The Making of Modern Vietnam
- Vietnam
Sustainable Development Goals in Action
Program Overview
Few countries tell a more compelling story of transformation than Vietnam. In just a few decades it has moved from the aftermath of war to one of Asia’s most dynamic developing economies — and nowhere is that energy more visible than in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s commercial heart. For students of history, environment, and culture, the city is an extraordinary living classroom in which the legacies of the past and the momentum of rapid development sit side by side.
Development in Vietnam is inseparable from its environment. The great waterways of the Mekong Delta and the mangrove forests of the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve reveal both the natural richness of the region and the environmental pressures that accompany growth. Through field study in these landscapes, students see how questions of sustainability, ecology, and development play out on the ground.
This program blends faculty-led classroom study with immersive cultural and environmental field experiences. Students explore historic sites and landmarks, delta communities and biosphere reserves, and the vibrant contemporary culture of Ho Chi Minh City — reflecting throughout on Vietnam’s history, environment, and ongoing development.
Key Program Elements
Study Vietnam’s History, Environment & Culture
- Explore modern Vietnamese history and the country’s remarkable post-war development story through faculty-led study and site visits.
- Examine the environmental dimensions of development through the Mekong Delta and the Cần Giờ mangrove biosphere reserve.
- Engage with the heritage, traditions, and contemporary culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Build Skills in Field-Based Inquiry & Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Combine classroom learning with immersive field study across urban, historical, and natural environments.
- Develop cross-cultural fluency and a global perspective on development and sustainability.
- Strengthen reflective and analytical skills by connecting first-hand observation to academic study.
Hands-on Cultural & Environmental Immersion
- Visit historic Buddhist temples and Independence Palace, a landmark of modern Vietnamese history.
- Take a guided excursion through the Mekong Delta and a day visit to the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve.
- Experience traditional Vietnamese cultural performances.
- Enjoy a day trip to Ho Tram Beach on the South China Sea coast.
Which UN SDGs does this program advance?
SDG 4: Quality Education
- Delivers an experiential, faculty-led learning model that pairs classroom study with immersive field experiences.
- Builds intercultural, analytical, and reflective competencies that extend well beyond the traditional classroom.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Students study one of Asia’s most dynamic developing economies and the drivers of Vietnam’s rapid growth.
- The program examines how development, opportunity, and change unfold in a fast-transforming society.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Through Ho Chi Minh City’s heritage sites, landmarks, and culture, students explore how a growing city balances history, community, and modernization.
- Cultural immersions connect students to the traditions and everyday life of the city.
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Field study in the Cần Giờ mangrove biosphere reserve and the Mekong Delta highlight the ecosystems that sustain the region.
- Students examine the environmental pressures that accompany development and the value of conservation.
Program Highlights
Independence Palace
A traditional Vietnamese bamboo-circus performance
Mekong Delta excursion
Cần Giờ Mangrove Biosphere Reserve
Ho Tram Beach Day trip
Welcome dinner at a popular local Vietnamese restaurant
What will you learn?
Vietnamese History & Development
Understand modern Vietnamese history and the country’s development trajectory through faculty-led study and immersion in Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks and daily life.
Skills Developed:
Historical Analysis, Development Literacy
Environment & Sustainability
Examine the ecosystems and environmental challenges of a developing region through field study in the Mekong Delta and the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve.
Skills Developed:
Environmental Awareness, Systems Thinking
Field-Based Inquiry
Translate classroom theory into questions and analysis through curated site visits, excursions, and direct cultural engagement.
Skills Developed:
Inquiry-Based Research, Critical Analysis
Global Citizenship & Cross-Cultural Perspective
Develop cross-cultural fluency and a global perspective on history, environment, and development through an extended immersion in Vietnam.
Skills Developed:
Cross-Cultural Communication, Global Awareness
What does a typical week look like?
(Sample itinerary)
Specific organizations, activities, and sites are curated based on the faculty’s learning objectives and may vary by cohort. The categories below reflect the types of engagements included in this program.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival transfers to the program accommodation, a centrally located 4-star hotel-apartment in Ho Chi Minh City. Orientation and safety briefing led by the Authentica Program Manager.
Day 2: Welcome Dinner
Faculty-led sessions and independent study during the day. Evening: welcome dinner at a popular local Vietnamese restaurant. Meals: B, D
Day 3: Vietnamese Cultural Performance
Study time during the day. Evening: a traditional Vietnamese cultural performance with dinner. Meals: B, D
Day 4: Classroom & Study
Faculty-led classroom sessions and independent research. Meals: B
Day 5: Historic Temples
Guided visit to two historic Buddhist temples. Meals: B
Day 6: Classroom & Study
Faculty-led sessions and independent study. Meals: B
Days 7–8: Mekong Delta Excursion
Guided two-day excursion exploring the Mekong Delta's waterways, communities, and environment. Meals: B
Day 9: Classroom & Study
Faculty-led sessions and independent study. Meals: B
Day 10: Independence Palace
Guided visit to Independence Palace, a landmark of modern Vietnamese history (entrance included). Meals: B
Day 11: Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve
Guided day visit to the Cần Giờ Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. Meals: B
Days 12–15: Classroom, Study & Independent Exploration
Faculty-led sessions, research, and time for independent exploration of the city. Meals: B
Day 16: Bamboo-Circus Performance
Evening: an acclaimed Vietnamese bamboo-circus performance. Meals: B
Days 17–21: Classroom, Study & Independent Exploration
Continued faculty-led sessions, research, and independent exploration. Meals: B
Day 22: Ho Tram Beach Day Trip
Guided day trip to Ho Tram Beach on the coast, including lunch. Meals: B, L
Day 23: Departure
Check-out and departure transfers. Meals: B
*Please note that the itinerary is a sample guide and is subject to possible modifications.
Program Snapshot
- Meals Included
22 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch & 2 Dinners
- Sustainability
Carbon Neutral
- On-Ground Support
24×7 Authentica Program Manager
- Liability Insurance
USD $5,000,000 program liability coverage
Pricing & Inclusions
- From USD $2,760 ≈ AUD $3,980 per participant (twin-share)
*Costs may vary depending on group size, program inclusions, number of program days, and other factors. Please contact us for a customized quote.
What's Included
- Accommodation (breakfast & Wi-Fi included) at a centrally located 4-star hotel apartment for 22 nights
- AC coach for meetings, cultural immersions, and group meals (incl. tolls, parking, drinking water)
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Group meals — 22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners
- Guided cultural immersions by English-speaking professionals
- Tickets to two Vietnamese cultural performances
- Guided Mekong Delta excursion
- Guided day visit to the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve
- Guided visit to Independence Palace (entrance included)
- Guided day trip to Ho Tram Beach (with lunch)
- Carbon offset and 24×7 Authentica Program Manager support
- Tips for guides, drivers, and waiters (group meals), plus all applicable taxes
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Airport taxes and departure levies
- Personal travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses, shopping, and optional activities
- Meals not listed in the included meals schedule
FAQs About the Program
Southern Vietnam is best experienced during the dry season, roughly December to April, when Ho Chi Minh City enjoys warm, sunny days and little rain — the ideal window for the city, the Mekong Delta, and the coast. Expect warm, humid conditions of around 30–32°C (86–90°F); the program can be tailored to your academic calendar. Light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle are ideal.
Most international students — including U.S. citizens — need a visa to enter Vietnam, and Vietnam’s e-visa can be applied for online in advance. Authentica provides step-by-step guidance and a pre-departure docket covering the process, though the visa application and fee are the participant’s responsibility. We recommend confirming requirements for your specific nationality well ahead of departure.
Lightweight, breathable clothing suits the tropical climate, along with comfortable walking shoes for the city, the Mekong Delta, and the Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve. For the Buddhist temples and more traditional sites, plan to cover your shoulders and knees — a light scarf or a layer you can slip on works well. Sun protection, insect repellent, and a small daypack are also worth bringing.
These excursions are built around boat rides, gentle walking, and guided exploration rather than strenuous hiking. Expect full, active days outdoors in the heat, some uneven ground, and time on the water. A reasonable level of mobility and comfort walking for a few hours is all that’s needed; there is no advanced fitness requirement.
Food is one of the highlights of this program — from pho and banh mi to fresh Mekong Delta specialties. Vietnam also has a strong vegetarian tradition tied to its Buddhist heritage, so plant-based options are widely available. Authentica collects dietary requirements in advance, and group meals are arranged at venues that can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-aware needs.
The local currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND). Cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and larger restaurants, but it’s worth carrying some cash for markets, street food, and smaller vendors. Tipping is not traditionally expected in Vietnam, though it is appreciated — and the program already includes tips for guides, drivers, and group meals.
Yes. Alongside faculty-led sessions and guided excursions, the itinerary includes study days and independent time to explore the city’s markets, cafés, museums, and neighborhoods. Your Authentica Program Manager and local guides can offer recommendations and help you get around the city safely and confidently.
Vietnam is widely regarded as one of Asia’s safest destinations for international students, and serious crime is rare. The main thing to adjust to is the city’s famous scooter traffic, crossing streets calls for a steady, predictable pace, and your guides will show you how. A dedicated Authentica Program Manager provides 24×7 on-ground support throughout, and Authentica carries a US$5M general liability policy and a US$1M+ errors & omissions policy.
Academic credit is awarded only by your home institution, not by Authentica, and credit policies vary from university to university. Check with your study abroad office or academic advisor to confirm whether this program qualifies for credit at your institution. Do check out our signature program where we give credits for the programs
Interested in a Similar Program?
Contact us at info@authentica.com to design a faculty-led immersion around your objectives or submit your inquiry through the “Inquire Now” form. Rest assured, we will promptly reach out to you.
Need help? Contact us at info@authentica.com