Vietnam Travel Group Opportunities for University Students

Recently heralding the title of “World's Leading Heritage Destination 2023,” Vietnam is a flourishing cultural and natural landscape that has received endless praise for its traditional cuisine of pho and banh mi, iconic tourist attractions, and beautiful wildlife. As a university student, visiting the warm and luscious country of Vietnam is an ideal getaway from classes and exams. And the best way to visit? Joining a Vietnam travel group of fellow university students.

At Further Travel, we organise group trips around the beautiful islands that are dedicated to interning and teaching, so students can have both a fun and impactful summer experience. The even better news? We have a specific travel group package called Camp Vietnam and Cambodia, where you can spend 20 days exploring both countries and making great friends along the way. You’ll get to learn more about our programme later in the article, as well as: 

1. How to Find Vietnam Travel Group Opportunities 
2. What is Camp Vietnam & Cambodia Programme? 
3. FAQs on Camp Vietnam & Cambodia 

If you are already ready to join Camp Vietnam and Cambodia, you can apply now, contact us, or see FAQs for more info. Otherwise, let’s get started! 

How to Find Vietnam Travel Group Opportunities 

You’ve decided that you want to travel to Vietnam during one of your school breaks. Amazing! But where do you find these travel groups, and how do you know they are trustworthy? There are numerous ways you can find travel groups to Vietnam: 

1. University Offerings: Your student career office may offer study abroad or internship programmes that are located in Vietnam. However, these programmes tend to be longer term, typically lasting either throughout an entire semester or during your summer. Moreover, these opportunities tend to be highly competitive, as they are advertised to the whole student body and have immediate popularity. 
2. Travel Agencies: Online travel agencies offer thousands of trips to Vietnam, and are easy to find through a quick Google search. However, there are two main caveats. The first is that it’s hard to tell which trips are legit and established. Second is that many of these group trips are not catered specifically to university students, meaning that you may wind up in a group of various ages and not be able to partake in activities developed specifically for folks in their 20s. 
3. Travel Apps: Offering convenience at their fingertips, these apps allow users to browse and book trips directly from their smartphones. They provide access to reviews, ratings, and real-time updates on flight changes, weather conditions, and local events. However, using travel apps may incur booking fees or commissions, adding to the overall cost of the trip.

Why Choose Further Travel for Your Vietnam Trip 

Further Travel has decades of experience in coordinating and managing camps to become a respected programme. We have been organising group trips for university students–specifically in Vietnam–for years, and we are able to ensure our travellers can take part in opportunities that result in close friendships, days of adventure, and itineraries that balance fun with positive impact on local communities. 

Beyond beach trips, tourist destinations, and late night campfires, our number one priority is ensuring that all travellers are safe and healthy throughout their experience. We work with World Nomads Insurance so that small group travel members can have top-notch care without having to worry about finding insurance that works in foreign countries and other logistical issues. Insurance includes: 

• 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance, customer service and claims support
• Ability to easily extend your policy to keep you on the road
• Travel coverage for 200+ adventure activities
• Up-to-date insurance information & safety advice to help you plan for your trip

Alongside insurance, taking part in well-established tours can ensure that your travels will be protected and enjoyable. For all of our group trips, we offer on-the-ground support throughout your trip, as well as the ability to seek out further support from our in-house team at our Manchester-based HQ. This means that during your time in Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll be able to receive continuous support throughout your journey. 

What Our Further Travellers Have to Say

At Further Travel, our work is developed for and improved by the students that take part in our programmes. Whether that is becoming a camp counselor at an American summer camp through AmeriCamp, or traversing the islands of Thailand through Camp Thailand, our students have been able to experience travelling to different countries, making new friendships, and positively impacting local communities. 

Darragh is a camper from our Camp Thailand program, whose main highlight were the guides and counselors who helped them feel a sense of community and friendship:

“I really don’t know where to start with Noi. She was the Mammy of the group, always looking out for our well-being. You could talk to every one of the 21 people on the intake and not one person would say anything less than amazing things about Noi. She made each and every one of us feel like family, always up for a laugh and yet if she felt that anything was off with you on any particular day, she would be the first person to put her arm around you and ask if you were alright.”

On the other side of the pond is Danielle, who spent her summer at Pequot Sherwood Day Camp as an AmeriCamp camp counselor: 

“We can sometimes get used to materialism in society, but Camp makes you appreciate the more important things, such as friendship, learning, having fun and looking after nature. I chose AmeriCamp and I would have no hesitations in encouraging others to do so; they give you a simple and cheap way to achieve the Camp dream and make sure you’re paid fairly for your hard work! After speaking with friends who used alternative Camp companies, they all wished they had used AmeriCamp!” 

Our programmes are diverse because they tend to the unique needs of our travellers. That’s why our Vietnam travel group is especially exciting–you know that those 20 days have been catered to creating the perfect Southeast asia travel experience you want to have. 

Introducing Camp Vietnam & Cambodia 

So, what exactly is Camp Vietnam & Cambodia? As we mentioned, this programme is a 20-day, jam packed trip where you and your travel group will bond, visit iconic tourist attractions, explore nature, and more. Some of the programme highlights include: 

1. Enjoying clear waters by taking a morning swim, kayaking your way through clear water and discovering wildlife along the way–you may even run into the Cat ba Langur Monkey, one of the rarest primates in the world! 
2. Experiencing the warm-lit lanterns illuminating Hoi An. 
3. Seeing the sunrise at the templates of Angkor and exploring the hidden temples deep in the jungles. 
4. Helping teach English skills to children in the local community!

But enough of the teasers–it’s time for you to learn everything you need to know about our Vietnam travel group. 

Programme Itinerary    

During your nearly three weeks of travel, you’ll get a little bit of everything, from nightlife to nature walks and volunteering. Here’s what you can expect, broken down: 

• Day 1 – Arrival in Hanoi: Greeted at the airport by the Camp team, you'll check into your accommodation and meet new campmates over a welcome meal, followed by drinks at Ta Hien Beer Street.
• Day 2 – Hanoi Like a Local: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a walking and cycle tour, visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoa Lo Prison, and optional Train Street.
• Day 3 – Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: Travel to Ha Long Bay, board a boat, and enjoy an overnight stay with activities like kayaking through limestone karsts.
• Day 4 – Ha Long Bay to Hanoi: Watch the sunrise in Ha Long Bay, explore famous caves, and take a cooking class. Travel to Ninh Binh for a homestay experience.
• Day 5 – Ninh Binh – Trang An Complex: Explore the Trang An complex, including cave tours and a waterways cruise. Hike to Mua Cave for panoramic views.
• Day 6 – Hoa Lu to Tam Coc: Visit Hoa Lu and Tam Coc’s historical and natural sites, then take an overnight bus to Phong Nha.
• Day 7 – Phong Nha Ducks & The Dark Cave: Experience The-Duck-Stop and adventure in the Dark Cave with ziplining, mud baths, and kayaking.
• Day 8 – Phong Nha to Da Nang to Hoi An: Take a scenic train ride to Da Nang, then enjoy a basket boat ride and lantern-lit streets in Hoi An.
• Day 9 – Hoi An Foodie Tour: Join a foodie tour through Hoi An's markets and alleys, sampling local delicacies like banh mi and noodle soups.
• Day 10 – Eco Project Volunteering: Collect plastic and trash while cycling through the countryside, then create eco bricks from the collected materials.
• Day 11 – An Bang Beach Day: Relax at An Bang beach or choose activities like snorkeling at Cham Island or white water rafting in Da Nang.
• Day 12 – Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City: Spend the morning in Hoi An, then board an overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Day 13 – Ho Chi Minh City – War Museum & Walking Tour: Visit the War Museum, Saigon’s Cathedral Church, and the old Post Office. Enjoy street food at the Saigon Food Court.
• Day 14 – Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by Bus: Travel by bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and explore the city at your leisure.
• Day 15 – Phnom Penh Tour: Explore the old French Quarter, Wat Phnom, Raffles Hotel, and the largest market. Visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
• Day 16 – Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: Travel to Siem Reap, spend the day at leisure, and prepare for an early morning visit to Angkor Wat.
• Day 17 – Angkor Wat Sunrise & Tour: Witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, then explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, including Ta Prohm, Bayon, and other temples.
• Day 18 – Community Volunteering Project: Volunteer in Angkor Kreav, engaging in teaching or construction work to help the local community.
• Day 19 – Volunteering Continued: Continue volunteering in Angkor Kreav, then return to the hotel for a farewell dinner.
• Day 20 – Departure Day: Depart from Camp with a drop-off at the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

Who are Guardians? 

At Further Travel, safety and your wellbeing are our top priority. That’s why during your trip, we have guardians! Guardians are experienced and dedicated staff members who accompany the travel group throughout the program. They ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, provide local insights, and facilitate group activities. Guardians are trained to handle any emergencies and help create a supportive and inclusive environment.

How Do I Apply to Camp Vietnam’s Travel Group? 

Finding a Vietnam travel group that checks all the boxes, is reputable, and is specifically geared towards university students looking for impact-filled and adventurous experiences can be difficult to find–especially ones that take you to not one, but two countries! We want you to spend the hours packing and getting excited for your trip instead of researching and getting overwhelmed, anxious, and confused. 

At Further Travel, we’ve worked to make the application process as streamlined as possible for all of our available programmes, so that you only have to focus on three steps: 

1. Fill out our application form: Tell us about yourself and why you’d like to join our trip. The form is 3 questions and only takes around 5 minutes to complete. 
2. Application review: Our team will review your application. We’ll get in touch within 2 hours to let you know if you’ve been approved to join one of our trips. 
3. Pay your deposit: Secure your place with a deposit, which will let you access our portal where you’ll find pre-departure information and more.  

If you are interested in starting your small group travel journey, you can apply now! 

FAQ’s on Camp Vietnam and Cambodia 

As you prepare for your Camp Vietnam travel group adventure, you are probably buzzing with both excitement and a lot of questions. We know that travelling to a new country can feel overwhelming, from packing lists to hotels and dates. Here are some FAQs that we’ve gone ahead and answered so you know what to expect: 

1. What is Camp Vietnam’s accommodation like? 
2. What should I pack for my Vietnam travel group experience? 
3. Are tour dates flexible? 

What is Camp Vietnam’s accommodation like?

Participants stay in a mix of hostels, guesthouses, and homestays, providing a comfortable and authentic experience. Accommodations are clean, safe, and conveniently located near program activities. Each location offers shared rooms with basic amenities, fostering a communal and friendly atmosphere.

What should I pack?

Pack light and focus on essentials. Recommended items include:

• Comfortable clothing suitable for warm climates
• Sturdy walking shoes
• A reusable water bottle (we’re all about sustainable travel over here!) 
• Personal hygiene items
• Travel documents and a copy of your itinerary

Are tour dates flexible?

The program offers set start and end dates to ensure a structured and cohesive group experience. However, there are multiple sessions throughout the year, allowing flexibility in choosing a suitable time. You can always check out our programme details to see all available dates.  

What are some special activities with Camp Vietnam?

While we have something special planned for everyday of your Vietnam travel group, there are a few highlights that our travellers get especially excited over: 

• Culinary Classes: Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes.
• Cultural Workshops: Participate in traditional crafts and music sessions.
• Adventure Excursions: Go on guided hikes, boat trips, and wildlife tours.
• Community Projects: Engage in environmental conservation and educational initiatives.

If these activities are part of your bucketlist and you’re ready to embark on your journey with your Vietnam travel group, you can apply now! 

Meet Your Ideal Vietnam Travel Group with Further Travel!

Through Camp Vietnam, you can spend your weeks making a positive impact and developing lifelong friends. We take pride in being able to provide unforgettable experiences for university students who want to travel the world but not deal with the additional hassles of planning. 

If you are already ready to join Camp Vietnam and Cambodia, you can apply now, contact us, or see FAQs for more info.

At Further Travel, we organise group trips to multiple locations around the world. If you are interested in going to another part of the globe, you can check out our other camps: 

1. Camp Thailand, to explore Thailand’s luscious nature and sprawling islands 
2. Camp Maldives, to take part in conservation efforts and serene waters 
3. Camp Bali, to explore the popular tourist attraction and bond with the local community
4. Camp South Africa, to teach and work in wildlife conservation efforts 

AmeriCamp, to get paid while working as a summer camp counselor in the US