from $1719.00
Teach English in Halong Bay (STA exclusive) - TAVHBT
Or call 0800 474 400
Day 1 Hanoi
Upon arrival in ancient Hanoi you will be transferred to your Hotel by private van (45 mins). Meet with your project representative for a briefing and choose to head to the market to stock up on supplies. Marvel at rich Vietnamese culture as you meander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter or catch a show at the Water Puppet Theater.
Day 2 Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Following breakfast commence your adventure with a 3 hour drive to Halong Bay. At the wharf you will board your speedboat(30 mins) or Junk(2.5 hrs) which will transport you across the placid, turquoise waters of Halong Bay to Cua Van Floating Fishing Village. Settle into you accommodation before meeting your fellow teachers and the Head of the Village.
Day 3-6 Cua Van Village, Halong Bay (B4, L4, D4)
Awake each morning to the peaceful splendor of monumental green-capped Karst Formations rising up around you. Throughout the day provide English Language classes for the children and adults of the Village and relax over your evening meal with the other teachers or the Headman's family as the golden sunset dapples the smooth waters of this World Heritage Listed Natural Wonder. Owing to the sheer sides of the limestone karst islands of Halong Bay there is very little level land to construct homes. As such floating villages have developed over hundreds of years in these calm, protected waters to harvest the surrounding ocean. Set on drums and pontoons, stable timber decks form the foundations of houses, schools, shops, banks, restaurants and fish farms to form communities which provide seafood to the mainland cities and passing tourist traffic. Many of the younger children have rarely set foot on dry land or experienced the benefits of institutional education available on the mainland. The village has 80 students with one class each for grades 1 to 5, one combined class for grades 6 to 9 and two classes for elementary adult education, one in the morning and another in the evening. Your contribution to the community is teaching basic English for 1.5 hours/day to the younger children (grades 2-5) and an another 1.5hr class for the adults and older children in conversational English. English language skills are highly prized by the villagers who see them as a way to communicate with the ever increasing tourist market in this region and develop opportunities beyond what were previously available to them in this emerging nation and this spiritually rich but financially poor village. Your home during your stay will be the village library and you must expect very basic amenities owing to the nature of the village and it's location. Yours meals are very healthy and tasty but simple rice or noodle based Vietnamese fare with fish, shrimp, meat, tofu and vegetables, cooked and served with the teacher during school time and with the village Headman, Mr Long's family in the breaks. This is very much an unique and authentic local experience.
Day 7 Cruise and Depart (B,L)
After breakfast and farewells to your new found friends, board your traditional Junkboat for a day cruising the bay and the hundreds of islands that make up this spectacular National Park. Following your delicious seafood lunch you have the opportunity to have a swim or kayak. On return to the wharf you will be transferred back to Hanoi or the airport for your return home. Group Leader: Project Representative, teachers, local guide This trip is an independent volunteer experience and passengers are not accompanied by a Tour Leader. You will be met by a Project Representative/Guide in Hanoi. Transferred into the care of Mr Long the village Headman and assisted by local teachers on-site.
Or call 0800 474 400
