The day began at 23/9 Park, where the children gathered before traveling to Ben Thanh Metro Station.

Many were amazed by the station’s modern underground facilities, including a large ceramic clock artwork.

For Pham Minh Khang, a student at Tran Quoc Thao Elementary School, it was his first time exploring the underground metro sections.

Later, he eagerly experienced the Saigon waterbus, marveling at the city’s landmarks such as the Landmark 81 skyscraper, the Ba Son Bridge, and the Saigon River.

“The trip helped me learn many interesting things, understand how to use public transportation safely and see Ho Chi Minh City from a completely new perspective,” Khang said.

Nguyen Tran Chi Thien from Nguyen Thai Son Elementary School said he wished the journey could last longer, enjoying the chance to learn more about his city.

Thien often joins summer activities in his neighborhood with friends and youth volunteers from the city’s green summer volunteer campaign.

Volunteer Pham Ngoc Yen Nhi from Ho Chi Minh City Open University explained that the program helps children understand the city’s history and development through real-life experiences rather than textbooks.

Aside from experiencing metro and waterbus trips, the children were able to observe some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, practiced observation skills, and learned about safe public transit use.

Nguyen Hong Ngoc Bao Tram, deputy secretary of Xuan Hoa Ward’s youth union, said the initiative provides meaningful summer experiences, broadening children’s knowledge while encouraging respect for public spaces.

For parents, she added, it offers safe, practical learning opportunities that build life skills and community responsibility.