The main purpose of the IALF Alumni tour is visit the locations proposed for the IALF International Study Tour for 2027 to determine content value and adjust any visits that may need changing prior to the class tour in 2027. This itinerary is a proposal only and is adjustable based on the needs of the program. This is a starting point to build out specific experiences that connect to our IALF curriculum and focus.
Note: Visits are subject to change based on availability.
July 7 Depart ( - / - / - )
Independent departures from the United States.
Note: There will be one group transfer included with the program. We request that travelers arrive before noon. Should you arrive later, an independent transfer can be arranged at the traveler’s expense.
July 8 Ho Chi Minh City ( - / L / D )
On arrival in Vietnam our group will be met by our English-speaking Tour manager before a city tour. On our first day in Vietnam, we explore sites around Ho Chi Minh including the War Remnants Museum, The Cathedral, Post Office Thien Hau Pagoda, Binh Tay market and the Opera House.
During the tour, lunch will be provided in a local restaurant.
The group may check in after 14:00 and relax before an early dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight: Orchid Saigon Hotel or similar
July 9 Ho Chi Minh City ( B / L / D )
Our day will begin with a drive to the Cu Chi district with our first stop at a family orchid, mushroom and worm farm. Here we explore the cultivation techniques for the mushrooms and how they distribute them to local buyers.
Afterwards, we stop at a local worm farm to hear about their usage for animals and crops. This farm also grows rubber trees.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a byzantine maze of underground passages, chamber rooms and booby traps used by the Viet Cong soldiers during the war as hiding spots, communication and supply routes, field hospitals and storage spaces for food and weapons.
Dinner at Ngon Restaurant.
Overnight: Orchid Saigon Hotel or similar
July 10 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Can Tho ( B / L / D )
After breakfast, check out and drive to Cai Be.
Our first stop today is the Than Cuu Nghia Vegetable Cooperative – This cooperative is producing safe vegetable for sale to the Ho Chi Ming City market. Following this, we tour a rice cleaner factory and rice store.
Lunch in the old house.
This afternoon we explore local rice wine and it’s production. Late afternoon we transfer to Can Tho, the largest city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, often called the “Western Metropolis” (Tây Đô). It’s famous for its floating markets, canals, and vibrant culture.
Check in hotel. Free time.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotelor similar
July 11 Can Tho ( B / L / D )
This morning, we visit the College of Agriculture, their laboratories and experimental farm. Here we will learn more about agriculture in the Mekong Delta Region, the management system and policies for agriculture.
Return for lunch.
Early after lunch we continue on to the college of Aquaculture and Fisheries to hear about their work in high tech aquaculture.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel or similar
July 12 Can Tho ( B / L / D )
Breakfast at the hotel before we explore Cai Rang floating market - the largest and most famous floating market in Cần Thơ, located about 6 km from the city center. It’s a lively river market where hundreds of boats gather at dawn to trade fruits, vegetables, and local dishes.
After we tour the market, we travel to visit a local farmer to learn about local tree crops and fruit.
Lunch in a local home.
On our return to the hotel, we will stop and see a fish farm to see how the locals raise fish in cages for local usage and export.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel or similar
July 13 Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City ( B / L / D )
This morning after breakfast and check out we return to Ho Chi Minh City. We stop to visit Kimmy's Chocolatier - a well-known chocolate factory. Learn how chocolate is made from cacao beans to finished products with a variety of handmade chocolates, often infused with local flavors.
Lunch on the way.
On our arrival back in Ho Chi Minh the group will have some free time for shopping before dinner in a local restaurant.
OPTION: Late this evening we can visit Visit Binh Dien – Wholesale Agriculture Market – Wet market.
Overnight: Orchid Saigon Hotel or similar
July 14 Ho Chi Minh – Home ( B / - / - )
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out and transfer to airport for flight home.
Note: there will be one group transfer included in the tour. Should your departure flight not align with most departures, we can assist in booking an independent transfer at the expense of the traveler.
Included:
Not Included:
Passports:
LAND Only Tour Cost per person*:
Double Occupancy:A minimum of 11 passengers is required to operate the tour at the proposed pricing.
Frederick Travel Waterloo accepts the following forms of payment:
Payment Requirements:
Cancellation Penalties:
NOTE:
In the event that a confirmed traveler has to cancel but finds a replacement OR one is available from wait-lists, between date of booking and 45 days prior to date of departure, a flat $50.00 (plus tax) administration fee will be charged.
NOTES
Vietnam VisaAll travellers entering Vietnam are required to complete an e-visa. This must be done prior to departure. It is recommended to start the visa process 1 month prior to departure and to review details of your visa submission carefully as even a minor error (missing a middle name that is on your passport, inverting the month and day of your date of birth) can result in being denied boarding. Kindly visit https://evisa.gov.vn/ for the visa. It is approximately $80 USD.
Insurance:
We strongly recommend adequate travel insurance for US citizens travelling. Package tour insurance can be purchased through Frederick Travel’s web link at:
https://www.johnhancocktravel.com/?agentcode=11372. Optional travel insurance can also be purchased through any US travel agency or US insurance broker. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance and encourage our clients to discuss specific travel insurance needs with their local supplier(s).
