June 25: Departure Day, Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City
Group Meeting:
At 9:00 PM, meet your group leader and fellow students at the Cathay Pacific Airlines check-in counter (outside of security) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This is the official start of your Putney summer!
Group Flight:
The group will fly on Cathay Pacific flight #883 departing Los Angeles (LAX) at 11:55 PM on June 25, arriving in Hong Kong (HKG) at 5:45 AM local time on June 27. The group continues on from Hong Kong (HKG) on Cathay Pacific flight #767 departing at 8:45 AM and arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN), at 10:20 AM local time on June 27 (20 hours, 30 minutes en route).
June 27 & 28: Ho Chi Minh City
Begin with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City to get acclimated after the long journey and have an in-depth orientation in preparation for life in Vietnam. A visit to the War Remnants Museum helps give context to the relationship between the United States and Vietnam.
June 29 – July 19: Binh Thuan Village
Stay for a month in Binh Thuan village, located in the Binh Son District, one hour from Quang Ngai city on the central Vietnamese coast. Stay in a simple guesthouse, and work with the local youth union to build Compassion Houses. A local foreman teaches us aspects of construction – digging the foundation, laying brick, applying the stucco, and tiling the roof. Teach English in a local school and participate in agricultural projects using traditional tools and methods. Spend afternoons as a group at the beach, and enjoy a game of pick-up soccer or go for a swim in the ocean. Take day trips to the beautiful beaches of Quang Ngai and visit the Sơn Mỹ Memorial.
July 10 & 11: Hoi An
Visit the beautiful city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its temples, tailors, and beaches. Learn about the range of different religions practiced in Vietnam, and visit Hoi An’s markets to try local fruits including rambutan, green dragon, and durian.
July 20, 21 & 24: Hanoi
Fly from Danang to Hanoi. Visit the spectacular capital city of Hanoi, and learn about the local cuisine and unique Vietnamese cooking methods in a cooking class. Walk along Hoan Kiem Lake on your way to the night market with your group.
July 22 & 23: Ha Long Bay
Spend two nights and three days in the stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay on a private boat or “junk” as they’re regionally called and take in the spectacular scenery. Swim and kayak among the thousands of limestone karsts and isles throughout the bay.
July 25: Return Day, Hanoi to Los Angeles
Group Flight:
The group will fly on Dragonair flight #296 departing Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) at 10:35 AM on July 25, arriving in Hong Kong (HKG) at 1:35 PM. The group continues on from Hong Kong (HKG) on Cathay Pacific flight #882 departing at 4:30 PM on July 25, returning to the International Arrivals Area of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 2:50 PM on July 25 (18 hours, 15 minutes en route).