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In 2024, a group of students and staff embarked on a service tour to Hanoi and Mai Châu. In this highlights video, three participants share their experiences and the engaging activities they undertook during the trip. They reveal the profound impact the journey had on them and their new perspective of Vietnam. 

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

Huế, a city in central Vietnam, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage as the former imperial capital of the Nguyễn dynasty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Huế is home to a vast complex of palaces, temples, and pavilions surrounded by thick stone walls and a moat. Key attractions include the ancient Forbidden Purple City, the grand tombs of the emperors, and the Thiên Mụ Pagoda, which offers panoramic views of the Perfume River. The city also showcases traditional Vietnamese art and architecture. Our tours can include traditional crafts such as conical hat making in Phú Cam village and incense production in Thủy Xuân village. Additionally, Huế is known for its traditional music performances, including Nhã nhạc, the elegant royal court music. 

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

In December 2024, several members of the Edventure team, revisited Along Veng historical town situated 130km north of Siem Reap, in Cambodia. This town was the final stronghold of the Khmer Rouge until its collapse in 1998/1999.  Today, Anlong Veng is home to former soldiers and their families, who serve as living witnesses to the downfall of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime. 

The Demise of the Khmer Rouge 

In the mid-1990s, as the confrontation between the Cambodian Government and the Khmer Rouge was drawing to a close, prominent leaders like Pol Pot, Khieu Samphan, Son Sen, and thousands of soldiers fortified themselves in Anlong Veng and the Dangrek Mountain Range.  In the months leading up to the Khmer Rouge’s final surrender, Pol Pot was arrested by the formidable one-legged General Ta Mok.  Following a show trial in July 1997, Pol Pot was found guilty of multiple crimes, placed under house arrest in a humble hut, and died on 15 April 1998.  Various Khmer and Thai officials and two Western journalists confirmed his death, and he was cremated a few days later.  These events precipitated the rapid disintegration of the Khmer Rouge.  Ta Mok, the last of the Khmer Rouge generals, was captured by Cambodian forces in March 1999. Shortly afterwards, reintegration ceremonies were conducted in Anlong Veng to disarm and reintegrate former Khmer Rouge soldiers into society or the Cambodian Army, concluding the conflict amidst controversy. 

What to See in Anlong Veng 

Our specialist Edventure Travel guides reveal the history of the Khmer Rouge, focusing on the severe human rights abuses during their control and their ultimate downfall.  We visit the ruins of the building where Pol Pot was tried, the sites of his death and cremation, and General Ta Mok’s residence, which was also the last command centre of the Khmer Rouge military.  Visits to the secret residential complex of Pol Pot and Khieu Samphan are also a must-see.  Meetings with former Khmer Rouge soldiers or army generals can be arranged, providing profound insights into life under the regime and a chance to ask questions.  Our guides present rare photographs from former soldiers to enhance the historical context, depicting prominent high-ranking figures and key moments from the regime’s final turbulent months. 

A day trip to Anlong Veng offers a highly educational experience, particularly for those interested in communism, revolutions, Pol Pot, Asian conflicts, global politics, genocide studies, the Khmer Rouge regime, and themes of generational trauma, justice, and reconciliation. 

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

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. 

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu, fought from 13 March to 7 May 1954, was a pivotal Vietnamese military victory that ended French colonial rule in Vietnam. This battle led to the division of the country into North Vietnam and South Vietnam, setting the stage for further conflict and, ultimately, the Vietnam War involving America and its allies. Located in the northwest of Vietnam, this epic battle saw nearly 15,000 French Union troops face off against 50,000 North Vietnamese soldiers (Viet Minh) and almost 100,000 civilians who supported logistics efforts, transporting supplies to the front lines on foot and by bicycle. 

The battle required huge logistical efforts from both sides. After securing the valley floor of Dien Bien Phu in November 1953, the French fortified their position, relying on parachute drops and cargo aircraft for supplies, delivered via two runways. Ten tanks were parachuted in parts and assembled by Foreign Legionnaires, while 105mm and 155mm cannons, jeeps, bulldozers, ammunition, and other essential supplies were brought in. An underground hospital was built near the French command post. Key to their defence of the French fortress were several strongpoints, heavily fortified centres of resistance with artillery, machine guns, and trenches manned by various French, Colonial, and Foreign Legion battalions. 

The Viet Minh, confronted with substantial logistical obstacles, lacked aircraft and had restricted road access for transporting supplies to the distant French fortress encircled by mountains, 325 kilometres from Hanoi. Instead, their soldiers and labourers carried most of the heavy artillery pieces through jungles and over mountains to the surrounding hills, evading detection by French reconnaissance planes. Despite exposure to harsh conditions and a scarcity of medical supplies, the Viet Minh successfully positioned sufficient weaponry, soldiers, and supplies to ready themselves for an assault on the French fortress. 

The battle began on 13 March 1954, with Viet Minh cannon fire raining down on the French positions. The fight lasted for 56 days, featuring heroics on both sides. Viet Minh soldiers exhibited extraordinary bravery, sacrificing themselves to form human bridges over barbed wire or block French machine gun fire. They fought hand-to-hand against the French at several strongpoints. Meanwhile, French troops, vastly outnumbered and under constant fire, showed remarkable resilience, counterattacking and regaining lost ground, despite dwindling supplies and ammunition. Wounded French soldiers returned to battle, some with severe injuries, to hold off the Viet Minh. 

On 7 May 1954, the Viet Minh had destroyed most of the French strongpoints, incapacitated the airfield, and destroyed French artillery pieces and several tanks. By afternoon, the French command ordered a ceasefire, and General Christian De Castries’s command post was surrendered, marking a decisive victory for the Viet Minh. Thousands of French supporting troops were marched to jungle prison camps, with many perishing during the march or in captivity. 

The Viet Minh’s victory occurred just one day before the Geneva Conference in Switzerland was set to discuss the withdrawal of French forces from Vietnam, providing Ho Chi Minh and General Giap with a strong negotiating position. The Geneva Accords, finalised on 20 July 1954, outlined the process for the French withdrawal from Vietnam, ending nearly a century of French rule in Indochina. This agreement also led to the partition of Vietnam, setting the stage for future American (and Australian) involvement. 

The Dien Bien Phu battlefield is the most preserved battlefield in Vietnam, offering numerous sites to explore. For schools and special interest groups studying the French colonial period, the Cold War, revolutions, conflict in Indochina, Ho Chi Minh, reconciliation and reunification, and the precursor to the Vietnam War, this battlefield is a must-see destination. Key sites to visit include: 

• Dien Bien Phu Museum: Featuring hundreds of relics from both sides of the battle 

• French Command Post 

• General Vo Nguyen Giap’s Command Centre (Muong Phang to the Vietnamese) 

• Strongpoint Elaine II (Hill A1 to the Vietnamese):  Fortifications, bunkers, and a small command post 

• Colonel Piroth’s bunker site (artillery commander) 

• Outdoor collection of French tanks, artillery, and aircraft pieces 

• Strongpoint Dominique and the Victory Monument (Hill D1 to the Vietnamese) 

• Dien Bien Phu Military Cemetery 

• Strongpoint Beatrice (Him Lam to the Vietnamese): Fortifications, trenches, and a small command post 

• Strongpoint Isabelle (Hong Cum to the Vietnamese): The last French strongpoint to surrender 

• The French Memorial (one of only two foreign memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers in Vietnam) 

• The French-Built Bailey Bridge (Muong Thanh Bridge to the Vietnamese): Leading to the French command post bunker 

Vietnam commemorates the anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory on 7 May each year. Every decade, the Vietnamese government organises a grand celebration and commemoration service at Dien Bien Phu to honour their battle heroes. On the 70th anniversary of the battle (7 May 2024), our director, Billy Penfold, and two staff members attended the two-day event to film the occasion and revisit the battlefield, highlighting the significance of this battle and the commemoration services to the Vietnamese and French people. They met Vietnamese veterans and listened to their vivid stories. They also attended the French memorial service, where they met the official French delegation, including Patricia Miralles, the French Secretary of State for War Veterans and Memory, and Andre Mayer, one of only three French Dien Bien Phu veterans who travelled from France for the occasion. 

We invite you to watch the captioned pictorial below and the short video we produced showcasing this unique event. 

For further information on incorporating a visit to Dien Bien Phu into an educational tour of Vietnam, please contact our office: Tel +61 3 9876 5058 or email us at info@edventuretravel.com.au 

In April-May 2024, students and staff from Kinross Wolaroi School undertook a two-week educational tour through Vietnam and Cambodia. The journey presented challenges, including confronting the Khmer Rouge Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, participating in a Great Race activity around Hoi An, and experiencing the realities of rural living by helping build a brick house alongside a local building team for an impoverished family. 

 The group participated in various activities, such as biking around the temples of Angkor, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, and enjoying a hands-on cooking class. 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. 

Explore Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City with our half-day guided tour. This excursion features visits to Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Temple, Quan Am Pagoda, and the Traditional Medicine Museum. Along the journey, you’ll sample local delicacies and learn about the centuries-old customs preserved by the ethnic Chinese community. Watch our short video for a glimpse of the sites and experiences that await you. 

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

Exploring Australia’s Role in the Vietnam War – A 50-Year Retrospective 

From 1962 to 1972, over 50,000 Australian personnel were deployed to Vietnam. During this conflict, 523 Australians lost their lives, with many more suffering enduring physical and mental injuries. The Vietnam War sparked significant debate in Australia, a topic that has been extensively analysed, theorised, and taught in schools across the nation for many years. 

Key issues surrounding Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War include: 

• Reasons for Australia’s involvement. 
• The decision to combat communism in Vietnam. 
• The domino theory’s impact on Australian policy. 
• The ethics of conscription. 
• The divisive anti-war movement and protests across Australia. 

What remnants you can see in Vietnam today? 

In Vietnam today, Vung Tau/Baria Province, formerly Phuoc Tuy, offers educational value for school groups exploring Australia’s military history. Key sites include Long Tan, Binh Ba, and the Long Phuoc Tunnels, among others, showcasing the operational and combat zones of Australian troops. 

Customised Tours for Student Groups 

Edventure Travel customises student tours to Vung Tau/Baria, providing insights into the war’s history and battles with the help of experienced guides, historical maps, and veteran photographs. Visits include the Long Tan Cross Memorial, Task Force site at Nui Dat, and the Long Hai Hills Minh Dam Secret Zone, offering a comprehensive exploration of significant sites over one to three days.  

Here are some of the significant sites to explore during a one to three-day school excursion: 

• The former logistical base in Vung Tau – inclusive of the RnR centre, and 1st Field Hospital. 
• Long Tan Cross Memorial – situated at the site of the Battle of Long Tan. 
• Task Force site (Nui Dat) – includes SAS Hill, Luscombe Airfield, and a command post bunker. 
• The Horseshoe Fire Support Base – located within the rim of an extinct volcano. 
• Long Hai Hills and the Minh Dam Secret Zone – renowned for its rocky terrain with hideaways, bunkers, and storage areas used by the Viets Cong. 
• Long Phuoc Tunnels and Museum – where visitors can climb into the tunnels to experience the conditions. 
• Major battlefield sites – scattered around the province and beyond, can be arranged upon request. 
• Interviews with Vietnam veterans – meet former Viet Cong soldiers who fought against the Australians. 

Our tours also delve into global politics, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War’s lasting effects on Australia and globally. 

In January 2024, a group of our Vietnam and Cambodia staff members dedicated four days to revisiting former Australian military sites and battlefields as part of our annual team training. This experience served to enrich our collective knowledge for upcoming tours to the province. Throughout the excursion, we captured numerous photographs of these historic locations, which we would like to share with you below. 

Dharavi Slum in Mumbai, India, ranks as the world’s second-largest slum, with its vastness and significance remarkable.  

Covering 2.5 square kilometres, Dharavi holds between 500,000 to 1,000,000 people, living in conditions ranging from cramped shacks to slightly larger homes. Despite the dense living spaces, life in Dharavi buzzes with activity: children go to school, adults work in over 15,000 small-scale industries, and the community thrives amidst the challenges. The area’s narrow alleys and bustling environment, amplified by the Mumbai heat, paint a picture of resilience and industriousness. 

During a day-long visit in January 2024, led by a fifth-generation Dharavi resident, three members of our Edventure Team gained insights into Mumbai’s urban landscape. This visit was part of a broader study into Mumbai’s urban geography, intended to enrich the experience of future school groups visiting the city of contrasts. 

Key features of Dharavi encompass: 

• Thousands of single-room factories and businesses providing local employment. 
• A dynamic population, with many temporary residents seeking opportunities. 
• Entrepreneurs drawn by the low-cost labour market, contributing to the local economy. 
• A strong sense of community, with residents supporting their rural families through their earnings. 
• A diverse range of crafts and industries, from pottery to recycling and leatherwork. 
• A unique electrical system tailored to each household and business. Access to major train lines for commuting outside Dharavi. 
• Security initiatives, including surveillance cameras, by businesses. 
• A deep-rooted community attachment among residents, many wishing to stay within this familiar setting. 
• The renowned 2008 film “Slumdog Millionaire” was partially shot in Dharavi. 

Local residents lead official daily tours of Dharavi, providing insights into their community and supporting local employment. Tours are intimate, typically with up to 10 participants, guided by locals equipped with communication tools and knowledge of photography etiquette. Visits include industries, homes, a temple, and interactions with locals, lasting 2-3 hours with options for longer explorations. 

For a visual representation of Dharavi, please refer to the photographs provided below.