Experience Vietnam as A Student Ambassador

Hi, my name is Jame Prentice. As part of my Internship with Authentic Asia DMC, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity and flexibility to join in and participate in activities outside of work - such as the week-long Culture Immersion initiative run by The British University Vietnam (BUV) earlier in July. 

As this is my second time back to Vietnam, this experience is extra special for me. Not only because I am an Intern at Authentic Asia DMC;  but also because I was invited by BUV to be their Student Ambassador. This role comes with great responsibility and experiences, as such, they have invited me back to participate in the final week-long initiative run by the university for international students this year. 

Follow me to discover more and have an insight into the week-long event!

Day 1 - Ninh Binh Trip 

The final week consisted of a full day trip and tour of Ninh Binh, a sail down the Trang An Ecotourism Complex, a mountainous region in the heart of Ninh Binh. The day started with a visit to the Bái Đính Pagoda, situated in Giá Viễn District of Ninh Bình. The Pagoda was established in the 11th century, and as of 2010 - the complex spans 700 hectares, making this complex the largest in Vietnam. 

Winding down the Tam The Hall - home to the 50-tonne bronze Buddha, and the Phap Chu Hall - which features a 100-tonne bronze state of Shakyamuni Buddha; also 1,052 meter-long corridor lined with 500 Arhat Statues, unique to each other. 

A 2-hour boat ride through the breathtaking Trang An saw the reminder of preservation and wildlife tourism. Often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’ the Trang An river showcases a traditional sampan boat gliding through the clear waters and mystical caves. A truly remarkable sight to see, even if this was my second time in Ninh Binh doing this tour. Once in October 2024 and again in July 2025. 

Trang An is labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is very easy to understand why. A must see on your Vietnam to-do list! 

After this, a 500-step walk up to the Mua Cave Peak - a panorama view of Tam Coc Valley and the surrounding neighbourhood communities. A beauty to see when the sun is setting and the lotus flowers are in full bloom. 

Day 2: Hanoi Tour, Egg Coffee and Van Phuc Silk Village

Day 2 of the trip took us deep into the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quater, to  visit Đống Xuân Market. Established in 1889 during the French colonial era. The market was built to replace several smaller markets, and now has become one of the biggest indoor markets in Hanoi. A central hub for wholesale goods, textiles, food, and ingredients, A major fire in 1994 destroyed much of the original structure of the market, but a rebuild saved most of the historical architecture. A very popular tourist destination. 

Next, a stop at Hanoi Coffee Culture, located in Huu Huan, Hanoi to try the famous Vietnamese-crafted ‘Egg Coffee’ or Cá Phê Trứng. The Egg Coffee is a famous Vietnamese must-try for international visitors coming to Vietnam. I have tried this coffee many times, it is truly amazing. The ingredients blend together so well that you can hardly taste the egg - I would describe it as a non-alcholic drink version of a “tiramisu”  - with much stronger coffee. Vietnamese coffee is strong, so keep this in mind if you ever want to give the Egg Coffee a try!

The history of the Egg Coffee is quite simple - rather than having regular milk, raw egg yolk is added, with condensed milk and then coffee; with different topping such as chocolate powder. 

1946 > Hanoi, Vietnam a creative bartender, Nguyen Giang experimented to find a way to create a creamy coffee without the use of milk, as milk was running scarce due to the French Resistance War. This then led to the opening of the coffee branch ‘Cafe Giang’. A very famous spot for Egg Coffee in Hanoi. 

After a slow relaxing and enjoyable coffee, a tour of the Craft Link Store was enjoyed. Craft Link is a Vietnamese NFP (Not For Profit) fair trade enterprise which supports ethnic minority groups. Production of traditional and cultural materials and gifts are made using traditional skills. Craft Links supports the artisans and crafters to generate an income through product development and new demographics in marketing. Craft Link gives priority to crafters and artisans who are marginalized, disadvantaged, or living in remote areas. 

Craft Link further supports the use of new product development to promote new marketing demographics, a higher level of personal income, and product management.
Finally, a visit to the Van Phuc Silk Village -> exploring the historic and cultural background into the history of traditional Vietnamese Silk production and the work that goes into the production of such silk-weaving products.

Van Phuc Silk Village traces its weaving tradition routes back to the 9th to 10th century, Ms. A La Thi Nuong (a skilled silk weaver from the Cao Bang region was once recognised as a highly skilled craft ancestor, after many years of crafting and teaching. 

Ly and Tran Dynasties: 11th to 14th Century > Van Phuc Silk was highly valued and sought after during this period. Often used in the crafting of royal garments and tributes to the courts. 

Nguyen Dynasty: 19th Century > Van Phuc silk products were regularly presented to the Royal Family in Hue. showcasing the hard work and craftsmanship in every product. 

French Colonial Period: 20th Century > Van Phuc Silk was exhibited and showcased at international fairs and markets (Marseille, 1931) and (Paris, 1932). 

Modern Silk Making > Now, in the 21st Century. The Van Phuc Silk Village still remains well preserved and historical in terms of the silk making industry and machinery. Since the 1990s, the village has developed as both a production hub and tourist attraction for all. 

The Van Phuc Village enriches both local residents and tourists alike with the unique hand-created patterns and silk making techniques > “Lua Van” - a traditional patterned silk which is uniquely inspired by the Van Phuc Village. 

Today - Van Phuc remains a vibrant and electric community where artisans and silk-weavers remain to be the heart of Van Phuc; continuing the traditional and cultural silk-making routes. Where heritage meets innovation. 

Day 3 & 4: A Trip to Mai Chau

Day 3 and 4 of the schedule was a very relaxed and much anticipated part of the program, a visit to the relaxing and picturesque location that is Mai Chau. A mountainous and winding coach ride from Hanoi, saw the breathtaking mountains, and local village life during a peaceful transfer. The air felt fresher, the traffic flow was calmer - no face mask required! 

Mai Chau is home to the White Thai ethnic group and the Hmong Ethic Group - with the traditionally built stilt wooden houses and homestays of tranquility and peace. The silk-weaving traditions in Mai Chau and the surroundings is a continuation of previous centuries’ work and craftsmanship; that still stands as a focal point for the Mai Chau communities to this day. 

Cycling around the peaceful Mai Chau ricefields was a wonderful experience, with the sun shining down, to the cool air and rolling hills, there was a lot to see when I was on the cycling tour - you can see just how hardworking the local residents of Mai Chau are, in the harsh and hot sun, working through the hot afternoon to provide for families, communities, and residents. The dedication and hard work does not go unnoticed. 

During the cycle route, I was fortunate enough to make a few stops along the way to view the Thai Ethic Village, and the Muong Cave Markets, where I could see traditional silk-making taking place, with embroidery techniques and a traditional Mai Chau dancing experience in-between the busy working day. The finished products are created by hand for sale in the local market, pictures just do not do the silk products justice, they are wonderful to look at in your own eyes - in fact, the whole community of Mai Chau is a must-see experience, not just through a screen! 

Day 5: Tree Planting with BUV 

Day 5 consisted of the final day of the program. The day began at the BUV main theatre room where a closing ceremony for the program was held. As I had completed this program in 2024, I was invited back as Student Ambassador for BUV to watch this years’ closing ceremony and meet some new friends, some of whom are also from Scotland. 

The event broadcasted the hard work and dedication the staff at BUV put into creating these International Programmes every year, and to be invited back by BUV is as always a great honour. 

Afterwards, a tree planting ceremony was held on the BUV main garden grounds. This is where each University from the UK and their students got together to participate in the planting of a tree with a corresponding sign of their university. The tree most connected to me is the Glasgow Caledonian University tree, as this is the university where I completed my BA Honours Degree in International Tourism and Events Management in 2024. 

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