10 DAYS IN THE MEKONG DELTA
03/14/25 - 03/23/25
TRIP OVERVIEW
Enlight Global and St. John’s Preparatory School Present: South Vietnam, Spring 2025
Dear students, families, and community members,
Enlight Global and St. John’s Preparatory School are pleased to announce the opportunity to experience the past, present, and future of South Vietnam on a 10 day trip through the Mekong Delta from March 14-23, 2025.
This purpose driven trip allows travelers to explore themes of comparative governance between Vietnam’s Socialist Republic and US Democracy, Vietnam’s past, present, and future, and especially the vital role of the Mekong River in the culture and economy of South Vietnam.
Come with us by boat, bicycle, and more for the adventure of a lifetime. Experience the sounds, sights, colors, culture, music, and food of Vietnam in unimaginable settings, as you come to better understand the importance of this pivotal, complex, and beautiful country.
Please find the 10-day itinerary outlined below, and use the links to explore the adventure in more detail!
GROUP ITINERARY
Friday March 14: Fly from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, late PM arrival
Saturday, March 15: Check into HCMC Hotel, rest overnight
Sunday, March 16: Explore Ho Chi Minh City
AM orientation and breakfast at Hotel
Visit the Reunification Palace, also known as the Presidential Palace, for a guided tour through the recent history of South Vietnam.
Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam/American War through exhibitions of war artifacts.
Dine at a local restaurant
Monday, Day 4: Cu Chi Tunnels and Journey to Can Tho
Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels after breakfast.
Continue to Can Tho City after Tunnels.
Dinner and overnight in Can Tho, the Mekong Delta’s largest city, and home of Can Tho University
Tuesday, Day 5, Can Tho Floating Market and Traditional Farmstay Visit
Early AM Departure for Can Tho Floating Market
Lunch at The Light House in Can Tho
Continue to visit a traditional farm, outside Can Tho City
Spend the afternoon learning about traditional Vietnamese agriculture, culture, and lifestyle in the Mekong Delta region
Overnight outside of Can Tho
Wednesday, Day 6: Khmer Culture in the Mekong Delta
Depart after breakfast to visit a Khmer Temple, learning about different ethnicities in the Mekong Delta
Lunch at Uts Thang rest stop/market
Late afternoon arrival in Vinh Long, boat pick up at Vinh Long pier and journey to Ut Trinh Homestay on An Binh Island
Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine
Overnight Ut Trinh homestay
Thursday, Day 7: Explore the Local Area
Depart by boat after breakfast to explore the Red Brick Kingdom, visit local artisans making traditional goods and crafts
Special lunch served on boat
Visit Vinh Long market, purchase local ingredients for cooking dinner
Traditional Vietnamese Opera Performance followed by Open Mic
Overnight at Ut Trinh Homestay
Friday, Day 8: Explore Ut Trinh Homestay
Catfish noodling
Food preparation
Bicycle An Binh Island
Free Time/Journaling/Reflective Discussions
Service Preparation
*meals and overnight at Ut Trinh Homestay
Saturday, Day 9: Service with local Vietnamese students
Depart by boat after breakfast, meet bus and local Vietnamese English students from the American-Australian English Center (AAEC) to volunteer bringing food, school supplies, and/or clothing to home for disabled adults in the Mekong Delta
Lunch in Vinh Long
Return to Ut Trinh Homestay, prepare for farewell party
Farewell karaoke and dance party
Overnight at Ut Trinh homestay.
Sunday, Day 10:
Bus pickup and return to HoChiMinh City, depart for the US.
PRICING, DEADLINES, AND INSURANCE
All-inclusive cost for Vietnam: The Mighty Mekong - $3,600
Payment and Deposit Schedule:
November 1st $500 Deposit Due (refundable until December 1st)
December 1st: 50% of Remaining Due ($1550) non-refundable
January 15th: Remaining Balance Due ($1550) non-refundable
Travel Insurance: After December 1st, Allianz Prime Travel Insurance will be purchased for all travelers. The policy allows a full refund of pre-paid travel costs in the event of a necessary cancellation (covered by the policy), at any point prior to starting the trip.