Activity Week: Year 10 Vietnam Trip

We were buzzing with excitement as we got on our flight from Hong Kong to Hanoi, 8th March 2025 to begin our Activity Week adventure. When we arrived, we were greeted by our wonderful instructors - Paris, Steph, Yusef, Jenny, and Ken - who guided us throughout this incredible trip.

Exploring Hanoi's rich history and culture was the perfect way to kick off the trip. We visited iconic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the serene Temple of Literature. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offered fascinating insights into the country's diverse traditions, while the Hoa Lo Prison gave us a sobering perspective on its past. To balance out the day, we wandered through the lively night market, enjoying local delicacies and unique trinkets.

Our next destination was Ninh Binh, a picturesque region that welcomed us with its natural beauty and warm community. One of the most meaningful parts of our Vietnam journey was the time spent at the local school. Over three days, we dedicated ourselves to service work.

When we first arrived, the warm welcome from the children filled us with joy and motivation. Their cheerful smiles and infectious energy made us feel instantly connected. With the kids’ encouragement, we began our tasks—mixing concrete, building walls, and planting trees. Each day was filled with hard work and teamwork, as we slowly but surely saw the results of our efforts take shape. By the end of our stay, we had planted over 100 trees and laid the foundation for a strong 70-meter wall. It was incredibly rewarding to see how much we did together.

But the true highlight was the bond we formed with the children. Despite differences in language and culture, laughter became our universal language. We sang songs, played sports like football and volleyball, and shared moments of pure joy through games. On the last day of work, our group sang the AISHK school song as a token of gratitude and celebration. We took countless photos and cherished every moment spent with the students. The friendships we built during those days became the heart and soul of our journey.

After completing the service work, we returned to Hanoi. A tranquil boat ride allowed us to soak in the beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes before we enjoyed an enchanting water puppet show in the evening. Another visit to the bustling night market added a delightful touch to the day.

On the morning of March 15th, we gathered one last time as a group so everyone could share their favorite moments, the challenges they faced, and recap their journey. It was a reflective and heartwarming activity and to make the moment even more special, our incredible instructors surprised us with beautiful handmade bracelets. We then explored Hanoi’s famous Train Street, where we ate delicious Banh Mi sandwiches. With hearts full and countless memories to treasure, we made our way to the airport for our return flight to Hong Kong.

While the physical achievements were significant, it was the connections we made and the sense of community that truly defined our time in Ninh Binh. The memories of working side by side, sharing smiles, and creating something meaningful together will forever hold a special place in my heart.

By: Jeffrie Chen