Vietnam is a country shaped by resilience, transformation, and a complex modern history. Join us on an unforgettable journey as we explore its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and enduring legacy of the “American War.” Traveling through Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An, Hanoi, and the Mekong Delta, we’ll examine the political, social, and historical forces that have shaped contemporary Vietnam while experiencing the country’s vibrant culture and daily life.

Our journey continues in Cambodia, where we’ll explore the awe-inspiring temple complex of Angkor Wat and conclude in the dynamic and historically significant capital of Phnom Penh.

Throughout the program, we’ll participate in exclusive conversations with a diverse range of thought-provoking individuals, including artists, historians, journalists, writers, human rights advocates, and local community leaders. These discussions will provide unique insight into the histories, political landscapes, cultures, challenges, and aspirations that continue to shape these two remarkable nations.

Highlights:

• Participate in a pre-departure call with long-time Nation contributor George Black and travel with Southeast Asian expert Dr. Lorraine Paterson.
• Hear from Dr. Bui Tran Phuon, former president of Hoa Sen University to learn about Vietnam’s history with China. 
• Meet with Chuck Searcy,  an ex-American GI, who created Project Renew to clear munitions still around since the end of the war. 
• Learn about Cham culture from Kieu Maily, a researcher, artist, poet and writer and visit My Son, considered to be one of the most impressive Cham sites. 
• Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and the Bayon Temple.
• Explore colorful markets, sample delicious local cuisine, and experience the art and culture of two distinctly fascinating countries.
• Enjoy great company and stimulating conversation with like-minded travelers. 

Tour Hosts:

Dr. Lorraine Paterson is a Research Associate in Asian history with the University of Leicester in the U.K. and is based in Washington D.C. She has lived and worked extensively in Asia for over 30 years and has also taught at various institutions including Cornell and Johns Hopkins University. She has extensive experience leading tours in many countries of Southeast Asia and East Asia and is looking forward to accompanying the group throughout the tour. Lorraine will travel with you throughout the tour.

George Black is a New York City-based author and journalist specializing in international affairs and the environment. In his more than 40-year career as a journalist, he has written for a wide range of magazines, newspapers, and digital publications, and is the recipient of numerous awards. He began his career in television, working on documentaries on the wars in Central America for the BBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS),. He is a former columnist for the Los Angeles Times and was foreign editor of The Nation from 1986 to 1991. From 2004 to 2014 he was executive editor of OnEarth magazine, published by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a leading U.S. environmental organization. Since then his long-form investigative reporting has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, The New Republic, The Nation, and other publications. Black is the author of eight books on a wide range of topics, including U.S. policy in Latin America, the democracy movement in China, and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, and is the author of “The Long Reckoning: A Story of War, Peace and Redemption in Vietnam,” which you received as part of this tour. https://george-black.net. George will lead a pre-departure call.

See the itinerary for complete details. Questions? Contact us via the form at the bottom of this page or call us at 212-209-5401.

100% of the proceeds from our travel programs support The Nation’s journalism.

The Nation purchases carbon offsets to mitigate the effects of our travel program on the environment.

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Traveler Photos

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Traveler Reflections