5D4N Cultural Immersion & Service Learning: Ho Chi Minh City

(Lunch & Dinner included)

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our local tour guide will meet the group at the arrival gate, holding a Vietnam Education Tours sign for easy recognition.

After completing immigration procedures, transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine. (Halal and vegan meals can be arranged upon request).

In the afternoon, begin the Ho Chi Minh City Educational Tour, combining historical visits with interactive activities designed to help students explore Vietnam’s history, architecture and cultural heritage.

The first stop is the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace.

Students will learn about its role in Vietnam’s history and the events surrounding the country’s reunification. Through the Rooms of Power activity, students will explore key areas of the palace, observe its historical features and discover how the building was used during the Vietnam War.

Continue to Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, two well-known landmarks in the city’s historic centre. Through the Architectural Treasure Hunt & History Match activity, students will identify architectural details and learn about the French colonial influences that shaped parts of Ho Chi Minh City’s urban landscape. Weather permitting, the group will also enjoy a walking tour around City Hall Square, taking in the surrounding buildings and city streets.

The tour then passes by the Saigon Opera House, a prominent example of French colonial architecture completed in 1898. Students will take part in the Pose & Present – The Power of Architecture activity, observing the building’s design and discussing how architecture can reflect the history and identity of a city.

The afternoon concludes with a Vietnamese Water Puppet Show at the Vietnam History Museum. Through this traditional performance, students will discover aspects of Vietnamese rural life, including farming, fishing and village activities, as well as cultural traditions and historical legends. The show provides an introduction to a traditional art form that has been part of Vietnamese cultural life for generations.

After the city tour, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, with Halal or vegan meals available upon request. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest after the first day of exploration.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, arranged by Vietnam Education Tours.

(Full-day meals included)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Cu Chi Tunnels, a historical site that played an important role during Vietnam’s wars against French colonial rule and the United States.

Students will explore the underground tunnel network and learn how it was built using simple tools and manual labour.

Students will also have the opportunity to walk through selected sections of the tunnels and try a local wartime food, cassava, while learning about the daily challenges faced by people living in the area.

After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the War Remnants Museum, which presents Vietnam’s wartime history through photographs, documents and historical exhibits.

Students will explore the exhibitions to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of war on people and communities.

In the evening, enjoy dinner before heading to Ben Thanh Night Market, where students can explore local stalls, discover Vietnamese souvenirs and experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional market. 

After the evening activities, return to the hotel for rest.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, arranged by Vietnam Education Tours.

(Full-day meals included)

After breakfast at the hotel, students will visit a local school in Ho Chi Minh City for a Cultural Exchange Programme with Vietnamese students.

Through traditional Vietnamese children’s games and interactive activities, students will have the opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures, share their experiences and build connections with their local peers.

After lunch, continue with a Community Engagement Activity at a local orphanage in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City.

Students will participate in a donation activity, sharing toys and stationery supplies with the children.

After the day’s activities, return to the hotel for rest.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, arranged by Vietnam Education Tours.

(Full-day meals included)

After breakfast at the hotel, students will visit a local bakery for a Bread-making Workshop. Guided by experienced bakers, students will learn about the ingredients, preparation techniques and baking process behind making bread.

Through this hands-on experience, they will have the opportunity to prepare their own bread while gaining a better understanding of baking methods and the role of bread in everyday food culture.

After lunch, continue to Trung Nguyen Coffee Shop for a coffee demonstration and an introduction to Vietnam’s coffee culture.

Students will learn about the coffee-making process and the role of coffee in Vietnamese daily life before joining a Vietnamese Cooking Class.

Under the guidance of local instructors, students will learn how to prepare a traditional Vietnamese dish, explore local ingredients and experience the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

In the evening, enjoy dinner together before returning to the hotel for rest.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, arranged by Vietnam Education Tours.

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time before checking out.

Our local tour guide will accompany the group to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure procedures and the return flight home.

As the programme comes to an end, students will take home new knowledge, cultural experiences and meaningful memories from their journey in Vietnam.

Thank you for travelling with Vietnam Education Tours.