Where
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
When
Sunday to Saturday
Duration
2 Weeks
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer residence, meals included
Language
English (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
For those looking for an intercultural experience that combines meaningful volunteering, new friendships and discovery of local culture
Project details
Discover the vibrant life of southern Vietnam with a group, combining exploration with meaningful social projects.
With HeyLocals, we work directly with these young people, supporting them through trips that combine exploration, cultural immersion and volunteering.
- Join our local team in Vietnam and travel together with a group .
- Once the date is confirmed, choose the project you'd like to join (English Teaching, Nursery School Assistance, Food Distribution or Support for Children with Disabilities). In the mornings and early afternoons, you'll be assigned to that project!
- Enjoy your free time with the rest of the group, taking part in activities organised by our local team, or exploring the city and country on your own!
- Join our local team in Vietnam and travel together with a group .
- Once the date is confirmed, choose the project you'd like to join (English Teaching, Nursery School Assistance, Food Distribution or Support for Children with Disabilities). In the mornings and early afternoons, you'll be assigned to that project!
- Enjoy your free time with the rest of the group, taking part in activities organised by our local team, or exploring the city and country on your own!
Explore southern Vietnam while taking part in incredible social projects.
Discover the vibrant life of southern Vietnam with a group, combining exploration with meaningful social projects.
With HeyLocals, we work directly with these young people, supporting them through trips that combine exploration, cultural immersion and volunteering.
- Join our local team in Vietnam and travel together with a group .
- Once the date is confirmed, choose the project you'd like to join (English Teaching, Nursery School Assistance, Food Distribution or Support for Children with Disabilities). In the mornings and early afternoons, you'll be assigned to that project!
- Enjoy your free time with the rest of the group, taking part in activities organised by our local team, or exploring the city and country on your own!
- Join our local team in Vietnam and travel together with a group .
- Once the date is confirmed, choose the project you'd like to join (English Teaching, Nursery School Assistance, Food Distribution or Support for Children with Disabilities). In the mornings and early afternoons, you'll be assigned to that project!
- Enjoy your free time with the rest of the group, taking part in activities organised by our local team, or exploring the city and country on your own!
Explore the projects in detail
The programme is a general outline and may be subject to changes depending on the needs of the local organisation and your own skills, as well as external factors such as the season, weather conditions, etc.
Expanding access to local education
4–6 Hours of Activities per Day
From 1 Week
Early Childhood Education in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Walk alongside children as they take their first steps into the world of songs, games, and new English words. Join a kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh City and experience an authentic cultural exchange in the heart of Vietnam.
Improve the quality of life of children with disabilities
4–6 Hours of Activities Per Day
From 1 Week
Disability Care for Children in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Support children with special needs at a dedicated centre, helping them with small daily routines and recreational activities. A chance to connect with the local community and discover the authentic face of Vietnam.
Help distribute quality food to the local community
4–6 Hours of Activities per Day
From 1 Week
Food Distribution in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Be part of the Smile Food Shop, where hundreds of people find a dignified meal every day. Join the team and discover the authentic heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
£95/week supplement
Observe clinical practice in a local hospital
4–6 Hours of Activities per Day
From 2 Weeks
Medical Hospital Experience in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Get an up-close look at the Vietnamese healthcare system, shadow professionals in their daily work, and discover a whole new way of experiencing medicine. An experience that blends professional growth, cultural exchange, and life in one of Asia's most dynamic cities.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
Each day, every participant is assigned and accompanied to their chosen project, where they'll take part from the morning through to the early afternoon.
The rest of the day is dedicated to activity preparation, meetups with fellow travellers, organised activities with locals and free time to discover everyday life in Ho Chi Minh and its surroundings.
07:30Rooftop breakfast at the centre and coffee to start the day right!
08:30Start of activities based on your chosen placement
12:00Lunch with your group and the local team
14:00Afternoon sessions where scheduled
16:30Return to the centre and extra activities with the team, or free time to explore!
19:00Dinner at the centre followed by a shared evening of exploration, games or cultural activities
Weekend
Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore the area, join day trips or simply relax with your fellow travellers. Before departure, the group will have the chance to choose extra excursions and activities to do with our local team or independently!
Tour of the Mekong Delta
Navigate rivers and floating markets, discovering rural villages and unique landscapes just a few hours from the city.
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FAQs
🏫 University Campus Accommodation
During your stay in Ho Chi Minh, you'll be living inside an international university campus, in a dormitory designed to welcome students and volunteers from all over the world 🌏 The facility is just 10 minutes from the airport and about 20 minutes from the city centre, in a vibrant neighbourhood with easy access to cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies.
🔹 Rooms & Accommodation
The rooms are simple but functional. You can choose from:
• Shared rooms for 6–8 people
• Private rooms for 1–2 people for those who prefer more privacy
All rooms are lockable and equipped with air conditioning, bed linen and a safety deposit box.
Towels, private bathrooms and hot showers are not provided.
🔹 Campus Rules
The facility follows university campus rules, including a nightly curfew from midnight to 6:00 am, designed to ensure order and safety for all guests.
🔹 Common Areas & Amenities
The common areas are designed for studying, relaxing and socialising:
• Computer room with workstations available
• Panoramic rooftop terrace for relaxing and socialising
• Swimming pool available during the week (closed on Mondays for maintenance)
• Wi-Fi available in common areas
• Paid laundry facilities on campus
🔹 Internet Connection
To stay connected outside the campus too, we recommend purchasing an eSIM before departure. With Airalo, you can activate it in just a few minutes and be online from the moment you land ✈️📱
🔹 Nearby Services
Around the campus you'll easily find gyms, shops and ATMs, making your stay both practical and comfortable.
🍜 What's Included
✔ Shared or private room accommodation
✔ 3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 on weekends (brunch + dinner)
✔ Free drinks: water, tea and coffee on campus
✔ Rooftop and common areas for relaxation and socialising
✔ 24/7 support from the local team
✔ Swimming pool available during the week (excluding Mondays)
✔ Safety deposit box and lockable rooms
💡 Life on Campus
The campus isn't just a place to sleep — it's an integral part of the experience: here you'll meet volunteers from all over the world, share meals and leisure time, and immerse yourself in the energy of one of Vietnam's most dynamic cities 🇻🇳
During your stay in Ho Chi Minh, you'll be living inside an international university campus, in a dormitory designed to welcome students and volunteers from all over the world 🌏 The facility is just 10 minutes from the airport and about 20 minutes from the city centre, in a vibrant neighbourhood with easy access to cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies.
🔹 Rooms & Accommodation
The rooms are simple but functional. You can choose from:
• Shared rooms for 6–8 people
• Private rooms for 1–2 people for those who prefer more privacy
All rooms are lockable and equipped with air conditioning, bed linen and a safety deposit box.
Towels, private bathrooms and hot showers are not provided.
🔹 Campus Rules
The facility follows university campus rules, including a nightly curfew from midnight to 6:00 am, designed to ensure order and safety for all guests.
🔹 Common Areas & Amenities
The common areas are designed for studying, relaxing and socialising:
• Computer room with workstations available
• Panoramic rooftop terrace for relaxing and socialising
• Swimming pool available during the week (closed on Mondays for maintenance)
• Wi-Fi available in common areas
• Paid laundry facilities on campus
🔹 Internet Connection
To stay connected outside the campus too, we recommend purchasing an eSIM before departure. With Airalo, you can activate it in just a few minutes and be online from the moment you land ✈️📱
🔹 Nearby Services
Around the campus you'll easily find gyms, shops and ATMs, making your stay both practical and comfortable.
🍜 What's Included
✔ Shared or private room accommodation
✔ 3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 on weekends (brunch + dinner)
✔ Free drinks: water, tea and coffee on campus
✔ Rooftop and common areas for relaxation and socialising
✔ 24/7 support from the local team
✔ Swimming pool available during the week (excluding Mondays)
✔ Safety deposit box and lockable rooms
💡 Life on Campus
The campus isn't just a place to sleep — it's an integral part of the experience: here you'll meet volunteers from all over the world, share meals and leisure time, and immerse yourself in the energy of one of Vietnam's most dynamic cities 🇻🇳
🛡️ Safety & Support
The safety of our participants is at the heart of every decision we make. Programmes in Ho Chi Minh are run in partnership with trusted local organisations and a team of coordinators who are always on hand to provide constant support throughout your stay.
🔹 Participant Screening & Safe Environments
To ensure a safe and positive experience for all, every participant is required to provide a criminal background check before departure. In , this document can be requested online free of stamp duty when intended for programmes like ours. This is an essential safeguard to protect the children and local communities involved.
🔹 High Safety Standards
The campus where you'll be staying is located in a safe, well-served neighbourhood with controlled access and a nightly curfew that ensures peace of mind for all guests.
Partner schools regularly host international volunteers and are experienced in working with people from different countries and age groups.
🔹 24/7 Support
From your arrival at the airport to the end of the programme, you can count on continuous support from our local staff, available even in the evenings and at weekends.
Our our team is also always reachable via WhatsApp for anything that comes up 📲
🔹 Training & Orientation
On your first day, you'll take part in an orientation session covering all the practical information on culture, safety and community guidelines.
You'll receive concrete tips for getting around the city, using public transport and navigating everyday life in Vietnam with confidence.
🔹 Good Practices for a Peaceful Experience
✔ Avoid carrying valuables with you when moving around.
✔ Prefer official taxis or the Grab app for safe travel.
✔ Always check with the local team for advice on areas and timings.
💡 Our Goal
To provide you with a safe, welcoming and well-supported environment so you can fully embrace the experience and focus on what truly matters: the moments shared with the children and the discovery of Vietnamese culture 🇻🇳
The safety of our participants is at the heart of every decision we make. Programmes in Ho Chi Minh are run in partnership with trusted local organisations and a team of coordinators who are always on hand to provide constant support throughout your stay.
🔹 Participant Screening & Safe Environments
To ensure a safe and positive experience for all, every participant is required to provide a criminal background check before departure. In , this document can be requested online free of stamp duty when intended for programmes like ours. This is an essential safeguard to protect the children and local communities involved.
🔹 High Safety Standards
The campus where you'll be staying is located in a safe, well-served neighbourhood with controlled access and a nightly curfew that ensures peace of mind for all guests.
Partner schools regularly host international volunteers and are experienced in working with people from different countries and age groups.
🔹 24/7 Support
From your arrival at the airport to the end of the programme, you can count on continuous support from our local staff, available even in the evenings and at weekends.
Our our team is also always reachable via WhatsApp for anything that comes up 📲
🔹 Training & Orientation
On your first day, you'll take part in an orientation session covering all the practical information on culture, safety and community guidelines.
You'll receive concrete tips for getting around the city, using public transport and navigating everyday life in Vietnam with confidence.
🔹 Good Practices for a Peaceful Experience
✔ Avoid carrying valuables with you when moving around.
✔ Prefer official taxis or the Grab app for safe travel.
✔ Always check with the local team for advice on areas and timings.
💡 Our Goal
To provide you with a safe, welcoming and well-supported environment so you can fully embrace the experience and focus on what truly matters: the moments shared with the children and the discovery of Vietnamese culture 🇻🇳
🧭 Orientation Day
Your experience in Ho Chi Minh begins with a full day designed to help you settle in, learn about the local culture, and start your project with confidence and peace of mind.
🔹 What You'll Do on Your First Monday
On your first Monday, you'll take part in a variety of activities led by the local team:
• Welcome meeting, programme overview and campus rules introduction
• Practical advice on health, safety and cultural etiquette
• Introduction to Vietnamese culture, including basic phrases and everyday life insights
• Campus and neighbourhood tour, with useful tips on cafés, supermarkets and ATMs
🔹 Connectivity & SIM Card
You'll receive support for purchasing a local SIM card to stay connected throughout your trip.
If you'd rather arrive with an active eSIM and skip the hassle of finding one locally, you can buy one before departure through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 Use this link
🔹 Group Activities
The day wraps up with group recreational activities and a family dinner at a local restaurant, giving you the chance to get to know the coordinators and fellow volunteers in a relaxed, informal setting.
Orientation is the perfect moment to break the ice, make new friends and get comfortable with the city.
📌 From Tuesday Onwards
From Tuesday you'll begin your activities in the kindergartens, but right from the very first day you'll feel part of the community and ready to fully embrace the experience.
Your experience in Ho Chi Minh begins with a full day designed to help you settle in, learn about the local culture, and start your project with confidence and peace of mind.
🔹 What You'll Do on Your First Monday
On your first Monday, you'll take part in a variety of activities led by the local team:
• Welcome meeting, programme overview and campus rules introduction
• Practical advice on health, safety and cultural etiquette
• Introduction to Vietnamese culture, including basic phrases and everyday life insights
• Campus and neighbourhood tour, with useful tips on cafés, supermarkets and ATMs
🔹 Connectivity & SIM Card
You'll receive support for purchasing a local SIM card to stay connected throughout your trip.
If you'd rather arrive with an active eSIM and skip the hassle of finding one locally, you can buy one before departure through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 Use this link
🔹 Group Activities
The day wraps up with group recreational activities and a family dinner at a local restaurant, giving you the chance to get to know the coordinators and fellow volunteers in a relaxed, informal setting.
Orientation is the perfect moment to break the ice, make new friends and get comfortable with the city.
📌 From Tuesday Onwards
From Tuesday you'll begin your activities in the kindergartens, but right from the very first day you'll feel part of the community and ready to fully embrace the experience.
✈️ Arrival Tips for Ho Chi Minh
We recommend booking a flight that arrives at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), just a 10-minute drive from our campus.
The ideal arrival window is Saturday or Sunday, between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm, when our welcome service is active.
🔹 Arriving on Saturday
If you land on a Saturday, you'll need to book one extra night at the facility (at a small additional cost).
🔹 Arriving after 9:30 pm
If you land after 9:30 pm, pick-up is still possible, but an extra fee will apply for out-of-hours transport.
🔹 Arriving on Other Days or Times
We don't offer standard pick-up on other days or outside these hours.
You can make your own way using official taxis or the Grab app, or request a custom transfer (at an additional cost).
🔹 Sharing Your Travel Details
As soon as you book your flight, please share your flight number, date and arrival time with us so we can best organise your welcome.
📍 Airport Meeting Point
In the arrivals hall, look for our coordinator holding a sign with your name or "The Green Lion".
If in doubt, the reference meeting point is pole no. 03, just past customs and baggage claim.
If you don't see our staff straight away, stay there and don't move — we'll find you.
📱 Handy Tip
If you want to be connected from the moment you land, you can activate an eSIM before departure with Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 Use this link
🚖 Transfer to Accommodation
The journey from the airport to the campus takes around 20 minutes by taxi and may be shared with other participants arriving at the same time.
🚖 Departure Tips
Check-out from your accommodation is by 12:00 noon on Saturday.
The return transfer to the airport is not included, but the local team will be happy to help you call a taxi or book a Grab, which typically costs between 5 and 7 USD.
We recommend booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you can leave the facility at a relaxed pace and avoid any last-minute rush.
🗓️ Want to Extend Your Trip?
If you'd like to explore other parts of Vietnam after the programme (the Mekong Delta, Vũng Tàu, Đà Lạt, etc.), let us know in advance — we'll be happy to give you practical advice on transport, buses and trains.
💡 Pre-Departure Information
Once your participation is confirmed, you'll receive an updated document by email with all the practical information, emergency contacts and local team numbers, so you'll have everything you need well before you depart.
We recommend booking a flight that arrives at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), just a 10-minute drive from our campus.
The ideal arrival window is Saturday or Sunday, between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm, when our welcome service is active.
🔹 Arriving on Saturday
If you land on a Saturday, you'll need to book one extra night at the facility (at a small additional cost).
🔹 Arriving after 9:30 pm
If you land after 9:30 pm, pick-up is still possible, but an extra fee will apply for out-of-hours transport.
🔹 Arriving on Other Days or Times
We don't offer standard pick-up on other days or outside these hours.
You can make your own way using official taxis or the Grab app, or request a custom transfer (at an additional cost).
🔹 Sharing Your Travel Details
As soon as you book your flight, please share your flight number, date and arrival time with us so we can best organise your welcome.
📍 Airport Meeting Point
In the arrivals hall, look for our coordinator holding a sign with your name or "The Green Lion".
If in doubt, the reference meeting point is pole no. 03, just past customs and baggage claim.
If you don't see our staff straight away, stay there and don't move — we'll find you.
📱 Handy Tip
If you want to be connected from the moment you land, you can activate an eSIM before departure with Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 Use this link
🚖 Transfer to Accommodation
The journey from the airport to the campus takes around 20 minutes by taxi and may be shared with other participants arriving at the same time.
🚖 Departure Tips
Check-out from your accommodation is by 12:00 noon on Saturday.
The return transfer to the airport is not included, but the local team will be happy to help you call a taxi or book a Grab, which typically costs between 5 and 7 USD.
We recommend booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you can leave the facility at a relaxed pace and avoid any last-minute rush.
🗓️ Want to Extend Your Trip?
If you'd like to explore other parts of Vietnam after the programme (the Mekong Delta, Vũng Tàu, Đà Lạt, etc.), let us know in advance — we'll be happy to give you practical advice on transport, buses and trains.
💡 Pre-Departure Information
Once your participation is confirmed, you'll receive an updated document by email with all the practical information, emergency contacts and local team numbers, so you'll have everything you need well before you depart.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all 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
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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