Vietnam

Why Vietnam

Vietnam’s layered history, vibrant street life, and welcoming communities offer a powerful setting for donor gatherings, alumni immersions, and reflection-focused retreats. Hanoi’s lakes and coffeehouses frame conversations, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh inspire reflection, central Vietnam reveals imperial history and lantern-lit evenings, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) connects to innovation and Mekong initiatives. With bilingual guides and trusted partners, we keep logistics smooth so leaders can focus on relationships and generosity. Pull insights from our travel commissions guide to sustain momentum after you return.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Hanoi & North: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, water puppets, and coffee-fueled conversations.
• Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh: overnight cruises among limestone karsts, kayaking, floating villages, and Trang An boat rides.
• Central Heritage: Hue Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, DMZ remembrance, Hoi An lantern streets, and My Son Sanctuary.
• Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Independence Palace, Cu Chi tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, and delta boat excursions.
• Emerging Partnerships: local organizations, education programs, business development, and refugee support with Vietnamese diaspora.

Sub-Regions & Routes

Hanoi & Surrounds

• Base near Hoan Kiem Lake for walkable Old Quarter and partner hubs.
• Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral, French Quarter, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for historical context.
• Day trip to Bat Trang ceramic village or Duong Lam ancient village for artisan stories.

Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh Retreats

• 2.5 hr drive to Ha Long; overnight cruise blends sunrise tai chi and small-group reflection on deck.
• Ninh Binh (Trang An, Tam Coc) offers karst landscapes, cycling, and rural walks.

Central Vietnam: Hue, Danang, Hoi An

• Fly to Hue for imperial heritage and DMZ remembrance; travel via Hai Van Pass to Danang.
• Hoi An’s lantern-lit river, Assembly Halls, and Cham Islands provide coastal retreat days and donor dinners.
• Partners in Danang or Hoi An focus on education, disabilities support, and social enterprises.

Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

• Explore Notre-Dame Basilica, Saigon Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, and Cu Chi tunnels.
• Meet local communities, visit innovation hubs, and support NGOs addressing trafficking and poverty.
• Mekong Delta day trip for Cai Be floating markets, coconut farms, and river cruising.

Trip Length & Pacing

8 Days

• Arrive Hanoi; Old Quarter orientation and evening street-food tour.
• Ha Long Bay overnight cruise with cave exploration.
• Fly to Danang; transfer to Hoi An for lantern walk and partner briefing.
• Day trip to Hue or My Son Sanctuary; evening boat program on the Thu Bon River.
• Fly to Ho Chi Minh City; city tour, Cu Chi tunnels, and donor dinner on Saigon River.
• Community program or innovation visit; depart.

10 Days

• Adds Ninh Binh rural retreat with cycling and guided walk.
• Includes Mekong Delta boat day and social enterprise workshop in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Provides buffer for a rest morning or leadership training in Hoi An or Saigon.

13 Days

• Comprehensive circuit: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, plus optional Sapa or Phu Quoc island extension.
• Adds DMZ remembrance, hill-tribe engagement, coastal retreat day, and multiple partner meetings.
• Allows a rest morning, storytelling nights, and strategic planning sessions for long-term partnership.

Best Time to Go

• February–April (spring) offers mild temps in central/north and dry conditions in the south.
• September–November (autumn) provides pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and harvest season in the north.
• Summer (May–August) is hot/humid with occasional showers; we schedule indoor breaks and evening programs.
• Typhoon season (Sept–Nov) may affect central coast; we monitor forecasts and adjust as needed.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Hanoi (HAN), Danang (DAD), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN); domestic flights connect key regions.
• Transport: private coaches, domestic flights, overnight Ha Long cruises, river boats, and cycling excursions.
• Typical travel times: Hanoi ↔ Ha Long ~2.5 hrs drive; Hanoi ↔ Danang flight ~1.5 hrs; Danang ↔ Ho Chi Minh City flight ~1 hr; Hoi An ↔ Hue ~3 hrs drive.
• Lodging: boutique city hotels, riverfront Hoi An resorts, Ha Long cruise cabins, Mekong eco-lodges, and guesthouses when appropriate.
• Meals: Vietnamese cuisine—pho, banh mi, spring rolls, fresh seafood, tropical fruit; we provide safe water and tailor menus for dietary needs.
• Mobility: light to moderate—walking on uneven streets, boat boarding, optional hikes; we plan accessible routes and rest periods.
• Fundraising moments: skyline dinners in Hanoi, lantern-lit dinners in Hoi An, river cruises, and coffeehouse storytelling nights.

Extensions & Combos

• Pair with Cambodia (Siem Reap) or Thailand for Southeast Asia circuits.
• Add Singapore or Hong Kong for innovation and donor briefings.
• Combine with Philippines or Taiwan for Asia-Pacific regional comparisons.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need visas? A: Most travelers require an e-Visa; we guide the application process and entry procedures.
• Q: How do we manage heat? A: We schedule morning excursions, indoor afternoons, ample hydration, and rest breaks.
• Q: Are religious sites open to visitors? A: Yes—major sites in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and coastal towns welcome visitors with advance coordination.
• Q: Can choirs perform? A: Performances require permits; we collaborate with local partners to secure venues and comply with regulations.
• Q: How far ahead should we plan? A: Book 9–12 months ahead for spring or fall travel, Ha Long cruises, and domestic flight blocks.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add Vietnam to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.