Vietnam – Culture Week in Ho Chi Minh

Please Note: This program is temporarily unavailable. Check out our alternative programs in Asia or schedule a one-on-one call with one of our expert volunteer advisors.

Discover Vietnam’s vibrant atmosphere! Visit some of Vietnam’s most iconic sites, explore its most populous city and get to know the local culture.

Program Highlights:

• Live in central Ho Chi Minh City and have the opportunity to get to know the local college students
• Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnel system during a full day excursion
• Learn to make Vietnamese food and practice a few phrases after your Vietnamese language class
• Discover the stunning Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Have plenty of time to shop, eat and enjoy the local markets
• Reserve Culture Week with either of these programs and you will receive a 50% discount off the full price of Culture Week: Ho Chi Minh Community Involvement or Medical Placement in Ho Chi Minh. *Discount will be applied to your final balance.

Your Schedule at a Glance:

Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to Ho Chi Minh City. Take the time to settle in and meet other travelers.

Day 1, Monday: Begin your culture week with an introduction to Vietnam and the college campus that you will be staying in. Learn some basic phrases in a Vietnamese language class and have a lesson on the cultural do’s and don’ts to help you get a better understanding of the country. You will also get a tour of the campus, as well as participate in lots of fun activities with the local students.

Day 2, Tuesday: Today will be filled with visits to some of Vietnam’s most iconic sites. You will explore the Reunification Palace, take a walk through Notre Dame, and see the majestic Jade Emperor Pagoda. Your last cultural stop will be at the War Remnant Museum, before you spend the afternoon at the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Day 3, Wednesday: Start your day with a tasty lesson on Vietnamese cooking, before getting creative with traditional bracelet making. In the afternoon have fun exploring the Can Cu markets.

Day 4, Thursday: After breakfast, you will be taken on a full day excursion of the famous Cu Chi Tunnel system, which was used by the Viet Cong soldiers during combat and as a means of communication and transportation underneath the city.

Day 5, Friday: Today you will have the opportunity to join one of the volunteer projects being conducted in the city. You can choose from teaching English, helping in a food shop, assisting at a kindergarten or working with disabled children. This is a great way for you to experience volunteer life as well as give back to the community that you have been a part of for the past week.

Day 6, Saturday: Say goodbye to your new friends as you depart from Ho Chi Minh City this morning, or join one of the volunteer projects to continue your stay in Vietnam.

Location of the Project: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Project length: One week

Arrival Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Age:  18-70. Age Exceptions: this project accepts volunteers who are 16-17 years old with a letter of consent from a parent or guardian.

Number of Volunteers: Up to 20 international participants

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared, single-gender rooms

Food: Three meals are provided during the week, two meals on weekends

Airport Transfers:  Airport pickup is provided upon arrival

Orientation: A full introduction will be provided upon arrival

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunches on weekends, airport drop off, personal expenses.