School Trips to Vietnam: 10 Best Educational & Cultural Destinations for Students
Vietnam is one of the best destinations for school trips, offering a rich blend of history, culture, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Here, students can immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, experience local life, and gain meaningful insights into Vietnamโs traditions and people. Every moment becomes a lesson in exploration, connection, and discovery.
In this guide, Prime Travel Vietnam will walk you through everything you need to plan a memorable and educational school trip to Vietnam, including the best destinations, hands-on educational experiences that students can do here, and practical travel tips for teachers and students.
Why Choose a School Trip to Vietnam?
Planning an overseas school trip means finding a destination thatโs safe, educational, and inspiring, and Vietnam is one of the most suitable countries that you can plan a trip for students. Vietnam combines a rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect learning environment for students of all ages. Whether your group is learning about world history, environmental studies, or cultural exchange, Vietnam offers experiences that connect lessons from the textbook to the real world.
One of the main reasons schools love Vietnam is its cultural diversity and educational value. Students can walk through ancient towns like Hoi An, visit historical landmarks in Hanoi and Hue, or explore local life in the Mekong Delta. Every corner of the country provides learning opportunities.ย
The opportunity for students to explore Vietnamese culture is valuable since it will give them a greater appreciation of the diversity of cultures in the world and will help them to broaden their horizons.
Other than that, Vietnam also has a rich history to discover. Students can visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War and its effects on the local people. Itโs an engaging way for students to broaden their worldview while having fun.
Vietnam is also safe, affordable, and welcoming, which are key factors for teachers and parents. The locals are known for their warmth and hospitality, often eager to share their traditions and stories with young visitors. Affordable accommodations, healthy local cuisine, and excellent guided tours make organizing a Vietnam school trip stress-free and rewarding.
Beyond academics, Vietnam encourages personal growth and teamwork. Activities like trekking in Sapa, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, or volunteering in rural schools help students develop confidence, empathy, and leadership. These hands-on experiences not only make learning memorable but also teach values like community spirit, environmental awareness, and respect for cultural differences.
Best Destinations for School Trips in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a wide range of destinations perfect for school trips, each providing unique learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth. From bustling cities filled with history to peaceful countryside landscapes, the country caters to every kind of educational goal, whether your trip focuses on history and culture, adventure and team-building, or community service and exchange.
Prime Travel knows that choosing the right destination is immensely important, and it depends on what your students hope to gain. These are 10 destinations that are suitable for schools to plan a great educational trip with many interesting and meaningful activities to engage in.
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is one of the most educational and culturally rich destinations for school trips. With its fascinating blend of ancient history and modern development, the city offers students a chance to explore Vietnamโs political, historical, and cultural heart. Walking through Hanoi is like stepping into a living museum, where every street, building, and monument tells a story from the past.
For history-focused school trips, Hanoi provides endless learning opportunities. Students can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the Temple of Literature โ Vietnamโs first national university โ and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the traditions of the countryโs 54 ethnic groups. A visit to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum also provides powerful insights into the nationโs resilience during wartime.
Beyond its historical landmarks, Hanoi is a fantastic place for students to experience local culture firsthand. Exploring the Old Quarter, joining a traditional water puppet show, or tasting local dishes during a guided food walk gives students a glimpse into everyday Vietnamese life.
Read more>>>Ultimate Guide To Hanoi Train Street Time Table, Location In 2025
Ha Long Bay
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnamโs most breathtaking natural wonders and a perfect destination for school trips focused on geography, environmental studies, and adventure learning.ย
Famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from the sea, Ha Long Bay offers students a fascinating outdoor classroom where they can explore nature up close.
Activities like kayaking around the bay, visiting limestone caves such as Sung Sot Cave or Thien Cung Cave, and exploring floating fishing villages provide hands-on learning experiences about the connection between humans and nature.
Ha Long Bay is not only a destination for sightseeing but also a place where students can learn valuable lessons about sustainability and respect for the environment.
Mai Chau
Tucked away in a peaceful valley surrounded by mountains, Mai Chau is an excellent destination for school trips focused on community service, cultural exchange, and outdoor learning. Located just a few hours from Hanoi, this rural area is home to the Thai ethnic minority, offering students a chance to experience authentic Vietnamese countryside life while participating in meaningful and interactive activities.
For students interested in cultural learning, Mai Chau provides hands-on experiences that go beyond the classroom. They can stay in traditional stilt houses, get to know local dances, and try weaving or cooking with villagers. These interactions help students appreciate cultural diversity and the value of preserving traditional ways of life.
One of the most meaningful activities in Mai Chau is volunteering at local schools in underprivileged villages. Many schools here lack resources and facilities, making them ideal places for student groups to lend a helping hand. Activities may include painting classrooms, repairing school fences, building small playgrounds, or donating school supplies. These hands-on projects can teach students the value of teamwork, empathy, and social responsibility.
Sapa
Nestled high in Vietnamโs northern mountains, Sapa is one of the countryโs most breathtaking destinations for school trips. Known for its majestic terraced rice fields, cool mountain air, and rich cultural diversity, Sapa offers students a meaningful combination of adventure, cultural learning, and community service. Itโs the perfect place for young travelers to connect with nature and understand the daily lives of Vietnamโs ethnic minority groups.
For educational and cultural activities, students can visit local villages such as Cat Cat, Lao Chai, and Ta Van, home to ethnic communities like the HโMong and Dao people. Walking through these villages allows students to observe traditional houses, handicrafts, and farming techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Sapa is also an excellent destination for volunteer projects, especially in remote schools where facilities are limited. Students can join programs that include painting classrooms, building playgrounds, or donating school supplies to local children.
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Da Nang
Located in central Vietnam, Da Nang is one of the countryโs most modern and student-friendly cities, making it an excellent choice for educational, cultural, and recreational school trips. With its clean environment, safe streets, and balance between coastal beauty and historical landmarks, Da Nang offers a diverse range of experiences that appeal to both students and teachers.
For those interested in history and culture, Da Nang serves as a gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites โ Hoi An Ancient Town and Hue Imperial City. Students can explore the Cham Sculpture Museum or visit the Marble Mountains.
Da Nang is also an ideal place for team-building and outdoor learning. Its long, sandy beaches such as My Khe Beach, provide the perfect setting for beach games, group activities, or simply relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Students can also visit Ba Na Hills, where they can walk across the famous Golden Bridge, explore European-style gardens, and enjoy the cool mountain air. These experiences encourage fun, bonding, and creativity outside the classroom.
Hue
Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a destination rich in history, architecture, and cultural heritage โ making it a top choice for educational school trips focused on history and culture.
A visit to the Imperial City (Hue Citadel) is the highlight of any school trip. Other must-see landmarks include the Thien Mu Pagoda โ one of the oldest in Vietnam โ and the royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors, such as Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, each reflecting distinct design styles and historical significance.
Beyond history, Hue also offers opportunities for cultural engagement and hands-on learning. Students can join a conical hat-making or incense workshop, sample royal cuisine, or take a boat trip along the Perfume River while listening to traditional folk songs. These experiences allow students to connect emotionally with local culture and gain a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese traditions.
Read more>>>How to Get from Hue to Da Nang: 5 Transport Options and Best Time To Visit
Hoi An
Charming, colorful, and full of history, Hoi An is one of the most captivating destinations for school trips in Vietnam. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient town perfectly combines educational, cultural, and creative learning experiences for students. For students interested in history and culture, Hoi An offers valuable insights into local traditions.ย
Once a bustling international port, the town preserves influences from Vietnam, China, Japan, and Europe, which students can see in its temples, merchant houses, and bridges. Visits to landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Halls, and the Old Houses of Tan Ky or Phung Hung give insight into Hoi Anโs multicultural heritage.
Beyond sightseeing, Hoi An is a great place for hands-on learning and creativity. Students can join traditional lantern-making workshops, learn how to cook Vietnamese dishes, or practice local crafts such as silk weaving and pottery. For schools interested in volunteering or environmental education, Hoi An offers programs like beach cleanups, tree planting, or English exchange with local students.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vibrant, dynamic, and full of energy, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a must-visit destination for school trips that focus on modern history, cultural learning, and real-world economics. Itโs a place where students can explore the countryโs wartime history, learn about urban life, and experience Vietnamโs role in the global economy today.
For history and social studies, HCMC offers powerful educational experiences. A visit to the War Remnants Museum gives students a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War through stories, photographs, and preserved artifacts. The Reunification Palace brings history to life as students stand in the very rooms where key events shaped Vietnamโs future.ย
A short trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels provides insight into the resilience and ingenuity of Vietnamese soldiers, allowing students to walk through parts of the underground tunnel network used during the war.
Beyond historical learning, the city is ideal for cultural and community engagement. Students can explore Ben Thanh Market, visit local pagodas, or join cultural exchange activities with schools and youth centers.
Read more>>>Ho Chi Minh Weather By Month And Best Time To Visit
Mekong Delta
With its network of rivers, floating markets, fruit orchards, and rural villages, the Mekong Delta offers students a unique opportunity to experience a way of life deeply connected to nature and agriculture. Itโs an ideal setting for students to explore the region by boat, visiting floating markets such as Cai Rang or Cai Be, where theyโll see how trading takes place on the water.
Visiting local workshops, coconut candy factories, or rice paper villages helps students understand traditional crafts and sustainable production methods. A stop at a fruit farm or a family-run orchard allows them to learn about agriculture, taste seasonal fruits, and see eco-farming in action.
The Mekong Delta is also a meaningful place for community service and cultural exchange. Many rural schools and village communities welcome international students for volunteering projects. Activities may include painting classrooms, engaging in English exchange sessions, repairing school facilities, or supporting local environmental programs. These interactions help students develop empathy, teamwork, and cultural understanding while contributing positively to the community.
Cu Chi Tunnels
A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most impactful experiences for school trips in Vietnam, especially for students studying history, resilience, and wartime strategies. Located 70 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City, this underground network used to play a crucial role during the Vietnam War.ย
The Cu Chi Tunnels once extended nearly 250 kilometers in total, with about 120 kilometers that have been well-preserved and open for visitors. Exploring the tunnels allows students to step into the past and better understand the challenges and ingenuity of Vietnamese soldiers.
During the guided tour, students can see underground living areas, secret entrances, meeting rooms, and trap systems, gaining insight into how soldiers survived and communicated during wartime. Students can also crawl through a short section of the tunnel to experience firsthand the confined space soldiers lived in, which would be an eye-opening and unforgettable moment.
Practical Tips for Vietnam School Trip
Planning a school trip to Vietnam is easier when youโre well-prepared. Here are some key tips to ensure a smooth, safe, and meaningful journey:
- The weather in Vietnam varies from region to region, so itโs best to check the weather forecast and bring suitable clothes.
- Ensure all participants have valid passports, visas (if required), travel insurance, and recommended vaccinations arranged well in advance.
- Partner with an experienced Vietnam-based travel provider that specializes in school programs to secure safe transport, suitable accommodation, and age-appropriate meals.
- Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and modest attire for visits to temples or cultural sites.
- Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent for field activities.
FAQ
Is Vietnam a safe destination for school trips?
Yes. Vietnam is considered one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for student travel. Cities and major tourist destinations are generally secure, and Vietnamese people are welcoming and respectful toward visitors.
Do students need visas to travel to Vietnam?
Visa requirements depend on the studentโs nationality. Some countries are eligible for visa exemption, while others must apply for an e-visa or embassy visa prior to travel. It is recommended to check the latest entry regulations at least 2โ3 months before departure to ensure all documents are prepared in time. A travel operator can assist schools with the visa process if needed.
What support is provided during student trips to Vietnam?
All our educational tours typically include full travel coordination, such as accommodation, transportation, meals, entrance tickets, and activity arrangements. Additional support may include pre-trip planning, safety guidelines, cultural orientations, and 24/7 on-ground assistance.
Do Vietnam educational trips include guided visits or local staff?
Yes. Educational school trips in Vietnam include licensed English-speaking guides, experienced tour leaders, and local facilitators for cultural workshops or volunteer programs.
Is there someone available to help in case of emergencies during Vietnam educational tours?
Absolutely. Our professional staffs provide 24/7 emergency support throughout the trip. Dedicated local coordinators or tour leaders will accompany the group, and emergency contacts are available at all times for teachers and parents
Highly Recommend Vietnam School Tours
Immerse your students in Vietnamโs rich culture with our 4-day North Vietnam school trip, uniquely designed for an in-depth exploration of traditional craftsmanship. This journey features a full-day excursion to artisan villages, where students will discover how local people make silk, conical hats, and visit a family workshop for traditional musical instruments. Other than that, students also get to visit Ha Long Bay and other historical sites in Hanoi.
Discover the perfect 5-day North Vietnam school trip, blending education, culture, and adventure in Hanoi and Ninh Binh. Students will engage in a unique cultural exchange at a local high school, learn about wildlife conservation from an expert at Cuc Phuong National Park, and explore the stunning โHalong Bay on landโ. This incredible journey is packed with hands-on experiences, including Hanoi street food tour, local cooking class, and a historical sites trip.
This trip combines exploring Southern Vietnam local life with giving back to local communities on this meaningful 5-day journey with Prime Travel Vietnam. Explore iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, uncover the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, and immerse yourself in the spiritual beauty of local temples. Take part in rewarding volunteer activities at Kim Phuoc Pagoda, supporting orphans and the elderly through painting and community work.
Experience a meaningful journey with Prime Travel Vietnam as you explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of North Vietnam. Combine travel and purpose through hands-on volunteer work at rural schools, helping local children while immersing yourself in the regionโs authentic life. Then, you get to discover breathtaking limestone landscapes in Ninh Binh. This 6-day journey blends adventure, culture, and compassion for an unforgettable experience.
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