Brief

Vietnam has it all! Stunning and un-spoilt coastline with powdery sand beaches and hidden coves, emerald-green mountains, breath-taking national parks, outstanding cultural interest and fantastic cuisine. With plenty of opportunity to meet the locals, now is the time to visit Vietnam as it’s developing at a fast pace.

Highlights

Explore the riverside city of Ho Chi Minh including the zoo and botanical gardens.
Visit the World Heritage sight of Ha Long Bay and explore the lagoons and limestone outcrops by boat.
Live with local communities in remote hill villages helping community projects.
Gain a PADI diving qualification amid stunning coral reefs.
Learn to cook authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Hoi An.

The Expedition

Phase 1: Acclimatisation

Depending on the arrival point, teams can adapt to Vietnamese life and culture spending a couple of days in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

Phase 2: Diving

On the coast of the South China Sea; teams can learn to dive in the stunning coral reefs and gain their PADI open water certificate in a in 5* PADI centre. Those who already hold the open water certificate can choose to do a more advanced course.

Phase 3: Project

In this valuable and rewarding phase teams can volunteer and take part in a variety of environmental or community based projects. Past examples include building playgrounds, concreting mud floors, repairing bridges and building brick ovens for several of the families in the village. Teams will live within the remote hill communities in basic home-stays and experience their way of life. All projects are chosen in consultation with the community to ensure their needs are met.

Phase 4: Relaxation and Culture

Teams can visit Hue, the country’s ancient capital, famous for its royal residences and elegant temples all situated on the banks of the Perfume River. Alternatively, explore the ancient town of Hoi An, famed for its restaurants, and learn how to cook like a local! Finally, why not explore Halong Bay’s stunning karst limestone peaks and more than 2,000 different islands amongst sheltered, shimmering seas.

Expedition Grade

Our Vietnamese adventure is graded as moderate. However, some more challenging days can be expected when trekking in central and northern Vietnam during the typhoons from July to November. The fitter you are the more the more you will enjoy your expedition.