Dear Fellow Traveler,
Vietnam is a surprising destination - full of verdant beauty and charm - a complex mix of cultures forged from centuries of brutal colonialism. I had the privilege of hosting an earlier Nation tour and the Vietnamese people we met with were uniquely welcoming and friendly to Americans, as the young country looks towards the future vs. dwelling on the past. The Nation's Vietnam program takes a deep look at the lasting effects of the American war, ongoing work at remediation, and meets with inspiring cultural leaders who are building a more promising future.
We'd love to have you join us on this very special program.
-Teresa Stack
President Emeritus
The Nation
November 1 - 13, 2019
The Vietnam War (known as the “American War” in Vietnam) left an indelible imprint on both the land and people of this small Southeast Asian country, yet more than half of the current population was born after the war ended. Vietnam today is a country looking forward—a geopolitically important nation with a booming economy charting its own course on the modern world stage. Join us on an immersive experience that provides a true inside look at this fascinating and complex country.
Our comprehensive program features numerous exclusive meetings with insightful individuals who represent the country's past, present and future. They include renowned artists and professors, young journalists pushing press boundaries, former American GIs working on reconciliation issues and a famous Cham poet and cultural leader. Prior to departure, participate in a pre-trip conference call with George Black, the former foreign editor of The Nation. George has written extensively on Vietnam, including “The Lethal Legacy of the Vietnam War,” for The Nation, and has traveled throughout Asia over several decades.
Begin your journey in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, exploring many iconic locations such as the site of the rooftop evacuation made famous in one of the most memorable images from the war—a dramatic photo of the long line of people clambering to reach one of the last US helicopters to leave during the fall of Saigon. Later, experience the natural beauty of the country on a daylong excursion to the Mekong Delta and talk to locals about their lives during the war, and explore Mỹ Sơn, one of the country’s most impressive Cham sites and an important religious center from the fourth through 13th centuries.
In the 19th-century capital city of Huế, experience an enchanting glimpse into the country’s more distant past, with visits to a historic citadel and the palaces and shrines of the Imperial City, which was once the home to emperors. Spend a day in the demilitarized zone, where we will meet with staff from Project RENEW who work to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by remaining unexploded ordnance.
We will end our tour in Hanoi, which George Black describes as having “a magical blend of elegance and chaos.” Immerse yourself in the captivating energy of Hanoi’s beautiful Old Quarter, which features hidden alleyways, bustling markets, and charming architecture.
For those who would like to experience even more of Vietnam’s natural beauty, a customized post-tour extension to Hạ Long Bay is available. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the other-worldly image of crystalline waters punctuated with a spectacular landscape of over 1,600 karst islands.
What Our Vietnam Travelers Say
"It was a wonderful and fascinating trip for which I am very grateful. We usually travel alone, but this group and tour were terrific. Thank you for making it possible! "-David, St.Louis, MS
"Words cannot describe the gratitude I feel for my experience in Vietnam. I have you to thank for the most amazing trip. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."-Neda, San Francisco, CA
"The tour leaders each offered us a deep understanding of aspects of Vietnamese history, politics, culture and social transformation. I can't praise them enough. Again, thanks so much for the fine work in putting together a rich and memorable program." -Doris F., NJ
Đăng nhận xét