June 29: Departure Day, Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City
Group Meeting:
At 9:00 PM, meet your leader and fellow students at the Cathay Pacific check-in counter (outside of security) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This is the official start of your Putney program!
Group Flight:
The group will fly on Cathay Pacific flight #883 departing Los Angeles (LAX) at 11:55 PM on June 29, arriving in Hong Kong (HKG) at 5:45 AM local time on July 1. The group will continue on Cathay Pacific flight #767 departing Hong Kong at 8:35 AM and arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN) at 10:10 AM local time on July 1 (20 hours, 15 minutes en route). June 30 is lost crossing the International Date Line.
July 1 & 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Begin with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City to get acclimated after the long journey and have an in-depth orientation in preparation for life in Vietnam. A visit to the War Remnants Museum helps give context to the complex relationship between the United States and Vietnam.
July 3–7: Community Service Village
Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang and then travel to the small village of Binh Thanh, nestled on the central Vietnamese coast a few hours north of Quang Ngai city in the Binh Son District. Stay in a simple guesthouse and work with the local Youth Union to build Compassion Houses. A foreman teaches us aspects of construction ― digging the foundation, laying brick, applying stucco, and tiling the roof of each house. Teach English to local youth and participate in agricultural projects using traditional tools and methods. Spend afternoons as a group at the beach, and enjoy a game of pick-up soccer or go for a swim in the ocean.
July 8: Quang Ngai
Spend a weekend enjoying the beautiful beaches of Quang Ngai. Visit the Sơn Mỹ Memorial and the tunnels at Binh Chau Beach. Learn about one of the earliest civilizations in the region at the Sa Huynh Museum and hike to the Thien An Temple for a chance to speak with monks.
July 9–13: Community Service Village
Continue work on projects.
July 14 & 15: Hoi An
Visit the beautiful city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its temples, tailors, and beaches. Learn about the range of different religions practiced in Vietnam, and visit Hoi An’s markets to try local fruits including rambutan, green dragon, and durian.
July 16–21: Community Service Village
Finish work on projects. Participate in a culminating ceremony to hand over the keys to the recipient families of the completed Compassion Houses, and enjoy a goodbye party together with new friends.
July 22 & 23: Hanoi
Fly from Da Nang to Hanoi. Visit the spectacular capital city of Hanoi, and learn more about the diversity of local cuisine. Walk along Hoan Kiem Lake on your way to the night market with your group.
July 24 & 25: Ha Long Bay
Spend two nights and three days in stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay on a private boat, or “junk” as they’re called in the region, and take in the spectacular scenery. Swim and kayak among the thousands of limestone karsts and islets throughout the bay.
July 26: Hanoi
Return to Hanoi for a final night and celebratory dinner before the journey home.
July 27: Return Day, Hanoi to Los Angeles
Group Flight:
The group will fly on Dragonair flight #294 departing Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) at 7:35 PM local time on July 27, arriving in Hong Kong (HKG) at 10:30 PM local time on July 27. The group will continue on Cathay Pacific flight #880 departing Hong Kong at 12:05 AM local time on July 28, returning to the International Arrivals Area of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 10:10 PM on July 27 (16 hours, 30 minutes en route).
July 27: Airport Hotel
One of your trip leaders will stay overnight with the group. If you have reserved and paid for a hotel room, we will send you an email one week prior to departure with details about the hotel reservation.