Vietnam – Service Learning Trip in Mai Chau

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Welcome to Hanoi! Your AET guide meets the group at Noi Bai Airport and transfers everyone to the hotel (rooms available from 2:00 pm). The rest of the day is free to settle in and recover from the flight.

Meals included: Nil

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing – Transfer to Mai Chau (B, L, D)

Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour with city’s most highlighted sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closes on Monday and Friday), his traditional stilt house, One Pillar Pagoda and Temple Of Literature – the first University of Vietnam.

Lunch at KOTO, a social enterprise restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth through culinary training. Savor authentic Vietnamese dishes prepared by aspiring chefs honing their skills for a brighter future. Every meal supports education and career opportunities, making your visit both delicious and impactful.

Then transfer to Mai Chau with 3.5 hours driving. Mai Chau is a scenic valley with lush rice fields and vibrant Thai ethnic culture. You can explore stilt houses, local crafts, and mountain landscapes.

Check in the stilted guesthouse (2–3 houses based on the genders). Dinner and Overnight at local guesthouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Traditional stilted guesthouse (sharing room based on the gender)

Day 3: Mai Chau – Community Orientation – Service Learning – Cooking Demonstration (B, L, D)

Board the bus and transfer to community (1 hour driving from Mai Chau center), where a warm welcome from the local villagers awaits. This will be your base for an immersive service-learning project. Begin with a needs-analysis activity, walking through the village in small groups to observe and identify key community challenges. Gather at the community house for group discussions, brainstorming solutions to support local development.

Next, participate in a project orientation led by guides and facilitators, providing insights into past initiatives and the village’s social and environmental context. Walk to the project site, where you’ll receive safety instructions and hands-on training before working with tools and materials to contribute to community infrastructure improvements.

After a productive session, return to the community hub to freshen up and enjoy a well-deserved lunch break.

In the afternoon, continue working alongside villagers, deepening your understanding of sustainable development and teamwork.

Later, engage in a cultural exchange through a traditional cooking experience. Split into small groups and visit local families to learn how to prepare traditional dishes—without translation! This interactive session enhances non-verbal communication skills and strengthens connections with the local community. End the day by enjoying the meal you’ve prepared together, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage.

Finally, take a coach back to your guesthouse (45 minutes – 1 hour) for an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Traditional stilted guesthouse (sharing room based on the gender)

Day 4: Mai Chau – Community Service Learning – Farming Life Experience – Party with Local Community (B, L, D)

After breakfast, take a 45-minute coach ride to community for a full day of hands-on learning. Begin with a safety briefing and project orientation, understanding the work structure before using tools and materials to contribute to community improvements. After the morning work session, return to the community hub to clean up and enjoy a well-earned lunch break.

In the afternoon, continue working on the service project, enhancing teamwork and problem-solving skills while making a tangible impact on the village.

Later, take part in an immersive farming experience, engaging with local farmers to learn traditional agricultural practices and sustainable farming techniques.

In the evening, celebrate with a traditional fashion show and party, where villagers express their gratitude to the group. Students also have the chance to showcase their talents through singing and dancing, creating a joyful cultural exchange.

Finally, transfer back to Mai Chau center by coach (45 minutes – 1 hour) for an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Traditional stilted guesthouse (sharing room based on the gender)

Day 5: Mai Chau – Bamboo Rafting – Transfer Back to Hanoi (B, L, D)

Start the morning with an exciting bamboo rafting experience, beginning with a 15-minute walk to the stream. In small groups, work together to construct bamboo rafts, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Once completed, put your rafts to the test with a fun rowing competition on the water.

After the activity, return to the guesthouse to refresh before enjoying a final lunch with your hosts.

In the afternoon, bid farewell to Mai Chau and embark on the journey back to Hanoi (3.5 hour driving). Dinner at local restaurant and Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay Day Trip – Hanoi (B, L, D)

In the morning, depart from Hanoi for Halong Bay, arriving around noon. Board a junk boat for a breath-taking five-hour cruise, exploring the bay’s emerald waters and iconic limestone formations.

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board while sailing past stunning landscapes. Visit some of Halong Bay’s most famous caves, then witness a beautiful sunset over the bay.

After returning to the harbor, transfer to your hotel.
Farewell Dinner is at local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi Departure (B)

Free time until the transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight (check-out at noon). Safe travels home, and see you on the next adventure!

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nil