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
Jun 24, 2025
55 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 74 reviews
  • 5 rating 95.95%
  • 4 rating 4.05%
  • 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 74 reviews
Default avatar
Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First time international volunteer

This was my first time traveling and volunteering internationally by myself. I had a lovely experience with IVHQ. Before my trip, they did an excellent job helping me with whatever I needed to feel prepared for my trip. Honestly, when I got to my travel destination, I didn't know what to expect because I've never been to the country before, and I had no family there at all. It was quite nerve-wracking, but as soon as I met up with the local team, I immediately felt welcomed. It was like a big community and family. On this trip, I had an amazing time volunteering, helping a community, immersing myself into a new culture, and making new friends. Meeting the people in this program was probably the most memorable part. It's like coming together with people who are kind and compassionate, and want to help the world as much as you do. It's really refreshing to be with such amazing and intelligent human beings. The local team was impeccable, as well as the food. I loved everything about it (maybe it was a little too hot than what I am used to, but it was worth it). Do not hesitate and do this, it will be a transformative experience.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was exiting the airport, and being in a country I was a complete stranger to. I overcame it immediately when I met up with my local team person, who was responsible for picking me up and taking me to the accommodations. On the car ride, we talked, and immediately, I felt safe and knew I was going to be in good hands.
Pros
  • The AC was amazing and reliable. Made the weather super bearable
  • The friends I made through this program
  • The food (& prices) Everything was so cheap compared to back home!
Cons
  • Different type of hot than what I am used to (It was very humid hot, rather than dry hot)
  • My stay was too short, should've signed up for longer
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience of my Life!

The first thing I can say about IVHQ is that they facilitated the best experience of my life. The time between applying to the program and actually travelling was nearly 2 years, and the team were incredible. Any questions/concerns were answered in depth and quickly, and I attended a couple of the online sessions, which were incredibly informative. While in Vietnam, the local team were incredible, supportive and treated everyone like family. I genuinely couldn't have had a better experience and would recommend it to anyone and everyone!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
On the weekend, I went with 2 other volunteers to Nha Trang, where we did a coral reef walk on an island-hopping excursion. We got to feed fish with our own hand and the coral reached out to touch us. It was incredible!
Pros
  • You get to see how you can make a difference
  • Experiencing another culture through living it
  • Making friends and memories you will have forever
Cons
  • Hard to manage allergies
  • Little privacy
16 people found this review helpful.
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
26 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.
26 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
30 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.

42 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
57 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!

57 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

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