Vietnam
Introduction to the Vietnam expedition |
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Vietnam runs along the Indochinese Peninsula and borders Laos, China and Cambodia. It is a country of contrasts, the coastal lowlands are covered in rice paddies whilst forest covered mountains run along the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Nearly three-quarters of this beautiful country are covered in mountains and hills, the highest are located in the far north-west part of the country. In complete contrast is the 3451km of unspoilt coastline, along which can be found amazing beaches and spectacular lagoons. Expeditions to Vietnam are divided into two itineraries, North or South. There fantastic opportunites for trekking and cultural interaction in both halves of the country. The cultural attractions of Hué and Hoi An are located in the central region of Vietnam and are accessible to both Northern and Southern itineraries. |
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Vietnam expedition outline
Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Programme Manager for Vietnam will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.
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North Vietnam itinerary
Teams fly in and out of Hanoi, which still reflects its historic past as a French colony through many French influences especially the surviving architecture. Today Hanoi is Vietnam’s political capital. There is plenty to do in and around Hanoi, there is good acclimatisation trekking to be found in one of the surrounding National Parks that are within a day’s drive of the city.
The main trekking phase begins in Sapa a village located at 1600m. It is one of the most peaceful mountain settings possible as it sits among the clouds. Sapa is located in the far north of Vietnam close to the Chinese border. From here the itinerary would most likely involve hiking between the many hill-tribe villages in the neighboring mountains and valleys.
South Vietnam itinerary
Teams fly in and out of Ho Chi Minh City, which was renamed from Saigon in 1976. However Ho Chi Minh is still commonly referred to as Saigon by many people. Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s economic capital and is a hive of activity like most large developing cities. Excellent acclimatisation trekking can be found in the jungle of the Cat Tien National Park as well as in the remote forests on the Buon Ma Thout near the Cambodian Border.
The main trekking phase will be out of the hill station Dalat, located in the Central Highlands region which is covered in pine forests and jungle. The cool climate and picturesque scenery are in complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
Projects in Vietnam are mostly community based and involve participating in construction and renovation projects at care homes or orphanages for disadvantaged children. Challengers often find themselves absorbed into a very friendly Vietnamese community and can help with informal English teaching, playing games and entertaining the local children.
Rest and relaxation in Vietnam - same for both north and south itineraries
With such a vast coastline there are many opportunity for beach side rest and relaxation. Teams based in the North can visit stunning World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, which includes over 3000 tiny island dotted with beaches and grottoes. While Southern teams have the chance to chill out on one of the many beaches of the east coast or they can choose to explore the Mekong Delta region.
What did you think of the Vietnam expedition?
World Challenge rocks my socks off majorly!! Fair to say this trip was like nothing else..gif){kind=small}
Bonnie Nelson, Challenger - Aberfoyle Park High School, SA, Vietnam
I think that this trip was the greatest thing I have ever done and I think World Challenge did a terrific job and picked a fantastic leader. Adam was amazing! The entire experience is life changing - PHENOMENAL!!! I wanted an adventure I could keep in my heart for a while. But I got so much more. I'm friends with amazing people, I lived among a remote village, I helped the community! You cannot predict how this experience will change your life and certainly can't predict how a group will create the greatest memories! The ones I know I will treasure forever. It is so much more than a trip; it's an ongoing life lesson.Rebecca Jacobs, Challenger - Tintern Girls Grammar, VIC, Vietnam
Find out more
T +61 (0) 395 317 780 - Australia
T 0800 456 134 - New Zealand
T (852) 8170 3646 - Hong Kong
E support@worldchallenge.com.au
