Harvard in Vietnam: A 12-Day Journey Through Culture and Discovery

A 12-Day Journey Through Culture and Discovery

From December 29, 2023 to January 9, 2024, Eviva Tour Vietnam had the opportunity to curate a New Year journey for a group of master’s students from Harvard University, spanning Vietnam’s three distinct regions: North, Central, and South.

Over 12 fulfilling days, the journey unfolded across 9 destinations, each bringing its own rhythm, perspective, and story. Together, they captured the spirit of a university trip shaped by curiosity, connection, and shared discovery.

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Highlighted destinations

To bring out the full essence of Vietnam, the Eviva team thoughtfully selected a collection of destinations that reflect the diversity of all three regions.

  • Hanoi: A capital with over four millennia of history, where layers of heritage blend into a lively, ever-moving atmosphere.
  • Halong Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, best experienced on a New Year cruise among limestone karsts.
  • Pu Luong: A quiet retreat of terraced fields, forested mountains, and ethnic minority villages.
  • Hoi An: A lantern-lit ancient town, where the group stepped into the daily rhythm of local fishermen.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: A fast-paced southern hub, where colonial traces meet modern energy.
  • Mekong Delta: A world shaped by water, known for its dense canal network and abundant tropical orchards.
  • Cu Chi: Home to one of the most remarkable underground tunnel systems in the world.

Journey Across Vietnam

Memories take shape, stories begin to unfold. Follow along the 12-day journey with the team from Harvard University as each moment finds its place along the way.

A warm welcome filled with New Year cheer and lively energy
A warm welcome filled with New Year cheer and lively energy.

In the first days of the journey, Ms. Linda, Sales Manager, welcomed the group with a warm introduction and shared a few thoughtful words, before presenting a meaningful handcrafted gift from Vietnam: a traditional water puppet.

Harvard team at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
Harvard team at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex.

The very first stop was the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where President Ho Chi Minh rests. In the morning light, the visit felt both solemn and grounding, setting a thoughtful tone for the journey ahead.

Boarding the Ha Long Bay Cruise.
Boarding the Ha Long Bay Cruise.

Once in Vietnam, a visit to Ha Long Bay is simply unmissable. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its limestone karsts rising from emerald waters create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

Visiting Ha Long limestone cave
Visiting Ha Long limestone cave.

The team set out with excitement aboard a traditional wooden boat, ready to explore the hidden limestone grottoes scattered across Ha Long Bay.

Enjoying dinner on board of Ha Long Bay.
Enjoying dinner on board of Ha Long Bay.

The day continued with a dinner on board, featuring freshly caught seafood and a selection of Vietnamese dishes, each prepared with care and full of flavor.

Group photo at Pu Luong Nature Bungalows.
Group photo at Pu Luong Nature Bungalows.

As part of the journey, Pu Luong Nature Reserve offered the group a refreshing change of pace. After the energy of the cities, this was where everyone could slow down, walking through terraced fields, visiting local villages, and taking in the quiet beauty of the mountains.

Morning at the Dragon Bridge
Morning at the Dragon Bridge.

Dragon Bridge stands out as a top landmark for a reason, a bold sign that you’ve arrived in Da Nang. Close by, Love Lock Bridge draws couples in, a perfect spot to pause and mark the moment together.

The team on their way to explore the city.
The team on their way to explore the city.

The Eviva team handled every logistical detail with care, arranging premium transportation for the group and ensuring each journey on the road remained smooth, comfortable, and well-paced.

Cultural Encounters & Local Experiences

The journey unfolded through everyday moments. Each experience offered a closer look into Vietnam’s culture, shaped by its people, traditions, and the natural rhythm of daily life.

The group gathered over local coffee, soaking in an authentic Vietnamese café vibe.

 

Riding water buffalo in the field.
Riding water buffalo in the field.
Enjoy learning and experiencing cultural folk music of Ba Trao with local fishermen.
First time catching fish and the excitement says it all.
First time catching fish and the excitement says it all.
Stepping into the Cu Chi Tunnels and sealing it shut with perfect camouflage.
Local dinner, but make it fashion – conical hats, now featuring “Chanel” and “Gucci”.
Nothing beats a team duet to end a great evening!
A hands-on visit to a local workshop making traditional Vietnamese peanut candy.
Making fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, rolling each one by hand.
Making fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, rolling each one by hand.
A farewell night to remember.
A farewell night to remember.

Every smile and every shared story across 12 days reminds us of why we love what we do – creating bridges between cultures and people. We greatly appreciate the Harvard group for trusting our team as local supporters. We wish you all many more “Smile Every Mile” journeys ahead!

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