Location
  • Vietnam
    • Ho Chi Minh City
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse
Groups
Medium Group (16-30)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
300
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $300 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 01, 2024
Apr 03, 2025
54 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Vietnam and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Vietnam.

Our affordable projects start from $18/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-24 weeks. Choose from 5 projects, ranging from Special Needs Care to Teaching to Medical in the vibrant and bustling Ho Chi Minh City, known for its cultural landmarks and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $18/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-24 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays.
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization.
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy.
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Teaching English Project

The aim of this project is to provide assistance to college students in Ho Chi Minh City who are needing to increase their English fluency so they can further their studies in Business Communication, Nursing and Public Relations. This project is well suited to volunteers who are passionate about education and are excited about the opportunity to use the English language to help enhance the career prospects for students in Vietnam.

Medical Project

As a volunteer on our Medical project, you will have the opportunity to experience a new culture, while developing your medical knowledge by gaining an insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system. This is a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of differences between medical systems in developed and developing countries. This project is well suited to volunteers on pre-medical and medical students, or those qualified in a relevant medical field.

Special Needs Care Project

As a Special Needs Care volunteer in Vietnam, you will be working within hospitals and community clinics in Ho Chi Minh City, providing support to children and young people, some who have been affected by Agent Orange. This project is best suited to caring and hard-working individuals who are passionate about increasing access to care for young people living with a range of intellectual and physical challenges.

Food Outreach Project

Your role on this project is to provide assistance to a local ‘Soup Kitchen’ to enable them to provide over 500 lunches daily to people from various backgrounds including poor elderly, low-income earners, disabled, students and children. Poverty is still widespread throughout Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh has a large population of people who are unable to afford regular nutritional meals.

Program Reviews

4.96 Rating
based on 72 reviews
  • 5 rating 95.83%
  • 4 rating 4.17%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.95
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 72 reviews
Default avatar
Colleen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great support before and during program

The training beforehand was great and helped me when we were in Vietnam. The local team were exceptional in their assistance and support throughout our time there. This trip was an eye opener for us. We loved mixing with the true locals and chatting to them even with the language barrier hindering us a little. It's a great way to see another country but also give back a little to the local community. The tips we got from the other volunteers were invaluable (local knowledge)
We intend on signing up for another IVHQ trip next year.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most of the down time, most programs finish around lunchtime/mid afternoon so plan what you want to go see or do or eat. Book things for the weekend. We booked 2 separate day trips for the weekend in the middle of our weeks. It was a bit scary because we didn't know what to expect and the language barrier but it was fantastic. If you are there for an extended amount of time you can usually ask for an extra long weekend to do further afield and visit other parts of the country. The local team are very flexible.
If you are researching, stop and look no further, IVHQ is for you
Pros
  • pre program support
  • On the ground local support
  • WhatsApp group were a god send for on the spot comms
Cons
  • Karaoke night - no not really 😆
  • Ho Chi Min is very very busy and noisy
  • The heat for us was very draining
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Miki
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

New experience

This was my first volunteer experience, and from the very beginning, both the teacher and the children welcomed me warmly. Regardless of nationality or age, I was able to connect with the children through various activities. The time I spent with them is something I treasure deeply. I learned a great deal and made many discoveries through this volunteer experience, which far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend those who are interested in volunteer program. I guarantee that this volunteer experience will definitely change your perspective and provide valuable insights for your future.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
"Sam" (Horseshoe Crab)
I tried it at the flower market for the first time. People usually boil and grill it. The egg of Sam had a unique flavor and taste that I've never tasted anything like this before.
Pros
  • meet new people
  • immerse new culture
  • expand my horizons
Cons
  • long lunchtime break ( -- but it's good time for taking a rest or exploring somewhere)
  • wake up with rooster sounds (-- But it has made my mornings more meaningful.)
  • The number of motorcycles always requires attention for your safety.
14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Leonardo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Volunteering in Vietnam

My local team were so friendly and welcoming - I felt part of the family! My coordinator for the medical placement was very knowledgable and made the whole process so smooth and enjoyable. I gained so much experience and knowledge through this medical program and it was extremely eye-opening to witness the hospital conditions in a bustling city. I was able to gain hands-on experience in physical therapy settings and could watch surgeries be performed in the operating room. I can't recommend volunteering through IVHQ enough!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Eel sausage
Pros
  • Strong friendships created with other volunteers
  • Good balance between volunteer work and free time
  • Lots of hands-on opportunities at the hospital
14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Meg
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Childcare in Vietnam

Volunteering in childcare in Vietnam was an incredibly rewarding experience that I will cherish forever. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by the coordinators, who were not only organized but also genuinely passionate about their work. They provided us with all the necessary information and support, ensuring that we felt comfortable and prepared for our roles. Their dedication to the children and the community was evident in everything they did, from planning engaging activities to offering guidance and encouragement to volunteers.

The children were the heart of this experience. Each day was filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments. I was amazed by their resilience and joy, despite the challenges they faced. Working with them allowed me to witness their creativity and curiosity firsthand. Whether we were playing games, helping with homework, or simply sharing stories, the connections we formed were truly special. The coordinators facilitated these interactions beautifully, creating an environment where both volunteers and children felt valued and supported.

Overall, my time volunteering in childcare in Vietnam was transformative. The coordinators' unwavering support and the children's vibrant spirits made this experience one of the most fulfilling of my life. I left with a deeper understanding of the culture, lasting friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. I highly recommend this opportunity to anyone looking to make a positive impact while experiencing the warmth and beauty of Vietnamese culture.

24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

See a country from the inside

This is a fabulous way to see another country from the inside. I was honored to be able to work with the respectful and friendly young Vietnamese students to improve their English speaking and listening skills. It felt good to be busy from Monday to Friday and then I was able to fully enjoy my free weekends. The local team were wholeheartedly supportive throughout the trip.

At first it feels a bit daunting, especially if you are traveling alone, but the orientation day soon puts you at ease. Thanks to all.

What was your funniest moment?
Trying to cross the Ho Chi Minh City roads at rush hour, with literally 100s of scooters going past in a blur. In the end I realized it's best to just be brave and step out...
Pros
  • Meet fabulous locals
  • Meet fabulous participants
  • Help students learn
Cons
  • Busy roads
  • Constant heat
32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Madeline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I had an incredible experience with both the staff and the medical program in Vietnam! The Local Team and everyone involved in the program were exceptionally kind, welcoming, and always ready to help. Their friendliness made the entire trip even more enjoyable and enriching. The program itself was well-organized, and I learned so much from both the local medical staff and the hands-on experience. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a meaningful and fulfilling experience. I truly hope to embark on more of these trips in the future, as this one left such a lasting positive impact on me!

40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I Can Not Wait to Volunteer Again

The experience was wonderful. It was a great opportunity to get out of the country and a fantastic way to meet many new people. The Local Team was helpful and ready to assist in any way necessary. I felt like I made an impact, and I met so many new people in the food outreach program and in other programs from so many other countries too. This is an amazing way to immerse yourself in a new culture and try delicious food. I highly recommend International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) for anyone looking for a way to volunteer!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One of the most common ways to get around is using an app called Grab which is similar to an Uber service except you can ride on a motorbike and it is much cheaper. They are safe drivers and it's a fun experience. You do not grab onto to driver, but rather onto the back of the bike, or when you are comfortable you can let go completely. The bikes do not drive that fast and of course, you are wearing a helmet.
Pros
  • Meet so many kind people and make a difference.
  • Eat lots of delicious food.
  • There is so much of sight seeing and it is cheap.
Cons
  • I wish I could have spent more time.
38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

I had the most amazing experience in Vietnam. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and have grown in confidence as a result. The IVHQ team offered lots of pre-departure support and the in-country team welcomed you so warmly when you arrived. I have made friends for life with the other volunteers! During the programme I was given the opportunity to support children with their English and to support them with other developing skills. I would 100% recommend this experience to anyone who is thinking about volunteering.

39 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

For sure, all ages welcome, I volunteered with families, seniors, young adults and mature adults 😊