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Gap Year Programs in Vietnam

If you want to take an exotic gap year in Asia but also are itching to take the less beaten path, check out Vietnam. WIth many opportunities for teaching, adventuring, or  volunteering in Vietnam on your gap year, this Southeast Asian country will be a perfect place for you to be in such a historical country while still creating your own history. Check out the giant, neck-cramping caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park or bring out your adventurous motorcycle driving skills in the city. Go on, take a gap year in Vietnam!
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Featured Provider of the Month

29 Gap Year Programs in Vietnam

Vietnam

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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Semester at Sea

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Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

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Gapforce

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Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

Combine adventure travel and volunteering in this awesome 8-week journey to three of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam! Take part in conservation and community-based projects, further enriched with traditional backpacking. From the bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the roots amongst Angkor Wat ruins, this Southeast Asia Explorer adventure is the perfect first-time trip if you want to set out on one of the world’s most iconic travel routes! This program is for anyone looking to volunteer and backpack through Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations. No prior experience is required, although the minimum age is 18.

Pacific Discovery

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Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester

Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. Whether you're taking a gap year, earning credit, building your resume, or seeking clarity and purpose, this journey meets you where you are—and helps you grow beyond it. Travel deeper. Grow bolder. Reach out to Learn More!

ARCC Programs

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ARCC Gap: Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand

This 70-day Southeast Asia Gap Program takes you beyond the traditional classroom while journeying to three beautiful and naturally diverse countries in Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. It is a unique combination of hands-on projects, education, and immersion into fascinating and ancient cultures. Our exclusive access to people and places, developed over decades, gives us a window into aspects of Southeast Asia rarely experienced by outsiders. In Vietnam, we work with youth affected by Agent Orange both in the classroom and in their daily activities. We explore the bustling and historic city of Hanoi as well as the tranquility and natural beauty of the rural provinces. While exploring Cambodia, we become part of the change wherein we get our hands dirty building and installing bio-sand filters for families in rural villages outside Siem Reap. We partner with local conservationists at a Thai nature reserve deep in the jungle to understand the true value of conservation as we learn about Thailand’s endemic animals. Standing knee-deep in rice paddies with our host families, we discover a way of life that has remained virtually unchanged.

Volunteering Journeys

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Women Empowerment in India

Empower, educate, and uplift — join our Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in India and be part of a powerful movement helping women gain confidence, skills, and independence. Through this meaningful volunteer experience with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll work closely with women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds to promote gender equality, education, and self-sufficiency. India is a country of incredible diversity and deep traditions, but many women, especially in rural and low-income urban areas, still face barriers to education, employment, and leadership opportunities. As a women empowerment volunteer in India, you’ll play an important role in helping local women build brighter, independent futures for themselves and their families. By volunteering with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll join initiatives that address these inequalities directly — helping local NGOs and women’s groups create safe spaces where women can learn, grow, and lead. These programs focus on practical skills training, language development, income-generation workshops, and confidence-building activities that empower women to become change-makers in their own communities.

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Premier TEFL

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120-Hour Accredited TEFL Course in Vietnam

Begin your teaching career abroad with an accredited 120-hour TEFL course, designed for those looking to live and work in Vietnam. This internationally recognized program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to teach English in classrooms across Asia. Through flexible online learning and expert tutor support, you’ll master essential skills including lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching methodologies. On completion, you’ll earn a globally respected certificate that qualifies you to teach English in Vietnam and around the world. Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing TEFL destinations, offering a mix of cultural richness and modern lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling capital Hanoi, the vibrant southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, or the coastal charm of Da Nang, this TEFL course prepares you for success. With international accreditation, flexible study options, and access to job support, you’ll be ready to step confidently into your new teaching career in Vietnam — and beyond.

LTL Language School

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LTL Language School | Learn Vietnamese in Vietnam

Come and learn Vietnamese in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) or Hanoi today with LTL Language School. From beginner to advanced, all age groups and nationalities are welcome. All of our group and 1-on-1 classes are taught by our fully certified native Vietnamese teachers and are designed to help you make fast and steady progress. We keep our group classes small, with no more than six students, to ensure you get plenty of attention from the teachers and time to ask questions. Lessons are specifically designed to cover all aspects of the language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. We offer 20 (standard) or 30 (intensive) hour courses, which means you make rapid progress with us. Couple this with a homestay experience, and you'll be amazed at how quickly your Vietnamese improves. Living with a Vietnamese host family is the key to success and what our brand, LTL, stands for—Live The Language.

Projects Abroad

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Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

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Love Volunteers

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Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.

Volunteer World

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Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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Oyster Worldwide

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Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.

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Crawford & Corry

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Immersive Career Experience in Vietnam – Crawford & Corry

Crawford & Corry offers immersive professional placements in Vietnam for ambitious students and young professionals. Gain hands-on experience in high-growth sectors such as finance, law, tech, healthcare, and more — all while exploring a dynamic and culturally rich country. Each placement is personalised and designed to provide real-world insight, boost your CV, and help you stand out in university and job applications. Whether you're preparing for university, exploring career options, or looking to sharpen your direction, our programmes offer practical experience with trusted organisations. Beyond the placement, we provide full support: visa guidance, accommodation, 24/7 in-country support, and optional add-ons such as university admissions consulting and career coaching. Join Crawford & Corry to discover your path — with purpose, professionalism, and unforgettable experience in Vietnam.

A Guide to Taking a Gap Year in Vietnam

Popular Locations

Are scattered tropical islands more your thing or is steamy street food stalls between sky-high office buildings? Check out these beautiful places in Vietnam.

Halong Bay. Take a boat across the emerald waters through a maze of limestone-faced islands. Adventure gappers revel in the opportunity for escaping the main port of high-rise speckled Halong City by taking a scenic boat cruise or island hopping over to Lan Ha Bay. Googling pictures yet? Please do. Halong Bay is the perfect gapper getaway to refresh your mind and invigorate your spirit.

Hoi An. This coastal city is a revitalizing blend of ancient melting pot architecture and snaking water canals with a surprising lack of modern day automobile traffic and pollution—perfect for lackadaisically snapping photos of its famous lanterns or helping a community project in need. Hoi An is a perfect gap year destination for anyone looking to have a relaxed time abroad amongst the rice fields and beaches while still having good access to WIFI.

Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with industrial and culture evolution. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal location for any gapper looking to be welcomed by friendly locals, pick up a new language (Vietnamese is pretty easy grammatically and there are handfuls of gap year language programs in Vietnam), and teach others how to speak and write English. If you are a history nut, definitely check out the Vietnam war museums.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Unforgettable Experience

March 13, 2025by: Cara Christie - United KingdomProgram: Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce
8

I had an even better time than I could have imagined. I met some amazing people and definitely made the most incredible memories. I feel like the trip was a good mixture of fun and also cultural enrichment. It was the perfect start to my gap year travels.

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