Gap Adventure: Vietnam (4 weeks)

Trade your ordinary for this extraordinary four-week voyage across the stunning nation of Vietnam.

Blend learning, searching, and self-discovery as you unwrap the fascinating details of Vietnamese culture and history. Find out what’s endured and what’s evolving at the crossroads of history and modernity.

Immerse yourself in local communities by learning the language, absorbing indigenous wisdom, and trying out traditional arts. Seek natural beauty and man made marvels as you travel by boat, bicycle, bus, and train through centuries of civilization and world-famous monuments.

Discover a strength you didn’t know you had as you push your limits through making new friends, exploring new cultures, and charting your own four-day, student-led travel challenge.

So, throw away your guidebook and embrace the unknown. Trust yourself and start writing your own stories as you’re supported through four weeks of self-discovery, challenge, and adventure. Who knows, Vietnam might be the one place on your bucket list you never knew you needed?

Your first few days will be spent getting used to your surroundings, meeting the other people on your trip, and learning about Vietnamese culture. Starting with three days in Hanoi, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the city and your fellow travellers and pick up some of the language.

Next, you’ll move to the mountains of Mai Chau, where you will live with, and learn from, Muong and Hmong minority groups. You’ll be able to support a women’s social enterprise creating sustainable and organic fabrics before getting hands-on with traditional crafts. You’ll even get to practise making chopsticks, bamboo fans, and baskets.

Then, you’ll hop on an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay, exploring a vast maze of karst mountain islands and the caves beneath them. Wake up with a tai chi class on the deck and later hike up to the best viewpoints of the bay.

Take the bus to Ninh Binh and see the stunning Bai Dinh Pagoda before continuing on to the Imperial City of Hue. You’ll spend a day in the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors and then travel to the ancient town of Hoi An.

Lastly, you’ll embark on a self-guided adventure to Ho Chi Minh City, supported by our team and your new friends. This gives you the chance to explore on your own for three full days and regroup later for one last escape into the Mekong Delta.

Your Vietnamese adventure begins in the traditional heart of the country, Hanoi.

After getting to know your fellow travellers, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Vietnamese philosophy and religion. Together, you’ll visit important temples, take in a traditional puppet show, and explore different historical districts with the opportunity to learn some Vietnamese!

After three days in the metropolis, it’s time to retreat to the mountains. Explore your new rural surroundings in Mai Chau by cycling through the rice fields, diving into expansive caves, and kayaking on Hoa Ban Lake. You’ll even get to ride a traditional bamboo raft and hike through the Pu Luong Nature Reserve!

To round up your first week, you’ll play traditional games and practise traditional bamboo dances at your homestay. This week provides a unique opportunity to learn from the ‘White Thai’ Muong and Hmong minority groups.

Week two will start with a breathtaking overnight voyage through Ha Long Bay. Marvel at the maze of mountain islands by boat, enjoying activities both day and night. Then, head back to Hanoi for some military history and independent exploration.

Catch the bus to the Bai Dinh Pagoda, where you will lose yourself in the huge complex of Buddhist pagodas, and then onto Ninh Binh. Here you can row a traditional paddle boat through tranquil caves, hike up to stunning viewpoints of the valley, and relax in a natural hot spring.

Explore imperial tombs and tour the previous capital city of Hue, learning about the Nguyen Dynasty which ruled Vietnam for nearly 150 years. After that, head to the ancient town of Hoi An and visit vibrant, traditional markets, galleries, and shops.

Week three closes with a picturesque white sand beach for some relaxation time followed by a visit to the Marble Mountains and some independent exploration time. Hint: you might want to use this time to plan for week four!

At the dawn of your final week, you will be given a budget by your group leader with the following task: get to Ho Chi Minh City! In small groups, you will be able to plan your own trip (with the help of our staff) and see the sights you want to see on the way.

You could head up to the stunning Bai Na Hills, Nha Trang city, or the Mui Ne sand dunes. This part is entirely up to you, and it is your chance to explore to your heart’s content for four full days.

Then, at Ho Chi Minh City, reunite with your group and tackle the bustling markets of Saigon. Visit the War Remnants Museum to find out about the Vietnam War from a local perspective and then see the Viet Cong tunnel network for yourself.

Finally, take a boat ride through the rivers, swamps, and bamboo forests of the Mekong Delta. Cycle across the islands and visit local farms before traveling back to the airport on your final day.

They are the perfect blend of adrenaline, exploration, and meaningful connection. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver authentic, unforgettable experiences – with safety, support, and the freedom to explore.

Each programme contains our Gap Components, the DNA of our philosophy around transformational travel.

Components focus on five essential aspects: 

• Adventure— outdoor activities that boost confidence
• Community— make a positive impact, and develop real connection through relationships
• Exploration— go off grid, embrace nature and build resilience through new experiences
• People & Planet— learn about global issues, local responses, and different cultures
• Transformation— personal growth, new skills, and self discovery

With over 30 years of experience connecting people with purpose, we’re no strangers to the transformational power of travel.

We believe for transformation to take place, your experience must be authentic. Likewise, the best experiences unfold where there is a real connection to other people, places, and the planet. And, when done well, travel benefits everyone involved.

Our global network means we have the two things to give you the experience, security, and connection you crave — local experts and local knowledge.

Of course, we know the sights, and you’ll see these. But you’ll be more than a tourist. You’ll be immersed in a local culture and way of life — so you won’t just see the world, you will feel it too.

• Relax, we’ve got this — we handle the planning so you can focus on the fun stuff
• Budget-friendly — honest pricing means no nasty surprises. Accommodation, activities, meals… all included
• More than just photos — return with new friends and unlock a whole new outlook, passion and perspective on this planet you call home.

The cost of your trip covers everything except your flights, visa(s), insurance, and spending money.

You’ll get:

• Picked up from the airport, and taken back again when it’s time to go home
• Three meals a day
• Accommodation
• 24/7 support in destination(s)
• Regular social events, excursions, and workshop activities
• Visa support and advice
• Full induction and orientation by experienced staff upon arrival
• A minimum of at least two Programme Leaders with you during your trip

For a full list, read What’s included in the price?

All that is needed to secure your place on any Gap Programme is:

1. Pay a €295 deposit today.
2. This deposit is taken off the final balance of payment for your trip.
3. The remaining balance is due to be paid three months before you travel.

You can choose how much, and when to pay, up to three months before your start date.

This means you have complete flexibility to save up or pay in instalments at a time that suits you.

There is no interest, no credit, and no fees. You are in total control.

Read Payments made easy for more information.

Our Gap Components are the DNA of our philosophy around transformational travel.

Each Gap Programme contains five essential components:

Adventure

Leave your comfort zone in the dust! We’re talking hiking epic trails, rafting down rapids, dune buggies, and ziplining through incredible landscapes. This is more than just an adrenaline rush. These adventures are designed to build your confidence, strengthen those friendships, and give you life skills that will stay with you long after you unpack your bags.

Community

Ready to make a difference? Get involved and give back to the incredible places you’ll visit. Roll up your sleeves and join beach cleanups, help protect endangered forests and wildlife, or teach, build, and lend a hand in local communities. You’ll learn about giving back, see the world through a whole new lens, and leave a positive footprint, wherever you tread.

Exploration

Time to go wild! Picture camping under the stars, spotting rare animals, trekking into the remote wilderness, and experiencing life in a homestay. It won’t always be easy, but that’s the point. These programmes are designed to build your resilience and ignite your sense of adventure. You’ll push your limits, ditch the digital world, and stretch yourself further than you ever thought possible.

People & Planet

Ready to go beyond sightseeing? Dive headfirst into the real issues facing our planet, learn from local experts, and immerse yourself in vibrant communities. Get hands-on, open your heart, and experience different cultures for yourself. These programmes will shake up your perspective, inspire you to act, and help you understand your own place in this awesome, interconnected world.

Transformation

This gap year is your chance to invest in yourself. Homestays, workshops, excursions… These aren’t just activities; they’re stepping stones to uncovering what makes you tick, setting goals, and building the skills that will help you become the best version of yourself. Think boosted confidence, newfound independence, and a global mindset that’ll open doors down the road.