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An Epic Adventure:
Vietnam & Laos Overland
Departs anytime (2020-2021)
Please note: This itinerary can be modified in
any way to best suit your school’s aims,
learning objectives and budget.
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and vibrant
cultures collide on this student-centric trip.
through the far northern reaches of Southeast
Asia. This epic trip through Vietnam and into
Laos is specially designed for students seeking
and adventurous, unique and highly original
Asian travel experience.
Highlights of this trip include a range of outdoor
education and cultural activities, interaction with
remote hill tribe peoples, a private riverboat
journey, as well as visits to the historic battlefield
of Dien Bien Phu, time spent meditating with
monks among many other unique and arresting
experiences.
Aside from being highly enjoyable, this trip is
intended to enhance awareness of the Asian
region as well as enthrall students as they learn
of the many and varied cultural, culinary and
geographical delights of these two countries.
David Eales
Asia Manager
www.studenteducationaladventures.com An Epic Adventure - Vietnam & Laos Overland (12 days)
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Day 1
� Vietnam (Hanoi)
On arrival in Vietnam, we will be greeted by our tour leader at Hanoi
International Airport. With no time to lose, we will board our bus and travel to
our centrally located hotel in the downtown precinct. En route our tour leader
will discuss with us our itinerary and provide us with a thorough rundown of all
the things we need to know when travelling in Vietnam, as well as giving us a
short history and Vietnamese language lesson.
This afternoon we will visit the Temple of Literature – Vietnams first University
founded in 1070 and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum that once held US pilots shot
down during the conflict with Vietnam in the 1960s and early 1970s. This
evening we will wander deep into the city’s populous old quarter to a populator local restaurant where we will
enjoy our first taste of Vietnamese cuisine. Following this our tour leader will take us on an evening walking tour of
this vibrant city before returning to our hotel later for a much-anticipated night’s rest. (meals: lunch, dinner) Flight
details to be advised
Day 2
Hanoi Sapa
This morning we will visit Hanoi’s historic old quarter, travelling through
meandering lanes, negotiating a passage past the ubiquitous knock-off
merchants and defiant dealers hawking their wares. Here we will experience
the real Hanoi where local residence breakfast on phở (pronounced ‘fur’), drink
some of the world’s best coffee or play chess with goateed men who bear a
striking resemblance to colonel sanders (of KFC fame).
Whilst in Hanoi we will also visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to learn of the life
of Vietnam’s most celebrated compatriot. For lunch, we will dine at ‘Koto’
restaurant, a non-profit organisation run by local street kids. Following this, we
will visit Hanoi’s world-famous Ethnology Museum to learn of the rich culture of
the 54 distinct ethnic groups that inhabit Vietnam and it’s neighbouring nations. This will provide us with an insight
into these ethnic peoples who we will meet in the days ahead. The museum’s fabulous collection includes well-
presented tribal art, artefacts and everyday objects gathered from across Southeast Asia & China. In the early
evening, our new adventure begins as we board our overnight sleeper train bound for Sapa. Whilst aging, the
Vietnamese railway system remains a dependable service that we will experience this evening as we are rocked
to sleep (in every direction!) for our journey right up to Vietnam border with China. The train trip to Sapa is
approximately 10-hours. Snacks and drinks can be purchased on board. All trains are well equipped with clean
furniture, are soft sleepers and inclusive of mattresses, blankets, pillows, individual reading light, air-conditioner,
mineral water, snack and magazine are set-up in your cabin. (meals: breakfast, dinner)
Day 3 & 4
Sapa (2-day hiking activity)
As dawn breaks, we will arrive in the border town of Lao Cai, a stone's throw
from China. After a tasty local breakfast, we will board our private bus for a 50-
minute journey the hill station town of Sapa (elevation 1650 metres). A former
French retreat from the days when Vietnam was a colony of France, Sapa is
our gateway to exploring the wild border areas of the north inhabited by some
of Vietnam’s most colourful hill tribes. Over the coming two days we will have
the chance to explore this town as well as the surrounding valleys that are
home to a variety of the colourful ethnic minority peoples.
Over the coming two days, we glean an appreciation of hill tribe culture as we
begin our fun & physical hiking activity. En route, we will transfer a variety of landscapes and come into contact
with a number of minority people as we learn much about their largely subsistence lives, some little changed in
the 600 years that people have inhabited this serene yet and often inhospitable corner of Asia, as they to eke out
a living, surviving largely as farmers and traders. We will also learn of the many ingenious technologies of these
people, including bamboo irrigation systems and the rituals and history of the H’mong and Zdao ethnic groups.
NB: Our main luggage may be left in our Sapa hotel. A smaller bag or daypack may be used while trekking in the Sapa
region. (all meals)
www.studenteducationaladventures.com An Epic Adventure - Vietnam & Laos Overland (12 days)
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Day 5
Sapa Lai Chau
This morning we enjoy spectacular views of Vietnam's highest mountain range
including Mt. Fansipan (3,150 meters in elevation). Later we will explore Sapa
Market frequented by the various hill tribes. In the company of our every
present tour leader, we will have the chance to sample some unusual foods as
well as browse the handicrafts markets which include weaving, bamboo
creations as well as silver jewellery, which is readily found in the mountains in
this region.
Late morning, we depart Sapa for our journey south to the remote town of Lai
Chau. This region of Vietnam is where much of the country’s hydropower
comes from, the construction of which saw the flooding of several villages and provides a great case study for
students of conservation and environment. En route, we will stop at a remote waterfall as we descend the Hoang
Son mountain range into quiet valleys scarcely frequented by foreign travellers. Whilst long, our journey today will
provide us with glimpses of delightful mountain vistas that most travellers to Vietnam never get to see. On the
way, we will also visit a minority tea plantation before arriving at our rustic accommodation in the late afternoon.
Dinner will be a very local affair at one of the town’s best eateries. NB: There is the option to enjoy a motorbike ride
as a pillion passenger along tranquil roads, experienced drivers & helmets provided. Please note that this is a safe,
student-centric activity which we offer to selected schools. Please contact us for further information. (meals:
breakfast, dinner)
Day 6
Lai Chau Dien Bien Phu
Today we will make the journey to Dien Bien Phu, situated in Muong Thanh
Valley, surrounded by heavily forested hills. The scenery along the way here is
stunning, with approach roads cutting through forests and vertical topography.
A plethora of minority tribes inhabit this region, many of whom we will
encounter en route. live in the surrounding mountains, but the city and valley
are mainly inhabited by ethnic Vietnamese.
Dien Bien Phu plays a starring role in Vietnam's modern history – the site of a
decisive battle in 1954 when French colonial forces were defeated by the Viet
Minh. This seminal event resulted in the final expulsion of the French colonists
from Indochina which, after nine years of war, lead to independence for Vietnam as well as Laos and Cambodia.
This afternoon we have the opportunity to explore the battlefield to learn of this battle – a clash that is considered
an essential study of tactics and logistics by armies throughout the world which saw an under resources, largely
militia force defeat the might of a professional army with superior technology. We will also discover the French
bunkers, bomb’s carter, abandoned tanks and tunnels that are still visible until this day. Dinner tonight will be at
one of the town’s rustic restaurants. (meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 7
Dien Bien Phu - Pangkok Muang Khua (Laos)
This morning we will visit a black Thai tribe village to learn of this vanishing
minority before we depart Dien Bien Phu and drive to the Laos border. This
seldom-visited area of Vietnam (and Laos) will be the doorway to our new
adventure as we farewell Vietnam and cross into Laos.
This small, landlocked nation cherishes many of the traditions that have
disappeared in a frenzy of development elsewhere in the region. With a painful
past and optimistic future that we will learn much about, our time in Laos will
present an enigmatic experience for the adventurous student, willing to make
the effort to converse with the people of this friendly nation.
Quickly we will notice the cultural and physical differences between these Vietnam & Laos as we journey onwards
to the town of Muang Khua set amid starburst palms where the Nam Ou and Nam Phak (Nam = River) meet. We
spend tonight here in this sleepy town and enjoy our first taste of Laotian cuisine (meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Day 8
Muang Khua (Nong Kiew, Pak Ou Caves) Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we board a small boat for a scenic river journey along a remote
river to Nong Kiew. Our boat trip will provide ample time for students to enjoy
the beauty of this landlocked country only opened to foreigner visitors since
1994.
Before arriving at our final destination for today, we will stop to visit some
ancient caves where hundreds of ancient Buddha figures have been stored.
Our local guide will explain the intricacies of the Buddhist religion and the
meaning of the various Buddha images depicted here. Following this we will
continue down the river to Luang Prabang, arriving late afternoon.
After check-in, there will be some independent time to stroll around this UNESCO World Heritage town as it
comes to life at dusk when local merchants set up for the towns night market – time we will have to enjoy after
dinner this evening. (meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 9 & 10
Luang Prabang (Student-initiated activities)
Prior to travelling, a Student Educational Adventures staff member will talk to teachers and students about specific
activities that your students might like to add to their overseas experience. These activities can be included based
on students’ knowledge of the country or their interests or passions for any aspect of a country's culture.
The activities we can include are many and varied. These may include an introduction to a country's creative or
performing arts scene, visits local schools, great race activities, cooking classes, outdoor educational pursuits such
as hiking, bike riding or a plethora of cultural programs. Please contact us for further ideas.
Activity 1
Waterfall, Asian Bears & Elephants: We will set off to visit an Asian bear
protection entre to learn about conservation efforts then walk a short distance to a
beautiful 3-tiered waterfall to enjoy a refreshing swim (optional).
After time spent at the waterfall relaxing, we journey to a valley and the site of an
elephant sanctuary to learn of these iconic animals and ethical practices. (meals:
breakfast, lunch)
Activity 2
River Kayaking: While the mighty the Mekong River is the most famous river in
Laos, we will instead enjoy kayaking on the Nam Khan tributary river. Following
safety instructions from our guides we put on our lifejackets and helmets and
paddle downriver passing occasional rapids, calm stretches of water and taking in
scenic views in all directions and pass Tad Sae waterfall. The water will be at
times a turquoise colour as we kayak for over 2 hours. On the return trip to Luang
Prabang, we stop in a small village. (June – September the waterfall is most
spectacular) (meals: breakfast, lunch)
Activity 3
Great Race: Students will embark on a Great Race style activity where they will
work in small independent teams to achieve objectives while navigating around
the city and beyond. Along the way, students will try various forms of transport,
interact with the locals and embark on mini fact-finding missions. Students will
climb hills, explore cultural buildings, purchase items from the market and note
down facts and observations. Later in the day as the groups return to base, we
will compare the results. (meals: breakfast, lunch)
On our second day in Luang Prabang, we take a scenic boat trip upriver to the Pak
Ou caves to see this auspicious religious sight and learn how Buddhism influences
many aspects of daily life. In the evening we take part in a hands-on cooking class
hosted by a local chef. We will prepare, cook and eat our own dinner tonight. (meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
www.studenteducationaladventures.com An Epic Adventure - Vietnam & Laos Overland (12 days)
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Day 11
Luang Prabang
Once known as the City of Gold, Luang Prabang is a place that relatively few
visitors, due to its remoteness. The town is magnificent - a fusion of temples,
French colonial villas and traditional Laos homes amongst elegant stupa-like
spires making its a tasteful meld of European and Lao design.
After embarking on a dawn exploration this morning, we will venture out after
breakfast to a remote school to meet our student contemporaries and take part
in an immersion program that includes conversational English, playing
educational games, sports competitions and drawing. There may be the
opportunity the renovate school buildings as an extended project. On our final
evening, we will enjoy a traditional ‘Baci’ dinner blessing ceremony accompanied by a display of traditional
Laotian folk dancing. We will be invited to join the dance. (meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 12
Depart Luang Prabang �
On our final morning in Southeast Asia, we will venture out to witness Sai Bat,
a longstanding tradition in Laos Buddhist culture that entails offering food to
monks throughout Laos, every morning. This centuries-old tradition starts every
morning around 05:30 as saffron-robed monks and novices emerge onto the
streets with their alms bowls (‘bat’). Awaiting them are Lao people who have
already taken the time to prepare sticky rice and other foods.
There will be a final time this morning to enjoy a final stroll along the Mekong
River. There may also be time for a bicycle ride out to a handicraft village to see
silks and hand-made paper being produced using age-old technique before we
transfer to the airport for our flight home. Our tour leader will take care of all flight
re-confirmations, assist with check-in and wave us farewell. (meals: breakfast) Flight details to be advised
www.studenteducationaladventures.com An Epic Adventure - Vietnam & Laos Overland (12 days)
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Summary An Epic Adventure:
Vietnam & Laos overland (12 days)
Grading
Challenging; Students will be required to be in good health
to get the most out of this trip while anyone of reasonable Inclusions
fitness will be able to take part. There are no real physical • All accommodation, transport, activities, entrance
difficulties however students will be expected to walk every costs and other programs as described in the
day. You will also be expected to work diligently during the itinerary
days of the community service project. You will also be • Professional Student Educational Adventures tour
expected to be able to ride a bike and be able to participate leader throughout trip & additional specialist guides
in a light hiking activity. It will be necessary for you to carry • Community project sourcing and arrangements
your own luggage throughout the trip but only for short • Extensive destination-specific risk management and
distances. assessments
• Meals (along with drinking water) as listed and
Accommodation underlined in the daily itinerary
Student accommodation is on a twin/triple share basis. • 24 hours IN COUNTRY support from Student
Teacher accommodation is on a single room basis. Hotels Educational Adventures staff
hold a 3-Star equivalent rating. • Pre-departure support, briefings and planning
meetings for students and parents
• All equipment
Transport • Parents information evening presentation
Modern air-conditioned bus, boat, plane, bicycle. • Parental & student advice for vaccinations &
equipment etc.
Group Size • Tips for local guides & drivers
Minimum group size 20 students & 2 staff members. • Cost of community project
▲ Smaller group sizes can be quoted upon application
Exclusions
Your Tour Leader • International flights to Vietnam / from Laos
• Some meals
Your tour leader is probably the person who most influences
• Vietnam & Laos Visa (if required)
the success of your trip. Thus, Student Educational
Adventures employs its own team of meticulously trained
# Please contact Student Educational Adventures for a competitive
student dedicated, local tour leaders (not foreigners, flight quote for flights to/ From Vietnam/Laos from your country.
imported at your students’ expense with no language skills
or insight into your host culture.)
These nationals are not only the best folk to show you their
country. They are your teachers, translators and an
enthusiastic purveyor of authentic experiences. They are
there to facilitate your immersion into new cultures and are
the bridge between you and the world of education and new
experiences.
Your tour leader is always with your students throughout
your trip and is thoroughly versed in safety protocols and
duty of care responsibilities. This ranges from assisting in
the most basic of health and safety measures to ensuring
that teachers & students are always safe during our trips. All
have been chosen because of their ability to deal with the
needs and unique issues associated with escorting young
people through this wonderful and at times, most foreign of
regions.
www.studenteducationaladventures.com An Epic Adventure - Vietnam & Laos Overland (12 days)
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7 things to check before choosing a student travel company
Choosing the right travel company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your
students. As you compare different school travel providers, you’ll need to weigh up everything from staffing
arrangements to overall trip cost – and, of course, educational value.
To help you choose with confidence, we’ve created a checklist of seven essential factors to consider when you’re
assessing travel companies. You’ll be pleased to know that these factors are a feature of every trip we run.
1. Does your travel provider have a truly local presence?
You might not know it, but many school travel companies have no local presence in the countries they send your
students to. Behind the façade, these providers are marketing companies who outsource their trips to in-country
operators – often importing a foreign manager at your schools’ expense. Value for money aside, running trips in
this way has far-reaching consequences in an emergency, when access to language skills and local knowledge
are vital.
To make sure you’re getting a genuinely local experience, it’s important to choose a bonafide in-country travel
company who has a real local presence in the country you’re travelling to. For example, we use our own in-
country supervisors and tour leaders to manage the school trips we run. As local experts, they travel with you and
your students throughout your entire trip and are responsible for every aspect of your students’ wellbeing.
2. Is your school trip really of value to your students?
A trip abroad with friends will appeal to any young person, and many will relish the chance to explore a world
away from home. But to be of real and enduring educational value, a school trip should challenge students
beyond the kinds of basic touristic experiences they might just as easily have on a family holiday.
To this end, your school travel provider should provide a customised itinerary that shows quality and depth of
engagement. We tailor each of our itineraries to push students beyond a surface-level exchange and maximise
their time in-country so they’re learning the whole time they’re travelling. Our activity-rich programs are big on
cross-cultural interaction, team-building and authentic local experiences. We also include community service
projects wherever possible, which make our trips not only highly educational, but life-changing, too.
3. Is the person leading your students up to the task?
The best people to lead you through a country are the folk who live there. But on top of having expert local
knowledge, the people leading your students should also be expertly trained to deal with young student travellers.
A tour leader who’s up to the task can teach across the full range of personalities, interests and abilities found
among every student group.
For this reason, we make sure our tour leaders have at least three years’ experience leading student groups
before they go in-field with yours. And they’re more than just guides – they’re also teachers, translators and
troubleshooters. Our tour leaders will welcome you warmly when your group arrive, manage all of your trip
logistics, and work responsibly to make sure you and your students always stay healthy and safe.
4. How safe is your travel provider, really?
While some travel companies offer a 24-hour call centre, there’s no substitute for having local people by your side
and looking after you where you are. Local staff know the lay of the land, how to access the best medical attention
in times of crisis and which dialect or language to speak when you need it most. This is especially important
outside of major cities, where major providers’ services can be limited.
Our in-country staff and tour leaders not only access the best international providers (such as SOS, Global
Rescue and Columbia Asia) but also complement these with expert knowledge of the nearest and most
appropriate medical attention within every local area. So, if a worst-case scenario happens – when you need to
communicate with non-English speaking doctors; when a comprehensive first aid kit won’t do the job; or when the
phone number of an international medical provider just isn’t sufficient – you can be sure your student group is in
the best of hands, no matter where they are.
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5. How authentic are your service-learning programs?
Today, having students raise money for their overseas trip is a common way for schools to give back to the places
they visit. However, exchanging skills – and smiles – with local communities can leave a positive legacy that’s
even more powerful.
Fundraising, while well-intentioned, can be in vain if it’s not done in consultation with local communities. To make
sure your impact isn’t simply an add-on, choose a school travel company that facilitates projects that solve real
community problems and which help build local capacity.
Take our community service projects, for instance. We develop them through extensive cooperation with local
people’s committees, NGOs and women’s organisations to ensure your students’ altruism has a lasting impact. All
our service components are meticulously planned, designed to be meaningful and transparent, and, most
importantly, provide tangible long-term benefits for communities.
6. Does the program you’re being offered match your students’ learning needs?
No two school groups are the same, which is why no two school trips should follow the same itinerary. Check that
the travel company you choose offers a customised program that’s flexibly designed to match your students’
unique interests. In our experience, nothing inhibits a successful trip more than ‘off the shelf’ programs with
generic activities.
For this reason, each trip we run is tailored to your school’s curriculum and your students’ distinct learning needs.
We also like to involve students in co-designing their itinerary. Prior to their trip, we run a series of student-
initiated activities to promote agency and collaboration, setting them up for success once they’re overseas.
7. Is the tour priced competitively?
A foreign travel experience for your students needn’t cost the earth. And while variations in destinations, flights
and trip durations add complexity to the task of pricing your trip, the school travel company you choose should
offer you that transparency, without question.
Alongside integrity in pricing sit sound educational outcomes. If your trip provider can’t quantify how your students
will benefit from the trip, then you might ask whether they’re the right fit for you and your school.
Because we operate entirely in-country, with exclusively local staff, our overheads are significantly lower
compared to those of other travel companies. With us, your money goes directly toward creating your tour, rather
than to overseas administration costs or third-party suppliers.
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