Where
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding holiday closures)
Duration
From 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone after a simple, grounded volunteer activity, close to everyday life
Project details
A small shop that serves hundreds of meals a day to people who couldn't otherwise afford one.
Back in 2012, a group of Vietnamese volunteers set up the Smile Food Shop with a simple but powerful idea: serve a hot, decent meal to people who work hard but can't afford one. For just 2,000 dong (a few cents in pounds), students, older people, workers and people in need find dignity and daily support here.
The project is built on the belief that food isn't just nourishment, it's community and connection. As a participant, you'll help prep ingredients, serve meals, keep the place tidy and back up the local team, who run all this with real passion.
A practical, hands-on trip that lets you see daily life in Ho Chi Minh from the inside, and the difference a plate of rice can make to someone's day.
The project is built on the belief that food isn't just nourishment, it's community and connection. As a participant, you'll help prep ingredients, serve meals, keep the place tidy and back up the local team, who run all this with real passion.
A practical, hands-on trip that lets you see daily life in Ho Chi Minh from the inside, and the difference a plate of rice can make to someone's day.
Food and community in the heart of Saigon
A small shop that serves hundreds of meals a day to people who couldn't otherwise afford one.
Back in 2012, a group of Vietnamese volunteers set up the Smile Food Shop with a simple but powerful idea: serve a hot, decent meal to people who work hard but can't afford one. For just 2,000 dong (a few cents in pounds), students, older people, workers and people in need find dignity and daily support here.
The project is built on the belief that food isn't just nourishment, it's community and connection. As a participant, you'll help prep ingredients, serve meals, keep the place tidy and back up the local team, who run all this with real passion.
A practical, hands-on trip that lets you see daily life in Ho Chi Minh from the inside, and the difference a plate of rice can make to someone's day.
The project is built on the belief that food isn't just nourishment, it's community and connection. As a participant, you'll help prep ingredients, serve meals, keep the place tidy and back up the local team, who run all this with real passion.
A practical, hands-on trip that lets you see daily life in Ho Chi Minh from the inside, and the difference a plate of rice can make to someone's day.
Why participate
Help support the local community
Help make sure people on tight budgets get hot, accessible meals every day.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Tuesday to Friday, mornings are spent prepping ingredients, serving meals and helping out at the Food Shop.
Each day mixes hands-on time in the kitchen, community service activities and time with the other volunteers and local coordinators.
Monday is for orientation, with cultural activities, a tour of the area and a community dinner to get to know the group and the city.
07:00Breakfast at the campus and getting ready for the day
08:30Arrival at the Food Shop and helping with ingredient prep
10:00Serving meals to the local community: handing out food, cleaning and tidying up
14:00Lunch and free time to relax or explore the area
18:30Back to the dormitory, shower and shared dinner on the rooftop
21:30Free time: chats, group games or a walk in the city
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers.
Tour of the Mekong Delta
Cruise between rivers and floating markets, discovering rural villages and one-of-a-kind landscapes a few hours from the city.
The next story is yours
heylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelTag us in your stories to feature here! @heylocalstravel
FAQs
During your stay in Ho Chi Minh you'll be based on a university campus, in a dormitory set up to host students and volunteers from all over the world. The campus is just ten minutes from the airport and about twenty from the city centre, in a lively neighbourhood with cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies close by.
Rooms are simple but functional: you can pick a shared room (6–8 people) or, if you'd like more privacy, a private room (1–2 people). All rooms lock and come with bed linen, air conditioning and a safety box. Towels, private bathrooms and hot showers aren't available. The dormitory follows the campus rules, including a night curfew from 24:00 to 06:00.
Common areas include an office with computers you can use, a rooftop terrace to relax and socialise on, and access to a swimming pool (closed on Mondays for maintenance). Wi-Fi is in the common areas, and there are paid laundry facilities. To have internet on tap during your stay, we'd recommend picking up an eSIM before you travel. With Airalo you can activate one in minutes, so you're online from the moment you arrive: find out how here.
Nearby you'll also find a gym, shops and ATMs.
🍜 What's included:
- Shared or private rooms
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends (brunch + dinner)
- Free drinks (water, tea and coffee at the campus)
- Rooftop and common areas to relax in and socialise
- 24/7 support from the local team
- Pool access during the week (closed on Mondays)
- Safety box and lockable rooms
The campus isn't just a place to sleep, it's part of the experience: you'll meet volunteers from other countries, share meals and downtime, and tap into the energy of one of Vietnam's most dynamic cities.
Rooms are simple but functional: you can pick a shared room (6–8 people) or, if you'd like more privacy, a private room (1–2 people). All rooms lock and come with bed linen, air conditioning and a safety box. Towels, private bathrooms and hot showers aren't available. The dormitory follows the campus rules, including a night curfew from 24:00 to 06:00.
Common areas include an office with computers you can use, a rooftop terrace to relax and socialise on, and access to a swimming pool (closed on Mondays for maintenance). Wi-Fi is in the common areas, and there are paid laundry facilities. To have internet on tap during your stay, we'd recommend picking up an eSIM before you travel. With Airalo you can activate one in minutes, so you're online from the moment you arrive: find out how here.
Nearby you'll also find a gym, shops and ATMs.
🍜 What's included:
- Shared or private rooms
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends (brunch + dinner)
- Free drinks (water, tea and coffee at the campus)
- Rooftop and common areas to relax in and socialise
- 24/7 support from the local team
- Pool access during the week (closed on Mondays)
- Safety box and lockable rooms
The campus isn't just a place to sleep, it's part of the experience: you'll meet volunteers from other countries, share meals and downtime, and tap into the energy of one of Vietnam's most dynamic cities.
Your safety is at the heart of every choice. The programmes in Ho Chi Minh are run with reliable local partners and a team of coordinators who are always around, to give you steady support throughout your stay.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep things safe and respectful, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it. This is a key step to keep children and local communities safe.
🔹 High safety standards
The campus where you'll be staying is in a safe, well-served neighbourhood, with controlled access and a night curfew that keeps things calm for everyone. Our partner sites regularly host international volunteers and are used to working with people from all kinds of countries and age groups.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, you can count on ongoing help from our local staff, available evenings and weekends too. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an orientation session with all the practical info on culture, safety and house rules. We'll share grounded tips on getting around the city, using the transport and settling into daily life in Vietnam.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Ho Chi Minh is a vibrant, welcoming city, but as in any big metropolis a few simple habits go a long way:
✔ Don't carry valuables when you're out and about.
✔ Stick to official taxis or the Grab app to get around safely.
✔ Always check with the local team about areas and timings.
💡 Our aim is to give you a safe, welcoming and well-supported setting, so you can focus on what really matters: time spent with the community and getting into Vietnamese culture.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep things safe and respectful, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it. This is a key step to keep children and local communities safe.
🔹 High safety standards
The campus where you'll be staying is in a safe, well-served neighbourhood, with controlled access and a night curfew that keeps things calm for everyone. Our partner sites regularly host international volunteers and are used to working with people from all kinds of countries and age groups.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, you can count on ongoing help from our local staff, available evenings and weekends too. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an orientation session with all the practical info on culture, safety and house rules. We'll share grounded tips on getting around the city, using the transport and settling into daily life in Vietnam.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Ho Chi Minh is a vibrant, welcoming city, but as in any big metropolis a few simple habits go a long way:
✔ Don't carry valuables when you're out and about.
✔ Stick to official taxis or the Grab app to get around safely.
✔ Always check with the local team about areas and timings.
💡 Our aim is to give you a safe, welcoming and well-supported setting, so you can focus on what really matters: time spent with the community and getting into Vietnamese culture.
🧭 Orientation day
Your time in Ho Chi Minh starts with a full day to help you settle in, get to know the local culture and start the project safely and confidently.
On your first Monday you'll join a few activities led by the local team:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and campus rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and local customs
- An introduction to Vietnamese culture, with a few first words and bits about daily life
- A walk around the campus and the surrounding neighbourhood, with useful info on cafés, supermarkets and ATMs
- Help with picking up a local SIM to stay connected. If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active, you can buy one in advance via Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do that using this link
- Group activities and a family dinner at a typical restaurant, to start getting to know the coordinators and other volunteers
Orientation is the perfect moment to break the ice, make new friends and find your feet in the city.
📌 From Tuesday you'll start at the community centres, but by day one you'll already feel part of the community and ready to make the most of the trip.
Your time in Ho Chi Minh starts with a full day to help you settle in, get to know the local culture and start the project safely and confidently.
On your first Monday you'll join a few activities led by the local team:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and campus rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and local customs
- An introduction to Vietnamese culture, with a few first words and bits about daily life
- A walk around the campus and the surrounding neighbourhood, with useful info on cafés, supermarkets and ATMs
- Help with picking up a local SIM to stay connected. If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active, you can buy one in advance via Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do that using this link
- Group activities and a family dinner at a typical restaurant, to start getting to know the coordinators and other volunteers
Orientation is the perfect moment to break the ice, make new friends and find your feet in the city.
📌 From Tuesday you'll start at the community centres, but by day one you'll already feel part of the community and ready to make the most of the trip.
✈️
Arrival tips for Ho Chi Minh
We'd recommend booking your flight into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), just 10 minutes by car from our campus. The ideal arrival is on Saturday or Sunday, between 06:00 and 21:30, when our pickup service is running.
If you land on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at the dormitory (small supplement applies).
If you land after 21:30, pickup is still possible but with an extra cost for the out-of-hours transport.
Arrivals on other days or times: we don't offer a standard pickup. You can make your way to the dormitory yourself with an official taxi or via the Grab app, or pre-book a private transfer (with a supplement).
As soon as you book your flight, please send us the details: flight number, date and arrival time. That way we can plan your arrival properly.
📍 Airport meeting point At the exit of the arrivals hall you'll find our coordinator with a sign with your name or the name of the partner organisation. If in doubt, the standard meeting point is post no. 03, just past customs and baggage claim.
If you can't spot our staff straight away, stay where you are. Don't move; we'll find each other.
📱 Useful tip: if you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our partner. Use this link.
🚖 Transfer to the dormitory The drive from the airport to the campus takes about 20 minutes by taxi. You may share it with other participants arriving at the same time.
🚖 Heading home Check-out from the dormitory is by 12:00 on the Saturday.
The return transfer to the airport isn't included, since each participant has different timings. The local team will happily help you call a taxi or book a Grab, which usually costs between 5 and 7 USD.
We'd suggest booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you can leave the dormitory in your own time and avoid any last-minute rush.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip? If after the project you'd like to explore other parts of Vietnam (Mekong Delta, Vũng Tàu, Đà Lạt and so on), let us know in advance: we'll happily share practical tips on transport, buses and trains.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed we'll email you an updated document with all the practical info, emergency contacts and local team numbers, so you've got everything to hand before you travel.
If you land on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at the dormitory (small supplement applies).
If you land after 21:30, pickup is still possible but with an extra cost for the out-of-hours transport.
Arrivals on other days or times: we don't offer a standard pickup. You can make your way to the dormitory yourself with an official taxi or via the Grab app, or pre-book a private transfer (with a supplement).
As soon as you book your flight, please send us the details: flight number, date and arrival time. That way we can plan your arrival properly.
📍 Airport meeting point At the exit of the arrivals hall you'll find our coordinator with a sign with your name or the name of the partner organisation. If in doubt, the standard meeting point is post no. 03, just past customs and baggage claim.
If you can't spot our staff straight away, stay where you are. Don't move; we'll find each other.
📱 Useful tip: if you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our partner. Use this link.
🚖 Transfer to the dormitory The drive from the airport to the campus takes about 20 minutes by taxi. You may share it with other participants arriving at the same time.
🚖 Heading home Check-out from the dormitory is by 12:00 on the Saturday.
The return transfer to the airport isn't included, since each participant has different timings. The local team will happily help you call a taxi or book a Grab, which usually costs between 5 and 7 USD.
We'd suggest booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you can leave the dormitory in your own time and avoid any last-minute rush.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip? If after the project you'd like to explore other parts of Vietnam (Mekong Delta, Vũng Tàu, Đà Lạt and so on), let us know in advance: we'll happily share practical tips on transport, buses and trains.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed we'll email you an updated document with all the practical info, emergency contacts and local team numbers, so you've got everything to hand before you travel.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now