Vietnam with Mekong Delta
9 Days, 8 Nights
Vietnam's history runs deep within its fabric. During your trip, you'll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this remarkable country and make a meaningful contribution. This adventure will take in Vietnam's wonderful people and history, where you will spend time in Ho Chi Min City, also known by its old name, Saigon. Here, you'll delve into Vietnam's past, including its challenging moments marked by war, the journey to peace and the subsequent rebuilding phase.
Day 1
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival at the airport, your tour manager will greet you and escort you to your accommodation for the upcoming days. Your tour guide will introduce you to the surroundings, help you settle in and ensure you're comfortable for the exciting journey ahead.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
On your first full day in Vietnam, an exciting exploration of the nation's most populous city awaits. Your journey includes visits to iconic historical landmarks that vividly depict the city's rich past. Among them are the revered Emperor Jade Pagoda and the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral.
The tour includes significant landmarks tied to the Vietnam War, providing a glimpse into the nation's recent history, including the Reunification Palace, where the war infamously ended, and the Vietnam War Remnants Museum.
Continuing with the history of the war, you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, part of a 136-mile network of tunnels built by the Viet Cong during the war. Finally, it’s on to the Ben Thanh Market, the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3: Project
On the first day of volunteering, you will be grouped and assigned to participate in one of three projects:
Teaching University Students
This project fosters learning opportunities via cultural exchange in a college hospitality and leisure industry class. As a teaching assistant, you'll engage with students aged 19-25, simulating real hospitality scenarios through interactive role plays.
On your program's first day, you will be introduced to the tourism college and explore the campus. In the afternoon, you will get a sense of the classroom, and your level of involvement will be determined – you may be assigned to a classroom assistant or lead teacher.
For the rest of your project days you will be fully involved with the activities at the college. You will attend regular classes, interact with the students throughout the day, and enjoy your free time in the evenings and weekends with the new friends you will make during your stay.
Food Shop Project
This project addresses poverty in Ho Chi Minh City by aiding those unable to support themselves. The food shop, a collaboration between an NGO and local people, has provided affordable lunches for over three years. Self-funded through donations and local efforts, it serves meals to over 500 people, including students, children, older people, workers and people with disabilities. Your involvement enables you to contribute to this cause, ensuring high-quality and hygienic meals are accessible to everyone in need.
The daily schedule on the project starts with breakfast and continues at the food shop, where you will assist in the preparation of the food, including cooking, cleaning and serving.
Tonight, you'll enjoy a favorite Vietnamese pastime: a lively karaoke night followed by a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Ho Chi Min City
Special Needs Daycare Volunteer
In this project, volunteers will aid local staff in providing care, feeding, comforting, playing games and promoting social interactions with children that have special needs. You will be looking after 20-25 Vietnamese children with a mixture of disabilities. Your main role will be playing, feeding and caring for the children. This will involve comforting them, playing games and socialising with them. Previous experience in this field is helpful but not essential.
The key area for improving the quality of the children’s lives is enhancing their speech and muscular capacity. Daily regimes are carried out for the children, in which you, too, can play a part.
Other activities encouraged and greatly enjoyed by the children include playing games, dancing and singing. Painting, art and other means of creativity are encouraged by the hospital for the children. Therefore, your main duties will be:
Support the children so they can have a better/happier life
Get insights into the local way of working and assisting the hospital staff
Gain some teaching practice and learn a few basics on how to take care of children with special needs
On the first day, you will be introduced to the project and the staff, discuss your upcoming role at the project, get introduced to the children and have the chance to discuss with the manager about any specific requirements/interests you may have.
For the rest of the week, you will begin your placement. Your exact role will depend upon the individual child's needs, but it will involve playing games, helping with their speech and posture, amongst many other activities.
Day 4: Project work
Your volunteering work in either the university, food shop or school continues today and is followed by an evening of student group activities and dinner.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 5: Project work
Third day of volunteering, then relax in the evening and have dinner, ready for your trip to the Mekong River in the morning.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 6: Kayaking Mekong River
After all your hard work, it’s time for some well-earned adventure! Your excursion continues as you find yourself nestled in a resort along the famous Mekong River, setting the stage for a day filled with exhilarating activities.
The Mekong River, renowned for its beauty and mystique, becomes your playground. Feel the rush as you navigate the waters in a kayak, help plant vegetables for the locals and fish for your dinner in the stunning scenery that lines the riverbanks.
Overnight: Mekong Resort
Day 7: Mui Ne
Today, you will visit Cai Rang market, one of Vietnam’s famous floating markets, with hundreds of boat vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables, or some hot food if you are feeling peckish. In the afternoon, you will journey to Mui Ne, where you will spend the next couple of days, and be shown around the famous beach resort town by your tour manager.
Overnight: Mui Ne
Day 8: Poshanu Cham Tower Temples
Get ready to kick off the day bright and early, capturing the awe-inspiring sunrise that sets the tone for an unforgettable day. A safari jeep tour will whisk you over the renowned red and white sand dunes, offering an exhilarating journey through the shifting landscapes.
The excitement doesn't stop there. Your day unfolds with a visit to the enchanting Fairy Spring. Here, shoes are optional, but have your camera handy as you meander along a stream flanked by the striking red canyon on one side and a lush green forest on the other.
Your afternoon escapades begin with a visit to the Poshanu Cham Tower temples, where history and architecture come to life. Afterward, enjoy some relaxation time on Ong Dia Beach – take a refreshing dip in the inviting waters if you're up for it. And when you thought the day couldn't get any better, you'll wrap up your adventures at the Dragon Fruit Garden. Then time for a final evening dinner together on your last night in Vietnam.
Overnight: Mui Ne
Day 9: Departure
Ready for your flight home you will be escorted to the airport, so it is time to say Tạm biệt to Vietnam for now.
Total cost: From $2700
What is included
Activities:
Jeep sand dune tour
Kayaking
Mekong River Trip
Visit to Fairy Spring
Evening entertainment and activities
Fishing
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project accommodation in Project center
Accommodation for the rest of the tour in 3 and 4* hotels
All meals (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Tickets and tours:
Tour of Ho Chi Minh City
War Remants Museum
Cu Chi Tunnels
Cai Rang Floating Market
Poshanu Cham Tower Temples
Project:
One of 3 projects in Ho Chi Minh City:
Teaching English to University Students
Special Needs Daycare Volunteer
Food Shop Project
Not included in this Trip
International Flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Cancellation Insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)