INTRODUCING THE YEAR 9 BIG EXPERIENCE
Vietnam: Beyond the Brochures
What is it about?
The journey to Vietnam will deepen students’ connections to the themes of the
CUE program as they experience many of the fascinating delights this country
has to offer. The impact of this Big Experience lies in the social, historical and
cultural understandings students gain into Vietnam’s turbulent past alongside
the rapid and modern changes it is currently undergoing.
Starting in Ho Chi Minh, students will be introduced to a dynamic metropolis
and the powerhouse of Vietnam. There will be a new currency to negotiate,
language to try out and a different way to do things; including crossing the
road!
Students will have the opportunity to crawl through the Cu Chi tunnels and will
experience a very special visit to an orphanage. Here, they will interact with the
children and bring light to their day with some gift-giving and helping out where
needed.
A very special part of the Vietnam experience will be the journey down the
Mekong. After a private boat ride to cruise through the tributaries along the
Mekong Delta learning how the local people practice sustainable living, students
will experience a homestay on a small island nestled in the heart of the Delta. It
is here students will participate in practical building and labouring tasks to
construct a house to assist a needy community in this remote region. They will
learn the rituals of the locals. They will gain a genuine understanding of the
culture and see how the villagers have adapted to their environment.
As a result our students may come to realise the lasting benefit of working with
others less fortunate than themselves. This will bring an immense sense of
perspective and satisfaction for all involved
As the journey moves north through Vietnam, there will be many memorable
sights and experiences. These include feasting on the uniquely delicious food
in the World Heritage Site of Hoi An, travelling to Hue and cycling around the
historic region and taking the overnight train to Hanoi.
Students will learn how one man, Ho Chi Minh, resonates such significance
throughout the country. They will enquire about Australia’s role in fostering
relationships between different countries
By the time the journey draws to an end, our students will have experienced
the gentle and friendly nature of the Vietnamese people, and gained some
understanding of the many changes and challenges the Vietnamese have
faced.
The tour to Vietnam will give students an opportunity to experience a culture
very different from their own. They will return home more independent, with
stories to tell and memories to last a lifetime.
How will students travel?
The group will travel to Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam airlines. In Vietnam, there will be various modes of transport –
buses, overnight train, boat, and plane. Bicycles and cyclos round off the transport experience. There is one internal
flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City and students return to Melbourne from Hanoi via Ho Chi Minh City.
What about accommodation?
Most of the accommodation will be in comfortable hotels, of approximately a 3 star standard. During the Mekong Delta
homestay, the homes provide separate sleeping areas for males and females in rooms equipped with army-style
stretchers. Toilets are basic and showers are cold. Mosquito nets will always be provided. There is one overnight train
journey.
Cost
This year a deposit of $2500 was included in the year 9 term 2 fee statement for the Big Experience. The balance for this
trip will be in the range of $1500-$1800 with the exact amount being confirmed in a letter once final numbers are in. The final
amount owing will be added to the term 3 account. This is fully inclusive of most meals, accommodation, tours, insurance,
transportation and taxes. Students will need a current passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
Planned itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh, meet our tour leader and transfer to hotel for a full briefing of the tour.
Day 2
The sights of Ho Chi Minh in the morning and then the ‘Great Race’ around the city. Complete tasks,
navigate and collect information while taking part in a ½ day activity that will be challenging, fun and
educational.
Day 3
Trip to Cu Chi tunnels and a remote orphanage to learn of the lives of some of Vietnam’s most unfortunate
children. Spend time interacting with them and helping out.
Day 4
Travel south by private boat to the Mekong Delta and understand life on the river. Cycle around the local area
where you will be spending the next 3 days completing community service.
Day 5-6
Build a house for an underprivileged family in this remote area. Living in a private home overlooking the
Mekong River, and get to know the village community.
Day 7
Boat tour through the floating markets to look at cottage industries and productions that have been successful
for centuries.
Day 8
Return to Ho Chi Minh City and explore the unique Markets and finish the night with some group singing
Karaoke style.
Day 9-11
A short plane ride to Hoi An (via Danang). Explore the World Heritage Site taking in the South China
Sea, a cooking class, French colonial architecture, traversing rice fields and get some tailor made new
threads.
Day 12-13
Bus ride up to Hue for an afternoon of gentle cycling. Whist in Hue we will be taking in Dong BA market, the
ruins of the Imperial Citadel and the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. Relax in surroundings removed from the
mainstream attractions.
Day 14
Heading into the countryside around Hue we have further opportunity to learn of Vietnam’s royal heritage
and also see remnants left over from the Vietnam/ American war – TET offensive. Take the overnight
Train – The Reunification Express to Hanoi.
Day 15
Arriving in Hanoi in the morning we will cycle through some of this ancient city. Infamous water puppet
show in the evening.
Day 16
The sights of Hanoi, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Old Quarter and visit the
Australian embassy. There will be time for exploring the Old Quarter.
Day17
Visit the famous Hanoi Hilton prison. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant, a non-profit organisation that
trains disadvantaged teens for the hospitality industry. Depart Hanoi in the evening for our return
home.
Day 18
Arrive in Melbourne early morning.
Please note that final details of this Big Experience may be subject to minor changes depending on numbers. If
two groups are required then the order of activities may be altered.