Vietnam Volunteer Programs from $27/day | Most Affordable & Trusted
Vietnam Volunteer Programs from $27/day | Most Affordable & Trusted
Location
  • Vietnam
    • Ho Chi Minh City
Length
1 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $410 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
Aug 23, 2026
58 travelers are looking at this program

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

About Program

IVHQ is trusted by 160,000+ volunteers and provides the #1 rated volunteer programs in the world for Vietnam and 50+ other destinations.

For the past 7 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 $27/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-12 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.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Volunteers praise the program’s strong local support, meaningful placements in teaching, medical, and special needs, and the chance to build friendships and explore Vietnam’s culture.

Program Highlights

  • 15+ years experience & B Corp certified volunteer travel organization.
  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $27/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!
  • Optional 5-day Culture Week orientation providing insight into Vietnamese culture and notable landmarks.
  • Exclusive tours such as the Vietnam Food Tour from $67.

Want to WIN $329* FREE IVHQ credit?!

Video and Photos

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

4.97 Rating
based on 86 reviews
  • 5 rating 96.51%
  • 4 rating 3.49%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.9
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 86 reviews
Tiago
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

It was my first time volunteering. In the begining I was doubtful about this experince, but I read these reviews and it was really clarifying. If you are doubtful about it just apply because it is worth it. Although the age difference among volunteers was variable, I think it really worked well and I got to meet people from different places and experiences. Also, the staff was really helpful and the program was well organized and with a good preparation. I absolutely recommend, it will be a life changing opportunity.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Most local people cannot speak english but it is so heartwarming and surprising that ultimately everyone can understand each other. Like a big family.
Pros
  • Food experience
  • Social experience
  • Cultural experience
What other participants should know
  • Expensive
  • Far
54 people found this review helpful.
Seyed Hossein
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Meaningful and Rewarding Volunteering Experience

I had a wonderful and truly memorable experience participating in the International Volunteer Service – Food Outreach program in Vietnam. Spending a week volunteering in a different country was a rewarding opportunity to step outside my usual environment, meet new people, experience a different culture, and contribute to local communities in a meaningful way.

One of the most valuable parts of the program was working alongside volunteers from different countries and backgrounds. Although we had different cultures, experiences, and perspectives, we were united by a common goal of helping others. Working together as a team created a strong sense of friendship, cooperation, and community. I enjoyed meeting the other volunteers and learning from their experiences.

The Food Outreach program was particularly meaningful because food is a basic and important part of everyone's life. Being able to contribute to activities that support local communities gave me a greater appreciation of the importance of kindness, generosity, and community involvement. It also reminded me that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference when people work together.

I also greatly enjoyed experiencing Vietnamese culture. The local people were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I appreciated the opportunity to explore the country, try different foods, and learn about local traditions. One of the most unusual and memorable things I tried was Vietnamese egg coffee, which was a surprisingly delicious experience!

Overall, this volunteering program was a very positive and enriching experience. It allowed me to help others while also learning, making new friendships, and gaining a broader perspective of the world. I am grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend the program to anyone interested in international volunteering and cultural exchange. It was an experience I will remember for a long time.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was egg coffee. It was surprisingly delicious and definitely a unique Vietnamese experience!
57 people found this review helpful.
Jennifer
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

From the moment I started exploring the IVHQ website, the entire process was easy to navigate. The program guide I received after signing up walked me through everything I needed to know, from obtaining my visa to packing, arrival, and what to expect once I reached Vietnam. Every step was well organized, and whenever I had a question, someone was always available to help. IVHQ made volunteering abroad feel simple, and the experience exceeded all of my expectations. IVHQ made it possible for me to step outside my comfort zone with confidence. Their support before, during, and after my program allowed me to focus on serving, learning, and enjoying an experience that truly changed my life.

What was your funniest moment?
One of my funniest moments was learning how to ride the public bus in Vietnam. The bus barely stops—you have to hop on while it's still moving, grab a handrail, and find a seat before it takes off again! By the second day I felt like I had earned my "Vietnam bus rider" badge.
Pros
  • Excellent organization
  • Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities
  • Supportive local staff
What other participants should know
  • Hot and Humid weather
  • Language Barrier
  • Expect the Unexpected
79 people found this review helpful.
Evan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Such a great experience!!

I'm in high school and wanted to try out one of IVHQ'S programs, I had chosen the food outreach program in Vietnam for a week over the July school holidays. Before the placement I received full support from my program manager Hannah who was extremely helpful with helping communicating all the dates and information I needed to know, When I had gotten to the placement I was greeted by the local team who were with us throughout the whole time and I had met great new people and gained some key experiences, the food offered was also a highlight, each morning we had received local traditional Vietnamese meals for breakfast and it was amazing!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take the step and sign up for the program, it was such a great experience you need to try!!
Pros
  • Fully supported by staff
  • Great meals and accomadation
  • Meet new people
89 people found this review helpful.
Charlie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A fantastic experience

I had a great experience volunteering in Ho Chi Minh City through IVHQ. The whole process, from applying to arriving in Vietnam, was really well organised and the support from the IVHQ team made travelling overseas for the first time much less stressful.

The volunteering itself was incredibly rewarding. It was great being able to help people in the local community while also meeting volunteers from all over the world. I made some great friends and created memories I'll never forget.

If I ever had any questions before I left, the IVHQ team was quick to respond and made everything easy. I'd definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking about volunteering overseas. It was an amazing experience and one I'm really glad I did.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have stayed longer. Two weeks went by really quickly, and by the end of the program I felt like I was just settling in. I would have loved to spend more time volunteering and exploring Vietnam.
Pros
  • Excellent support and communication before the trip.
  • Well organised program that made travelling overseas easy and stress free
  • A rewarding experience with the chance to make a real difference while meeting amazing people from around the world.
What other participants should know
  • The time just went too fast and I wish I could have stayed longer.
80 people found this review helpful.
Sara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Saigon!

The Food Outreach IVHQ Program was life-changing for me. Seeing the difference the kitchen was making by feeding over 500 people a day was truly inspiring. I would highly recommend this program to anyone.

Although I was traveling solo, I quickly made lifelong friends with so many people from all over the world. I cannot wait to return to Saigon.

IVHQ made the whole experience easy for me. There are so many different opportunities all over the world to choose from. Once you decide on a location and program everything is sorted.

What was your funniest moment?
We were walking home from the program when we saw a beautiful yellow flowered tree. We were all in awe. When we approached the tree, we realized it was fake. We all laughed so much.
Pros
  • Lifelong friends
  • The culture in Vietnam
  • The ease of having everything planned and organized
95 people found this review helpful.
VANESSA
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ VOLUNTEER IN VIETNAM with your own child

IVHQ provided in-depth information prior to our volunteer posting. This allowed us to fully prepare and take into consideration small elements that we may have overlooked, like cultue shock. Being aware allowed us to normalise the experience and feel supported. They also provided guidance and support with regards to volunteering with our 13 year old child. They ensured that he to was in an appropriate program with myself that would support his learning and well-being. IVHQ were also very clear about sleeping arrangements whilst on the program and they provided alternative accommodation to consider. .

What was your funniest moment?
Orientation , family dinner and karaoke with fellow volunteers was so much fun
Pros
  • Immersion in another culture, being able to ask questions and learn
  • Awareness of how others live
  • Developing resilience
What other participants should know
  • Tiredness on arrival due to flight delays and then engaging in orientation when tired
  • Not knowing the language
115 people found this review helpful.
Sally
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Way surpassed all my expectations..

I did two weeks in a food kitchen in Vietnam which was absolutely incredible and worked out better than I could ever have imagined.. The co-ordinations were really helpful, friendly and supportive, and always on hand to help with anything at all. It was hard work but really rewarding and I felt I made a real difference. Starting just before 7am and finishing at 1/1.30 meant I had the rest of the day to go and explore Ho Chi Minh City which I loved and felt really safe. Even went to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat on my middle weekend. Would absolutely recommend and I’m looking forward to my next adventure with IVHQ.😊

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
🐐 Goat.. lots of opportunities to eat more interesting food but I’m not brave enough!!🤷‍♀️
Pros
  • Supported
  • Friendly
  • Meaningful
What other participants should know
  • None
109 people found this review helpful.

Community Questions

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