Volunteer work in Vietnam with TravelWorks

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Volunteer work in Vietnam

Vietnam has long been a insider’s tip for Asia - especially in the last few years, it has developed into a fascinating and multi-faceted travel destination. In spite of, or maybe even because of its turbulent history of war and deprivations, Vietnam has now blossomed into a beautiful flower.

You can see this everywhere –behold the beauty of the country’s landscape, its bright green rice fields, the hidden bays and rivers. The ancient Emperor cities display a unique combination where tradition and modernity meet. Opulently decorated and awe-inspiring palaces and temples are the landmark of many cities, just as the chaotic and colourful markets where mopeds and rickshaws rush by at high speed.

At a glance

Age: 18 years and above
Duration: 7 weeks
Language: Good knowledge of English
Starting date: Once per month

Volunteer work in Vietnam: your travel destination

The Vietnamese people will make a big impression on you. No matter if it is the woman with the conical rice straw hat, the lanky little boy cruising in a boat on one of the many rivers –Vietnam and its very obliging people won’t fail to give you a smile and a warm welcome on your volunteering mission.

Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam

A three-week adventure tour will give you a good start in Vietnam before the beginning of your volunteer work. The capital Hanoi - also known as the city of lakes – is located in the fertile delta of the Red River. Discover the temple of literature from the 11th century, the foundation stone of the first university of Vietnam or the emblem of Hanoi, the tortoise pavilion.

Green parks and lively markets are awaiting; modern skyscrapers and glittering nightlife – Hanoi is the fascination of old and new!

Volunteer work in Vietnam

Vietnam: the first 3 weeks are an adventure tour

Days 1-5 Hanoi/Halong Bay

Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Hanoi. The first 5 nights of the journey with the exception of one night in a cabin on the tour ship in Halong, you will be staying in the Vietnamese capital. Your programme for these days include, among other things, a visit to the “Water Puppet Show”, 4-6 lessons in Vietnamese and an excursion to a local restaurant.

The week’s highlight is an excursion to Halong Bay, which is UNESCO World Heritage. It's the place to spend one and half exciting days going night fishing, riding in a kayak and caving. Even though this trip is mandatory an additional charge of approx. 10 € will be charged on location.

Catering throughout these days: 4x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner.

Days 6-8 Valley of Mai Chau

Over the next few days, you get the opportunity to explore the Mai Chau Valley and the native Thai people who live there. You will have lunch in a traditional house on stilts, go on 3 trekking trips through the valley along rice fields or into the tropical rainforests (the tours can take up to 6 hours, note that the paths can be steep and strenuous) and visit the villages of Hang Kia and Van.

Your accommodation will be in very basic conditions with local Thai or Hmong families, who will most certainly offer you some homemade rice wine!

Catering throughout these days: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 2x dinner.

Days 9-10 Hué

After a night’s train journey from Hanoi to Hué, you will explore the ancient Emperor city for one and a half days before leaving for Hoi An by car.

Catering throughout these days: 1x breakfast.

Days 11-14 Hoi An

A programme rich in contrast awaits you in the ancient city of Hoi An. You will be exploring the town - just as you like. Walk through the streets or stroll along the market, go on a bike tour to the beautiful beach or visit a local orphanage. The children there really enjoy the attention and the short visits of the volunteers. The last morning in Hoi An will be free time. Afterwards you travel onward to Nha Trang by train.

Catering throughout these days: 4x breakfast.

Days 14-17 Nha Trang

In Nha Trang, you will have the chance to relax on the beach or try out various water sports. Go for a dive underwater, or just snorkel on the surface. A visit on one of the nearby islands is also possible. A huge variety of pubs and restaurants will guarantee terrific nights. From Nha Trang, you will travel via night train to Ho Chi Minh City.

Catering throughout these days: 3x breakfast.

Days 18-21 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

You are free to do whatever you please in the metropolis Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon – with the exception of a guided tour on the day of your arrival. Worth visiting are the War Museum, the Reunification Palace or one of the many pagodas or turbulent markets in the town.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you will be staying in a basic hotel. On the 21st day, you will fly back to Hanoi.

Catering throughout these days: 4x breakfast.

Volunteer work in Vietnam

Activities: Depending on exact placement; renovation work, help with leisure time activities for children, support in caring for children, help with meal preparation, with cleaning the facilities etc., teaching the children, language and motor skills training for disabled children.
Time off: An average of 1.5 to 2 days a week during the volunteer work.
Duration: 7 weeks (consisting of a 3-week excursion and 4 weeks of volunteer work).
Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive your applications much earlier than this, as the number of programme places is very limited.
Programme start: On the following dates: Jun 29, Jul 27, Aug 24, Sep 28, Oct 26, Nov 9 2009
During the months of May to October, it is very hot throughout the whole country. In the south, this time is the rainy season.
Practical experience: Not mandatory, but certainly an advantage.
Other: Clearing certificate required. As you will be entering a completely new cultural region, patience, adaptability, self-sufficiency and travel experience are very important. A great deal of initiative is required.