2025 Vietnam Freeman Study Tour: A Journey of Discovery, Resilience, and Global Citizenship
Two unforgettable weeks across Hội An, Huế, and Hà Nội with memories that will last a lifetime.
From the Pacific to Vietnam: A Cultural Exchange Like No Other
What happens when 16 students from across Hawaiʻi travel nearly 6,000 miles to explore Vietnam’s vibrant culture, complex history, and enduring spirit? For the participants of the 2025 Vietnam Freeman Study Tour, the answer is clear: personal transformation, lifelong friendships, and a profound sense of global connection.
Thanks to the generous support of the Freeman Foundation, PAAC students spent two immersive weeks exploring three major regions of Vietnam—Hội An, Huế, and Hà Nội—through historical tours, hands-on cultural workshops, and unforgettable student exchanges. More than just a study tour, this journey became a living classroom in compassion, kuleana, and curiosity.
🏮 Hội An: Where Wonder Meets Warmth
“Tailors, thunderstorms, lanterns, street food, and a whole lot of laughter.”
Our adventure began in Hội An, a city as vibrant as its lantern-lit streets. From the moment we arrived, every experience felt like a blend of past and present—each corner echoing history, each interaction brimming with generosity.
On Day One, students dove into three quintessential Hội An experiences: sipping their first cà phê sữa đá at cozy cafés, receiving custom measurements at local tailors, and relaxing with traditional Vietnamese spa treatments. That evening, a street food tour introduced us to local flavors—from bánh mì to grilled skewers—served with stories from the heart.
The following days brought deeper historical exploration, including a visit to the Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, where students learned about the ancient Champa civilization while walking among sacred ruins. At the Đà Nẵng Museum, wartime relics told stories of hardship and resistance, revealing Vietnam’s remarkable resilience.
One of the most meaningful days was spent in nearby villages, where we practiced traditional woodworking and pottery techniques, only to be caught in a classic summertime thunderstorm. Far from dampening the mood, it became a living lesson in adaptability—watching locals calmly navigate weather and life with unwavering grace.
That evening, laughter echoed through the halls of Step-Hi English School, where we danced, played games, learned Vietnamese, and formed surprising connections that transcended culture or language.
Before leaving Hội An, students tried their hands at lantern-making, creating their own keepsakes of light and memory. At a final cultural exchange, we shared hula, language, and aloha with new friends—saying bittersweet goodbyes to a city that had quickly begun to feel like home.
🏯 Huế: Quiet Grandeur, Loud Lessons
“Although our time in Huế was short, the knowledge and memories gained were worth every second.”
We next journeyed to Huế, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, where history revealed itself in layers—from crumbling palace walls to tranquil riverside pagodas. In just a few days, students gained insight into Vietnam’s royal past, spiritual traditions, and symbolic design.
The Imperial City offered more than architecture; it taught us how deeply thought and philosophy are embedded in Vietnamese governance and symbolism. Even the direction of each gate told a story.
At the tombs of Kings Khải Định and Tự Đức, we learned how Vietnamese emperors prepared for the afterlife with intentional design and reverence for legacy. These places weren’t just monuments—they were messages to the future.
“Even the number of dragons carved into the stone had meaning.”
Our visit to the Thiên Mụ Pagoda deepened our understanding of Buddhism and its impact on resistance movements. Stories of monks and nuns protesting injustice in the 1960s resonated with students as reminders of peaceful courage.
But Huế wasn’t just about observation—it was about exchange. At Quốc Học Huế High School for the Gifted, our students sang, presented, and learned alongside Vietnamese peers. The exchange wasn’t scripted—it was spontaneous, full of laughter and heartfelt connection.
“It’s humbling to realize how much we have in common, even when our worlds seem so different.”
🌆 Hà Nội: Where Tradition Meets Transformation
“Every region in Vietnam is so rich in culture and history... despite their hardships, the people continue to persevere and thrive.”
In Hà Nội, the final chapter of our journey unfolded with a mix of history, diplomacy, and creativity. This capital city pulsed with life—ancient temples stood beside skyscrapers, and each street seemed to hold a new story.
We visited the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and the solemn Hoa Lo Prison, bearing witness to the struggles and strength of a nation shaped by colonization, war, and revolution. These weren’t just history lessons—they were invitations to reflect on resilience and the price of freedom.
Cultural immersion continued with visits to the Temple of Literature, Ha Long Bay, and the whimsical Thang Long Water Puppet Show, where students learned how storytelling and art have preserved Vietnamese identity through centuries of change.
Workshops at Duong’s Restaurant (cooking), Vun Art (tote bag making), and Hanh Silk (textile demonstration) allowed students to engage hands-on with tradition—and support local artisans in the process.
Hà Nội also offered a glimpse into modern diplomacy. A visit to the U.S. Embassy sparked reflections on the role young people play in shaping international relationships. From there, we soared above the city at the Lotte Tower Observation Deck, taking in the vast sprawl of a country evolving before our eyes.
Of course, there was joy too—karaoke nights, dinners full of laughter, and quiet talks that often led to big realizations.
🌱 Lessons That Cross Oceans
As we returned home, our suitcases were heavier—with handmade lanterns, silk scarves, and tailored áo dài—but our hearts were even fuller.
What students took home:
🧭 Cultural Resilience: Understanding how a nation can hold both trauma and beauty, and choose to thrive.
🌍 Intercultural Empathy: Forming real relationships across language and geography.
🤝 Global Citizenship: Experiencing first-hand how diplomacy, education, and culture intersect.
“Vietnam didn’t just teach me about another country...it helped me understand the kind of person and leader I want to become.”
💛 Mahalo to Our Supporters
This life-changing experience would not have been possible without the generosity of the Freeman Foundation and the thoughtful guidance of our chaperones, local partners, and PAAC staff.
Special thanks to our student storytellers and photographers: Destiny N., Violet K., Chloe H., Bodhi M., Alika K., Sarah L., Julian H., Thalia H., Ella B., Angelo F., Mel Jane C., Rainn S., Jay T., Wilson C., Vivienne H., and Ella K.
