Exploring, Learning, and Growing: St. Paul Students Embark on Outdoor Adventures Across Vietnam
St. Paul American School Hanoi students took their learning beyond the classroom — exploring Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes through immersive, hands-on outdoor education trips. Designed to build resilience, teamwork, and global awareness, these grade-level journeys gave students the opportunity to connect with nature, local communities, and one another in unforgettable ways.
From the lush forests of Cuc Phuong to the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau and the green hills of Ba Vi, our 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝟲 – 𝟴 students spent a week filled with exploration, laughter, and discovery. Throughout the trips, students lived with wildlife, nature, and local traditions.
Grade 6 students became young scientists at Cuc Phuong National Park, observing rare species and learning about wildlife conservation.
Grade 7 students immersed themselves in the vibrant Thai culture of Mai Chau, weaving colorful fabrics, building bamboo machines, and conquering physical challenges with courage and teamwork.
Grade 8 students experienced life in Ba Vi through hands-on farming and tea-making, camping under the stars, and reflecting together by the bonfire.
Grade 9: Cat Ba Island Adventure
Marine Conservation and Island Exploration
Our Grade 9 students headed to Cat Ba Island, a place of rugged beauty and calm turquoise waters. The trip combined outdoor adventure with a focus on marine conservation and sustainable living.
Students spent their days kayaking through serene waters, climbing cliffs, and cycling through Viet Hai village, learning about the importance of teamwork and environmental care. They also participated in a national park beach clean, contributing to a long-term initiative to protect the island’s delicate marine ecosystem.
Grade 10: Vu Linh Adventure – Culture and Connection
Cultural Immersion and Outdoor Learning
Grade 10 students traveled to the tranquil shores of Thác Bà Lake, where they stayed in traditional Dao Quan Trang (White Pants Dao) homestays surrounded by lush hills and reflective waters. This trip invited students to step into a slower rhythm of life — one rooted in culture, collaboration, and respect for the environment.
Students took part in a variety of hands-on activities: building rafts from natural materials, navigating with compasses and maps, learning survival skills, and engaging in community-based projects such as traditional medicine workshops, cooking classes, and weaving shrimp catchers.
Grade 11: Sapa Valley – Culture and Confidence
Experiential Learning and Personal Challenge
Set against the majestic backdrop of Fansipan Mountain, Vietnam’s highest peak, the Grade 11 trip to Sapa Valley focused on confidence-building and outdoor survival skills. Students stayed with Hmong families, experiencing authentic homestay life while learning about the region’s traditions and way of life.
Each day brought new challenges and opportunities — hiking through the Sapa Valley, engineering bamboo irrigation systems, and taking part in Hmong cooking classes. Evenings by the campfire fostered reflection, teamwork, and cultural exchange.
The Class of 2025 set sail for an unforgettable adventure on Ha Long Bay! Surrounded by emerald waters and majestic limestone islands, our St. Paul American School Hanoi seniors enjoyed the perfect getaway before graduation.
From sunrise views on deck to laughter-filled kayaking and refreshing swims, every moment was about friendship, exploration, and celebration.
Students dined on fresh seafood, shared stories under the stars, and experienced the beauty and culture of one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations.
Watch how the St. Paul seniors made memories that will last a lifetime: a trip filled with smiles, splashes, and stunning scenery!
