02/12/2025
From November 15 to 19, 2025, the 2nd- and 4th-year BS Tourism Management students of the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna embarked on an immersive educational tour across Vietnam, exploring key destinations aligned with their courses in Heritage Tourism, Transportation Management, and Recreation and Leisure Management. The five-day international exposure allowed students to observe real-world applications of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and destination management.
Vietnam—one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism hubs—provided an ideal learning environment with its blend of rich cultural heritage and progressive tourism practices. The tour brought students to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, innovative tourism developments, and diverse natural attractions, giving them firsthand insight into how Vietnam balances tourism growth with heritage protection.
The journey began in Danang at Sunworld Ba Na Hills, where students examined how architectural creativity and transport systems like the world-renowned cable car enhance mountain tourism. In Hoi An, they explored the ancient town’s well-preserved cultural identity, visited community-based tourism sites, and participated in traditional activities such as the lantern floating ceremony. A seminar by retired tourism officer Mr. Quang deepened their understanding of Vietnam’s tourism strategies, sustainability challenges, and heritage conservation efforts.
In Hue, students visited major historical landmarks including the Khai Dinh Tomb, Hue Imperial City, and Thien Mu Pagoda, gaining insight into the complexities of conserving large cultural sites. Their overnight 14-hour train journey to Hanoi served as a practical study of rail transport as a sustainable tourism mode.
Hanoi offered perspectives on urban heritage, with visits to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and St. Joseph Cathedral illustrating the integration of political, religious, and colonial histories in destination storytelling. The tour concluded with a luxury cruise in Halong Bay, where students observed responsible cruise operations, explored natural attractions such as Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, and studied environmental management in nature-based tourism.
Across all destinations, students witnessed Vietnam’s holistic approach to tourism—one that emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and community participation. The experience not only reinforced classroom concepts but also enhanced students’ cultural competence, professionalism, and understanding of global tourism dynamics. The tour served as a significant step in preparing future tourism practitioners to contribute meaningfully to sustainable destination development.
By: Ms. Rushiell May Oasay