Pupils Make The Most Of An Unforgettable Educational Trip To Vietnam

They began in Hanoi, trying their hand at ceramic making in Bat Trang, exploring the Old Quarter by rickshaw, enjoying a drink on the famous Train Street, and learning about Vietnam's history at the Hanoi Hilton prison. Highlights included a mesmerising performance at the Water Puppet Theatre and browsing the colourful Hang Dao Street and Dong Xuan night markets.

Ha Long Bay was truly breathtaking. They climbed to the viewpoint on Ti Top Island, kayaked around Luon Cave, explored the magnificent Sung Sot Cave and even tried their hand at night-time squid fishing. For many, the standout moment was practising Tai Chi at sunrise overlooking the bay.

Their journey then took them to Saigon, where they visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace. They also spent incredible days exploring the Mekong Delta and Cai Rang, experiencing local life and hospitality first-hand.

One particularly memorable Princethorpe moment came during a rainstorm on the Mekong, when, Head of School, Jonjo played Here I Am Lord on his bamboo flute while the rest of the boat joined in singing. A special moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the trip.

Along the way, they sampled an amazing variety of Vietnamese cuisine, from fresh lychees to countless spring rolls, and visited both Know One Teach One and Pho 2000, famously visited by President Bill Clinton during his first trip to Vietnam.

They rounded off a fascinating tour with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River, enjoying a fantastic buffet, music and spectacular views of the city's illuminated skyline.

Teacher of Religious Studies, Kieran McCullough, who accompanied the trip said, "I have been on many school trips abroad and without doubt Vietnam was the best ever. The sights, sounds, history and culture were in themselves amazing but it was the positive attitude, hospitality, kindness and genuine happiness of the Vietnamese people that we were visiting their homeland made it for me."

Huge thanks to the accompanying staff who supported the trip. It was a truly unforgettable experience filled with culture, history and friendship that made memories that will last a lifetime.