Five years ago, T.T. Nhu, Global Exchange board member, moved back to Vietnam after George Bush was returned to the White House. During that time, she traveled up and down the country to re-acquaint herself with the country of her birth. In October 2010, she will lead a tour of the Vietnam that she knows: a country of hearty, enthusiastic, hard working people who, unlike what most Americans fear, do not hate the U.S.

People traveling to Vietnam are often startled by the beauty of the country and the graciousness of its people, qualities that have not faded despite the punishing long war with the United States as well as the subsequent 20-year embargo which lasted until 1995.

Travel to Vietnam with Global Exchange and see how 35 years after the end of the American War, Vietnam is faring after years of war, deprivation and now command capitalism.

We will meet Vietnamese who are inventing their future and confidently entering global markets. Vietnam now has a thriving tourism industry and rapidly growing economy while working to maintain and expand health care, education, poverty alleviation programs and civil liberties. You will meet artists, writers, politicians, teachers, musicians, farmers and environmentalists -- all friends of Nhu's on this personal tour of Vietnam.

The emphasis of this tour will be on Vietnam's societal reconstruction, cultural resurgence and unique mix of Socialism and Capitalism. Global Exchange tours to Vietnam and travel from Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south. We cannot go to central Vietnam because it is typhoon season.

Weather during the late fall to early winter is cool to warm, but not hot. Early arrival or later departure is fine - and our excellent Vietnam tour operator can help make additional arrangements for individuals.

A valid visa is required to enter/exit Vietnam.

Program Highlights:

• After 10 days in Ha Noi and North Viet Nam, we will travel South Ho Chi Minh City and the southern Delta.
• Learn about the successes and failures of building socialism in the aftermath of feudalism and colonialism.
• Meet Vietnam most dynamic avant garde artists.
• Spend a day on a boat and kayaking in Ha Long Bay.
• Visit a rice-producing village during the October Harvest time. (Vietnam is the world's 2nd largest rice-producer; 75% of the population is rural)
• Visit urban and rural community projects, a school, factory, clinic, political representatives, artists, intellectuals and ordinary citizens.
• Meet with a Vietnamese economist to discuss how "Market Capitalism Under State Control" (Vietnam's blending of Socialism & Capitalism) actually works
• Meet with environmental activists

Cost: $1900

Price Includes:

• One in-county air flight
• All ground transportation (private bus & train)
• Private boat trip in Halong Bay, Perfume River
• Double-room accommodation - we can usually pair you up with a roommate (add $350 for single room)
• 3 meals per day-lunch and dinner at local restaurant, Vietnamese food
• All program activities and entrance fees, trip leader(s)
• Guides and translators
• Preparatory reading materials
• Global Exchange membership
• Personal meetings to suit your particular interests (as available)

• International airfare, visa, tips, personal expenses and personal donations are not included.

How to Register:

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Alessandro with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 225.