Month: November 2024

Wat Tepothivong, also known as Wat Thmey, is located on the outskirts of Siem Reap. It served as a prison and killing field during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. During this period, approximately 8,000 prisoners were detained, murdered, and thrown into mass burial pits or water wells. Today, the complex houses a collection of Khmer Rouge photos, paintings, and instruments of torture. It also features a memorial stupa containing over 800 skulls. The extreme brutality of the communist Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, is starkly contrasted with the Buddhist pagoda architecture and murals.  

Ready to plan your next trip? Be in touch to discuss your school’s future travel program to Asia or New Zealand. 

The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) in Vietnam was established following the 1954 Geneva Accords, marking the temporary division between North and South Vietnam along the 17th parallel. This buffer zone, intended to prevent military engagement between the communist North and the anti-communist South, extended approximately 5 kilometres on either side of the Ben Hai River. However, despite its intended purpose, the DMZ became a hotspot for intense conflict during the Vietnam War, particularly throughout the 1960s and 1970s, as both sides fought for control of key strategic positions. 

We offer student groups the opportunity to explore the former DMZ and its significant historical sites. Highlights include the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an extensive underground network that provided shelter for entire villages during heavy bombings; the Khe Sanh Combat Base, a former US Marine outpost that was the scene of fierce battles; and the remains of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. 

Ready to plan your next trip? Be in touch to discuss your school’s future travel program to Asia or New Zealand. 

In September 2024, students and staff from Emmaus Christian College embarked on a two-week educational tour through Vietnam and Cambodia. The tour aimed to deepen their understanding of the contrasting cultures of both countries while examining social initiatives that empower disadvantaged youth. Social interaction and engagement were central to their learning experience. The students also explored key sites of Australian involvement during the Vietnam War, gained insights into the Mekong Delta and its ongoing water resource challenges, and delved into the history of the Khmer Empire, which constructed the magnificent temples of Angkor. Watch our short video to hear teachers and students share their experiences and most memorable moments. 

Ready to plan your next trip? Be in touch to discuss your school’s future travel program to Asia or New Zealand.