Smithsonian Student Travel | Vietnam | NEW
Highlights
- Experience the street food scene in the markets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Trek through the lush landscape and stunning rice terraces of Sapa
- Learn about papermaking and silversmithing in a Red Dao community
- Try your hand at pottery with skilled artisans in Bat Trang
- Kayak among the soaring, limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our plan for the program. However, we may implement changes if we identify opportunities to improve the experience, to take advantage of unexpected events, or to accommodate local schedule changes.
Departure • Travel Day • Meet your student travel group and one of your trip leaders in Los Angeles, and fly together to Hanoi, Vietnam. [Note that one day will be lost in travel.]
Hanoi • 3 days • Arrive in the bustling capital city of Hanoi and get to know your group during an in-depth orientation at your accommodations in the Old Quarter. Visit the Thang Long Theater, where you will see a performance of world-famous Vietnamese water puppetry and learn more about the craft. Explore the city’s main sights, such as the Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, the site of the country’s first university. Peruse the many bustling markets and street stalls of the Old Quarter as you experience the street food scene with a sampling of noodle dishes and other local specialties.
Sapa• 5 days • Head to the Sapa region of northwest Vietnam and stay in a family-owned lodge surrounded by mountains and rice terraces. Learn about the Hmong, an ethnic group that originated in China, who now inhabit and cultivate the rugged hill country across Southeast Asia, as well as other highland tribes such as the Red Dao and Tay. Get acquainted with their vibrant traditions and everyday life, and learn about artisan techniques such as papermaking, batik dye methods, or embroidery. Go on hikes to explore the beautiful Sapa region, discovering its many waterfalls, rushing rivers, and rice terraces.
Hanoi • 2 days • Return to Hanoi to relax after your time in Sapa. Visit the famous Bat Trang Pottery Village and try your hand at this traditional handicraft with the guidance of local artisans.
Ha Long Bay • 1 day • Travel by bus to Ha Long Bay, and board your very own private “junk,” or houseboat –your group’s home for the evening. Sail around the soaring limestone cliffs of this World Heritage site, stopping to visit floating villages, kayak, and swim in hidden coves.
Hanoi • 2 days • Head back to Hanoi in the evening and pick up your finished pottery. Spend a final day in the city presenting your personal projects and celebrate your program with a group farewell dinner.
Return • Travel Day • Fly from Hanoi, Vietnam, to Los Angeles with your group and a trip leader, then continue on to your final destination.
Smithsonian Student Travel Experts
A Smithsonian Student Travel Expert will join the group for four or five days of the itinerary. A professional in their field, they will tie in their knowledge and experiences with the themes of the program and share their insights and passion for the region during talks and informal conversations throughout their time with the students.
Chong Ntxoo Moua, Assistant Professor of Hmong Studies (joining the July 17 departure)
What to Expect
Physical Activity • This is a physically active summer travel program. You can expect to trek in the mountainous terrain of Sapa, swim and kayak in Halong Bay, and walk to temples, cafes, and museums in Hanoi over the course of the trip. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
Accommodations • The group stays in a variety of accommodations throughout this program, including comfortable hotels in Hanoi and Sapa, a homestay at a family-owned lodge in the hills outside of Sapa town, and a private “junk,” or houseboat, when sailing in Ha Long Bay.
Climate • We visit northern Vietnam during the early rainy season. Although temperatures vary depending by region, average temperatures during this season range from 77–89°F (25–32°C) with very high humidity. Rainfall is common but showers typically do not last long, and storms are very rare. This season boasts beautiful, lush greenery and blue skies.
Meals • We enjoy most breakfasts at our accommodations while lunches and dinners are eaten at various restaurants or evening markets in the city. At our Sapa homestay, all meals are prepared and eaten with our host family.
Cuisine • Vietnam is known for its flavorful, fresh, herb-rich cuisine. Rice or noodles are served with most meals, and the common dishes include noodle soups and stir-fries. Staple ingredients usually include fish sauce, garlic, chili, lime, shrimp paste, and many fresh herbs such as coriander, Thai basil, mint, and green onion. Seafood is particularly popular along the coast.
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