ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Vietnam Study Tour

3-21 November 2019

ITINERARY SUMMARY *subject to minor changes*

Day 01 03 Nov 2019 (Sun) Hanoi airport arrival private transfers 9:30 & 13:00

Day 02 04 Nov 2019 (Mon) Full day at HU

Day 03 05 Nov 2019 (Tue) Morning workshop at HU - Afternoon workshop at Hotel

Day 04 06 Nov 2019 (Wed) Morning City tour - Afternoon Cooking Class

Day 05 07 Nov 2019 (Thu) Morning workshop at Hotel – Afternoon free

Day 06 08 Nov 2019 (Fri) Mai Chau

Day 07 09 Nov 2019 (Sat) Mai Chau

Day 08 10 Nov 2019 (Sun) Mai Chau - Hanoi

Day 09 11 Nov 2019 (Mon) Hanoi free afternoon

Day 10 12 Nov 2019 (Tue) HANOI - HALONG

Day 11 13 Nov 2019 (Wed) HALONG - HANOI

Day 12 14 Nov 2019 (Thu) Ho Chi Minh City Half Day Private Tour - Guest lecture

Day 13 15 Nov 2019 (Fri) Ho Chi Minh city – Banking University & Microsoft Vietnam visit

Day 14 16 Nov 2019 (Sat) HCMC – Cu Chi Tunnels visit

Day 15 17 Nov 2019 (Sun) HO CHI MINH CITY - CAN THO

Day 16 18 Nov 2019 (Mon) CAN THO - CHAU DOC

Day 17 19 Nov 2019 (Tue) CHAU DOC - HO CHI MINH CITY

Day 18 20 Nov 2019 (Wed) HCMC – Alumni visit

Day 19 21 Nov 2019 (Thu) Ho Chi Minh City airport departure private transfer

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 1: 3 Nov (Sun) HANOI AIRPORT ARRIVAL PRIVATE TRANSFER (WITH GUIDE)

Arrive Hanoi: 9:30 & 13:00 airport transfers to hotel in Hanoi After check in, have a briefing with Cathy and local guide on responsible touring, health and safety orientation and the schedule for the next day. Evening: welcome dinner

Meals: Dinner Hotel: Medallion Hotel (Deluxe Room) 11 Ma May street – Hoan Kiem – Hanoi

DAY 2: 4 Nov (Mon) FULL DAY AT HANOI UNIVERSITY

9:00 – 11:00 cultural-exchange with HU students 13:00 – 14:30 Lecture: Sustainable tourism in Vietnam 15:00 – 16:30 Lecture: Entrepreneurship Lunch at the canteen or local restaurant (own expense)

Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Hotel: Medallion Hotel (Deluxe Room)

DAY 3: 5 Nov (Tue) MORNING AT HANU – WORKSHOP IN HOTEL

9:00 – 11:00 Tourism workshop with HU students (led by GU staff) 13:00 – 15:00 Workshop 2 Assessment discussion & intercultural communication, in the hotel meeting room Dinner at a KOTO restaurant

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner Hotel: Medallion Hotel (Deluxe Room)

DAY 4: 6 Nov (Wed) MORNING CITY TOUR - COOKING CLASS

Morning visit to Ho Chi Minh complex including the Mausoleum. Then continue with visits to Temple of Literature and Women Musuem. After lunch on your own, then ready yourself to join an interesting cooking class, introduce by professional local chef. Begin the tour with a visit to Chau Long Market. Here you will browse hundreds of stalls, and interact with vendors selling everything from garlic to tapioca flour. Take in all the colours, sights and smells! Hanoi’s markets are world famous, and you’ll quickly see why. Part of the pleasure is discovering local herbs, vegetables and salad greens that are never sold in Western countries. Ask your guide to explain their various uses. Next, settle in at Hanoi Cooking Centre, a restored building on the edge of Hanoi’s famous old quarter owned by an experienced chef and cookbook author. Over a welcome tea, your instructor will explain the basics of Vietnamese cuisine, which is known for a heavy emphasis on fresh herbs, spices and greens. At your workstation, try to follow the instructor’s lead! After the class, move to the centre’s second-floor dining room to sample your creations along with a beer or wine. And you will also receive a selection of recipe cards to help you recreate Vietnamese dishes at home!

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner Hotel: Medallion Hotel (Deluxe Room)

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 5: 7 Nov (Thu) WORKSHOP IN HOTEL - FREE AFTERNOON

9:00 – 11:00 GU Workshop 2 at the hotel Free time in the afternoon to work on reflections then to explore the city

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Medallion Hotel (Deluxe Room)

DAY 6: 8 Nov (Fri) HANOI - MAI CHAU

After breakfast at the hotel get packed and check out. 9am leave for Lac Village in Mai Chau District. After a welcome settle in to our guesthouses which are beautiful Thai stilt houses in the village. There is one house for students. Female and Male students can stay in different areas if requested. Teachers will have their own room. Everyone will have electricity, clean toilet and private bathing area (hot water). You will share a large room with your team mates and be provided with fresh sheets, blankets, pillows and mosquito nets. All will be well explained by your guides who will be on hand to assist with communications and questions. After yummy dinner at the guesthouse, free time for rest to save energy for the next day activities.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Acc: Local guesthouse

DAY 7: 9 Nov (Sat) MAI CHAU

08.00 Transfer to the starting point and start hiking to Na Chao village. Along the way, the group has a chance to see the magnificent view of Mai Chau with the mountains, green fields and villages. 10.00 We reach Na Chao village. Get welcome and take a walk around to see the village. Na Chao is one of the poorest villages in the area and it is still untouched by tourism. The people are very friendly and welcoming. The walk helps us to get more information about the village. Then we are invited to the local community house to talk with the head of the village. The students are encouraged to ask a lot of questions about the history, cultures and economy of the area. 12.00 Have lunch in Na Chao village 13.30 Meet up with the local teachers to have weaving class. Students learn how to make simple baskets to take home as a souvenir. 15.30 Gather at the football playground to interact with the local kids. The students are encouraged to think of some simple games to play with the kids in the village. 17.00 Time for cooking class. Divide into smaller groups and follow the women of the village to their own kitchen where the students learn how to cook very typical traditional food. 18.30 Dinner at guesthouse 19.30 gather together at the guesthouse for a dancing class. 20.30: Get on the coach and transfer back to Lac Village in Mai Chau. Overnight in Lac village.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner Acc: Local guesthouse

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 8: 10 Nov (Sun) MAI CHAU - HANOI

07.30 Breakfast at the guesthouse 08.30 Take a walk around Lac village and get more introduction about Thai people 10.00 Free time at leisure until lunch 12.00 Lunch at the guesthouse 13.30 Say good bye to Mai Chau and get on the coach back to Hanoi 17.00 Arrive in Hanoi, check in 18.30 Dinner in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Medallion Hotel (Deluxe Room)

DAY 9: 11 Nov (Mon) HANOI - FREE AFTERNOON

Morning to work on research project in hotel Free afternoon in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Medallion Hotel (Deluxe Room)

DAY 10: 12 Nov (Tue) HANOI - HALONG

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will be transferring you to your hotel where 3 hotel rooms are booked for you to refresh. Breakfast for the group at the hotel. After that, drive to the coastal port of Halong, four hours from Hanoi. Take a small tender to reach your traditional wooden junk and enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise into the bay. The scenery is just spectacular as you pass limestone karsts jutting up into the sky. Take the tender to visit a fish farm or to pick up a kayak to paddle through the waters. Or if you like just relax onboard the junk and admire the scenery. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sun set over the bay followed by a freshly prepared seafood dinner served under the stars, before retiring to your cabin for the night.

Halong 2D1N

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Aphrodite Cruises (Luxury Window 2D1N)

DAY 11: 13 Nov (Wed) HALONG - HANOI

Morning: Breakfast on-board then visit Cave of Surprises, the largest cave in Halong Bay filled with rock formations lit up by colorful lights. Afternoon: Arrive back at Hanoi airport for the flight to HCMC.

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner Hotel: Alagon Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (Former: Hoang Hai Long hotel HCM) (Superior)

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 12: 14 Nov (Thu) HO CHI MINH CITY HALF DAY PRIVATE TOUR – SIHUB VISIT

Start your day visiting two iconic architectural landmarks the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs. From the cathedral, take a short stroll to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre. Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature. 2:00 - 4:00PM Saigon Innovation Hub visit Dinner at a local restaurant

Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Hotel: Alagon Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (Superior)

DAY 13: 15 Nov (Fri) HCMC - BANKING UNIVERSITY HCMC & MICROSOFT

9.00: Meet up with Banking University HCMC teachers and students followed by 2 seminars: One is the first credit rating agency in Vietnam. Since they have knowledge of Vietnam business environment, they will present to Australian and Vietnamese students about Vietnam business environment as well as corporations' characteristics, advantages and difficulties. Please see more information of the company through this link: https://phatthinhrating.com/en/about-us/ Another one is Metasource which is a start-up in the field of market entry for foreign companies. The founder is an Australian, James Bairstow who has 5 years’ experience in Vietnam. He will share his experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Vietnamese market. This will be a seminar at Banking University HCMC. Please use the links of the company's website and James' profile: http://www.metasource.co www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbairstow Light lunch with the guests and local students. 14:00: visit Microsoft Vietnam or similar to learn about direct foreign investment

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch Hotel: Alagon Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (Former: Hoang Hai Long hotel HCM) (Superior)

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 14: 16 Nov (Sat) HCMC – VISIT CU CHI TUNNELS & FREE TIME

AM/PM: visit Cu Chi tunnel. From your hotel, travel through the countryside which was once a stronghold of the Viet Cong. Upon arrival, watch a short video about what life was like for soldiers who lived there during the war. The cramped tunnels were central to a few of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive, and they didn’t escape damage. American B52 bombers dropped hundreds of missiles leaving huge tell-tale craters behind. The tunnels served not only as living quarters, but as supply routes and hospitals for thousands of guerilla fighters. Many died there from malaria and other diseases, and a few were also born or married. Today they are viewed by some as a testimony to the Vietnamese people’s resiliency. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in late afternoon. AM/PM: Free time for independent study/explore the city

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Alagon Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (Former: Hoang Hai Long hotel HCM) (Superior)

DAY 15: 17 Nov (Sun) HO CHI MINH CITY - CAN THO

Leave the city behind this morning as you travel about two hours to reach Cai Be, a gateway to the Mekong Delta. Then hop aboard a small boat and travel along the winding waterways to take a peek into life on the water. Stop off at Dong Phu and An Binh where you will see small home-based factories that produce oil, matting, candy and even wine from coconuts! Then visit an old French colonial house that is more than 150 years old. After a quick stop for lunch, hop aboard another boat that will take you to the ferry hub of Vinh Long and then drive to Can Tho arriving in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Kim Tho Hotel Can Tho (Superior)

DAY 16: 18 Nov (Mon) CAN THO - CHAU DOC

It’s an early start to the day as you go by boat the daily floating market of Can Tho. Experience the flurry of vendors trading their wares as boats teeming with fruit, vegetables and household goods ply the waters. Then it’s off to Chau Doc, a sleepy riverside border town, about three hours by road.

On arrival in Chau Doc, check in and have lunch. This afternoon drive approximately 20kms from Chau Doc to Tra Su Forest and travel by sampan through endless waterways flanked by mangroves and lush greenery. This eco reserve spans 850 hectares and is an ecological haven for fauna and flora, with more than 100 species of water birds and colonies of bats. The best time to visit Tra Su is from September to November when the water is high, although it is accessible all year round. On the way to the forest you will visit a small village of ethnic Khmer, where you will learn about the importance of Buddhism in the community and have the opportunity to chat with monks at the local monastery.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner Hotel: Victoria Chau Doc (Deluxe room)

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 17: 19 Nov (Tue) CHAU DOC - HO CHI MINH CITY

Say good bye to the delta and travel to Ho Chi Minh City about seven hours by car. There will be plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs and take photos. * Estimated pick up time: 08:00 - Estimated duration: 8hrs * Estimated distance from Chau Doc to Ho Chi Minh: ~212km - Estimated driving time: 7hrs

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Alagon Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (Former: Hoang Hai Long hotel HCM) (Superior)

DAY 18: 20 Nov (Wed) HCMC

AM: After breakfast, final research project work at hotel PM: Meeting with Griffith graduate (GBS Hons, Political Science and Government) Ms Janna Mallon, Director, Emperor Solutions. Her company develops sustainable business solutions to address education and training challenges in Vietnam. Also in Vietnam, Janna previously worked as an intern with Oxfam- as Assistant for Gender training workshop - 'Integrating Gender into Disaster Risk Assessments' in Hoa Binh & participated in workshops such as 'Integrating Gender in Climate Change Adaptation', in Hanoi. Free time Evening: farewell dinner

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Alagon Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (Former: Hoang Hai Long hotel HCM) (Superior)

DAY 19: 21 Nov (Thu) HO CHI MINH CITY AIRPORT DEPARTURE PRIVATE TRANSFER (WITH GUIDE)

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION

HANOI

Medallion Hotel is located right at the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, within 5 minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. This Hanoi boutique hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an on-site travel agency and butler services. With a view of the street scene from a window or balcony, all air-conditioned rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, a personal safe and mini-bar. From the moment you arrive, Medallion Hotel Hanoi offers the pleasurable facilities and warm services during your stay. A buffet breakfast, the Western and Asian meals are served at the Medallion Restaurant. http://www.medallionhanoi.com/ 11 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District , Ha Noi City Tel: +(84-4) 3 9261302.

HALONG

Aphrodite Cruises Together with the mythology history, Aphrodite Cruise bring the breath of ocean and the authentic culture of local fish farm in Halong Bay to your truly experience on board. With its golden sails, polished woodwork and refined traditional decor, and longer cruising loops, Aphrodite Cruises truly offer an unforgettable ambiance of relaxed elegance. www.aphroditecruises.com

HO CHI MINH CITY

Alagon Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (Former: Hoang Hai Long hotel HCM) Located in a prime location, Alagon Central Hotel & Spa in Ho Chi Minh City provides great special offers, facilities and services with efficiency, comfort, security and value for money. With 125 guest rooms including Suite, Executive rooms With its impressive meeting facilities, cozy restaurant, relaxing spa, friendly staffs, Alagon Central Hotel & Spa provides exceptional comfort in a picturesque setting. www.alagonhotels.com

CAN THO

Kim Tho Hotel Can Tho Nestled in the heart of Ninh Kieu Quay / City Center, Kim Tho Hotel is an ideal spot from which to discover Can Tho. Set 1 km from the excitement of the city, The three-star Kim Tho Hotel commands an excellent location and provides access to the city's biggest attractions.Visitors to the hotel can take pleasure in touring the city's top attractions: Ong Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Can Tho Museum.Kim Tho Hotel also offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Can Tho. The hotel provides luggage storage, bar, concierge, restaurant, room service to ensure our guests the greatest comfort. Guests can choose from 52 rooms, all of which exude an atmosphere of total peace and harmony. The hotel offers wonderful recreational facilities such as massage, steamroom, sauna to make your stay truly unforgettable. Kim Tho Hotel is an ideal place of stay for travelers seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Can Tho. www.kimtho.com

CHAU DOC

Victoria Chau Doc Set directly on the banks of the Bassac River where it meets the Chau Doc River, the beautiful Indochina-inspired Victoria Chau Doc Hotel features a riverfront outdoor swimming pool. https://www.victoriahotels.asia/en/hotels-resorts/chaudoc/accommodation.html