Vietnam, Cambodia: Journey through Asia

Trip Name
Southeast Asia: From Village to Coast

Who It’s For
High school students (grades 9–12)

2025 Sessions
June 29 – July 19, 2025
July 23 – August 12, 2025
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia

Trip Length
21 Days

Service Hours
20–30

Tuition
$6,950

This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Days 1–2: Arrive in Hanoi & Explore the City
Settle into Vietnam with a welcome dinner, jeep tour, historic sites, and a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Day 3: Cruise Tam Coc & Visit Ancient Pagodas
Bike through rice paddies, float through limestone caves, and explore cliffside temples near Ninh Binh.

Days 4–6: Volunteer in Hill Tribe Villages
Travel to Binh Lieu for hands-on community service—supporting home construction, planting trees, and building paths.

Day 7: Jungle Trek, Waterfalls & River Kayaking
Hike through bamboo forests to swim in remote waterfalls, then kayak the scenic Tien Yen River.

Days 8–9: Cruise Halong Bay & Fly to Hoi An
Sail past limestone karsts, explore caves by boat, and fly south to Hoi An.

Day 10: Bike Villages & Float the Coconut Forest
Cycle Hoi An’s countryside, row bamboo boats, and walk through the town’s preserved ancient streets.

Day 11: Travel to Cambodia & Settle in Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap and start your journey in Cambodia with a traditional welcome dinner.

Days 12–14: Volunteer in Local Schools & Villages
Work on rural road projects, teach English, and visit a local silk farm with a final handoff celebration.

Days 15–21: Explore Temples, Trek Mountains & Cook Local Meals
Visit Angkor Wat, trek Kulen Mountain, float through stilt villages, and cook alongside local chefs before returning to Hanoi.

We stay in a mix of simple hotels and village homestays throughout the trip.

Hotels
Teens stay in shared rooms (2–3 per room), grouped by gender identity. Hotels are clean, comfortable, and locally run.

Homestays
In Binh Lieu, we stay in traditional village homes. Accommodations are rustic but cozy—think shared sleeping spaces, home-cooked meals, and real connection with local families.

What to Expect
Air-conditioned rooms most nights, with occasional cold showers or squat toilets in rural areas. We prioritize comfort while embracing local life.

All meals are included and full of fresh, local flavors.

Meals
We eat at local restaurants, community kitchens, and with host families. Meals are hearty, kid-friendly, and often served family-style.

Cook Crew
Teens help prep simple breakfasts during homestay days.

Diets + Allergies
We accommodate all dietary needs—vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and more. Just let us know in advance.

Water + Snacks
We provide safe drinking water at all times. Snacks available daily, especially on high-activity days.

Flights
Families book flights to and from Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN).
Do not book until you receive flight windows from our team.

Travel Days
Session 1: Departs June 29
Session 2: Departs July 22
Students return home on Day 21.

Unaccompanied Minors
We’ll provide full instructions if your teen is flying as a UM.

Packing
We’ll send a packing list ahead of time—everything fits in a duffel or backpack. Key items include:

Lightweight clothing for heat + humidity

Closed-toe shoes for service days

Water sandals for kayaking

Modest clothes for temples

A swimsuit and quick-dry towel

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked bag and a small carry-on backpack.

After enrollment, you’ll complete required forms in the RLT Portal:

Medical history

Emergency contact info

Participant agreement

Medical Clearance
No doctor’s note required unless a new condition has developed. We review all forms to ensure readiness.

Medications
All meds (prescription + over-the-counter) must be listed in the medical form. Leaders manage meds as needed.

Behavior Expectations
All teens agree to our Code of Conduct. It’s how we build a safe, respectful group culture.

Trip Insurance
Required for international travel. You’re free to use any provider—see our FAQ for guidance.

Passport
Required. Your teen’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months past the return date.

Vaccinations
Routine immunizations per CDC guidelines are required. Travel vaccines (e.g. typhoid, hep A) are recommended—consult your doctor.

Device-Free Philosophy
We collect phones and electronics on Day 1. They’re stored safely and returned at the end of the trip.

Why?
Unplugging lets teens:

• Be fully present

• Build strong friendships

• Step out of their comfort zone

Cameras Welcome
Digital cameras or GoPros are fine—just no internet access. Leaders take photos throughout the trip and share an album afterward.

Communication
We send regular updates to families while the trip is in progress. For emergencies, our on-call team is available 24/7.