People traveling to Vietnam are always taken aback by both the beauty of the country and the graciousness of its people, qualities that have not faded despite the punishing 15-year war and occupation with the United States as well as the subsequent 20-year embargo after its 1975 liberation.
Travel to Vietnam with Global Exchange and see the legacies and lessons of "the American War". Witness how these courageous people are reinventing their future and confidently entering the world stage. Against all odds, Viet Nam has a thriving tourism industry and rapidly growing economy while working hard to maintain and expand health care, education, poverty alleviation programs and civil liberties.
The Viet Nam Women's Union organizes our itineraries and leads our travel seminars. The emphasis of this tour will be on Viet Nam's societal reconstruction, cultural resurgence and unique mix of Socialism and Capitalism. However, all Global Exchange tours to Vietnam also examine the history of the war with America, and how the US government, military and corporate sector have yet to take responsibility for the destruction that their aggression inflicted on Vietnamese society and its environment. For example, the Dow corporation wreaked extensive damage to many Vietnamese communities by manufacturing the gene-destroying chemical defoliant, Agent Orange.
Join the Vietnamese people in building Bridges of Peace on a Global Exchange delegation to Vietnam - from Ha Noi in the north, to Hué in the middle, and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Sai Gon) in the south. Weather during the late fall to early winter is cool to warm, but not hot. Expect occasional light rainfall. Early arrival or later departure is fine - and our excellent Vietnam tour operator can help make additional arrangements for individuals.
Program Highlights:
- After six days in the Ha Noi area, take a train to Hué and spend 3-4 days there visiting Hué, Da Nang, and Hoi An, then fly to Ho Chi Minh City for the remainder of the tour.
- Learn about the successes and failures of building socialism in the aftermath of feudalism and colonialism.
- Spend a day on a boat in lovely Ha Long Bay.
- Witness the people's attempts to overcome the scars of 15 years of war with America.
- Dialogue about developing closer relations between the people of the U.S. and the people of Viet Nam.
- Interact with Viet Nam's rich culture and learn of its historic significance in South East Asia.
- Tour ancient temples and palaces.
- Spend an entire day in a rice-producing village (Viet Nam is the world's #2 rice-producer & 80% of the population is rural)
- Visit urban and rural community projects, a school, factory, clinic, political representatives, artists, intellectuals and ordinary citizens.
- Meet with American and Viet Namese war veterans and visit some of the humanitarian projects on which they work together.
- Meet with a Viet Namese economist to discuss how "Market Capitalism Under State Control" (Viet Nam's blending of Socialism & Capitalism) actually works
- Discuss Viet Nam's entry into the WTO (World Trade Organization) and drive through bustling new business parks.
- Meet the people and get to know their realities and aspirations.
Cost: $1950 in DBL room. Single rooms always available for $350 additional. International airfare not included.
Price Includes:
- One in-county air flight, all ground transportation (private bus & train), double-room accommodation - we can usually pair you up with a roommate (add $350 for single room), 3 meals per day, all program activities and entrance fees, trip leader(s), guides and translators, preparatory reading materials, Global Exchange membership and personal meetings to suit your particular interests (as available). International airfare, visa, tips, personal expenses and personal donations are not included. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants
How to Register:
We must receive your application and a non-refundable deposit of $200 two months before departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied to late applications. Payments by Mastercard or Visa are welcome.In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.
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