Available dates
Available dates
Where
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
When
Sunday to Saturday
Duration
2 weeks
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer residence with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone after a cross-cultural experience that brings together volunteering, new friendships and getting to know the local culture
Project details
See the buzz of southern Vietnam in a group, mixing exploration with hands-on social projects.
At HeyLocals, we work directly with our travellers, helping them through trips that bring together exploration, cultural immersion and volunteering.
- Join our local team in Vietnam and travel out together with a group from the UK.
- Once your dates are confirmed, pick the project you'd like to take part in (English teaching, kindergarten support, food distribution or care for children with disabilities). Through the morning and into early afternoon, you'll be on that project!
- Enjoy the free time with the rest of the group, joining activities organised by our team on the ground or exploring the city and the country!
- Join our local team in Vietnam and travel out together with a group from the UK.
- Once your dates are confirmed, pick the project you'd like to take part in (English teaching, kindergarten support, food distribution or care for children with disabilities). Through the morning and into early afternoon, you'll be on that project!
- Enjoy the free time with the rest of the group, joining activities organised by our team on the ground or exploring the city and the country!
Explore the south of Vietnam through some great projects
See the buzz of southern Vietnam in a group, mixing exploration with hands-on social projects.
At HeyLocals, we work directly with our travellers, helping them through trips that bring together exploration, cultural immersion and volunteering.
- Join our local team in Vietnam and travel out together with a group from the UK.
- Once your dates are confirmed, pick the project you'd like to take part in (English teaching, kindergarten support, food distribution or care for children with disabilities). Through the morning and into early afternoon, you'll be on that project!
- Enjoy the free time with the rest of the group, joining activities organised by our team on the ground or exploring the city and the country!
- Join our local team in Vietnam and travel out together with a group from the UK.
- Once your dates are confirmed, pick the project you'd like to take part in (English teaching, kindergarten support, food distribution or care for children with disabilities). Through the morning and into early afternoon, you'll be on that project!
- Enjoy the free time with the rest of the group, joining activities organised by our team on the ground or exploring the city and the country!
See 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.
42+ confirmed participants
Helps widen access to local schooling
4–6 hours of activity each day
From 1 week
Kindergarten support in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Help the youngest children take their first steps with songs, games and new English words. Join a kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh and have a grounded exchange in the heart of Vietnam.
42+ confirmed participants
Helps improve the quality of life for children with disabilities
4–6 hours of activity each day
From 1 week
Support for children with disabilities in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Support children with special needs at a dedicated centre, helping with small routines and play-based activities. A chance to connect with the local community and see the everyday side of Vietnam.
42+ confirmed participants
Helps get good-quality food to the local community
4–6 hours of activity each day
From 1 week
Food distribution in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Get involved in the daily life of the Smile Food Shop, where hundreds of people find a proper meal each day. Join the team and see local life in Ho Chi Minh City up close.
+£80/week extra
42+ confirmed participants
Observe clinical practice at a local hospital
4–6 hours of activity each day
From 2 weeks
Hospital placement in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
See the Vietnamese health system up close, work alongside the professionals on the wards and discover a different way of practising medicine. An experience that brings together clinical learning, cultural exchange and life in one of Asia's most dynamic cities.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
Through the day, each participant is matched with their chosen project and taken there, joining the activities from the morning into early afternoon.
The rest of the day is for activity prep, time with the other travellers, group activities with the locals and free moments to see daily life in Ho Chi Minh and the surroundings.
07:30Breakfast on the rooftop and a coffee to wake you up properly!
08:30Activities start, depending on your chosen placement
12:00Lunch with the group and the local team
14:00Afternoon sessions where they're scheduled
16:30Back to the centre and extra activities with the team, or free time to explore!
19:00Dinner at the centre followed by a shared evening: exploring, games or cultural moments
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other travellers. Before you travel, the group has the chance to choose extra trips and activities to do with our local team or on your own!
Tour of the Mekong Delta
Cruise rivers and floating markets, finding rural villages and unique landscapes a few hours from the city.
The next story is yours
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FAQs
🫂 Come funzionano le partenze di gruppo?
📌 Il gruppo si forma prima della partenza
✅ Conferma del gruppo
💬 Ci si conosce prima di partire
Le partenze di gruppo A Casa Loro sono pensate per creare un'esperienza condivisa, organizzata e sicura insieme a un piccolo gruppo di persone che partono con te.
📌 Il gruppo si forma prima della partenza
Ogni gruppo è composto da 4 a 15 partecipanti. Dopo la prenotazione e il versamento della caparra entri ufficialmente nel gruppo in formazione.
✅ Conferma del gruppo
Il gruppo viene confermato entro 30 giorni dalla partenza e nella grande maggioranza dei casi si forma senza problemi.
Se il gruppo non raggiunge il numero minimo, la tua esperienza è comunque garantita. In questo caso avrai due opzioni tra cui scegliere, tutte senza costi aggiuntivi:
- Partire comunque nelle stesse date, svolgendo il progetto in modalità individuale, o con gli altri viaggiatori che hanno confermato (anche se sono meno di 4). Non sarai mai davvero solo: nella struttura troverai sempre viaggiatori internazionali che partecipano agli stessi programmi, in quanto il nostro centro collabora con organizzazioni analoghe alla nostra, ma che inviano viaggiatori da paesi esteri.
- Spostare la caparra su un altro gruppo o progetto, scegliendo liberamente una nuova data o destinazione.
💬 Ci si conosce prima di partire
Una volta confermato il gruppo, entro due settimane dalla partenza apriamo un gruppo WhatsApp dedicato.
Qui ci si conosce, si condividono informazioni pratiche e ci si prepara insieme al viaggio.
🏫 Accommodation on a university campus
During your stay in Ho Chi Minh you'll live inside an international university campus, in a dormitory set up to host students and volunteers from around the world 🌏 The place is just 10 minutes from the airport and around 20 minutes from the city centre, in a lively neighbourhood with cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies on the doorstep.
🔹 Rooms and accommodation
Rooms are simple but functional. You can choose between:
• Shared rooms for 6–8 people
• Private rooms for 1–2 people if you'd like more privacy
All rooms are lockable, with air conditioning, bed linen and a safety box.
Towels, private bathrooms and hot showers aren't included.
🔹 Campus rules
The accommodation follows the university campus rules, including a night curfew from 24:00 to 06:00, set up to keep things calm and safe for everyone.
🔹 Common spaces and services
The shared spaces are set up for studying, relaxing and socialising:
• Office with computers available
• Rooftop terrace for downtime and meeting up
• Pool open during the week (closed on Mondays for maintenance)
• Wi-Fi in the common areas
• Laundry on campus (small fee)
🔹 Internet
For internet on the move outside campus, we'd recommend buying an eSIM before you travel. With Airalo you can activate one in minutes and be online from the moment you arrive ✈️📱
🔹 Nearby services
Around the campus you'll easily find gyms, shops and ATMs, making everyday life practical and comfortable.
🍜 What's included
✔ Shared or private rooms
✔ 3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 at weekends (brunch + dinner)
✔ Free drinks: water, tea and coffee at the campus
✔ Rooftop and common areas for downtime and socialising
✔ 24/7 support from the local team
✔ Pool open during the week (except Monday)
✔ Safety box and lockable rooms
💡 Living the campus
The campus isn't just somewhere to sleep, it's part of the experience: here you'll meet volunteers from around the world, share meals and downtime, and feel the energy of one of Vietnam's most dynamic cities up close 🇻🇳
During your stay in Ho Chi Minh you'll live inside an international university campus, in a dormitory set up to host students and volunteers from around the world 🌏 The place is just 10 minutes from the airport and around 20 minutes from the city centre, in a lively neighbourhood with cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies on the doorstep.
🔹 Rooms and accommodation
Rooms are simple but functional. You can choose between:
• Shared rooms for 6–8 people
• Private rooms for 1–2 people if you'd like more privacy
All rooms are lockable, with air conditioning, bed linen and a safety box.
Towels, private bathrooms and hot showers aren't included.
🔹 Campus rules
The accommodation follows the university campus rules, including a night curfew from 24:00 to 06:00, set up to keep things calm and safe for everyone.
🔹 Common spaces and services
The shared spaces are set up for studying, relaxing and socialising:
• Office with computers available
• Rooftop terrace for downtime and meeting up
• Pool open during the week (closed on Mondays for maintenance)
• Wi-Fi in the common areas
• Laundry on campus (small fee)
🔹 Internet
For internet on the move outside campus, we'd recommend buying an eSIM before you travel. With Airalo you can activate one in minutes and be online from the moment you arrive ✈️📱
🔹 Nearby services
Around the campus you'll easily find gyms, shops and ATMs, making everyday life practical and comfortable.
🍜 What's included
✔ Shared or private rooms
✔ 3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 at weekends (brunch + dinner)
✔ Free drinks: water, tea and coffee at the campus
✔ Rooftop and common areas for downtime and socialising
✔ 24/7 support from the local team
✔ Pool open during the week (except Monday)
✔ Safety box and lockable rooms
💡 Living the campus
The campus isn't just somewhere to sleep, it's part of the experience: here you'll meet volunteers from around the world, share meals and downtime, and feel the energy of one of Vietnam's most dynamic cities up close 🇻🇳
🛡️ Safety and support
Our participants' safety sits at the heart of every choice we make. The programmes in Ho Chi Minh run with reliable local partners and a team of coordinators always on site, ready to give ongoing support throughout your stay.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep things calm and safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. It's an essential step to look after the children and local communities involved.
🔹 High safety standards
The campus where you'll stay is in a safe, well-served neighbourhood, with controlled access and a night curfew that keeps things calm for everyone.
The partner schools regularly host international volunteers and are used to working with people from different 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 support from our local staff, evenings and weekends included.
Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us 📲
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On day one you'll join an orientation meeting covering everything you need on culture, safety and the basic rules of staying together.
You'll get practical tips for getting around the city, using public transport and settling into daily life in Vietnam.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Avoid carrying valuables when you're out and about.
✔ Stick to official taxis or the Grab app for getting around safely.
✔ Always check in with the local team for advice on areas and timings.
💡 Our aim
To give you a safe, welcoming and well-supported setting, so you can get the most out of the experience and focus on what really matters: time with the children and getting to know Vietnamese culture 🇻🇳
Our participants' safety sits at the heart of every choice we make. The programmes in Ho Chi Minh run with reliable local partners and a team of coordinators always on site, ready to give ongoing support throughout your stay.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep things calm and safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. It's an essential step to look after the children and local communities involved.
🔹 High safety standards
The campus where you'll stay is in a safe, well-served neighbourhood, with controlled access and a night curfew that keeps things calm for everyone.
The partner schools regularly host international volunteers and are used to working with people from different 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 support from our local staff, evenings and weekends included.
Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us 📲
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On day one you'll join an orientation meeting covering everything you need on culture, safety and the basic rules of staying together.
You'll get practical tips for getting around the city, using public transport and settling into daily life in Vietnam.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Avoid carrying valuables when you're out and about.
✔ Stick to official taxis or the Grab app for getting around safely.
✔ Always check in with the local team for advice on areas and timings.
💡 Our aim
To give you a safe, welcoming and well-supported setting, so you can get the most out of the experience and focus on what really matters: time with the children and getting to know 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 with confidence and ease.
🔹 What you'll do on your first Monday
On your first Monday, you'll join a series of activities led by the local team:
• Welcome meeting, introduction to the programme and campus rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and cultural etiquette
• Introduction to Vietnamese culture, with a few first words and pointers on daily life
• Tour of the campus and the surrounding neighbourhood, with useful info on cafés, supermarkets and ATMs
🔹 Internet and SIM
You'll get help getting a local SIM to stay connected.
If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active, without having to track down a SIM, you can buy one before you travel through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do that using this link
🔹 Group activities
The day wraps up with group ice-breakers and a family dinner at a traditional restaurant, a relaxed way to meet the coordinators and the other volunteers.
Orientation is the perfect moment to break the ice, make friends and get familiar with the city.
📌 From Tuesday
From Tuesday you'll start the activities at the kindergartens, but from day one you'll already feel part of the community and ready to get the most out of the experience.
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 with confidence and ease.
🔹 What you'll do on your first Monday
On your first Monday, you'll join a series of activities led by the local team:
• Welcome meeting, introduction to the programme and campus rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and cultural etiquette
• Introduction to Vietnamese culture, with a few first words and pointers on daily life
• Tour of the campus and the surrounding neighbourhood, with useful info on cafés, supermarkets and ATMs
🔹 Internet and SIM
You'll get help getting a local SIM to stay connected.
If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active, without having to track down a SIM, you can buy one before you travel through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do that using this link
🔹 Group activities
The day wraps up with group ice-breakers and a family dinner at a traditional restaurant, a relaxed way to meet the coordinators and the other volunteers.
Orientation is the perfect moment to break the ice, make friends and get familiar with the city.
📌 From Tuesday
From Tuesday you'll start the activities at the kindergartens, but from day one you'll already feel part of the community and ready to get the most out of the experience.
✈️ 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.
Ideal arrival is Saturday or Sunday, between 06:00 and 21:30, the window when our welcome service is running.
🔹 Saturday arrivals
If you land on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at the accommodation (small supplement applies).
🔹 Arrivals after 21:30
If you land after 21:30, the pickup is still possible, with an extra fee for out-of-hours transport.
🔹 Other days or times
We don't offer standard pickups on different days or times.
You can make your own way using official taxis or the Grab app, or request a private transfer (with a supplement).
🔹 Sharing your travel details
Once you've booked your flight, please send us your flight number, date and arrival time so we can sort the right welcome.
📍 Meeting point at the airport
At the exit of the arrivals hall you'll find our coordinator with a sign with your name or with "The Green Lion" on it.
If in doubt, the meeting point of reference is pole 03, just after customs and baggage reclaim.
If you can't see our staff straight away, stay where you are: we'll find you.
📱 Useful tip
If you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 Use this link
🚖 Transfer to the accommodation
The journey from the airport to the campus takes about 20 minutes by taxi and may be shared with other participants arriving around the same time.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
Check-out from the accommodation is by 12:00 on the Saturday.
The return transfer to the airport isn't included, but the local team will happily help you call a taxi or book a Grab, usually £4–£6.
We'd suggest booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you can leave the accommodation in your own time and avoid any last-minute rush.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip?
If you'd like to explore other parts of Vietnam after the project (Mekong Delta, Vung Tau, Da Lat, etc.), let us know in advance: we'll happily share practical tips on transport, buses and trains.
💡 Pre-departure info
Once your booking is confirmed, we'll email you an updated pack with all the practical info, emergency contacts and the local team's numbers, so you've got everything to hand before you travel.
We'd recommend booking your flight into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), just 10 minutes by car from our campus.
Ideal arrival is Saturday or Sunday, between 06:00 and 21:30, the window when our welcome service is running.
🔹 Saturday arrivals
If you land on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at the accommodation (small supplement applies).
🔹 Arrivals after 21:30
If you land after 21:30, the pickup is still possible, with an extra fee for out-of-hours transport.
🔹 Other days or times
We don't offer standard pickups on different days or times.
You can make your own way using official taxis or the Grab app, or request a private transfer (with a supplement).
🔹 Sharing your travel details
Once you've booked your flight, please send us your flight number, date and arrival time so we can sort the right welcome.
📍 Meeting point at the airport
At the exit of the arrivals hall you'll find our coordinator with a sign with your name or with "The Green Lion" on it.
If in doubt, the meeting point of reference is pole 03, just after customs and baggage reclaim.
If you can't see our staff straight away, stay where you are: we'll find you.
📱 Useful tip
If you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 Use this link
🚖 Transfer to the accommodation
The journey from the airport to the campus takes about 20 minutes by taxi and may be shared with other participants arriving around the same time.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
Check-out from the accommodation is by 12:00 on the Saturday.
The return transfer to the airport isn't included, but the local team will happily help you call a taxi or book a Grab, usually £4–£6.
We'd suggest booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you can leave the accommodation in your own time and avoid any last-minute rush.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip?
If you'd like to explore other parts of Vietnam after the project (Mekong Delta, Vung Tau, Da Lat, etc.), let us know in advance: we'll happily share practical tips on transport, buses and trains.
💡 Pre-departure info
Once your booking is confirmed, we'll email you an updated pack with all the practical info, emergency contacts and the local team's 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.
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