English (US) ▾
Nederlands
English (UK)
Deutsch
Italiano
Português
Español
Childcare in Ho Chi Minh City
This program places you in preschools and special education centers around Ho Chi Minh City that support children with developmental disorders or disabilities. Day to day you assist local teachers and nannies with classroom activities, play sessions, and basic English lessons, working alongside staff rather than in charge of a class. It suits volunteers aged 17 and up who want hands-on experience in childcare without needing a teaching qualification.
Placements run 2–24 weeks, with starts twice a month (sundays), next start 20 Sep 2026. You stay in a shared Volunteer House in Ho Chi Minh City with meals included, and pricing starts at $809 (deposit included). The house is close to project sites and other volunteers doing similar placements, which makes it easier to compare notes on your center and settle in quickly.
Your role on this program
- Assist local teachers and nannies with classroom activities and supervised play
- Teach simple English words and phrases to children and staff
- Lead or support preschool-style games and group activities
- Spend one-on-one time with children, listening to them or sitting with them
- Help nannies with basic cleaning tasks around the center
- Support organized charity collections for books, clothes, or shoes for the children
- Help set up and pack away materials for classes and activities
Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.
Role boundaries
You support local teachers and carers and are never left in sole charge of children; a staff member or nanny is always present and directing the session. Volunteering Solutions does not place volunteers in orphanages, and duties may vary with the placement's needs.
A typical day and week
- Sunday- Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam
- Monday – An orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, informing the volunteers about relative topics such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behavior, food, and other suggestions about things to do in Vietnam
- Tue – Fri – Volunteer work at project placement. Evenings will be free for volunteers
- Sat and Sunday – Free day for you to explore and prepare yourself for the volunteer work
- Monday to Friday – Volunteer Work
The program ends on Sat of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day. In case you need an airport drop, you can drop us a mail or directly get in touch with your coordinator.
Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating in.
Timings are the placement's usual pattern; the local team confirms your hours at orientation, and they can change with school terms, clinic rotas, weather and the project's needs.
Who can join and what you need
- Minimum age 17
- No prior childcare experience or qualification required
- Clean criminal background check issued within 12 months of the start date
- Fit and healthy at the time of joining the program
- Open-minded, flexible attitude toward a new working environment
- Valid passport copy for placement paperwork
- Travel and medical insurance (own policy or the one Volunteering Solutions arranges)
- Open to volunteers of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds
The placement, its limits and your part in it
Placements are at local preschools and special education centers in Ho Chi Minh City that work with children with disabilities or developmental disorders. Vietnamese teachers and nannies run the daily program; your role is to support their existing routines with play, basic English, and extra hands during class, not to design or lead the curriculum.
A local coordinator manages orientation and stays in contact throughout your placement, and the background-check requirement is a fixed part of joining any childcare placement. Volunteers add extra attention and continuity to what staff are already doing; the day-to-day running and any decisions about a child's care remain with the center's own staff.
Our standards
- Responsible volunteer travel policyHow we choose, run and review every project
- Safeguarding policyBackground checks, supervision and our code of conduct with children
- Child & vulnerable adult protectionThe rules every volunteer follows on placement
- Certified B CorporationSocial and environmental performance verified by B Lab
- How we volunteer responsibly in VietnamCountry-level partner context and standards
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
Prices include your $249 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total program fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Total price | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $809 | |
| 3 weeks | $929 | |
| 4 weeks | $1,069 | |
| 5 weeks | $1,199 | |
| 6 weeks | $1,329 | |
| 7 weeks | $1,439 | |
| 8 weeks | $1,569 | |
| Each additional week | +$150 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Airport Pickup
- Orientation
- Food
- Accommodation in shared dorm style rooms at Volunteer house
- Local coordinators support
- Travel and Medical Insurance(Available at an extra cost)
- Certificate of Participation(On Request)
Not included
- Airfare
- Visa fee
- Vaccinations
- Local Transportation
- Return Airport Drop
- Any personal expenses
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
You should arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (airport code: SGN) on the selected start date. Our program representative will be there at the airport to greet you and you’ll be taken to the volunteer house. You’ll be provided with further details once you book your Ho Chi Minh city volunteering trip with us, in your Pre-Departure Guidebook.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City will be provided at a volunteer house, located 12km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and 6km from District 1. It has 4 floors with 4 bedrooms, 2 terraces, a living room, kitchen, and 3 bathrooms. It can accommodate 12-16 volunteers, though typically only 4 per room. The house is spacious, cool, and located in a quiet, clean area. Rooms have air conditioning, fans, and private bathrooms. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a washing machine, fridge, and storage.
Orientation
You’ll be arriving on a Sunday and have your Orientation on Monday. Before you start working at the project site, you’ll have a detailed Orientation Session where the local team will provide you with all the necessary information about volunteering in Ho Chi Minh City. All your doubts regarding the Vietnamese culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer placements will be given during the orientation.
Meals
An assistant is provided in the volunteer house for cooking and cleaning common areas. Two main meals are served daily (lunch at 12:00 PM and dinner at 7:00 PM), while breakfast is self-prepared before volunteers go to work. Volunteers should inform the cook about food allergies or dietary preferences.
Breakfast is self made and generally consists of toast, coffee, tea, eggs and some fruit. Lunch is taken at the volunteer house or also offered at some project placements. A typical dinner at the volunteer might feature options like pork, fish, beef, or chicken, accompanied by tofu or egg, a selection of vegetable dishes, rice, and some soup.
If you’re keen to explore local flavours, you’ll find numerous cafes and amenities nearby. For a more vibrant experience, you can easily hop on a bus or taxi to the bustling Old Quarter in Hanoi, where countless dining options await!
During Your Free Time
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has plenty to offer during your free time! The city is vibrant, diverse, and full of energy, so there’s always something to discover! Some of the recommended options for volunteers include :
Visit Historical Sites:
-
War Remnants Museum: Offers a deep look at the Vietnam War and its impacts
-
Cu Chi Tunnels: A historical site showcasing the underground tunnels used during the war
-
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A beautiful French-colonial cathedral in the heart of the city
-
Saigon Central Post Office: An architectural gem built during French colonial times
Explore Markets:
-
Ben Thanh Market: A bustling market with souvenirs, local foods, and textiles
-
Binh Tay Market: A more local market in Cholon (Chinatown) for authentic Vietnamese goods
Cultural Experiences
-
Saigon Opera House: Attend a performance or simply admire the French colonial architecture
-
Jade Emperor Pagoda: A beautiful and iconic pagoda with intricate details
-
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Take a day trip to explore the Mekong River, local villages, and floating markets
Visit Parks and Rivers:
-
Tao Dan Park: A peaceful park perfect for a morning walk or relaxation
-
Saigon River Cruise: Take a relaxing boat ride to see the city from a different perspective
.jpg)
.png)
.JPG)
Life on the program
Getting there and who looks after you in Vietnam
Airport pickup
You arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) on your start Sunday, where a program representative meets you and takes you to the volunteer house.
First night
You settle into the shared Volunteer House, meet other volunteers, and rest before orientation the next day.
Orientation
On Monday the local coordinator runs an orientation session covering safety, culture, language basics, behavior expectations, and practical information about your placement.
First project day
Volunteer work at your placement runs Tuesday through Friday, with evenings free and weekends open for you to explore the city.
Ongoing support
A program representative in Ho Chi Minh City and a 24-hour emergency contact are available for the length of your placement.
From volunteers in Vietnam
Frequently asked questions
What do I actually do as a childcare volunteer in Ho Chi Minh City?
You assist local teachers and nannies at a preschool or special education center with play, basic English, and classroom activities; you are always working alongside staff, not running a class alone.
Do I need childcare experience or a qualification?
No experience is required, but you do need a clean criminal background check issued within 12 months of your start date, since this is a placement working with children.
What is a typical day like?
Tuesday to Friday you work at your placement, with evenings free; Saturday and Sunday are free days, and Monday of your first week is orientation.
How long can I volunteer and when do programs start?
Placements run 2–24 weeks, with new starts twice a month (sundays); the next start date is 20 Sep 2026.
What does the program cost and what's included?
Prices start at $809 (deposit included), covering accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation, and 24-hour local support; flights, visa fees, vaccinations, and local transport are not included.
Where do I stay and what meals are provided?
You stay in a shared, dorm-style Volunteer House with air-conditioned rooms; lunch and dinner are cooked daily, and breakfast is self-prepared from supplies at the house.
How does airport pickup work?
You fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) on your start date, where a program representative meets you and takes you directly to the volunteer house.
What support is available if something goes wrong?
A program representative in Ho Chi Minh City and a 24-hour emergency contact are available throughout your placement, alongside orientation on your first full day.
What about visas, insurance, or vaccinations?
Travel and medical insurance is compulsory, either your own policy or one arranged through Volunteering Solutions; visa and vaccination requirements are not covered by the program fee, and specific guidance is sent before departure.
Will I ever be alone in charge of children?
No, you always work under the supervision of local teachers or nannies and are never left in sole charge of a group of children.
Does this program place volunteers in orphanages?
No, Volunteering Solutions does not place volunteers in orphanages; placements are at preschools and special education centers where local staff run the day-to-day care.
Who is this program a good fit for?
It suits volunteers aged 17 and older who want a hands-on support role in childcare, are comfortable in a shared house setting, and are flexible about tasks that may vary with the placement's needs.
Related pages
Schedule a meeting with a program advisor
We're here to help — a 20-minute one-on-one with detailed info, expert advice and application guidance.
Book a free meetingMore projects in Vietnam
Child Care Volunteering Program in Hanoi
For all those loving souls who wish to do something worthy for the underprivileged and disabled children of…
English Teaching Volunteering Program in Hanoi
Volunteering for the Teaching Project in Vietnam will be an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience where you can…