Course Itinerary:

Part our week will be spent working and learning with the Vinh Long Community Development Association. This organization is trying to make change through sponsoring health, welfare and education related projects. These projects require the support and participation of visiting groups to assist local efforts at community development. The two most pressing issues that the community has to face with have been identified as poor housing and sanitation conditions.

• Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival, Welcome Dinner.
• Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels Story of Sai Gon.
• Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long Project Work.
• Day 4: Vinh Long Project Work, Farming Activities.
• Day 5: Vinh Long Project Work, Traditional Art and Crafts, Boat Racing.
• Day 6: Vinh Long Project Work, School Visit, Talent Show.
• Day 7: Vinh Long, Floating Market, Ho Chi Minh City Departure.

Here is a link to a more detailed itinerary

Travel Information

We will leave from the SFS bus garage early morning Sunday, Oct. 28. The exact time has not been set yet, but we will update this location when we know. Our return will be on the afternoon of Saturday, Nov. 3. we will be providing a bus back to SFS.

Here are our flight details:

Vietnam Airlines

VN409 28OCT ICN SGN 1015 1340

VN404 03NOV SGN ICN 0910 1625

Contact Information for trip

Leader Emails: nathan.walker@seoulforeign.org and judith.reid@seoulforeign.org

Tour Company Contact Email: chi.ngo@buffalotours.com

Packing List

The following packing list was provided by the tour company:

This is not an exhaustive list, but is a good guideline of the minimum required. When packing please remember that the Vinh Long trip is an outdoor education / service learning program. Weather conditions vary. To help here is an indication of the climate in Vinh Long.

Vinh Long is a monsoon climate. The rainy season lasts from May to October. The dry season lasts from December to April. The annual average temperature varies between 26 and 27ºC. The annual average rainfall is 1,250mm - 1,500mm.

• A good day pack big enough to carry personal items – water bottle, waterproof jacket, camera, etc.
• Trainer/sports shoes for hiking. These are better than boots as they dry more quickly (we are doing outdoor activities and shoes will get wet & muddy)! Many activities require closed shoes, so please don’t come with just sandals.
• als (no heels). Sports type ‘Teevers’ are ideal.
• 2 Long trousers (1 for work & hiking / 1 for in town and travel). Cotton trousers are fine, although light weight synthetic trousers are quicker drying once they get wet.
• 2 Long Shirts (1 for work & hiking / 1 for in town and travel) you want long sleeves to give you protection from the sun and insects! Nice on cool evenings.
• Fleece / sweater – it can get cold in the evenings especially between October to February.
• 2 Shorts (1 for work & hiking / 1 for in town and travel)
• 4 T shirts (Please, no offensive slogans) Girls – this is a ‘conservative rural area’ halter tops /
• Revealing tops should not be worn.
• Underwear
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream or sun block.
• Water Bottle (1 Litre capacity). In the interests on cutting down the use of plastic, we do not automatically provide students with bottles of water. Students can refill from large central filtered water bottles.
• Insect Repellent. DEET-based is a good idea.
• Wash kit.
• Any personal medication/sanitary items.
• Torch/flashlight
• Pens, pencils, notebook, calculators and camera if needed
• Gloves for construction work

Requirements/Considerations:

• Much of your days will be spent engaged in physical labor projects in hot and humid conditions.
• No special dietary restrictions are accommodated, but the food it delicious and plentiful.
• Accommodations will be in comfortable, clean but modest hotels.
• Be willing to be without your phone for much of the week.
• Sunday to Saturday

Approximate Cost: $1,500 - $2,000

Sponsors: Ms. Reid and Mr. N. Walker

Course Location: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta (Southern Vietnam)

Course Category Adventure, Culture, Service

Student Leaders: We may choose a few student leaders in September after course placements are announced.

Additional Resources Buffalo Educational Travel