10 - 24 April 2025. During the April school holidays a group of 38 students, parents and teachers travelled to Vietnam.

We flew via Auckland to Singapore and arrived in Hanoi where we spent the first three nights of our trip. During this time we met our two guides Jackie and Quang who remained with us for the trip's duration. In Hanoi we went on a guided orientation tour around the old quarter, gaining valuable insight into this ancient city and the historic area. Crossing a busy road for the first time was an experience for all of us! The following day we visited Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum where his body is embalmed weekly. We saw the house that he lived in behind the Palace and the National Assembly. A visit to the Hoa Loa Prison or the Hanoi Hilton as well as the Ethnic Minority Museum, train street and the markets were very interesting and there were many shipping bargains to be had.

We headed to HaLong Bay for a night spent on the Peony Cruise. This area was a highlight for many on the trip as they kayaked, swam, learned tai chi, experienced a cooking  class and visited the caves. We all enjoyed dressing up in our 'golden' outfits for a celebration dinner. The overnight train from Hanoi to Hue saw us sharing small cabins on the 14 hour journey. On arrival we went on a full day tour of the city of Hue. This began with a boat trip along the Perfume River, visits to the Tu Duc Tomb and the Imperial Citadel, an imposing walled city within a city exploring the early history of the area and Imperial rulers of Vietnam. We  also visited an orphanage where our students played with the children and left gifts for them. The sights also included a museum which hosts a collection from the Cham people who used to live in the area. During our time in Hue some students/ parents also played golf, visited markets and spas.

Travelling to Hoi An was an amazing journey  over the Hai Van Pass once rated by National Geographic as one of the 50 must do journeys in the world. We stayed in Hoi An for three nights. We visited My Lai in the central district of My Son, a watershed in the history of modern American combat and a turning point in the public perception of the US war in Vietnam. We visited the museum and toured the village absorbing the history of this seminal conflict before returning to Hoi An.Some of the group visited Ba Na Hills for a day trip to experience the sights and enjoy a gondola trip and rides.  We flew from Danang city to Ho Chi Minh city, the last of our stops, where we spent three nights. A cooking class and a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels were highlights of our time here. These tunnels were home to the Viet Cong during the US war and parts had been excavated for us to see. A cycle tour, the war museum and the Ben Tanhl Market were other activities in the itinerary. 

We had a very special experience together over the two weeks. We were very grateful to our guides for supporting us and teaching us about the local culture and history of Vietnam. Their expertise was invaluable and it was an emotional experience farewelling them at Ho Chi Minh city airport. The group would like to thank everyone  in our community who assisted with the fundraising towards the trip and support for this once in a lifetime experience.

Students
Jess Allan, Gracen Kell, Olivia Moffat, Kaitlin Miller, Jak Buckingham, Alex Ryan, Cooper Geary, Chantal Smales, Samantha Batt, Freddy Dauman, Jess Dauman, Emeilia Arthur, Keira Frisby, Cahlia Miller, Millie Scott, Aniva Gouman, Ruby Smith, Hanre de la Harpe, Jorja Andrews, Toby O'Connor, Leo Shotton Monaghan, Bella Nichol, Hazel Buckingham, Grace Bradfield, Jade Maber, Courtney Jelley

Parents
John and Tania Batt, Mark Frisby, Shelly Smith, Vayla Gouman, Dee Nichol, Gemma Bradfield, Ruth Maber, Kristal Meikle 

Mike Beeby, Kelsi McLellan, Cath Bloxham (Teachers accompanying Vietnam trip)