GoAbroad

Volunteer Programs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is like Vietnam concentrate: all of the excitement, beauty, and chaos of Vietnam distilled into a fast-paced city pulsing with energy. After periods of colonization, war, and civil unrest, Vietnam is gradually working toward a more progressive economy, led by the cultural and commercial giant of HCMC. Despite generating momentum that is driving the whole country forward however, Ho Chi Minh still struggles with various social issues. Now is the time to become an HCMC volunteer, as there are many diverse projects in infrastructure, education, hospitality, and tourism, all of which are helping the whole country grow. Volunteer in Vietnam now!
Read More
Maximo Nivel volunteers

Featured Provider of the Month

26 Volunteer Programs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.83

6

Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh Community Involvement

Come along to Vietnam and provide humanitarian aid, education and community assistance in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh attracts many tourists, as well as volunteers. Volunteers can assist at a project of their choosing- assisting with child care at a local kindergarten, teaching English to a buddy at a local college, helping serve food in a food shop or assisting in a home for disabled children. No matter the placement choice, volunteers will be having a positive impact on this community.

See All 2 Programs

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

794

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

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

See All 6 Programs

Love Volunteers

0

0

Teaching English in Vietnam

This fantastic teaching program provides a native-speaking environment for disadvantaged youth to develop their English communication skills. Many students from the provinces have moved to Ho Chi Minh City, and their parents may have unstable work and incomes. This means getting left behind in their schooling and desperately needing help. The program addresses this issue by partnering with a Vietnamese school, a community center, a shelter for street children, and a vocational training center. Volunteers work with a wide age range, from primary to secondary school students. They help deliver English lessons in schools and centers facing staff and skills shortages. Participation in this program requires effective time management skills, confidence in a classroom setting, initiative, and the ability to come up with creative lesson plans. As is common in many of the world’s poorer communities, English-speaking abilities unlock a new world of possibilities in education, employment, and global perspectives.

See All 4 Programs

Putney Student Travel

9

2

Coastal Service & Cultural Discovery in Vietnam

Immerse yourself in a coastal Vietnamese community while contributing to meaningful construction projects that support local families. Work alongside community leaders and residents as you help build “compassion houses,” bike to daily service sites, and form lasting friendships through language exchanges and shared meals. Explore the cultural richness of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi, and experience Vietnam’s spectacular landscapes—from Ly Son Island’s volcanic shores to the emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs of Halong Bay.

Westcoast Connection

0

0

Westcoast Connection | Vietnam

Journey to Vietnam this summer with Westcoast Connection and discover an ancient culture filled with unique and elegant beauty. As you discover this amazing country for yourself, you will be treated to spectacular views, flavorful foods, and exhilarating adventure. Engage in rewarding community service projects from the North to the South with children and an organic farming community. By the end of the program, you will be won over by the hearts of the Vietnamese. Westcoast Connection is a qualified Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Volunteer World

0

0

Best Volunteer Programs in Vietnam

Volunteer in Vietnam and explore a breathtaking country with incredible nature and vibrant cities all at once! Come to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh and experience the modern urban vibes mixed with ancient traditions. What tourists won't see: the many understaffed orphanages and schools needing help. The perfect opportunity for you to use your knowledge and experience in working with children and step in. You come from a medical background or plan on studying medicine? The health care projects in Vietnam need skilled and motivated volunteers and will teach you some new things, too. Win-win!

See All 2 Programs

Institute for Global Studies

0

0

Internships in Vietnam

Choose from any of the programs offered by World Internships in Vietnam. Venture into the field of child care, business, marketing, IT, hospitality, or medicine. Experience the country’s vibrant culture and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Work with an organization and company in your area of study while enjoying the natural setting. Also available as a volunteer program, make a difference in your new community and explore Vietnam’s flourishing arts scene. The English-speaking environment makes adjusting to a new culture easy, so you enjoy a truly enriching and rewarding experience!

See All 4 Programs

Involvement Volunteers International

9

1

Medical Volunteering in Vietnam

This volunteer project is best suited to pre-medical and medical students who aim to gain valuable experience in a hospital setting. Travel to Vietnam for this program and have the opportunity to shadow nurses, doctors, and therapists. Depending on your profile and availability, your daily responsibilities may include preparing medication, measuring blood pressure, providing basic triage, and offering wound care. Medical placements depend on the hospital’s schedule and your background. Possible departments include Anaesthesiology, Brain Injury, Mental Health (subject to limitations), Rehabilitation/Occupational therapy, Orthopaedics, Pharmacy (proficiency in Vietnamese required), Speech therapy (proficiency in Vietnamese required), Physiotherapy, Prosthetics workshop, Radiology (Ultrasound), Surgery (spine surgery, skin grafts, joint surgery), Traditional Medicine, Geriatrics, and Internal Medicine. There may also be opportunities to observe staff in the acupuncture and occupational/physical therapy departments.

See All 4 Programs

Volunteers For Peace

9.26

35

Affordable Volunteer Projects in Over 70 Countries

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.

Meiji Internships

9.85

34

Vietnam Internship with Meiji Internships

Vietnam is a hotspot for foodies, thrill-seekers, and beach lovers alike. There’s a lot to love about this country as it stretches from the lush mountains of the north to the seemingly endless rice paddies in the south, with golden sand beaches in between.
 As a fast-growing economy in Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers a wide range of internship opportunities. Not only does it promise exciting careers prospects, but it also provides a vibrant after-work experience. Whatever it is you are seeking, Vietnam has something for anyone: ・Step back in time at the Cu Chi Tunnels. ・Take on kayaking at the Mekong Delta. ・Search for Vietnam’s best pho in Hanoi. ・Let go of a floating lantern at the Hoi An Lantern Festival. As your gateway to Asia, Meiji Internships will accompany you throughout your journey. Kick-start your international career with an unforgettable internship adventure in your industry and destination of choice. We work with an extended network of 750+ partner companies in 8 countries to help pave the way for your future! You create your journey! Broaden not just your horizon, but also your professional network in the Far East!

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Ho Chi Minh

Volunteer Work in Ho Chi Minh

In the vast urban fog of Ho Chi Minh, there are countless volunteer projects working to better education, health, community development, and the tourism industry. As a volunteer in Vietnam, you will probably be working in a people-focused project in one of these areas. 

Orphanages. If the thought of small Vietnamese children without parents tugs at your heartstrings, you could look into volunteering with orphans in Ho Chi Minh. There are various homes to more than 1000 children who have been abandoned, orphaned, or are living on the streets in HCMC. Volunteers will have the opportunity to teach, help, or provide awareness and hope to vulnerable children. 

Community Development. Volunteering abroad in Ho Chi Minh provides several opportunities to participate in the development of local communities, with activities such as cooking classes, language education, and independent community projects. Volunteers will have the chance to visit iconic sites and attractions and enroll to workshops such as embroidery and jewelry techniques. English-speaking volunteers are valued for their ability to help the locals learn the basics of English.

Health. Volunteers who are medical professionals or working towards a degree in healthcare will find plenty of opportunities to get practical experience in Ho Chi Minh, where specialized health volunteers are always welcomed. Medical volunteers will gain firsthand insight into how healthcare operates in a developing country, and have the chance to work with diseases and conditions they may not encounter at home. 

When choosing your volunteer placement in HCMC, you should also consider what the weather will be like during your stay. Vietnam experiences only two seasons: wet and dry. From May through to November Ho Chi Minh gets a lot of rain, with dry periods in January, February, and March. Whenever you go though, you can expect temperatures to be high, so pack accordingly. 

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Way surpassed all my expectations in every way..

December 13, 2025by: Sally Bailey - United KingdomProgram: Volunteer in Food Outreach in Vietnam
10

An incredible experience and one I would recommend to everyone to do, co ordinators massively supportive and friendly, willing and keen to help with everything and anything. The good kitchen was hard work, rewarding and meaningful which was just what I wanted. The Vietnamese were kind and friendly, and doing this as a solo retired traveller I felt safe at all times. The hours worked well for me with time to explore Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoons and even go to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat in my middle weekend. Looking forward to my next IVHQ adventure already and I only got back a week ago!😊

Deals Banner Image
Apply for Scholarships & Deals on GoAbroad

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!

Apply Now

Recent Volunteer Abroad Articles