Thai Architecture Students Explore Ho Chi Minh City Through Field-Based Learning Program

Over the past few days, a delegation of students and lecturers from the Faculty of Architecture at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand, has participated in the ARCH PSU Overseas Modular Program 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolitan area.

A delegation from the Faculty of Architecture at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand, has participated in the ARCH PSU Overseas Modular Program 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City

A key highlight of the program was a visit and academic exchange at Vietnam-German University (VGU), where students attended a lecture on sustainable urban development delivered by Dr. Pham Thai Son.

The PSU delegation during their visit and working session at Vietnamese-German University (VGU)

The session focused on the challenges and emerging trends facing modern cities amid rapid population growth, climate change and increasing demands for greener living environments.

Beyond classroom learning, the students conducted field surveys at several of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic architectural and urban landmarks, including the Reunification Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and Ben Thanh Market.

Memorable moments from the delegation’s exploration of Ho Chi Minh City 

According to participating lecturers, Ho Chi Minh City serves as one of Southeast Asia’s most representative examples of urban transformation and development.

Within a single urban landscape, students were able to observe architectural works spanning different historical periods, from colonial-era landmarks and contemporary developments to districts currently undergoing redevelopment and expansion.

These field activities enabled students to examine urban issues from a practical perspective rather than solely through academic materials. Observing how heritage buildings coexist and interact with the city’s modern growth provided valuable insights for research in urban planning, architecture and sustainable development.

According to Visit Indochina, international student groups are increasingly interested in study programs that combine academic learning with real-world experiences in Vietnam, attracted by the country’s open environment, growing economy, friendly people and dynamic educational landscape.

In addition to academic benefits, such programs offer students opportunities to engage with local culture, deepen their understanding of Southeast Asian cities and strengthen connections among educational institutions across the region.

The participation of international universities in specialized field-study programs highlights Vietnam’s potential to develop academic tourism and experiential education products, particularly in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, which possess rich architectural, cultural and historical values.

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