• Flexible food choices: Vietnamese food, Halal food, Vegan food

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI – CITY TOUR

(Lunch/Dinner included)

Welcome to Vietnam! After landing at Noi Bai International Airport, students will be greeted with warm smiles by our Luco Travel guides. We begin the adventure with a lunch at a local restaurant.

Our first cultural stop is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where students will explore the daily life, rituals, and rich traditions of 54 ethnic groups across Vietnam. Through exhibitions, full-scale house models, and multimedia presentations, students will grasp Vietnam’s social diversity and historical depth.

Later in the afternoon, we enjoy a walking tour around Hoan Kiem Lake, where legend meets nature. Students may spot the ancient softshell turtles said to embody mystical guardianship of the capital. The walk continues to St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hanoi Opera House, colonial architectural marvels that offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural transition from imperial to modern era.

Evening brings us together for dinner before checking in at the hotel and relaxing after the day’s explorations.

Overnight in Hanoi, organized by Vietnam Educational Tours

DAY 2: LOCAL SCHOOL EXCHANGE – HANOI OLD QUARTER

(Full-day meals included)

After breakfast, we head to a local school in Hanoi for a heartwarming Cultural exchange session. Welcomed by the principal and students, both groups will participate in a mutual introduction, cultural performances, and interactive games. Through these activities, students experience the joys of intercultural communication and build empathy and global awareness.

After lunch, we will visit the Hanoi Old Quarter, a living museum of traditional trade streets. Here, students will observe age-old family businesses, try local snacks, and experience the lively street atmosphere of Hanoi’s oldest commercial hub.

In the late afternoon, we attend the enchanting Water Puppet Show, a tradition that dates back to the 11th century. The stories performed reflect daily life in Vietnam’s rice paddies, community spirit, and legendary tales.

Dinner concludes the day before we return to the hotel for debrief and rest.

Overnight in Hanoi, organized by Vietnam Educational Tours

DAY 3: SERVICE LEARNING – CITADEL OF THANG LONG – HOA LO PRISON

(Full-day meals included)

Today is devoted to meaningful service and reflective learning. At a local orphanage, students will interact with children through music, arts and crafts, and light-hearted games. Guided by compassion and teamwork, they will also prepare snacks and serve tea to the children, gaining insight into gratitude and social responsibility.

After lunch, we visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in archaeological and political history. As the seat of power for over a thousand years, the Citadel holds layered narratives of Vietnamese statecraft and sovereignty.

The day continues at Hoa Lo Prison, also known as Maison Central. This site offers a poignant look into Vietnam’s colonial history and the harsh conditions endured by Vietnamese revolutionaries during the French occupation. Students will explore prison cells, historical artifacts, and narratives that deepen their understanding of sacrifice, nationalism, and resilience.

Dinner is served at a local restaurant (Halal/Vegan options available) before heading back to the hotel for reflection and rest.

Overnight in Hanoi, organized by Vietnam Educational Tours

DAY 4: HA LONG BAY DAY TRIP

(Full-day meals included)

Today brings natural beauty and awe. After an early breakfast, we journey to the famed Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands.

Boarding a traditional cruise at Tuan Chau Port, students enjoy a seafood lunch while passing iconic islets such as Fighting Cock, Dog Rock, and Incense Burner. The voyage continues to the magical Thien Cung (Heaven) Cave, known for its stalactites, legends, and vibrant geological formations.

As the boat glides back through the bay, students experience moments of serenity and wonder, connecting deeply with nature.

Returning to Hanoi by evening, we have dinner and prepare for our final full day.

Overnight in Hanoi, organized by Vietnam Educational Tours

DAY 5: HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM – TEMPLE OF LITERATURE – DONG XUAN MARKET – DEPARTURE

(Breakfast/Lunch included)

We begin with a morning visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where students pay respects to Vietnam’s beloved leader. This is followed by a tour of the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ba Dinh Square and the One Pillar Pagoda, where stories of national liberation and humility come alive.

The journey continues to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Built in 1076, this Confucian sanctuary honors generations of scholars and national achievements. Students will explore stone stelae, learn about ancient examinations, and appreciate the legacy of Vietnamese education.

After lunch, there will be free time at Dong Xuan Market, where students can pick up souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of local commerce.

Finally, we head to the airport for our return flight home, hearts full and perspectives broadened.

Have a great journey with Luco Travel!!!

Quality Guarantee:

• All local Tour guides are proficient in English and experienced, licensed for guiding youth groups.
• Transportation safety will be carefully secured.
• Every possible risks are already projected and planned for management.

Kindly note:

• Rates are in SGD per person.
• Please note for any kind of payment: Bank fee is responsibility of the sender.
• Above itinerary is only a proposal and is subject to change.
• At time quotation, no reservation has been made / no confirmation of visit at time quotation.
• Approval with local school is subject to approval and confirmation

Tour Price Includes:

• Private all transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles 29-45 seats
• 04 Breakfast, 05 Lunches, and 04 Dinner mentioned in itinerary
• All of entrance frees mentioned in Itinerary
• All activities mentioned in Itinerary
• Unlimited drinking water with at least 2 bottle/pax/day
• 04 nights hotel in Hanoi
• English-speaking Tour Guide
• Tip for tour guide and driver
• Material cost to buy necessary things for VIA activities and school immersion
• Itinerary is flexible and can be suited according to requirements

 Tour Price Excludes:

• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
• Visa & international flights in and out the country
• Other services & meals than mentioned
• Bank transfer fee if any.
• Tips, travel insurance