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Childcare in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

country

2-24 Weeks

duration

from $560

price

17 years+

min age

Childcare volunteering in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) offers opportunities to make a positive impact on children’s lives while immersing yourself in local culture.
The Childcare Program in Ho Chi Minh City encompasses various initiatives, including preschools, special education centers for children with disabilities, and those with developmental disorders. The program aims to enhance the quality of care and education for children, while bringing joy and sharing meaningful educational and cultural experiences with both the children and the local staff.

As a developing country with a rapidly growing population, Vietnam faces challenges such as limited financial resources and a lack of specialized knowledge about children’s disabilities, making it difficult for institutions to meet the needs of children in both quantity and quality.
The involvement of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers has greatly impacted the children’s daily lives and the work of local staff, fostering cultural exchange and introducing positive ideas that enrich the field of childcare.

Volunteering with children in HCMC can be a rewarding experience that not only benefits the children you work with but also offers you the chance to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and society.

Sample Placement Profile – KỲ QUANG II ORPHANAGE PAGODA

Kỳ Quang II Orphanage Pagoda was built in the early part of the 20th Century in 1924 and is quite famous in Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda is now a place of charity for unlucky children and also helps treat diseases. Now, the pagoda is taking care and bringing up more than 200 children in the South of Vietnam. The children here have unfortunate backgrounds as many have been abandoned by their parents and relatives.

Many of the children at the center were found abandoned at the pagoda’s gate by the head monk. Occasionally, hospitals also contact the head monk to take in newborns who have been left behind at the hospital. Among these children, some suffer from congenital defects, mental illnesses, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
Children who are healthy enough attend classes at the pagoda or local schools. This ensures they receive an education and social interaction appropriate for their age and abilities.
Age Range: From infants to teenagers

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Asia programs.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers are encouraged to participate in various activities to support the children, including:

Playing with the children
Teaching skills
Helping nannies with cleaning
Teach children and the nannies there some simple English
Teach games to the kids they have class for pre school
Spend time with the kids
Listen to their stories or just to sit with them
Networking and fundraising
Organize charity campaigns for books, old clothes, old shoes for the children

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. As a childcare volunteer in Vietnam, you must provide a clean criminal background check prior to your placement. We welcome volunteers of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds in the Vietnam program.

Volunteer work schedule

A typical day

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, behaviour, 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 programme 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.

Gallery

Life on the programme

Living

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

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked

Costs

Program fees by duration Currency

A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

Duration	Program fee
2 weeks	$560
3 weeks	$680
4 weeks	$820
5 weeks	$950
6 weeks	$1,080
7 weeks	$1,190
8 weeks	$1,320
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

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Application & getting started

When should I apply?

Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.

How do I apply and when do I pay?

Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.

What are the requirements?

Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.

Accommodation, meals & support

Where will I stay and what about food?

You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.

Is there support while I'm there?

Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.

Health, safety & visa

Do I need insurance and vaccinations?

Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.

Do you help with the visa?

Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.

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